What U-Pack Is and How It Works
U-Pack is a portable storage container service run by ABF Freight System. The company delivers a container to your location, you load it at your own pace, and then U-Pack transports it to your new address or stores it in a warehouse while you arrange the next step. You pay for the container space you use, not for the whole container, which can cost less than renting a full moving truck or traditional storage unit.
The basic flow is straightforward: you request a container, U-Pack drops it off, you pack and load over several days, U-Pack picks it up and hauls it away, and you unload at the destination. If you need storage in between — say you are buying a house but it is not ready yet — U-Pack can hold the container in a climate-controlled warehouse for as long as you need, then deliver it when you are ready.
Key Takeaways
- U-Pack charges by the space you use in the container, not the full container price, so you only pay for what you need.
- You load and unload the container yourself, which saves money but means the work falls on you rather than movers.
- The container stays at your location for several days, giving you time to pack without rushing.
- U-Pack can store your container in a warehouse between moves, which is useful if your new home is not ready when you leave the old one.
- Pricing varies by distance, container size, and how long you need storage, so you will need a quote for your specific situation.
Container Sizes and What Fits
U-Pack offers two main container sizes: the ReloCube and the ReloBox. The ReloCube is the larger option and holds roughly the contents of a two-to-three-bedroom house — furniture, boxes, appliances, and larger items. The ReloBox is smaller and works better for studio or one-bedroom moves, or for storage-only situations where you do not need a full container.
You do not have to guess which size you need. U-Pack's website has a sizing tool where you enter what you are moving — bed frames, dining tables, number of boxes — and it tells you which container fits. If you are unsure, you can also request a free in-home estimate where someone looks at your belongings and recommends the right size. Ordering a container that is too small means you cannot fit everything; ordering one too large means you pay for unused space.
How Pricing Works
U-Pack charges based on three things: the distance you are moving, the amount of container space you use, and how long you need storage. You are billed only for the space your items occupy, not the full container. This is different from traditional moving companies, which often charge by weight or by the hour.
To get a price, you provide your pickup location, delivery location, and move date on the U-Pack website or by phone. U-Pack then gives you a quote that shows the base transportation cost, any storage fees if you need them, and the total. Prices vary widely depending on distance — a local move costs far less than a cross-country one — and on current demand. There are no hidden fees, but you should confirm whether your quote includes things like equipment rental or extra services before you book.
Loading, Storage, and Unloading
Once you book, U-Pack delivers the container to your address on a scheduled date. You then have several days — typically three to five — to load it yourself. U-Pack provides the container and handles the heavy lifting of delivery and pickup, but the packing and loading are your responsibility. This is why U-Pack costs less than full-service movers: you do the labor.
When you are done loading, U-Pack picks up the container and transports it. If your destination is ready, they deliver it there and you unload. If you need storage, U-Pack keeps the container in a climate-controlled warehouse and delivers it whenever you say. Storage is month-to-month, so you pay only for the months you actually need it. This is useful if you are between homes, waiting for a lease to start, or selling a house before the new one closes.
What U-Pack Does and Does Not Cover
U-Pack transports and stores your container, but does not pack it for you or unload it at the destination. You are responsible for loading your items into the container and unloading them when it arrives. U-Pack also does not insure your belongings as part of the basic service — your homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover items in transit, but you should check your policy or ask U-Pack about additional coverage options.
U-Pack does handle the heavy work of moving the container itself: delivery, pickup, and long-distance transport. They also manage storage if you need it, keeping the container in a find, climate-controlled facility. If you want help packing or unloading, U-Pack can connect you with local moving companies in your area, though that is an extra cost and is not part of the U-Pack service itself.
Comparing U-Pack to Other Moving Options
U-Pack sits between do-it-yourself truck rental and full-service movers. If you rent a U-Haul or Penske truck, you pack, load, drive, and unload everything yourself — it is cheapest but requires the most work and you handle all the driving. With U-Pack, you pack and load, but U-Pack handles the transport, so you do not have to drive a large truck across the country. Full-service movers pack, load, drive, and unload for you, which is most expensive but requires almost no work from you.
U-Pack is often cheaper than full-service movers because you do the packing and unloading. It is more convenient than truck rental because you do not have to drive. It works well if you have time to pack over several days but do not want the expense or stress of hiring professional movers. It also works well for storage situations — you can load a container, store it for months, and unload it later, all without renting a storage unit and a truck separately.
How to Get a Quote and Book
Start on the U-Pack website or call their phone number to request a quote. You will need your pickup address, delivery address, and preferred move date. U-Pack will ask what you are moving so they can recommend a container size. You can provide a rough list — "two-bedroom apartment" or "office furniture plus boxes" — or request an in-home estimate if you want someone to see your belongings in person.
Once you have a quote and decide to book, U-Pack schedules a delivery date for the container. You then load it over the next few days, call U-Pack when you are done, and they pick it up and transport it. If you need storage, you tell U-Pack how long, and they bill you monthly. The whole process is managed through U-Pack's website or by phone, so you can track your container and adjust your delivery date if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I load the container over multiple days?
Yes. U-Pack leaves the container at your location for several days — usually three to five — so you can pack and load at your own pace. You do not have to finish in one day. When you are done, you call U-Pack and they pick it up.
What if I need to store the container for several months?
U-Pack stores containers in climate-controlled warehouses for as long as you need. You pay a monthly storage fee, and you can request delivery whenever you are ready. There is no minimum storage period, so you can store for one month or twelve months.
Do I have to unload the container myself?
Yes, unloading is your responsibility as part of the U-Pack service. If you want professional help unloading, U-Pack can refer you to local moving companies in your delivery area, but that is an additional cost.
Is my stuff insured while it is in the U-Pack container?
U-Pack does not automatically insure your belongings. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover items in transit — check your policy. U-Pack can also provide information about additional coverage options if you want extra protection.
How much does U-Pack cost?
Pricing depends on distance, container size, and storage time. A local move with one ReloCube might cost a few hundred dollars, while a cross-country move could cost several thousand. Request a quote on the U-Pack website for your specific situation.