U-Pack Moving Containers: How They Work and What to Expect

How U-Pack Moving Containers Work

U-Pack is a moving service from ABF Freight that provides customers with portable containers for a self-service move. Instead of renting a truck and driving it yourself, you reserve a container, and U-Pack delivers it to your origin address. You load your belongings at your own pace, then U-Pack picks up the container and transports it to your destination, where you unload. The core appeal is that you only pay for the space you use, not for a full truck.

The process typically begins with a reservation made online or by phone, based on an estimated volume of belongings. U-Pack assigns a container size — commonly a ReloCube or a larger trailer — and schedules delivery and pickup dates. On move day, you have a window to load the container, and the company handles the transportation between locations. This model shifts the driving burden from the customer to the carrier while keeping the loading and unloading in the customer's hands.

Container Sizes and Capacity

U-Pack primarily uses two types of containers: the ReloCube and the larger moving trailer. The ReloCube is a standard intermodal container that holds roughly the equivalent of a studio or one-bedroom apartment, depending on how efficiently you pack. The trailer option accommodates larger households, offering more linear footage for furniture and boxes. Both containers are weather-resistant and designed for ground-level loading, which eliminates the need for a loading ramp in most cases.

When you request a quote, U-Pack provides an estimated volume in cubic feet. Your final price is based on the actual space consumed, not the container's full capacity, so packing efficiently can reduce cost. A typical two-bedroom move might use one ReloCube or a portion of a trailer, while a larger family may require a full trailer or multiple cubes delivered in stages.

Pricing Structure and What's Included

U-Pack pricing is built around three main components: a per-foot rate for the space used, a fuel charge, and any applicable accessorial fees. The per-foot rate is the dominant cost factor, and it varies by origin and destination zip codes. Because you pay only for the space your belongings occupy, a tightly packed move is almost always cheaper than one with gaps and half-empty boxes.

Standard delivery and pickup are included in the base rate, and the container is typically available for a set number of days at each location. Additional days beyond the included window may incur a daily storage fee. Other potential charges include fees for moves requiring specialized equipment, such as a liftgate if a ground-level drop is not possible, or charges if the container is accessed outside the agreed window.

Loading, Unloading, and Liability

You are responsible for loading and unloading the container. U-Pack does not provide movers for these steps, which keeps the base price lower but means you need enough help and equipment — dollies, straps, and blankets — to handle furniture and boxes safely. The company provides a loading guide and tips for maximizing space and minimizing damage, but the physical work falls entirely on the customer or their hired helpers.

Liability coverage is included at a basic level, but U-Pack also offers additional protection plans for purchase. Reading the liability terms before loading begins is important, especially for high-value items. Standard coverage typically reimburses at a set rate per pound per article, so exceptionally heavy or fragile items may require supplemental insurance for full replacement value.

Service Areas and Availability

U-Pack moves are available throughout the contiguous United States and into Canada, with coverage concentrated along major interstate corridors. Rural or remote locations may have fewer delivery windows or require longer lead times. The service is most practical for moves between metropolitan areas where ABF Freight has established terminals and enough volume to keep pricing competitive.

Pros and Cons of U-Pack Containers

• Pay only for the space you use, which can lower costs for smaller loads.
• No need to drive a large rental truck, reducing driver fatigue and fuel risk.
• Flexible loading windows allow you to pack over several days.
• Container ground-level access simplifies loading compared with traditional truck rentals.
• Do-it-yourself loading and unloading means you are responsible for labor and equipment.
• Limited availability in very rural areas or locations without ABF terminal access.
• Storage fees apply if the container sits at either address longer than the included days.

Who U-Pack Containers Fit Best

U-Pack works well for people who want a hands-on move without the overhead of renting a truck, securing a driver, or coordinating a full-service moving crew. It suits small households, college students, seniors who want to avoid driving a large vehicle, and anyone comfortable managing their own load-in and load-out. For moves where professional packing and heavy lifting are non-negotiable, a full-service moving company is a better match.

Tips for a Smooth U-Pack Move

• Measure large furniture and compare dimensions against the container's interior before packing.
• Disassemble beds and tables to maximize floor space and reduce weight.
• Place heavy items on the bottom and fill gaps with soft goods to prevent shifting.
• Label boxes by room to speed unloading at the destination.
• Confirm access details at both addresses, including parking, clearance, and ground surface conditions.