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U-Pack vs. SMARTBOX
Apr 11, 2025
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Will SMARTBOX work for your move?
If you’re researching container options for moving out of state, SMARTBOX® might be on your radar. But is it the smartest choice for your move?
Let’s examine how SMARTBOX works and compare the equipment, coverage area and services to U-Pack®, another container option for state-to-state moves.
How SMARTBOX containers compare to U-Pack’s equipment
Not all portable storage containers are created equal. SMARTBOX containers and U-Pack ReloCubes® are similar in size and function but have some key differences.
Container construction and size
SMARTBOX® containers are plywood with a weather-resistant canvas cover. They measure 8’ x 5’ x 7’ (LWH). They have approximately 280 cubic feet of loading space and hold up to 2,000 pounds of household goods.
In contrast, ReloCubes are made of weather-resistant metal and measure slightly larger at 6’ x 7’ x 8’ (LWH). The containers have approximately 308 cubic feet of loading space and hold up to 2,500 pounds of belongings.
U-Pack also offers 28-foot moving trailers with flexible space for moves of all sizes.
Loading and security
Both companies' containers offer easy ground-level loading and unloading. SMARTBOX has a single swing door, while the ReloCube has double swing doors. Each option enables customers to secure the contents with a padlock.
SMARTBOX and U-Pack services comparison
Although SMARTBOX and U-Pack both offer container moving and storage, the services work differently.
SMARTBOX allows 30 days’ use of the equipment, including time for loading, transit and unloading. Any days left over can be used for storage on-site or at a facility. There are no refunds for unused days. Additional storage time is available for a monthly charge.
U-Pack allows 3 business days to load and 3 additional business days to unload outside of transit time (averaging 4-6 business days). Storage is based on availability at the service center, and you only pay the monthly fee if you need it!
Is the coverage area larger for SMARTBOX or U-Pack?
According to the SMARTBOX website, there are locations in 51 major metro areas, including cities like Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York City. Some locations offer door service, while others provide only terminal loading and unloading.
U-Pack services long-distance moves in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, including to and from locations in smaller cities and metro areas. Most locations have door delivery, but U-Pack also provides the option of loading and unloading at a local service center for significant savings over door-to-door delivery.
SMARTBOX and U-Pack prices: cost vs. value
We looked at an example move to help you get a feel for the costs of each service. Below are quotes for moving a studio apartment from Philadelphia, PA, to Los Angeles, CA, in June 2025, using each company’s recommended equipment.
These prices were accurate at the time of posting, but actual moving costs will vary based on locations, timing and size of the home.
SMARTBOX: $2,168.92 (price included one moving container, door delivery for origin, terminal drop off for destination, transportation and standard liability coverage)
U-Pack: $2,275 (price included one ReloCube moving container, door-to-door delivery, transportation, standard liability coverage and a $25 discount with coupon code BLOG25.)
It’s important to note that SMARTBOX requires terminal unloading for this example move at a location 25 miles away. That means renting a truck to transport belongings to your home would be an added expense. SMARTBOX requires a 15% down payment to lock in the moving price for 60 days.
U-Pack believes in transparent pricing with no surprises. Although U-Pack’s initial price was a little higher for this scenario, the value of a sturdier and larger metal container vs. a smaller plywood one is worth it for your peace of mind. Booking a U-Pack move is free. No deposit is required, and no payment is due until the shipment is in transit to the destination.
Ready for your U-Pack quote?
It’s easy to get a free, no-obligation U-Pack quote. Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant or request a quote online.
If you have questions about U-Pack or how we compare to SMARTBOX, let us know in the comments. We’re available to help!
SMARTBOX® is a registered trademark of SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.
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