Container review / Best for all steel containers with barn doors
1-800-PACK-RAT.
All steel containers in three sizes with wide barn doors. Sister brand of Zippy Shell.
Our 1-800-PACK-RAT review covers container sizes, how a move works, real price ranges, protection plans, the FMCSA record and what customers praise and complain about.
CMR verdict
1-800-PACK-RAT has the best built containers of the group: all steel, full width barn doors, and a 16 ft box with about 830 cubic feet. Long distance moves include $10,000 of contents protection. The weak spots are coverage (about 35 states) and service reviews, where surprise fees and phone holds come up often.
Equipment
1-800-PACK-RAT container sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Weight limit | Fits | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | about 8 x 7 x 7 ft | 4,000 lbs | Studio or small apartment (about 404 cu ft) | Local and long distance |
| 12 ft | about 12 x 7 x 7.5 ft | 6,000 lbs | 2 to 3 rooms (about 620 cu ft) | Local only |
| 16 ft | about 16 x 7 x 7.5 ft | 6,000 lbs | 3 to 4 rooms (about 830 cu ft) | Local and long distance |
Construction: All steel. Door: Locking barn style doors. Dimensions are as published or reported and may vary slightly.
Process
How a 1-800-PACK-RAT move works
- Quote
Online or by phone; mixed sizes and 8 ft orders are phone only. A $500 deposit is reported on long distance moves.
- Delivery
Empty containers usually arrive within 48 hours of the order, placed level by the delivery truck.
- Load
Base rental covers 30 days. Load at your own pace.
- Transit
Third parties report up to 10 business days under 1,500 miles and 10 to 14 business days over 1,500 miles.
- Redelivery
To the new home, or kept at a company facility. Facility access by appointment 1 to 2 days ahead.
Cost
What 1-800-PACK-RAT costs
1-800-PACK-RAT publishes no prices. Third party estimates below come from affiliate and lead generation sites, so treat them as rough.
| Move | Price | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft, local | $400 to $800 | FreightWaves, Feb 2026 |
| 8 ft, 1,000+ miles | $2,800 to $3,800 | FreightWaves, Feb 2026 |
| 16 ft, 1,000+ miles | $4,500 to $7,000+ | FreightWaves, Feb 2026 |
| 1,500 sq ft home, cross country (median) | About $5,156 | HireAHelper, 2026 |
Protection and cancellation
- Long distance moves include $10,000 of contents protection.
- Contents plans reported from $35 a month ($5,000) to $150 a month ($75,000), $100 deductible.
- A basic $9.99 a month plan covers the container, not your belongings.
Cancellation: Sources disagree (24 hours to 5 days before delivery). Confirm the cancellation terms in writing when you book.
Discounts: Military, first responders, teachers, medical workers and seniors; price matching reported.
Registration
The federal record
How to read this: Broker or Carrier? and moving broker in our glossary.
- Registered name
- 1-800-PACK-RAT LLC
- USDOT
- 1534531 (Active)
- Entity type
- Carrier / Broker
- Authority
- Motor carrier and broker of household goods and property
- Checked
- October 8, 2026 on FMCSA SAFER
Household goods authority is listed on the SAFER record.
Reputation
What customers say
BBB: A+. BBB Accredited since September 2022. 376 complaints in the last 3 years (file shared with Zippy Shell). BBB profile
Trustpilot: 2.4 out of 5 from 1,476 reviews. Trustpilot page
Both checked October 8, 2026. Ratings move; open the profiles for today's numbers.
+What works
- All steel construction with full width barn doors
- Largest 16 ft container in the group by volume (about 830 cu ft)
- Long distance moves include $10,000 of contents protection
- Household goods carrier authority on file with FMCSA
- Discounts for military, first responders, teachers and seniors
−What to watch
- Smaller footprint than PODS or U-Pack
- Trustpilot 2.4 with frequent complaints about added fees
- $500 deposit reported on long distance moves
- Quotes often need a phone call
Rules
What you can't load, and where it can go
- No food, plants, gasoline, kerosene, or flammable or toxic substances.
- Keep important documents and high value items out of the container.
Placement: Flat ground that can hold the weight (paving not required), driveway slope under about 6 degrees, and truck clearance of about 13.5 ft high, 12 ft wide and 55 ft long.
Look elsewhere if
Outside its service area, U-Pack covers every state. For the widest network with on site storage, compare PODS.
Questions
1-800-PACK-RAT FAQ
Is 1-800-PACK-RAT the same company as Zippy Shell?
They are sister brands. Zippy Shell Inc. calls 1-800-PACK-RAT LLC its subsidiary, and both run from Wake Forest, NC. They share one national BBB file.
What sizes does 1-800-PACK-RAT offer?
8 ft, 12 ft and 16 ft. The 16 ft holds about 830 cubic feet. The 12 ft is local only according to third party reviews.
Is 1-800-PACK-RAT licensed for household goods?
Yes. 1-800-PACK-RAT LLC holds USDOT 1534531, active, with motor carrier and broker of household goods authority on its SAFER record.
Does 1-800-PACK-RAT include insurance?
Long distance moves include $10,000 of contents protection according to NerdWallet. Higher plans are available for a monthly fee.
Compare
The other four
Contact 1-800-PACK-RAT
(800) 722-5728
Prices and policies change. Confirm fees, protection and cancellation terms on your written quote.
Sources, checked October 8, 2026
- FMCSA SAFER record: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=queryCarrierSnapshot&query_param=USDOT&query_string=1534531
- BBB profile: https://www.bbb.org/us/nc/wake-forest/profile/storage-units/1-800-pack-rat-llc-0593-90066458
- Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/1800packrat.com
- 1-800-PACK-RAT website: https://www.1800packrat.com/