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PODS

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only; verify final container availability, service areas, transportation, storage, protection options and terms directly with PODS or the applicable independent service provider.

PODS at a Glance

Federal Registration and Authority

USDOT: 1397252
MC: MC-530785
FF: FF-5685
FMCSA status: Active

FMCSA currently identifies PODS Enterprises LLC as a Carrier / Freight Forwarder / Broker. Its listed federal operating authority is for property except household goods.

That federal classification should not be confused with a traditional household-goods mover that provides the truck, driver and moving crew under household-goods carrier authority.

For MovingWhiz provider-type filtering, PODS is therefore better treated as a self-service container option / No Preference rather than presented as a traditional household-goods carrier or broker.

Move Types and Customers Served

Residential: Yes
Commercial: Yes

Local: Yes — PODS generally describes local moves as under 50 miles.
Intrastate: Yes — PODS can move containers across a state within qualifying service areas.
Interstate: Yes — PODS provides long-distance and cross-country service across its U.S. network.
International: Limited — PODS provides qualifying residential cross-border moves between the United States and Canada.

Do not interpret PODS’ international service as general overseas moving from the U.S. to any country. Consumers should verify the exact origin and destination before booking.

U.S. Service Area — 46 States + Washington, D.C.

PODS currently states that it serves 46 U.S. states, including Hawaii, plus Washington, D.C.

States served:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Not currently available: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming.

Washington, D.C.: Served separately from the 50 states.
Puerto Rico: Not included in PODS’ current U.S. state-service network.

Coverage is still ZIP-code dependent. A state being served does not mean PODS serves every address or route within that state.

How PODS Works

PODS separates the move into container delivery, loading, transportation and final delivery.

1. Container delivery

PODS delivers an empty container to the location you specify, subject to service availability and placement requirements.

2. You load the container

You normally pack and load your belongings yourself. If you want help, PODS can refer you to independent packing and loading companies.

3. PODS picks up the loaded container

After you schedule pickup, PODS can move the container locally, place it at a PODS Storage Center, or coordinate long-distance transportation. PODS states that it arranges independent third-party motor carriers for long-distance transportation between PODS service locations.

4. Final delivery

When you are ready, the container can be delivered to your destination so you can unload it.

This structure is available for both residential and commercial needs and gives customers more control over loading time while avoiding the need to drive a rental moving truck.

PODS Is Not a Traditional Full-Service Moving Company

With a traditional full-service mover, the carrier generally supplies the truck, driver and moving crew as part of the same moving arrangement.

PODS works differently.

With a typical PODS move:

PODS supplies the portable container
You pack and load the container unless you hire separate labor
PODS coordinates transportation of the container
The container can be stored between homes if needed
You unload the container at destination unless you hire separate labor

PODS can connect customers with professional packing and loading providers, but those companies are independently owned and operated and are not affiliated with PODS.

That means the container service and the labor service should be evaluated separately.

PODS Container Sizes

PODS currently offers three primary container sizes:

8-foot container
Approximate exterior dimensions: 8′ × 7′ × 8′
Designed for smaller moves and storage needs.

12-foot container
Approximate exterior dimensions: 12′ × 8′ × 8′
Designed for a larger apartment or several rooms.
The 12-foot container is currently limited to local moves and storage and is not offered for long-distance moves.

16-foot container
Approximate exterior dimensions: 16′ × 8′ × 8′
PODS’ largest standard residential container and commonly used for larger household moves.

Container dimensions can vary slightly by model, and not every size is available in every market.

Choosing the Right Container Size

The number of bedrooms alone does not determine how much container space you need.

Consider:

Amount of furniture
Number of boxes
Garage contents
Patio furniture
Exercise equipment
Large appliances
Storage areas
Whether you are downsizing before the move
How efficiently the container can be loaded

PODS allows customers to use more than one container and, where available, mix container sizes.

For a long-distance move, remember that the 12-foot container is not currently an option, so the relevant choices are generally the available long-distance container sizes for your route.

Long-Distance Moving With PODS

PODS provides long-distance portable-container moving for qualifying routes, including intrastate, interstate and cross-country moves, as well as certain U.S.–Canada cross-border moves.

For long-distance moves, PODS states that it arranges independent third-party motor carriers to transport containers between PODS service locations.

One advantage of the container model is that belongings can remain inside the same container while it is transported and stored, rather than requiring you to unload into a separate storage unit between homes.

Before booking a long-distance move, confirm:

Origin ZIP-code availability
Destination ZIP-code availability
Container size available for the route
Number of containers
Pickup date
Transportation schedule
Expected destination delivery
Whether storage is needed between locations
Any third-party motor carrier involvement

PODS serves specific service areas, so do not assume every ZIP code is available simply because PODS operates in the state.

U.S.–Canada Cross-Border Moving

PODS provides qualifying residential cross-border moving between the United States and Canada.

For a U.S.-to-Canada move, PODS requires the customer to complete the applicable customs documentation and travel to Canada before the container is shipped. PODS states that its Canadian markets use CBSA-licensed bonded storage facilities for the customs-clearance process.

Before booking a cross-border move, confirm:

Origin and destination eligibility
Required customs documents
Container size and quantity
Pickup and transportation schedule
Border-clearance requirements
Destination Storage Center and final delivery process
Protection that applies during the move

For MovingWhiz classification, this supports International: Yes — Limited, specifically for qualifying U.S.–Canada cross-border moves rather than general overseas service.

Local Moving With PODS

PODS can also be used for local moves when both locations are within the applicable service area.

A local container move can be useful when you want to:

Load over several days instead of one moving day
Store belongings between residences
Renovate before moving in
Move in stages
Avoid driving a rental truck

For local service, confirm the delivery address, pickup address, destination address, container size, placement requirements and all scheduled service dates.

Storage Is Built Into the PODS Model

PODS containers can be used for moving, storage or both.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to:

Keep the container on your property
Have the loaded container moved to a PODS Storage Center
Store between homes while waiting for a closing or move-in date
Keep the container longer on a month-to-month basis

PODS currently includes the first 30 days of container use in its standard process and then continues on a monthly rental cycle when additional time is needed.

PODS states that monthly charges are not prorated. If you want to avoid another monthly charge, confirm the next billing date and make sure the final pickup occurs before the next billing cycle.

Accessing a Container at a PODS Storage Center

If your loaded container is stored at a PODS Storage Center, access works differently from walking into a traditional self-storage unit at any time.

PODS currently says customers can access a container at a PODS Storage Center at no additional charge, but the visit should generally be scheduled 24–48 hours in advance so the container can be made accessible.

If you expect to need belongings while the container is in storage, confirm:

How far in advance to schedule access
Available access days and hours
How the appointment is scheduled
Where the container will be positioned for access

Packing, Loading and Unloading Help Is Separate

PODS is designed so customers can pack and load their own containers, but professional labor can be added separately.

PODS currently refers customers to independent providers such as packing and loading networks that can arrange local crews.

Those providers are independently owned and operated companies with no affiliation with PODS.

If you hire labor, confirm directly with the labor provider:

Company name
Crew size
Number of hours included
Packing services
Loading services
Unloading services
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Tools and moving equipment
Minimum charges
Cancellation terms
Responsibility for damage caused during labor

Do not assume a PODS container reservation automatically includes movers.

Container Delivery and Placement

A PODS container requires a suitable location for delivery, loading and pickup.

Before scheduling service, think about:

Driveway or parking-space availability
Local parking restrictions
HOA rules
Apartment or condominium rules
Street permits
Overhead clearance
Trees and branches
Power lines
Gate width
Surface condition and slope
Access for the PODS delivery equipment

PODS’ current placement guidance calls for an unobstructed path of approximately 12 feet wide × 15 feet high × 40 feet long for PODZILLA access. Property conditions can still require additional confirmation.

PODS uses its PODZILLA® container-lifting system to place containers while keeping them relatively level during loading and unloading from the delivery vehicle.

Placement requirements can vary by property and market, so confirm the exact location before delivery day.

Service Dates and Delivery Windows

PODS service requires scheduled container delivery, pickup, transportation and final delivery dates.

PODS currently says customers receive a 3-hour delivery or service window by email and text the night before the scheduled service. Its FAQ also states that the estimated service window is posted after 6 p.m. local time the day before service.

The service window is an estimated timeframe rather than a guaranteed appointment time.

Before each scheduled service, confirm:

Service date
Service address
Container number, if applicable
Placement instructions
Access to the property
Whether you need to be present
Expected service window

Build flexibility into moving-day plans when another event depends on the container arriving or leaving at a specific time.

Charges to Check Before Booking

A PODS move can involve several separate charges depending on the route and services selected.

Check your quote for:

Initial container delivery
Container rental period
Transportation between cities
Final delivery
Additional monthly rental periods
Storage Center charges
Container size and quantity
Protection option selected
Moving supplies
Independent packing or loading labor
Changes to service dates or locations

PODS states that changing scheduled dates, service type or locations can affect the amount charged.

For a long-distance move, compare the complete expected cost of the move rather than looking only at the container’s monthly rental charge.

Contents and Container Protection Options

PODS currently offers two primary protection choices for qualifying customers.

Contents Protection Option

This option can cover qualifying loss or damage to belongings inside the container as well as loss or damage to the PODS container, subject to the coverage terms, exclusions and deductible.

PODS currently offers declared-value levels from $5,000 up to $300,000, with a $100 deductible per claim stated on its current protection information.

Container Only Option

This option protects the PODS container itself but does not cover the customer’s belongings inside it.

Before selecting protection, check:

Coverage amount
Deductible
Covered events
Excluded property
Packing-related exclusions
Whether coverage applies on your property, in storage and during transit
How claims are submitted

Do not assume a homeowners or renters policy automatically protects belongings during every stage of a PODS move.

Items That Cannot or Should Not Go in a PODS Container

PODS prohibits several categories of property from being stored or transported in its containers.

Current restrictions include hazardous or illegal materials such as:

Flammable or combustible materials
Compressed gases
Explosives
Radioactive materials
Certain items with non-removable lithium batteries
Propane and oxygen tanks
Fireworks and flares
Certain chemicals and pesticides

PODS also identifies other belongings that should be transported separately, including important records, medication, high-value or irreplaceable property and similar items.

Read the current rental agreement before loading because the prohibited-items list is more detailed than a general moving checklist.

Vehicles Cannot Be Transported Inside a PODS Container

PODS currently states that cars and motorized vehicles cannot be placed in a PODS container.

This also affects certain other motorized equipment identified in the company’s prohibited-items information.

If you need to relocate a vehicle along with your household belongings, arrange vehicle transportation separately and compare that cost and schedule with your PODS move.

When PODS May Be Worth Comparing

PODS may be worth comparing with other moving options if you:

Want to load at your own pace
Do not want to drive a rental moving truck
Need storage between homes
Have uncertain closing or move-in dates
Want your belongings to remain inside the same portable container during storage
Need a local move
Need a long-distance move on a supported route
Want to hire packing or loading labor separately
Are renovating or decluttering before a move

If you want one moving company to pack, load, transport, unload and take responsibility for the entire household move under one service arrangement, compare traditional full-service movers as well.

Questions to Ask Before Booking PODS

Does PODS serve both my origin and destination ZIP codes?

Which container sizes are available for my route?

How many containers are included in my quote?

Is the 12-foot container available for this move, or is my move considered long-distance?

Where will the container be placed at pickup and destination?

Do I need a permit, HOA approval or reserved parking space?

What are my delivery and pickup dates?

Are the service windows estimated or guaranteed?

How long is the initial rental period?

What is my next monthly billing date?

Are monthly charges prorated?

Will my container go to a PODS Storage Center?

If stored, how much advance notice is required for access?

What is the expected long-distance transportation schedule?

For a long-distance move, which independent third-party motor carrier will transport my container between PODS service locations?

Which protection option is included or selected?

What belongings are excluded from protection?

What items are prohibited from the container?

If I hire loading help, what independent company will perform the labor?

What services and hours are included with that labor provider?

What cancellation or rescheduling terms apply?

Keep the quote, rental agreement, service schedule and any labor agreement so you can compare what was promised with what is actually scheduled.

Compare PODS Based on Your Move

PODS combines portable-container moving with flexible storage, but the right fit depends on the details of your move.

Compare moving options based on:

Origin and destination service area
Container size
Number of containers
Amount being moved
Loading and unloading responsibility
Need for professional labor
Storage duration
Property access
Delivery and pickup schedule
Transportation timing
Protection selected
Total expected cost

For a local move, focus on container availability, placement, service dates and whether storage is needed.

For a long-distance move, confirm both ZIP codes, available container sizes, transportation schedule, third-party carrier involvement and final delivery.

For a U.S.–Canada cross-border move, add customs documentation and border-clearance requirements to the comparison.

For a move with professional loading or unloading, remember that the labor provider is independent from PODS and should be evaluated separately.

Choose based on the complete moving arrangement—not simply the container itself.

Company, federal registration, service-area, container, storage, labor and protection information was checked against PODS and FMCSA information in September 2026. Availability, authority, charges, service areas, coverage and policies can change. Verify material details for your exact move before booking.

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