Moving truck vs portable container: which is better?

A rental truck is usually cheaper if you can load and drive it in a day or two. A portable container costs more but lets you pack over several days without driving: the company drops it off and moves it for you. In LA, a container also needs a legal place to sit, such as a driveway or approved curb space.

Updated September 27, 2026

Portable container sizes
ContainerSize (L x W x H)SpaceHolds about
PODS 8 ft8 x 7 x 8 ft402 cu ft1 room
PODS 12 ft (local moves)12 x 8 x 8 ft689 cu ft2-3 rooms
PODS 16 ft16 x 8 x 8 ft835 cu ft3-4 rooms
U-Pack ReloCube6 x 7 x 8 ft308 cu ft1 room
U-Pack trailer28 x 8 x 9 ftPay for space usedUp to a 4-bedroom home
U-Haul U-Box8 ftNot listed hereAbout 1 room

Where to rent

  • U-Pack

    Portable containers and trailers for moves between cities.

    Check prices

  • Budget Truck Rental

    Moving trucks for local and one-way moves.

    Check prices

  • Penske Truck Rental

    Moving trucks for local and one-way moves.

    Check prices

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How each works

With a truck, you pick it up, load it, drive it and return it, usually within a set rental period.

With a container, the company delivers it to your home, you pack it at your own pace, and the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address or holds it in storage.

What it costs

moveBuddha's 2026 U.S. pricing data puts a local truck rental at $30 to $500 and a local container move at $400 to $700. Your quote depends on size, distance and dates.

For long moves the gap can narrow, because a truck adds fuel and days on the road while the container price includes the driving.

Container sizes

PODS offers 8-, 12- and 16-foot containers. U-Pack lists the 8-foot at about one room, the 12-foot at two to three rooms and the 16-foot at three to four rooms; PODS says its 12-foot is for local moves.

U-Pack's ReloCube is about one room, and you can order several. U-Pack also offers space in a 28-foot trailer that holds up to a four-bedroom home.

U-Haul's U-Box is an 8-foot container suited to about one room of furniture.

Where a container can sit in LA

A driveway is the simplest spot. If the container has to go on the street, check with LADOT (or your city, if you're outside the City of Los Angeles) before booking, and ask your building about any rules for apartments.

Questions people ask

Is a container cheaper than a truck?

Usually not for a local move: moveBuddha's 2026 data puts local truck rentals at $30 to $500 against $400 to $700 for local containers. You pay extra for not having to drive.

How many containers do I need for a two-bedroom?

Using U-Pack's room estimates, a 16-foot PODS container holds three to four rooms, so a typical two-bedroom often needs one 16-foot container or several ReloCubes. Ask for a size recommendation with your quote.

Related

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