U-Pack Moving Review: When Space Matters More Than Weight

U-Pack at a Glance

U-Pack operates as a packing, moving, and shipping provider built around a self-service model. Founded in 1997 and based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, they focus on long-distance moves rather than local labor-based relocations. Their services are designed for households and businesses that want control over packing and loading while leaving transportation to a licensed freight network. Moves are handled through ABF Freight, a well-established freight forwarder under the ArcBest umbrella, which gives them access to a nationwide shipping infrastructure. Coverage extends across the continental U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, with exclusions for Hawaii, where ocean freight rules apply.

Their approach centers on flexibility and space-based pricing. Instead of charging by weight, this company bills by trailer space or by the number of ReloCube containers you use. This structure works well for larger moves, cross-country relocations, and situations where you need a clear window of time to load and unload. Equipment is delivered to your new home or a local service center, depending on parking space availability and local regulations. A locked bulkhead or divider wall keeps your belongings separate from other shipments, and trailers include a ramp to support safer loading.

What sets them apart from many moving container companies is their direct connection to a freight carrier rather than relying heavily on third parties. This allows them to manage scheduling, shipping miles, and service changes more tightly than some container companies. Options like paying only for the linear feet you use or reserving the entire trailer offer flexibility without committing to full-service movers.

From an industry perspective, they maintain a strong public reputation supported by active engagement with the Better Business Bureau, where they are BBB accredited and hold an A+ rating. Customer feedback on both the BBB and Trustpilot points to consistently high satisfaction at the national level, particularly around pricing clarity, communication, and delivery reliability. Their operations follow Department of Transportation requirements, and backing from ArcBest’s established freight network adds operational credibility. Rather than positioning themselves as a premium or full-service mover, their reputation is shaped by dependable logistics, transparent pricing structures, and practical value within the moving container space.

U-Pack's Features & Solutions

To help you understand how this provider supports different types of moves, their features can be grouped into equipment options, logistics support, and planning tools. Each option is built around flexibility rather than full-service labor.

Equipment and moving options

• Moving trailer service: You receive a full-size moving trailer delivered to your address, designed to fit within a standard parking space when local rules allow. This option works well for larger moves that need plenty of room without splitting items across multiple containers
• ReloCube portable storage containers: These steel containers sit flat on the ground, making loading easier than elevated trailers. You choose the number of ReloCubes you need, and only pay for the space you actually use
• Trailer space with divider wall: If you do not need an entire trailer, a locked bulkhead separates your shipment from others. Charges are based on linear feet, which helps control pricing for mid-size moves
• Ramp-assisted loading: Trailers include a built-in ramp to support safer loading and unloading of furniture and heavy belongings

Logistics, storage, and delivery

• Service center access: You can load or unload at a local service center if parking space is limited at your home. This is often helpful in dense areas like New York City
• Flexible delivery window: Moves include a defined window of time for loading and unloading, measured in business days rather than hourly appointments
• Specific delivery date options: For tighter schedules, you can request delivery date guarantees depending on route and availability
• Temporary storage support: Shipments can be held at a service center between pickup and delivery, offering short-term storage without transferring your items to another provider

Planning, support, and oversight

• Free quote and moving quote tools: Online and phone-based estimates help you plan upfront costs before booking
• Moving consultant access: Dedicated support staff help you plan trailer size, container count, and timing based on miles traveled and shipment size
• Customer service team availability: Support is available by phone number and email address throughout the moving process to handle questions or service changes
• Carrier negligence coverage options: Standard liability coverage is included, with the ability to purchase higher protection levels based on shipment value
• Regulatory compliance: Operations are overseen by the Department of Transportation, with freight transport handled through ABF Freight under ArcBest

Costs, Fees, & Pricing Models

Booking a move with this provider usually starts with a free quote, which you can request online or by phone. The estimate is built around distance in miles, shipment size, and the type of equipment you choose. Instead of pricing by weight, costs are tied to trailer space or the number of ReloCube containers reserved. This upfront approach helps you plan early and compare pricing across moving container companies without guessing how much your belongings might weigh.

Several factors shape the final cost, including how much space you use and how long your shipment stays in transit or storage. Charges may increase if your move extends beyond the included time window or if you request optional upgrades.

Common pricing factors include:

• Distance traveled and total miles between locations
• Linear feet used inside a shared trailer or the number of ReloCubes reserved
• Reserving the entire trailer versus sharing space with other shipments
• Storage time at a service center beyond the standard business days
• Add-ons such as higher carrier negligence coverage or a specific delivery date

The base price includes equipment delivery, trailer ramps, divider walls, and basic shipment tracking, which reduces the need for extra purchases. Upsells tend to focus on liability protection rather than packing labor or supplies. The company does not promote financing options, instead emphasizing upfront pricing clarity before booking.

Accepted payment methods are not always clearly listed on their website. Based on research done, customers commonly report using major credit cards to secure reservations. Through our research, we have found references to a cancellation fee if service changes are made close to the scheduled pickup date. Additional charges may also apply if parking access issues, delays, or service changes fall outside the agreed terms, so reviewing the contract details before confirming your move is important.

U-Pack's Advantages

• Pay-for-space pricing instead of weight-based estimates: Pricing is based on trailer space or the number of containers used rather than the weight of your belongings. This approach reduces guesswork during the planning stage and can support affordability when you have a clear sense of how much space your move will require
• Strong nationwide freight infrastructure: Transportation is handled through an established freight network rather than a patchwork of third parties. This structure can offer more predictable shipping timelines and fewer handoffs, which helps reduce uncertainty during long-distance moves
• Flexible options for larger or long-distance moves: Access to shared trailer space or an entire trailer allows you to scale the move based on your needs. This flexibility is useful if you are managing a larger move or relocating across many miles without committing to full-service movers
• Ground-level container loading with ReloCubes: Portable containers sit flat on the ground, which can make loading easier and safer compared to elevated trailers. This setup can be helpful if you are packing heavy furniture or loading over several days
• Service center availability in space-restricted areas: The ability to load or unload at a local service center can solve parking challenges in dense cities or neighborhoods with limited access. This option adds planning flexibility without forcing last-minute changes
• Clear separation of shipments during transit: Divider walls and locked bulkheads keep your belongings separate from other shipments. This added separation can provide peace of mind while your items are in transit

Why You Might Not Choose U-Pack

• No professional movers included: The service is built around a self-managed moving model, which means professional movers are not part of the package. This can be a challenge if you are dealing with heavy furniture, limited help, or tight timelines, as the physical work and coordination fall entirely on you
• Limited practicality for local moves: The logistics and pricing structure are designed for long-distance shipping rather than short-distance relocations. For a local move, this approach may introduce unnecessary steps and costs compared to traditional movers that focus on same-city service
• Costs may increase with delays or extended storage: Pricing is tied closely to timing and storage duration, making schedule changes more impactful. Delays beyond the included business days or unexpected service changes can raise the final cost and complicate planning
• Less hands-on support during packing and loading: Planning assistance is available, but there is no on-site guidance during the actual loading process. This places responsibility for packing quality and load balance on you, which can increase the risk of shifting or damage if preparation is rushed or uneven
• Parking and access limitations still apply: Trailer or container placement depends on available parking space and local regulations, even when service center options exist. In areas with strict parking rules or limited access, this requirement may add extra coordination and affect delivery timing

Customer Experience

Customer feedback for this provider is active and generally positive across major review platforms. On Trustpilot, they currently hold a rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on a large volume of recent customer reviews covering long-distance moves, container usage, and delivery coordination. They also maintain a strong presence with the Better Business Bureau. On the BBB’s customer reviews section, they hold an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, reflecting detailed feedback from verified customers. In addition to customer reviews, the company carries an overall BBB rating of A+ and is BBB accredited, signaling compliance with the organization’s trust and transparency standards. On Yelp, ratings vary by location, which reflects differences in service center operations and local logistics. The Oakland location, for example, shows an average rating of around 3.2 out of 5, based on several hundred reviews that often focus on pickup coordination, access issues, and local communication. Taken together, these ratings show strong overall satisfaction at the national level, with location-specific experiences influencing how customers rate their moves.

Positive feedback

Positive reviews frequently emphasize pricing clarity and flexibility compared to traditional professional movers. Many customers note that paying only for the trailer space or container capacity they used helped them manage costs during long-distance moves into a new home. Reviewers also highlight the customer service team's helpful communication, particularly when discussing delivery windows, service center options, and shipment timing. A consistent theme across Trustpilot and BBB reviews is that belongings often arrive in good condition, supported by secure separation methods such as divider walls and bulkheads.

Critical feedback

Critical reviews tend to focus on scheduling challenges, pricing adjustments, and the physical effort required for a self-service move. Some customers report frustration when service changes, extended storage, or missed loading windows increase the final cost beyond the initial moving quote. Yelp reviews more commonly mention parking space limitations and access restrictions at certain locations, while other platforms include complaints about damaged items that are often tied to packing quality rather than transit alone.

How the company responds to feedback

On the Better Business Bureau platform, the company consistently responds to customer complaints and negative reviews. Responses typically clarify pricing terms, explain carrier negligence coverage, and outline steps taken to address billing or shipment concerns. This pattern of engagement reflects an effort to resolve issues publicly and maintain accountability, even when outcomes vary based on individual circumstances.

Overall, customer experience appears to depend heavily on preparation, packing quality, and understanding the self-service structure before booking.

Customer Support

Support options match the self-serve moving model, so you can get help with planning, timing, and paperwork without needing on-site crews. This setup tends to work well for moves where you want control over packing and loading, but still need quick answers from a moving consultant.

You can reach their customer service team through:

• Phone support during posted business hours, which are Monday to Friday 7 AM to 7 PM CST and Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM CST
• Customer service phone numbers listed on their contact page
• Facebook Messenger is another contact option during regular business hours

For self-guided help, they publish several resources that answer common questions and reduce confusion around timing, loading, and delivery logistics:

• Their main customer service hub, which organizes support topics like billing, FAQs, and reviews
• Their moving FAQs section, which covers key basics like loading and unloading time windows
• Their contact us page for hours, phone numbers, and other ways to reach support
• Their service center locator for finding a local service center when parking space or access rules make door delivery harder

Final Thoughts

This provider stands out for offering a flexible, self-managed approach to long-distance moving that appeals to a wide range of consumers. By letting you control packing and loading while relying on a large freight network for transportation, they create an option that sits between full-service movers and do-it-yourself rentals. Features like space-based pricing, portable containers, trailer options, and service center access can support different use cases, whether you are planning a larger move, relocating across several states, or working around limited parking access.

Their advantages center on pricing transparency, nationwide coverage, and operational reliability backed by an established freight carrier. Many customers benefit from paying only for the space they use, coordinating delivery windows that fit their schedules, and having multiple equipment choices depending on how much they need to move. At the same time, the service is not without trade-offs. The lack of professional movers, sensitivity to timing changes, and physical demands of loading can be challenging for some households, especially those seeking hands-on assistance or managing tighter timelines.

Overall, this moving option tends to work best for people who value flexibility, cost control, and clear expectations, and who are comfortable taking an active role in the moving process. Understanding both the strengths and limitations ahead of time can make a meaningful difference in how smooth the experience feels from start to finish.

Your decision ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and comfort level with a self-service move. To see how this provider compares with other national and container-based options, you can browse our in-depth moving company reviews. If you want a side-by-side look at features, pricing approaches, and service models, use our comparison tool to evaluate your options. For deeper guidance on planning a move, understanding contracts, and avoiding common pitfalls, explore our educational articles for additional insight.