Moving Comparison

PODS Moving & Storage vs U-Haul

Researched and written by Daniel Harper · Reviewed by Amanda Brooks · Last reviewed August 2026

At-a-glance

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
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
2BR interstate estimate (BestMovers.info estimate)	$1,800–$4,500	$400–$2,800

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.

USDOT

Not confirmed

Pros

Best for flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage.
All 50 states coverage; founded 1998.

Watch out

You load and unload yourself — labor is on you unless you book separately through their partners.

Read full PODS Moving & Storage review

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.

USDOT

Not confirmed

Pros

Best for diy moves where you drive the truck.
All 50 states coverage; founded 1945.

Watch out

Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.

Read full U-Haul review

PODS Moving & Storage

Best for

Flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage

Not ideal for

You load and unload yourself — labor is on you unless you book separately through their partners.

U-Haul

Best for

DIY moves where you drive the truck

Not ideal for

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

Is PODS Moving & Storage or U-Haul better in 2026?

We hold no basis to prefer one over the other. We publish no numeric score for moving companies, and the records we hold for both are the same fields: registration, operating authority, founding year, coverage, and an estimated price range. PODS Moving & Storage is described as best for flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage; U-Haul is described as best for diy moves where you drive the truck. Check each company's USDOT record on FMCSA SAFER for authority status and complaint history, then compare binding-not-to-exceed estimates for your own move.

How do PODS Moving & Storage and U-Haul compare on price?

For a typical 2-bedroom interstate move, PODS Moving & Storage estimates land around $1,800–$4,500 and U-Haul estimates land around $400–$2,800. Actual quotes depend on weight, distance, service level, date, and availability.

Are PODS Moving & Storage and U-Haul both FMCSA-licensed?

Look up each company on FMCSA SAFER before signing an estimate. Neither registration number is confirmed in our records yet.

How do I check complaints against PODS Moving & Storage or U-Haul?

Look up each company by its USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER, which publishes complaint and crash history for the registered entity, and check the state regulator where the move starts. Ratings published by third parties are not shown here unless the specific profile they came from has been recorded.

What estimate type should I ask for?

For interstate moves, ask for a binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate after an in-home or video survey. Sight-unseen non-binding interstate quotes are not reliable and tend to grow on delivery day.

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