U-Pack
Honest Review
ABF Freight's consumer brand — trailer or container service with strong long-distance reliability.
U-Pack: pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Owned by ABF Freight — a major LTL trucking operator with extensive infrastructure
- Strong long-distance pricing, often 30–40% below full-service
- Reliable transit times — ABF's network handles delivery, not a partner
- Pay only for the linear feet you actually use in the trailer
✗ Cons
- You handle all loading and unloading
- Trailer must be parked on a wide, flat surface — narrow streets and small driveways are problematic
- ReloCube container option is more limited geographically than trailer service
- Customer service can be slow during peak season
Best for / not ideal for
Best for
- Long-distance moves over 1,000 miles
- Movers comfortable loading their own shipment
- Cross-country relocations on tight budget
- Households of 2–4 bedrooms
Not ideal for
- Local moves under 250 miles (full-service is often cheaper)
- Movers who can't physically load a trailer or cube
- Same-week pickup needs (typically requires 7+ days)
- Apartment moves without trailer-accessible loading zones
Smart move
Whatever your situation, always compare U-Pack's quote against 2 alternative licensed carriers. Quote spreads of 20–35% are common on identical routes.
Our honest take on U-Pack
U-Pack is one of the best long-distance moving values for households willing to load their own shipment. The ABF Freight backing means delivery times are more predictable than container competitors, and the pay-by-linear-foot pricing rewards efficient loading. For a 2–3 bedroom cross-country move, expect to save $1,500–$3,500 versus full-service. The trade-off is real labor — plan for 6–10 hours of loading with helpers.
Worth knowing: If U-Pack's loading requirement is a deal-breaker, hire ABF Freight directly for door-to-door full-service through their van line affiliate, or compare full-service quotes from carriers serving your route.
FAQ — U-Pack
Is U-Pack a legitimate moving company?
Yes, U-Pack is a licensed FMCSA-registered interstate moving carrier with USDOT number 029900 and MC number MC-29910. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas. You can verify their active operating authority at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does U-Pack charge for a long distance move?
U-Pack is priced in the $$ tier — mid-tier. Actual cost depends on shipment weight, distance, season, and add-ons. Always compare against 2 alternative quotes for the same route — savings of 15–30% are common.
What is U-Pack best known for?
U-Pack is best for: Long-distance moves over 1,000 miles, Movers comfortable loading their own shipment, Cross-country relocations on tight budget, Households of 2–4 bedrooms. They are typically not the best fit for: Local moves under 250 miles (full-service is often cheaper), Movers who can't physically load a trailer or cube, Same-week pickup needs (typically requires 7+ days), Apartment moves without trailer-accessible loading zones. For your specific move, get a quote and compare against 2 alternatives.
Should I get other quotes besides U-Pack?
Yes — always. Long distance moving prices vary by 20–40% between licensed carriers serving the same route. Getting 3 quotes is the single most effective way to save money on an interstate move. We can match you with route-experienced alternatives in 60 seconds.