The 8 Best Portable Container Services in 2021

Portable storage containers offer a host of benefits. They are cost-efficient, easy-to-move, customizable, and offer reliable and dedicated storage space. When buying shipping or moving containers, selecting the right moving container company can help you realize these benefits to the fullest.

In this article, we'll be counting down the 8 best portable container services to help you select a shipping container supplier that offers the best services for your applications.

Let’s get started.

Mobile Modular Portable Storage

Mobile Modular Portable Storage is one of the leading suppliers of portable storage units, container offices, and office-storage combo units. Their container solutions have consistently achieved excellent customer ratings, thanks to their robust customer support infrastructure.

While calculating service ratings, the Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a widely used, popular means of measuring consumer loyalty and overall satisfaction. Customers are asked to answer one simple question: how likely are you to recommend this company? Thanks to the quality of services provided by Mobile Modular Portable Storage, the most common answer remains extremely likely to recommend.

Here are some of the reasons why you should work with this company:

• They offer one of the most affordable and cost-effective rental plans in the moving container industry. Instead of the conventional 28-days rental plan that most moving container companies offer, Mobile Modular Portable Storage offers you a 30-day billing plan. That means you enjoy their container services for two extra days at no additional cost.
• They have their own fleet of vehicles consisting of highly skilled delivery specialists who ensure that your storage unit reaches safely even on the most challenging roads.
• The company has a swift response time. Within one business hour of requesting a quote, a dedicated container specialist gets in touch with you and helps you manage your project from start to finish.
• You can receive your rental unit on-site on the scheduled day with minimum hassle.
• With its presence in 14 different states, it is easy to avail their services at a location near you.

While the company offers ample portable storage options from 10', 20', and 24' to 40' containers, they do not provide moving services exclusively.

Are you planning to move a storage container? Please read our guide on how to move a shipping container.

U-Pack

U-Pack is well-known for its 'ReloCube' moving containers.

These containers also have tie-down points that help secure your items in one place, preventing any unwanted movement that may lead to damages. Here are some of U-Pack's plus points:

• Their prices are one of the lowest in the moving container segment.
• Additionally, they have a flexible “pay-what-you-use” policy that allows customers to order extra containers if they are unsure of their requirements. The company charges you only if you use these containers without an upfront deposit.
• U-pack has an easy-to-navigate website and offers an instant quote. Their website is user-friendly and helps you quickly find a portable moving container for your location.

However, there are certain drawbacks to the service. For instance, U-pack only offers long-distance moves. In addition, selecting an appropriate container can be challenging, considering that they only offer one size. In situations where you might need a container and a half, you might still have to pay for the services of two containers.

While they do offer storage options, their storage facility is at off-site locations only. You also get a maximum of 3 days to load and unload your moving container.

PODS

PODS has one of the most widespread presences in the United States. Their containers come in three sizes: 7-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot.

Here’s a more detailed look into their services:

• Along with their moving services, this company also offers temporary storage at your personal property or a dedicated PODS location.
• While their 12-foot container is only available for local moves, you can use their 16-foot containers for both local and long-distance moving requirements.
• They also offer customers a lock and key while moving the unit to keep their goods safe.

 
However, if you're looking for the cheapest moving container company, then PODS isn't the one for you. Their prices tend to be on the higher side, and they do not include taxes in their estimate, which can further add to the delivery cost. Note that they do not offer instant quotes for long-distance moves over 50 miles.

1800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT containers feature one of the most flexible designs.

What makes 1-800-PACK-RAT even more convenient is that:

• They offer both local and long-distance moves for all its containers.
• They provide 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot container sizes, allowing you to store and move about 3 to 4 rooms of furniture with ease.
• They provide dedicated moving container discounts for students, medical professionals, military members, senior citizens, and teachers.
• They also offer customers a free lock and a complimentary $10,000 damage protection for long-distance moves.

 
Additionally, if you love discounts, 1800-PACK-RAT's services are perfect for you. Their website also features tons of seasonal offers for everyone.

That said, the average cost of a long-distance move using 1800-PACK-RAT is around $3,468, making it one of the most expensive portable storage unit companies on the market. They also have a confusing payment structure which might leave you wondering which services you are paying for.

While they offer convenient storage options, they have a limited presence, with several U.S states having only one location.

SMARTBOX

SMARTBOX moving containers have one of the most straightforward pricing options.

Here are a few other features:

• Each SMARTBOX container has a wooden construction with a waterproof vinyl cover that keeps moisture away from your goods.
• Like U-Pack, they offer a flexible policy where customers can order up to eight moving containers but have to pay only for their use.
• You can use these containers for a local move, with convenient self-storage options available too.
• With a storage capacity of about 3,000 pounds, their containers are ideal for moving a small apartment.
• Their services are ideal for students as SMARTBOX offers a straight-up $20 discount for anyone attending school.

 
Although low-cost can be an advantage, their containers are not entirely weatherproof. They also have their presence in only 44 U.S. Metropolitan areas, further limiting their availability. Another disadvantage to working with SMARTBOX is that they offer a single size: 8-foot, which may not be suitable for creating large-scale storage facilities.

Zippyshell

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of opting for Zippyshell as your moving company:

• The biggest advantage of selecting Zippyshell is its staggered delivery timing. For example, if you need four containers, but three containers might get your work done, Zippyshell will split your delivery into two days. You can get the first container on one day and the additional unit on the next day. If you can accomplish your task in the first three, you can cancel the next-day delivery to save a great deal of money.
• Zippyshell delivers containers in weatherproof trailers, which are similar to having a protective shell outside the container. Their container design also allows free airflow through the container, preserving the goods inside for more extended periods.
• It is one of the full-service moving companies that offer 30-day free storage with every long-distance move, making them ideal for long-term storage.

However, the company gives you only three days to load your moving containers. So, if you wish to get the containers delivered to your home, you have to shell out extra for delivery. Another downside of Zippyshell is its limited availability, with its presence only in 28 states in the U.S. Container rentals at Zippyshell can cost you around $159 per month.

Go Mini

Go Mini provides highly durable and affordable storage moving containers. Their container's weatherproof steel body fitted with padded wheels helps protect customer driveways.

Additional advantages include:

• These containers also feature pressure-treated flooring and vents that prevent water accumulation and humidity from affecting the content inside the container. While other moving container companies require customers to pay a monthly rent, Go Mini offers a weekly rental plan.
• Go Mini's flexible billing cycle and prompt customer service are ideal for a local move or looking for storage options. 
• They also provide an online space estimator that lets you figure out how many containers you may need.

Although Go Mini provides local and long-distance moves, they have a limited presence nationwide which hampers their moving services. A local move at Go Mini can cost you about $495.

U-Haul

Other reasons customers like working with U-Haul include:

• They offer heavy-duty plywood “U-Box” containers which cost much lesser than their steel counterparts.
• Their containers can hold up to 2,000 pounds of goods, equating to about one and a half rooms of furniture. U-Haul also claims that a king-size mattress can fit standing up in their U-Box containers.
• With a large door for easy access, and a 6-inch platform to keep the content dry, they offer highly secure storage space.
• The company also gives you the flexibility to load your belongings onto the U-box according to your own timeline. You can adjust the loading time as per your moving schedule to avoid any inconveniences.
• U-Haul provides local, long-distance, and international moving options. You can also purchase a cover from their multiple insurance options for complete peace of mind.

However, there are some drawbacks to their services. Since U-Haul only provides seven-foot moving containers, they may not be suited for every kind of move. In addition, their containers do not have a particularly weatherproof design which can cause inconvenience in harsher climates.

Here's everything you need to know about shipping container delivery.

Conclusion

Every portable storage and moving container company offers a unique set of pros and cons. While some moving container companies may be more suited for local moves, others offer great long-distance solutions. Depending upon your requirements, delivery location, type, and amount of cargo, you can select a moving container company that fits your budget.

Why Choose Us?

We are an industry leader in portable storage solutions. We offer unparalleled service excellence and help you find the best solutions for your projects at the most competitive prices.

With our own fleet of vehicles and highly trained delivery specialists, we ensure that you get your storage containers on time.
Call us at 866-459-7600 or request a quote today to know more about our convenient storage options.

FAQs

Which are the best moving container companies?

Storage container rental companies such as Mobile Modular Portable Storage, PODS, and U-Haul are some of the best moving container companies and leading names in portable storage solutions. 

While some moving container companies offer short-term moving solutions, others deliver a shipping container at your place for the temporary storage of goods and inventory. These companies offer affordable, high-strength containers to help create temporary storage.

What are the best moving containers?

Moving containers are made of various materials, ranging from high-strength Corten steel to wood. The best moving containers provide efficient delivery while also allowing you to use the containers as temporary storage space. 

Some moving containers also offer a refrigerated space for storing and delivering perishable goods, known as "Reefer Containers. Depending on your application and end-use, you can select the one that best fits your needs.

Which is better: moving trucks or portable storage containers?

While moving trucks are suitable for local moves and more minor goods, a 40-foot portable storage container can provide you 2390 cu. ft. of space ideal for all kinds of goods, tools, equipment, and machinery. 

There are multiple container options you can select from, starting from 10-foot to 40-foot. Portable storage containers can also function as temporary space during expansion, moving, and seasonal storage requirements, providing an edge over moving trucks.

Do the storage containers lock?

Storage containers have lockable door handles, which can help keep your content safe from theft, tampering, and break-ins. You can also customize the security features in storage containers by adding security swing arms, shackle puck locks, and high-security HASP locks.

The high-strength steel body protects it from wind, climactic wear, and tear, while a storage container lock can prevent any unwarranted entries in the container. That’s why storage containers provide highly secure, reliable, and efficient storage space.