Moving Container vs Truck Rental: What’s Best For You?

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moving container vs rental truck
Moving containers and rental trucks each have their advantages. Choosing the right one for your move can make for a smoother, less stressful experience.

Let’s agree on one thing. Moving is terrible. And there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Even the white glove treatment with movers handling every part of the process will inevitably cause a headache.

For most of us, moving means rolling our sleeves up and putting in days, if not weeks, of back-breaking work packing boxes and stripping our homes bare. Then, when the last box is packed, and the dust settles, the stressful moving day arrives. 

Ultimately, your decision on the form of transportation will set your move up for success. This guide looks at all angles of a move, helping to pinpoint attributes essential to your unique moving requirements.

Is a Moving Container right for your move?

Driving around bustling suburban neighborhoods during the peak summer moving months means seeing driveways and streets peppered with moving containers. 

A decade ago, it was an occasional white container with the name PODS emboldened in red—the original innovator and market leader. Today, containers come in various names and colors, each providing a unique pricing structure or benefit.

Do you need to store your container? Are you moving out of state? Each question narrows the playing field until you find the price and container company that best fits your scenario.

Moving Container Advantages

Moving is a logistical nightmare from every angle. Packing always takes longer, you have more things than you imagined, and there always needs to be more time.

The popularity of moving containers is because of their flexibility and convenience, spreading moving day to days.

Casual convenience

“The truck is here!” When you hear this during a move, get ready; things are about to get very hectic. The window is small, everyone is rushing, and tensions are high.

Having a moving container dropped off curbside days in advance is the number one cheat code for a smooth move—and much more cost-effective than paying a daily rental fee on a parked truck.

Not using a spare room? Load it. Don’t need your sofa? In the container it goes. A moving container allows the ability to load your boxes and furniture casually.

Sections or pieces at a time, moving containers provide the casual convenience of moving at your pace.

Flexibility

Scenario: You’re selling your home and moving cross country. But for now, you plan to rent and get to know the area before buying a home. With moving containers, you can load a smaller container with the essentials to be delivered to your rental while the balance is stored in a nearby facility in a second container, ready to be delivered when called on.

Are you taking the scenic drive with the family dogs or visiting family along the way? Schedule the exact date to drop the container off and enjoy some time for yourself.

Moving containers are a logistical Swiss Army knife providing flexibility in scheduling, use, and storage.

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Safety

After long days of exhaustive packing, you spend a day repeatedly and carefully balancing yourself up a narrow ramp carrying heavy furniture—all to drive a slow, uncomfortable, and stressful big truck for hours, if not days.

A 2014 rental truck safety report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compared multiple studies to see the dangers of rental trucks. The study found 145 fatal daily truck rental accidents over 5 years. Of the accidents with a reported cause, 44% of the fatal accidents were the driver’s fault.

Driving large moving trucks is scary and dangerous if not experienced.

Moving containers is a less expensive way to avoid paying professional driver prices, providing the peace of mind all precious items arrive safely, and your household items do, too.

Plus, you can lift the door and walk directly into your unit, avoiding dangerous ramp falls.

Moving Container Disadvantages

While moving containers offer the best flexibility and convenience, it also has disadvantages, specifically in size and availability.

Movers with a lot of furniture, especially oversized pieces, can require multiple containers, outweighing the convenience versus the price. 

Furthermore, using a moving container is common, and smaller suburban areas may lack availability during peak moving seasons.

Comparing Moving Container Companies

FeaturePODS1-800-Pack-RatuPackZippy ShelluHaul (U-Box)
Local Moves
Long-Distance Moves
Climate Controlled Secured Storage
(Limited)

(Limited)

(Limited)
Sizes (Lx W x H)8′ x 7′ x 8′
12′ x 8′ x 8′
16′ x 8′ x 8′
8.5′ x 7.2′ x 7.8′
12′ x 7.75′ x 7.5′
16′ x 7.75′ x 7.5′
6′ x 7′ x 8′ Cube
28′ x 8′ x 9′ Trailer
15′ x 7′ x 7′
10′ x 7′ x 7′
22′ x 10.5′ x 11′
8′ x 4.8′ x 7′
Container ConstructionSteelSteelSteelGalvanized SteelWood
Optional White-Glove Service
(Limited)
Mileage & Fuel Costs
Additional FeaturesFlexible scheduling, nationwide coverage, insurance, packing suppliesSturdy containers, onsite storage, long rental periodsPay-for-what-use, eco-friendly, good customer serviceAffordable, good for city moves, online bookingDelivery and pickup options, month-to-month rental
Get a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a Quote

Moving Container Recap:

ProsCons
✅ Flexible & convenient❌ Space limitations
✅ Safe❌ Availability issues
✅ Cost-effective for long distance
✅ No hidden fees

Is a Rental Moving Truck Right For Your Move?

The classic uHaul will always have its place in the moving world. And, for those with the financial means, a large white-glove moving service will make for a more leisurely move, especially if you spring for packing. Although, finding a helping hand on sites like Thumbtack may be more cost-effective.

The advantages of a rental moving truck

The time and place for daily rental moving trucks dial down to three questions: How far is your move? How much do you need to move? How large is your budget?

Cost-effective for short moves

Local moves can be conquered with a small crew of friends, a budget uHaul truck, and several back-and-forth trips, shaving hundreds if not thousands off your moving budget.

Sweat equity is tangible, and the more back-breaking work you’re willing to put in, the more you can save for upgrades— or spring for that new 80″ TV you’ve been eyeballing.

Variety of Sizes

At most, moving containers offer three sizes, often 7′, 12′, and 16′. The average moving truck company provides a more robust selection from vans to large trucks, easily accommodating the typical American home.

Movers with a variety of large furniture pieces can save money in one very big moving truck rather than ordering multiple containers.

Immediate Delivery

With a moving truck, you are in complete control. When finished packing, jump in the truck, drive to your new home, and start getting settled.

White glove service

Movers with the financial means can hire a turn-key moving service that includes packing, loading, and driving. Ship the vehicles, and you can fly across the country and patiently await your movers to arrive, unload, and unpack.

Disadvantages of renting a moving truck

In 2003, I drove a 30′ Penske moving truck towing a vehicle from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Lexington, Kentucky. Through Oklahoma’s Tornado Alley, we faced high winds and hail, forcing us to pull over while funnels began forming in the distance and clouds swirled above. After the storm calmed and no twisters landed, the drive continued only to destroy a trailer tire against a damaged curb’s rebar when reaching a Dallas hotel.

Driving a moving truck is uncomfortable, stressful, and even scary if inexperienced in operating large vehicles. 

Plus, it can come with additional costs.

Truck Safety

A 2014 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) report compared multiple studies to find 145 fatal daily truck rental accidents over a 5-year period. 44% of the fatal accidents were the fault of the driver.

Additionally, packing a moving truck involves ramps or lift gates, increasing the risk of injury.

Additional Costs & Hidden Fees

Renting and driving a rental truck involves mileage, fuel, and possibly extra insurance, adding to the overall moving expenses.

Lack of flexibility and convenience

When the truck arrives, it’s time to get packing. Daily truck rentals don’t offer extended periods to park and pack like moving containers.

Moving Truck Recap

ProsCons
✅ Cost-effective for short moves❌ Truck safety
✅ A wide variety of sizes❌ Additional costs and fees
✅ Immediate delivery❌ Lack of flexibility & convenience
✅ White glove service

Comparing Moving Truck Rentals

FeatureBudget Truck RentalEnterprise Truck RentalHertz Truck Rentalu-Haul
One-Way Rentals
Local & Long-Distance Moves
Mileage ChargesPer milePer milePer milePer mile + Base rate for certain distances
Truck SizesSmall, Medium, Large, Cargo vansSmall, Medium, Large, Cargo vans, PickupsSmall, Medium, Large, Cargo vans, PickupsSmall, Medium, Large, Cargo vans, Pickups, Trailers
Fuel OptionsPre-pay or refillPre-pay or refillPre-pay or refillYou pay for gas
Insurance OptionsOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Additional Services
Additional FeaturesPacking supplies, moving assistance, roadside assistancePacking supplies, moving assistance, roadside assistancePacking supplies, moving assistance, roadside assistancePacking supplies, moving assistance, roadside assistance
ProsBudget-friendly, good for local moves, wide availabilityDiverse truck sizes, good customer service, convenient locationsNationwide coverage, reliable vehicles, multiple discountsLargest selection of vehicles, flexible options, month-to-month rentals
ConsOlder trucks, limited customer service, fuel inefficiencyHigher prices than Budget, limited cargo space in smaller trucksHigher prices than Budget, not as widely available as U-HaulRequires self-loading/unloading, lower gas mileage than some competitors
Get a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a QuoteGet a Quote

Final Thoughts

There’s no question that price is ultimately a major factor in your decision. And it should be, within reason.

What’s the value of less stress and anxiety, for peace of mind? Answer that question honestly, then add it to your budget.

With so many options available, design the perfect logistical scenario to make your transition as easy as possible for the best value. Your future self with thank you.

Good luck with your move.

About The Author

Travis French

Travis French

On a 750-mile trek across 4 states, I felt the void: good info on places to live was missing. So, I started gathering. Today, I'm still searching for my perfect place alongside you and adding each bit of helpful information I discover along the way. —Writer, Home Advisor, & Owner of First&Sold. NVRED Lic #S.0182305

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