U-BOX Pods for moving - any experience?

[tbm5690]

So, containers a better option vs a plethora of same-size boxes? Curious on cost. Ease of loading with the containers I can see, although they'll end up heavier than individual boxes.

 

[Zee09]

So, containers a better option vs a plethora of same-size boxes? Curious on cost. Ease of loading with the containers I can see, although they'll end up heavier than individual boxes.

I listed the costs and the loading and unloading by them is included in the quote. My machine tools and odds and ends are too heavy for boxes thus containers.

I'm not taking personal things unless they are family photos etc. I'm moving a business, tooling, etc.

Personal things will go in my SUV

 

[02SE]

I know someone who used Old Dominion Freight Lines to move their household belongings. They dropped off a trailer, the homeowner loaded it, Old Dominion picked it up and hauled it across the Country, dropped the trailer in the driveway, and the homeowner unloaded it there.

They were very pleased with the experience.

 

[Zee09]

So, containers a better option vs a plethora of same-size boxes? Curious on cost. Ease of loading with the containers I can see, although they'll end up heavier than individual boxes.

The price is by volume not weight and the cubic feet of 50 containers is well under the allowed space as they calculated it. You can use boxes as well.

 

[GON]

The price is by volume not weight and the cubic feet of 50 containers is well under the allowed space as they calculated it. You can use boxes as well.

I find the "price is by volume not weight".

I have only seen that once in my life, and that was at USPS for a priority box flat rate, and could mail up to 70lbs if IIRC.

Can't see how any transporter can price a shipment without weight as part of the cost. So many critical things that come into play. The maximum trailer weight, fuel costs from weight, etc.

 

[Zee09]

I find the "price is by volume not weight".

I have only seen that once in my life, and that was at USPS for a priority box flat rate, and could mail up to 70lbs if IIRC.

Can't see how any transporter can price a shipment without weight as part of the cost. So many critical things that come into play. The maximum trailer weight, fuel costs from weight, etc.

Probably because it's a residential move and they base it on a house or an apartment and how many bedrooms etc. You also speak to a real human advisor and this was not inputted on a website ...

 

[crashz]

I hesitate to respond because I'm in construction AND an Amsoil dealer. Now give me yer wallet...

I think those pod moving companies have based the rates by volume as most residential moving does not come close to weight limits of their equipment. The density is just not there. Theoretically you could stack lead bars in a pod and get the unit overweight, but not likely and it probably gets caught in the pod loading (ie We can't budge this thing).

 

[Zee09]

I hesitate to respond because I'm in construction AND an Amsoil dealer. Now give me yer wallet...

I think those pod moving companies have based the rates by volume as most residential moving does not come close to weight limits of their equipment. The density is just not there. Theoretically you could stack lead bars in a pod and get the unit overweight, but not likely and it probably gets caught in the pod loading (ie We can't budge this thing).

Now this quote is not pods but I agree. A trucking company that loads and unloads

 

[Hall]

I find the "price is by volume not weight".

Can't see how any transporter can price a shipment without weight as part of the cost. So many critical things that come into play. The maximum trailer weight, fuel costs from weight, etc.

They price it based on the max allowed weight that the container holds. I ship products from Europe to the US and the shipping companies don't ask for weight when quoting rates. That said, we try and "fill" the container as much as possible, obviously. They do require the weight for the "boat" but I believe it's primarily for loading purposes (so the boat is balanced as much as possible). We had one that was overweight one time but it had minimal impact on the cost. We were hit with a "surcharge" (or penalty - it was like $250) that covered the overweight chassis (truck trailer) that they needed to use.

 

[GON]

I know someone who used Old Dominion Freight Lines to move their household belongings. They dropped off a trailer, the homeowner loaded it, Old Dominion picked it up and hauled it across the Country, dropped the trailer in the driveway, and the homeowner unloaded it there.

They were very pleased with the experience.

Old Dominion and ABF (Arkansas Best Freight) would be the only two choices I would consider, if I wasn't able to fully move myself.

Moving is a slippery business. Old Dominion and ABF are the only two legitimate cost saving options I am aware of. A non cost saving option is contracting with professional movers, they are also dependable, but all the movers have a high likeliness of damaging furniture. Packing and loading yourself one can typically control their household good damage destiny.

 

[Zee09]

I'm giving my furniture and household goods away so I don't have the worries most do.

 

[tbm5690]

Old Dominion and ABF (Arkansas Best Freight) would be the only two choices I would consider, if I wasn't able to fully move myself.

Moving is a slippery business. Old Dominion and ABF are the only two legitimate cost saving options I am aware of. A non cost saving option is contracting with professional movers, they are also dependable, but all the movers have a high likeliness of damaging furniture. Packing and loading yourself one can typically control their household good damage destiny.

That is great info. Appears that I'll be making a cross country move within the next 2 months. I know a guy that my parents have used that will fly him and at least one other out to you, gets a deal on a Penske, and will load, drive, unload, return the truck and then fly himself back home. All this for under $5k without tip. Great deal, but my concern is that the largest truck he can get is a 26'. TBD if that will cut it for us or not. I'm considering keeping that as an option and using pods and/or second truck if needed. I assume OD/ABF would have larger trailer options.

 

[mcm0455]

I used the Pods last summer to store the contents of my garage while I was having the floor epoxied and walls painted. It worked very well! They dropped off the Pod and I loaded it up in a couple hours. It was very convenient to have access to my tools and garage supplies. The cost was well worth it. If I ever have any more home projects, I will get another Pod.