U-Pack Cross Country Cost (2026): $1,800 to $5,200 for a 2-Bedroom
U-Pack is the moving-container brand operated by ABF Freight, one of the largest LTL freight carriers in the United States. The advantage of U-Pack versus PODS is structural: ABF Freight already runs trailers on every major cross-country lane every day for commercial freight, and U-Pack shipments fill empty space efficiently. The result is consistent cost savings of $150 to $500 versus PODS for the same cross-country shipment. The flexibility of U-Pack's linear-foot pricing model (you only pay for the trailer feet you actually use) is the other key advantage, especially for 2-3BR shipments where one PODS container is too small and two is too much.
U-Pack 28-Foot Trailer Pricing (Cross-Country)
The trailer pricing model is the most cost-effective U-Pack option for 2BR and larger shipments. You build a wall of goods inside the trailer; ABF measures the linear feet you used (with a divider wall) and bills accordingly.
| Home Size | Typical Linear Ft | 1,000 mi cost | 1,500 mi cost | Coast-to-coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 4-6 ft | $1,100-$1,800 | $1,500-$2,300 | $1,900-$3,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 6-9 ft | $1,400-$2,300 | $1,800-$2,900 | $2,300-$3,800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 12-18 ft | $2,300-$4,000 | $2,800-$5,000 | $3,500-$6,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 18-24 ft | $3,200-$5,400 | $4,000-$6,800 | $5,000-$8,500 |
| 4+ Bedrooms (full 28 ft) | 28 ft | $4,500-$7,500 | $5,500-$9,500 | $7,000-$12,000 |
Source: U-Pack instant quote tool. Linear-foot rate varies by lane and season; cross-country runs roughly $300-$500 per linear foot for 2026.
U-Pack ReloCube Pricing (Studio / 1BR Alternative)
For smaller shipments, U-Pack's ReloCube container is the lighter-weight option. Each cube is 6 ft × 7 ft × 8 ft (about 6 linear feet of capacity). Studios fit in 1 cube; 1BRs fit in 1-2 cubes; small 2BRs fit in 2-3 cubes.
| Configuration | Fits | 1,000 mi | 1,500 mi | Coast-to-coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ReloCube | Studio (minimal) | $900-$1,500 | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,500-$2,400 |
| 2 ReloCubes | Studio (full) / 1BR (minimal) | $1,500-$2,500 | $1,900-$3,000 | $2,500-$3,800 |
| 3 ReloCubes | 1BR (full) / 2BR (minimal) | $2,100-$3,500 | $2,600-$4,200 | $3,400-$5,300 |
| 4 ReloCubes | 2BR (full) | $2,700-$4,500 | $3,300-$5,400 | $4,300-$6,800 |
Why U-Pack Beats PODS on Cost
ABF Freight runs dense LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) commercial freight networks across every major US cross-country corridor. A 53-foot ABF trailer typically carries 8 to 12 individual commercial freight shipments combined. U-Pack shipments fill remaining space in those same trailers, sharing the underlying transportation cost with high-margin commercial freight. The result is materially lower per-pound moving cost than PODS, which runs dedicated container networks where each container is treated as a single shipment.
That structural advantage shows up consistently in quote comparisons. On a typical 2BR / 1,500-mile move: PODS quotes $2,200-$4,500 for a 16-foot container. U-Pack quotes $2,800-$5,000 for a 28-foot trailer at typical 2BR usage (15 linear feet), but you save the cost-per-foot if your load is smaller. On the same job at 12 linear feet used: U-Pack quotes $2,300-$4,300, beating PODS at the low end and matching at the high end.
The trade-off: U-Pack is less consumer-friendly than PODS in three ways. First, the loading model is different. PODS drops a container at your driveway and you fill it on your schedule (3 days standard, up to 30 days for storage fee). U-Pack drops a 28-foot trailer or multiple ReloCubes at your driveway and asks you to load within 3 days (no monthly extension option). Second, ABF Freight terminals are not always located close to your destination address; some U-Pack moves require a 5-30 mile last-mile drive to or from the nearest ABF terminal. Third, U-Pack's customer service is positioned for self-service movers; PODS has more consumer-facing support.
For cost-driven movers with flexible loading schedules and reasonable physical capacity, U-Pack is usually the better value. For movers prioritizing convenience and flexibility, PODS is worth the small premium.
U-Pack Savings Tips
- Pack the trailer tightly. Linear-foot pricing rewards tight packing. Use furniture pads, stack vertically, fill gaps.
- Pre-purge with vigor. Every foot of trailer you don't use saves $300-$500. For a 2BR going from 18 ft to 14 ft, savings of $1,200-$2,000.
- Off-peak January through March. U-Pack pricing follows the same seasonal pattern as PODS and full-service. Saves 20-30 percent.
- Compare to PODS on the same job. U-Pack's structural advantage is real but quote competition still matters. Some specific lanes occasionally favor PODS.
- Use trailer for 2BR+, ReloCubes for studio / 1BR. Pick the right product for your size.
- Verify ABF terminal proximity at destination. If your destination is more than 30 minutes from the nearest ABF terminal, factor in last-mile logistics or pick PODS.
- Use the I-40, I-70, I-80 corridors. ABF runs strongest on east-west cross-country corridors. Quotes typically beat PODS most on these lanes.
FAQ
How much does U-Pack cost for a cross-country move?
U-Pack cross-country costs $1,800 to $5,200 for a 2BR move using the 28-foot trailer model where you pay only for linear feet used (typically 12-18 feet for a 2BR). ReloCubes (small containers) cost $1,200 to $2,800 for studio or 1BR. Pricing is consistently $150 to $500 below PODS for the same job because ABF Freight (U-Pack's parent) has more efficient lane utilization.
What is the difference between U-Pack trailer and ReloCubes?
Trailer: a 28-foot ABF Freight trailer is parked at your address; you build a wall of household goods inside it; you pay per linear foot used (typically $300-$500 per foot for cross-country). ReloCube: a 6-foot steel container that you load like a PODS unit; multiple cubes for larger shipments. Trailer is better for 2BR+ and large shipments. ReloCube is better for studio, 1BR, and shipments where flexible drop times matter.
Is U-Pack cheaper than PODS?
Almost always yes, by $150 to $500 on equivalent jobs. ABF Freight has dense lane capacity for commercial freight already, and U-Pack shipments fill remaining trailer space efficiently. PODS dedicates entire containers to single shipments, which is less efficient per pound moved. PODS wins on flexibility (30 days storage included) and on smaller shipment sizes where the 6-foot ReloCube feels cramped.
How long does U-Pack take to deliver cross country?
Trailer drop-off at origin: scheduled day. You have 3 days to load. Pickup at origin: scheduled day. Transit: 2 to 8 business days for cross-country (faster than PODS because the trailer rolls with regular ABF Freight runs). Delivery at destination: scheduled day. You have 3 days to unload. Total elapsed time typically 12 to 21 days, somewhat faster than PODS.
Does U-Pack include storage?
Limited. ABF Freight terminals can store loaded trailers for 1-2 weeks at modest cost. Long-term storage like PODS's 30-days-included model is not part of standard U-Pack pricing. If your destination delivery slips by more than a couple weeks, PODS becomes more cost-effective overall.
What's the U-Pack 28-foot trailer linear-foot pricing model?
You pay per linear foot of trailer used. ABF estimates 1BR uses 5-8 ft, 2BR uses 12-18 ft, 3BR uses 18-24 ft, 4BR uses full 28 ft. Per-foot rate varies by lane and season. Cross-country roughly $300-$500 per linear foot. So a 2BR on a 1,500-mile lane at 15 ft used at $360/ft = $5,400 (high end of typical range) or $300/ft = $4,500 (mid). Saves money on smaller loads versus paying for a full container.