As a company, PODS is very reliable when it comes to quality service. They deliver what they say on time and don’t have largest of charges for a company of its type. Of course, there are fine print charges that you need to be aware of just like any other company. It should be noted that there storage pods are just like using them to move, they’re completely self moving just that the company comes, picks up, stores in a warehouse somewhere, and then transports the moving pod to your new address. When I’ve rented a pod for storage I have never found damage to my personal belongings, which is a strong point for a storage utility company.

Moving pods prices vary depending on what you’re looking to do. If you are looking to go a long distance then it will cost quite a bit. Another factor is how long you have the rental in the front yard. Having it sit there can cost money as well (just under $200 per month), along with storage time. Where you are moving though is the largest factor in the price of your moving pod rental. One concern you may have is where to rent a pod. Larger cities will certainly have access. Smaller cities may have more limited access to moving pods but because they are shipped they would be an option there as well. In short, pods prices are dependent on the where you’re moving to and from, as well as the time period you wish to accomplish the move in.

The base charge for a moving pod is about $230 for delivery and $40 for pick-up after you’ve put everything in there. Keep in mind these rates depend on where you live and may vary over time. The trucks that move the pods (hired driver not you) are about $200 a day for same city relocations. Long distance hauling is a different matter; mileage is a big part of the price of moving pods. You can get hit two ways with this, first being the distance between your old home and new home. Second, the mileage it takes to transport the moving pod to a storage facility is also apart of the bill. To get a better idea of the overall cost your pod rental, be sure to find out where their nearest warehousing is as it will greatly affect the price.

There are some complaints and caveats that need to be covered before you go off renting a moving pod for yourself. Delivery time can be a problem for PODS, coordinating the storage units is likely the culprit. Be sure to get the specific delivery and pick-up dates from the company. Also, be sure to check any city ordinances that may affect the movers from placing the moving pod on the street. It will take a permit sometimes to legally have a pod on the street.

Renting a pod is actually quiet easy. Calling the moving pod company is really all that is needed and they’ll tell you the how and when the actual moving pod will be delivered. This service is best if you’re looking to do the majority of the work yourself but need help transport everything, however, ABF U-Pack is still the king of moving companies.

U-Haul rates are quite high for cross country prices. Going from the middle of the country (Chicago for example) to a coast will cost you somewhere between $1500 and $2000, which isn’t very good when you consider the services of ABF U-Pack. You also have to factor in the use of gas, which you must pay for and will bleed you dry if you have to move a long distance. It is my opinion that U-Haul trucks are best used for the short distance move, it seems like the only monetarily viable option with the company.

The quality of their services is always of the lower end of the spectrum it seems; in part do the franchising of the U-Haul business. Service will vary from city to city so keep that in mind. Also, read the fine print as hidden costs are one of this company’s biggest complaints and money makers. Damages in trucks are common and you must record them all down before rental. Because of this, renting a U-Haul truck for moving can be a lengthy process as their rentals have been around forever and have accumulated much damage, which they’ll blame you for if you don’t account for it. Be wary of extra equipment as well. Dollies, blankets, and other items are charged for. Oh, and don’t buy any boxes from U-Haul or any other moving company, you can likely get them for free from a local store or something.

U-Haul, ultimately, is best only as short distance moving company. Going to a new apartment or from a college dorm to new digs is the best use for this services. The cost of their moving trucks is just too high to justify spending on cross country moving. The rates and hidden costs are also an issue as is the quality of the service, so dealing with the U-Haul moving company for as little as possible is the best bet.

Hidden fees exist with U-Pack Moving just like other companies, however, at the same time they are better about it then most. There special ramp is the big one, which will cost you over $75 more than likely and isn’t even guaranteed to be available.

As far as long distance movers go, U-Pack rates are better than most when traveling across the country. The prices range from $1100 to $1400 typically for coast to coast moves. If your more centralized U-Pack prices will be lower as will the cost to you. However, also take a look at fuel rate charges. This will have a great effect on the price, possibly doubling it for long haul moving.

For those looking for a more flexible schedule, U-Pack has their ReloCube, something that is not too much unlike a moving pod. An employee will come over, drop the cube off on a flat surface, likely your driveway, and you’re free to place your stuff at your connivance. After you’ve completed packing up, U-pack will come back, pick up the ReloCube and deliver it on the agreed upon date at your new address.

Lastly, ABF U-Pack Moving has local affiliates much like U-Haul does. Service quality will fluctuate depending on who and where you are dealing with. These are typically low paying, thankless jobs so don’t be surprised if the people you are dealing with are of the more surly type. With that said, I had little to no problems with anyone I talked too in Seattle. Ultimately, U-Pack is a moving company that comes highly recommended by me and others, with an Epinions.com score of 4.5 stars and several hundred reviews. If you’re looking to move cross country this is what you’re looking for.

You’re not going to find many complaints about the company’s service on the internet and there is a reason for that, they’re just that good of a service. However, there are a couple problems for your consideration. First, they don’t have the reach that other trucking services have. Penske trucks simply aren’t available in all areas and that can be a problem for those of you who are moving to more remote locations.

Mechanical service can also be a problem with Penske trucks. It can slow down moving around and cause problems with your moving day. This can be a horrible problem for those looking to move in a hurry or are otherwise stressed from other moving activities.

Other than those two chief complaints there isn’t much else to hate on about this service. There trucks are well managed, if just a little old, and come cleaned and ready to go on in day. There is a lift installed on the truck so there isn’t any worry about picking up and setting down boxes multiple times. Overall, Penske is a brand that is known and trusted in the moving truck service world and can be relied upon.

Pickups, vans, and the smaller 10’ truck start out at a reasonable $19.99* for a single day move. Not bad if you don’t already have this kind of moving capacity at home. There is an extra fee of $.79* per mile when using the equipment for only a single day, very reasonable presuming you’re not going very far. There largest trucks, 17’ and 24’, go for $29.99* and $39.99* respectively.

What gets most consumers in trouble with U-Haul is they don’t account for gas charges. You’re responsible for fueling up the truck on long distance moving trips. This can be a costly adventure with gas prices the way they are. If you’re looking to move across the country or to a new city, I don’t know if  U-Haul would be the best way to go, so make sure to consider your alternatives. However, for short distance moves typically within the same city on the same day, U-Haul rates are probably the cheapest out there.

*Prices accurate as of January 2010

For what it’s going to cost, North American Van Lines does provide some quality service at the home. Namely, they handle everything with care. Their service has a track record for not breaking much of anyone’s belongings which is crucial considering how much is being paid for the service. North American Van Lines also offer a storage service for those who are in need of storing their items prior to moving. This allows you to pack up everything prior to moving out, hopefully reducing the workload on the actual day of moving.

The biggest problem for the company is the crazy prices they’re going to cost you for the full service and their disorganization. Their movers are the best at being on time, and this can cost you as they like to hike the price up for the extended moving period. In addition, this company is not a budget mover. You’re looking at spending up to $5000 to $6000 on nationwide moves and at minimum of at least $2000 for most any other move.

There is one more major caveat with their service that should be noted: hidden costs. Moving companies are notorious for these kinds of things in order to increase the prices they can charge to consumers and North American Van Lines are no different then these other companies. Being charged for previous damages, loading up the wrong day, and other common fees can come about. While the company has superb one on one service, the prices and fees make it hard for anyone to truly recommend North American Van Lines for your moving needs you’re better off finding a different moving company.