PODS Cross Country Cost (2026): $2,200 to $7,000 by Container Size
PODS is the most widely-known moving container service in the United States. The model is simple: PODS drops a steel container at your address, you load it on your schedule, PODS picks it up, ships it cross country, delivers it at destination, you unload. The 2026 cross-country cost band is $2,200 to $7,000 depending on container size and lane. Compared to full-service movers, PODS saves $1,500 to $4,000 for typical cross-country jobs but requires you to do the loading and unloading. Compared to truck rental, PODS removes the cross-country drive entirely but costs $700 to $2,500 more.
PODS Container Sizes and Cross-Country Pricing
| Container Size | Fits Home Size | 1,000 mi cost | 1,500 mi cost | Coast-to-coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 foot | Studio / single room | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,500-$2,400 | $1,900-$3,000 |
| 12 foot | 1BR / compact 2BR | $1,500-$2,400 | $1,800-$3,000 | $2,300-$3,800 |
| 16 foot | 2-3BR | $2,000-$3,200 | $2,200-$4,500 | $3,400-$6,500 |
Per-container pricing. Multi-container jobs (3 sizes for 4BR+ moves) add per-container cost roughly linearly. Source: PODS published moving cost guide and instant quote tool.
How PODS Cross-Country Works End-to-End
The PODS workflow is straightforward but has several scheduling touchpoints worth understanding before you book. Step one: you reserve a delivery date for the container drop-off at your origin address. PODS typically asks for 7 to 14 days lead time but can sometimes accommodate 3-5 days during off-peak. Step two: PODS drops the empty container at your driveway or designated location on the scheduled day. The driver places it where you specify (subject to physical access constraints).
Step three: you have 3 days to load (the standard, extendable for an additional storage fee). Most people load over a weekend with the container sitting at the driveway. Step four: PODS picks up the loaded container on a scheduled day. From pickup to destination delivery is typically 7 to 14 business days for cross-country lanes (faster for shorter, slower for the longest). Step five: container arrives at destination, you have 3 days to unload, PODS picks up the empty.
Total elapsed time from initial reservation to fully unloaded: typically 14 to 28 days. Major variables are how flexible your pickup and delivery dates are (rigid dates cost more or require longer lead time), whether your destination move-in date is firm (the container can wait at a PODS storage facility if delivery date slips), and whether you need additional containers (each additional container roughly doubles the per-container cost).
Storage built into the price. The base price includes 30 days of in-transit storage. If your destination delivery date slips by up to 30 days from initial scheduled pickup, no additional charge. Beyond 30 days, monthly storage fees apply (typically $150 to $250 per month per container).
PODS vs U-Pack: When Each Wins
PODS and U-Pack are the two leading moving-container providers. For most cross-country jobs, U-Pack runs $150 to $500 cheaper than PODS on equivalent capacity. The savings come from U-Pack's parent (ABF Freight) running a freight-trailer model that batches container shipments with commercial freight, achieving better lane utilization than PODS's dedicated container network.
PODS wins on three specific dimensions. First, flexibility: a PODS container can sit at your driveway for 30 days without extra cost. U-Pack's standard load window is 3 days, with shorter pickup tolerance. If your loading timeline is uncertain, PODS is the better fit. Second, smaller-shipment fit: PODS 8-foot container is a good size for studios and minimalist 1BRs; U-Pack's smallest unit (the ReloCube at ~6 feet) is more cramped. Third, brand recognition: PODS has the largest network, most consumer reviews, and most consistent service quality across regions.
U-Pack wins on cost for nearly all cross-country jobs where loading timeline is flexible. The 28-foot U-Pack trailer model (pay only for linear feet used) is particularly cost-effective for 3-4BR shipments where PODS would require 2+ containers.
See the U-Pack cost guide for the full comparison.
Savings Tips for PODS Cross-Country
- Use one larger container rather than two smaller ones. A 16-foot container for a 2BR move is almost always cheaper than two 12-foot containers, even if you have a little extra space.
- Pack tightly. PODS pricing is per container, so tightly-packed containers maximize value. Use furniture pads, tetris carefully, fill all gaps.
- Avoid summer peak. June through August premium runs 15-25 percent above off-peak. January and February are cheapest.
- Skip the secondary container if you can fit in one. The marginal cost of a second container is roughly 90 percent of the first. Aggressive pre-purge to fit in one container often saves $1,500-$3,000.
- Use the 30 days of included storage. If your destination move-in date is firm but the cross-country drop-off date is flexible, schedule loading early and let the container wait.
- Compare U-Pack quote. Get the U-Pack 28-foot trailer or ReloCube quote alongside PODS. U-Pack often wins on cost.
- Check parking permits before booking. Many cities require 7-14 day lead time for street parking permits. Booking PODS without confirmed parking is risky.
FAQ
How much does PODS cost for a cross-country move?
A PODS cross-country move using one 16-foot container costs $2,200 to $4,500 for a 1BR or small 2BR over 1,500 miles. Two 16-foot containers (typical for 3BR) cost $4,400 to $9,000. Coast-to-coast (~2,800 mi) costs $3,400 to $6,500 per container. Pricing includes drop-off, 30-day storage, and final delivery at destination.
What size PODS container do I need?
8-foot fits a studio (300-500 sq ft). 12-foot fits a 1BR or compact 2BR (700-1,000 sq ft). 16-foot fits a 2-3BR (1,000-1,500 sq ft). For 3BR+ you typically need 2 containers. For 4BR+ you need 2-3 containers or you should consider U-Pack 28-foot trailer where you pay only for linear feet used.
Is PODS cheaper than U-Pack?
Usually no. U-Pack typically beats PODS by $150 to $500 on equivalent cross-country jobs because ABF Freight (U-Pack's parent) has more efficient carrier network. PODS wins on flexibility: container can sit at your driveway for 30+ days (vs U-Pack's tighter 3-day load and 3-day unload windows). Pick PODS for flexibility, U-Pack for cost.
How long does PODS take to deliver cross country?
Drop-off at origin: scheduled day. You load over 3 days (extendable for monthly storage fee). Pickup at origin: scheduled day. Transit: 7 to 14 business days for cross-country. Delivery at destination: scheduled day. You unload over 3 days. Total elapsed time from start to fully unloaded is typically 14 to 28 days.
Does PODS include storage during transit?
30 days of in-transit storage is included in the base price. Beyond 30 days, monthly storage charges apply (typically $150 to $250 per month per container). If your destination move-in date slips, the storage option is convenient. Long-term storage at PODS-affiliated storage centers is also available.
Where can PODS drop off the container?
Your driveway in most suburban areas. Many cities require parking permits for street drop-off. Some apartment buildings have loading-dock or designated commercial-vehicle areas. Some HOAs prohibit street containers; check your local rules. If your address can't accommodate, PODS has storage-center drop-off as an alternative (you load and unload at the storage center, not your driveway).