A Side-by-Side Comparison to Help You Decide

Organizing a long-distance move requires more than just packing your home, it requires choosing the best moving service that offers a mix of cost, convenience, and control.

Among the many services available, two of the highly compared services are PODS, the well-known container-based moving and storage business, and U-Haul, the king of DIY moves, paired with a professional driver service. This option is where you rent the truck. You load the truck (or employ loaders to do so), and then a professional will handle the driving.

To help make your decision easier, let’s walk through a real quote comparison between these two options for a move from Flagler Beach, FL (zip 32136) to Las Vegas, NV (zip 89121). We’ll break down not just the pricing, but also what you’re getting for your money, and which option might suit your specific needs the best.

The Scenario: A Long-Distance Multi-State Move

Moving from Florida to Nevada takes a lot of planning. This move covers a distance is over 2,200 miles through many states, in which impeccable coordination is needed to ensure that everything reaches its destination without issue and on schedule.

Our comparison in this actual scenario is as follows:

A PODS price quote for two PODS, a 16-foot container, and an 8-foot container

A single 26-foot U-Haul rental truck, utilizing Rented Truck Driver, a professional rental truck driving service

Let’s get into the breakdown.

Option 1: PODS Quote Summary

• Two containers needed: one 16′ and one 8’
• Delivery of two empty containers to the home in Florida
• Mileage fees: $9194.55 for cross-country transport.
• Pickup and Redelivery fees: $420 combined
• Contents Protection Plan: $49.95/month for $10,000 in coverage
• Storage: $558 for the first month of required storage
• Current monthly rate after the first month: $607.95

Estimated Total Cost: $10,172 (estimated tax included)

It needs to be noted that while you might not utilize storage space, PODS charges for at least one month’s rental and a protection fee for a container. Even though loading and unloading at your pace seems to be a nice feature, the storage charge can prove to be an additional cost if it’s not used.

Option 2: U-Haul + Professional Driver (Rented Truck Driver)

26’ U-Haul Moving Truck

• 26′ truck rental, with up to eight days and 2,863 miles included.
• Safemove Plus® protection for your belongings, truck, and driver.

U-Haul Truck Rental Estimate: $3,616.99

Professional Driving Service (Rented Truck Driver)

• Service Fee: $2,649
• Estimated Fuel: $1,140 (estimated by mileage, reimbursed through actual receipts)
• Airfare and ground transportation for driver: $300 (final cost determined before trip)

Professional Driver Quote: $4,089

This covers everything needed for your move: truck, insurance, gas, and the driver. This also includes one free month of storage at a U-Haul Storage Center.
Total Estimated Cost: $7,706 (estimated tax included)

Space & Convenience: Who’s Got the Edge?

Let’s talk about cargo space first.

A 26-foot U-Haul truck can typically accommodate a 3 to 5-bedroom home. The truck has a much bigger cargo area than the two PODS combined. One truck and one trip without the hassle of handling multiple containers.

Two containers take up quite a bit of space. Most HOAs or Condo management companies have issues with having one, let alone two, containers in front of a person’s home for days, even weeks.

The PODS package provides you with 1x 16-foot container and 1x 8-foot container, and this is perfect for smaller to mid-sized moves, typically 2-3 rooms of furniture.

In terms of convenience, PODS has it over everyone: they come to your driveway, and you can pack in your own time. You do not need to drive, but a PODS truck transports your items on a pre-scheduled route.

The U-Haul with driver option gives you similar hands-off driving convenience, without the cost of mandatory storage. You still pack and unload yourself (or hire for loading help), but you have more truck room, more scheduling flexibility, and a lower final price.

Payment Structure & Clarity

A big benefit of the U-Haul with a professional driver service is the straightforward, three-step payment structure.

U-Haul is paid at the time of truck pickup via credit card.

Rented Truck Driver splits its charges into three payments:
Payment 1) Deposit to hold the driver
Payment 2) Upon vehicle pickup
Payment 3) Upon delivery

This segmentation allows you to budget and pay as the move is happening, as compared to paying the full amount in advance, like with PODS.

Flexibility, Timing, and Control

PODS lets you pack and unload as you please, which is great if you’re dealing with an open move-in date. But once the PODs are on the truck, you’re at their discretion, and storage is included in the fee, whether you want it or not.

Rented Truck Driver provides guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times, which is good for those of you who are on a deadline, allowing you to confidently schedule your unloaders. You will see your belongings in days, not weeks.

Timesaving Routing Gets You Your Stuff Fast

The driver takes a linear route and updates you along the way, enabling you to have peace of mind and control of your belongings, something PODS does not deliver with the same level of personal attention. With your own truck and driver dedicated for your move means you receive your belongings in days not weeks.

When to Choose PODS

PODS might be better for you if:

• You have to pack slowly and don’t have a firm move-in date.
• You need temporary storage at the end of the move, and do not want to load and unload your belongings into storage twice.
• You’re willing to pay extra for these conveniences.

Just watch for any additional storage fees and greater potential added charges, or additional protection fees. Remember the rollover dates when you are charged for a new billing cycle.

When to Choose U-Haul and a Professional Driver

This option is ideal if:

• You want a $2,500–$3,000 cost savings.
• You prefer the added room that the larger truck offers.
• You require exact pickup and delivery dates and times.
• You wish to have full control of your move, but do not wish to drive the truck.
• It’s also best if you enjoy an individualized service, including having full communication with your driver. You will be updated during the entire move.
• Paying in installments instead of all up front.

Final Verdict: Control, Convenience, and Costs

In our modern marketplace, PODS offers certain conveniences, but those conveniences come with a cost. If you don’t require storage, you’re paying for it anyway. If you’re not flexible with your delivery window, you must work around their schedule.

Conversely, U-Haul with a professional driver offers you greater control, greater capacity to carry your belongings, and less overall cost, and you will receive your belongings in days, not weeks.

Need Help With Your Move?

Rented Truck Driver specializes in professional coast-to-coast driving in your rental vehicle. They offer guaranteed pickup and delivery times, transparent pricing, and personalized support every step along the way.

Their service, along with a 26’ U-Haul moving truck and professional loaders from MovingHelp.com, will ensure you have a traditional full-service type move, with even more control of your personalized move.