U-Pack Review (2023)

There are many moving options to consider outside of hiring full-service movers. Booking a container rental service is a great intermediate choice between self-service and full-service moving. It allows you to access moving help and transportation without paying a premium for a full-service mover.

U-Pack Moving, in partnership with ABF Freight, is one of the best options for long-distance moves of almost any size. We’ve broken down U-Pack’s pricing structure, offerings, and general customer impressions for you to review.

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Fast Facts About U-Pack

• Founded: 1997
• State availability: 50 (plus Canada and Puerto Rico)
• Service model: Self-service
• Standout service: Moving trailer and container rentals
• Get a quick quote: Visit U-Pack’s site

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Benefits and Drawbacks of U-Pack

U-Pack’s minimal service profile allows clients to exercise more control over their moves and final pricing. While it’s a good choice for long-distance moves, it lacks local moving options.

➕ Provides three-day loading and unloading windows for all trailers and containers
➕ Features a pay-for-what-you-use pricing structure
➕ Offers moving labor options for all rentals

➖ Offers no local moving option
➖ Features limited storage options compared to other container companies

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U-Pack Services

U-Pack is one of the leading options for container moves of all sizes. We noted that U-Pack’s website is easy to navigate and includes a location finder to search for the location nearest you. It offers a hands-off alternative to renting a moving truck and allows clients to freely structure their moves. Because of this, U-Pack has a limited service range, which includes the following offerings.

Trailer and ReloCube Rental

U-Pack services intermediate and long-distance moves to all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Canada. Its 8-foot ReloCubes can fit the equivalent of a small studio apartment, while its 27-foot trailers can fit a three-bedroom house. Its trailer rentals are priced according to volume. This means you won’t have to pay the full trailer rate if you only use half of your allotted space.

Moving Labor

You can use U-Pack’s online portal to hire moving labor to assist with loading, unloading, packing, and more. Your rates for service will largely depend on your location and often include minimum charges, which means you will pay the minimum amount even if your move takes less time. As is the case with a full-service moving company, we recommend that you always read the terms of service on your moving contract before signing.

Liability and Insurance Coverage

U-Pack provides moving coverage beyond the 60 cents per pound per item mandated by the moving industry. Its coverage offerings include the following:

Catastrophic Liability Coverage

Catastrophic liability coverage comes with the cost of your move and covers you at a maximum of $60,000 for a trailer and $7,500 per ReloCube. This coverage takes effect in the event of a trailer overturn, fire, or natural disaster.

Carrier Negligence

U-Pack sells tiered coverage plans at different rates. This coverage takes effect if your container or trailer driver is solely responsible for the loss of your goods.

• $75: This rate covers you at $1 per pound per item, with total limits of $20,000 per trailer and $2,500 per ReloCube.
• $125: This rate increases your coverage to $2 per pound per item. This coverage has a cap of $40,000 per trailer and $5,000 per ReloCube.
• $175: The maximum coverage policy provides $3 per pound per item. The upper limit of this policy is $60,000 for a trailer and $7,500 for a ReloCube.

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U-Pack Cost

U-Pack offers a straightforward pricing and quote process. You are not required to pay a deposit to reserve your trailer or ReloCube. You won’t pay a cancellation fee as long as you cancel your rental more than seven days before your move date. A $50 fee applies within that window and goes up to $150 if you have to cancel on the same day.

U-Pack charges fees based on the total space you occupy in its trailers. ReloCubes are priced at flat rates, no matter the space you take up. We received a quote for a small two-bedroom move from Boston to Cleveland that yielded two separate pricing figures. The first quoted price was for 15 feet of trailer space and totaled $1,540. The second quote was calculated using U-Pack ReloCubes. Three units rendered a final price of $2,705. Some clients opt for ReloCubes instead of trailers due to parking space availability near their homes.

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What Homeowner Reviews Say About U-Pack

After reading numerous reviews, we noted that U-Pack customer feedback is largely positive across review platforms. Positive reviews mentioned that all units come as advertised with little to no hassle and at a lower cost than any national van line.

The main points of contention include carrier negligence and miscommunication regarding delivery dates and addresses. Some clients reported damaged goods upon delivery, which is likely due to the quality of the carrier handling the trailer or cube shipments.

“Everything went smoothly: setting up the process, incorporating changes to the itinerary, cube delivery, and pickup. It was one of the best moving services I’ve experienced and halfway across the country.” —Anonymous customer via Trustpilot on Aug. 25, 2023

“I give 5 stars for the Upack. Service was fantastic right from the quote to the delivery. The best part was the customer service; they were very professional unlike other packers guys. The quote I got from Salt Lake City to Plano was just 1400$. While comparing the price with other parties, they are like one fourth of it. The ReloCube was large enough to fit all the items of a two-bedroom. I will definitely hire them again if needed.” —Ezhil A. via Trustpilot on June 2, 2023

“​​I had tee trailers move me from Arizona to Oklahoma. Trailers have horrible suspension, and your items will bounce up and down. If this is not a problem for you, then hire them. Anything with weight will take a beating. My tool cabinets had very light items on shelves, but the bouncing ruined the $800 cabinets.” —Don B. via Trustpilot on July 24, 2023

“First, they were a day late delivering the cube. Then, they were one day late picking it up to be delivered. I was supposed have it delivered one to three days after, and I received it a week later. The contract said one to three days, so if you need your items right away, then I suggest you do not use this company.” — Bernice R. via Trustpilot on Jan. 7, 2023

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How U-Pack Compares to the Competition

Review the table below to compare our top recommended full-service moving providers.

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Our Recommendation

U-Pack is an excellent choice for smaller, long-distance moves. Before booking your interstate or cross-country move, we recommend requesting free quotes from at least three full-service and self-service options. Having professional movers survey your goods and render moving quotes ensures that your bases are covered on moving day.

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How We Chose the Top Moving Providers

We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.

Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.

We also gathered pricing data from each company and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. Finally, to determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and their overall score on Google Reviews.