PODS Moving & Storage vs U-Haul
Researched and written by Daniel Harper · Reviewed by Amanda Brooks · Last reviewed August 2026
We publish no numeric score for moving companies, so this page names no winner. PODS Moving & Storage is described as best for flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage, while U-Haul is described as best for diy moves where you drive the truck. Compare the registration and authority records below, verify each USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER, and get a binding estimate from both before booking.
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Side-by-side
| Category | PODS Moving & Storage | U-Haul |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 1397252 | |
| MC # | MC-530785 | |
| Carrier or broker | both | |
| Founded | 1998 | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Clearwater, FL | Phoenix, AZ |
| Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Services | Long-distance, Storage, Container/Portable | Local, Long-distance, Storage, Container/Portable |
| Legal name on the federal filing | PODS ENTERPRISES LLC | |
| Operating authority held | Property, Carrier and broker | |
| Power units on the census file | 1,324 | |
| Drivers on the census file | 1,100 | |
| Federal record as of | 2026-08-13 | |
| 2BR interstate estimate (BestMovers.info estimate) | $1,800–$4,500 | $400–$2,800 |
Legal name, entity status, operating authority, fleet counts and safety rating come from the FMCSA motor carrier census and licensing files, and appear only where the identifier on the federal record matched the company record on this page. Where a row is absent for one company, this site holds no verified federal value for it.
PODS Moving & Storage
The original portable-storage container model. Best value when you need a few weeks between move-out and move-in or want to load at your own pace.
- Best for flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1998.
- You load and unload yourself — labor is on you unless you book separately through their partners.
U-Haul
The default DIY rental option in nearly every US ZIP code. Cheapest path for a same-city move; their U-Box container product also competes with PODS for long-distance.
- Best for diy moves where you drive the truck.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1945.
- Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.
Flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage
You load and unload yourself — labor is on you unless you book separately through their partners.
DIY moves where you drive the truck
Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.
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Frequently asked questions
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