What Is ABF/U-Pack Moving Service?
By SalaryFor.com – real salaries for all professions
ABF/U-Pack is a freight-based moving service that combines professional transportation with DIY packing & loading (you load your stuff, U-Pack handles the transport). You don’t have to drive a big truck; instead, U-Pack delivers a moving trailer or ReloCube containers to your home, you load them, and ABF freight drives them to your destination.
U-Pack Equipment
U-Pack Trailer
U-Pack trailers (often ~28 ft) are dropped at your home and picked up once you’ve loaded them. They’re large — bigger than a typical rental truck — and you pay based on how much space you use.
ReloCube Moving Containers
ReloCubes are weather-resistant moving containers (about 308 cu ft each); you can reserve multiple. You’re only charged for the cubes you actually use, not for those you reserve and don’t fill.
How the Service Works
- Reserve a Trailer or ReloCubes — U-Pack delivers them to you.
- Load Your Belongings — You pack and load (or hire local helpers).
- ABF Freight Transports — They drive your loaded equipment to your destination.
- Unload — You unpack when it arrives.
💡 U-Pack’s pricing includes equipment delivery, transport, and basic liability coverage — and you only pay for the space you use.
Estimated Costs for a Short Move (~50–100 Miles)
U-Pack doesn’t generally quote purely local moves under ~50 miles, so we use ~100 miles as the closest realistic example you can get a U-Pack quote for:
Transport Only
| Home Size | Equipment | Approx. Cost* | Trailer/Container Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | ReloCube or trailer portion | ~$900–$1,100 | 1 cube or part of trailer |
| 2-Bedroom | Trailer space or 2–3 ReloCubes | ~$1,100–$1,500 | Trailer or multiple cubes |
| 3-Bedroom | 1 full trailer | ~$1,300–$1,700 | 1 trailer |
| 4-Bedroom+ | Trailer (more space) | ~$1,700–$2,200 | 1 trailer |
*Transport cost only — your actual moving cost will depend on exact route, timing, and space used.
Packing & Loading Helpers (Optional)
U-Pack does not include packing/loading labor — these are third-party charges:
- Packing help: ~$300–$2,000+ (size and local rates vary)
- Loading/unloading helpers: ~$400–$1,200+
📌 For a 3-bedroom move this could add ~$1,000–$3,000+ to the cost, depending on how much help you hire.
So a realistic total move cost might be around:
~$2,300 – $4,700 (transport + packing/loading labor)
This is typically less than full-service movers, but more work on your part than purely hiring professionals.
How U-Pack Compares to U-Haul
Now let’s compare U-Pack to U‑Haul, which is another common DIY move option.
🔧 How They Differ
| Feature | U-Pack | U-Haul |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Trailer or ReloCubes | Rental trucks, cargo vans, trailers |
| Transportation | Included with quote | You drive the truck |
| Pricing basis | Pay for space used | Rental fee + mileage + fuel |
| Driving responsibility | Carrier drives | You drive |
| Best for | Cross-country or regional trips | Local and short moves |
| Loading help | Optional (you arrange) | Optional (you arrange) |
| Insurance | Basic liability included | Separate rental coverage options |
Cost Comparison
- U-Pack: For moves around 100 miles, a 3-bedroom transport might run ~$1,300–$1,700 (transport only) plus labor.
- U-Haul Rental Truck: A one-way or local U-Haul truck for a short move can be much cheaper — often under $400–$600 total, including fuel and mileage on that short distance, though you must drive the truck yourself and arrange help.
U-Haul is often more cost-effective for very short moves under ~50 miles, because rental and fuel costs are low and you control the trip.
Pros & Cons
U-Pack Pros
- You don’t drive a big truck.
- Transparent “pay for space” pricing.
- Professional long-distance transport.
U-Pack Cons
- Not usually quoted for very short local moves.
- Packing/loading labor extra.
U-Haul Pros
- Usually the cheapest option for short moves.
- Immediate availability near most cities.
- You control scheduling and driving.
U-Haul Cons
- You must drive the truck — potentially long distances.
- Fuel, mileage, and optional coverage add up.
When to Choose Which
✅ Use U-Pack if:
- You want professional transport and no towing/driving.
- The move is regional or long distance (~100 + miles).
- You prefer paying only for space used.
✅ Use U-Haul if:
- Your move is local (under ~50 miles).
- You have friends/family to help load and unload.
- You want the lowest possible cost and don’t mind driving.
📌 Final Takeaways
- U-Pack is a hybrid freight moving solution: you load, they haul — ideal for regional and long moves.
- U-Haul is typically the cheapest self-move option for local moves, but requires you to drive and coordinate helpers.
- For short moves, U-Haul usually offers lower out-of-pocket costs, while U-Pack delivers greater convenience and professional transport.
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In: Business Stories · Tagged with: local do it yourself moves, moving companies
