The basic idea is simple: a company delivers a trailer or container to your home and leaves it there for a couple of days. You pack and load your belongings into it yourself, and the company sends a driver to haul it to your new home.
Whether this ends up cheaper or more profitable than a rental truck depends on the actual quotes for your specific route, dates, and volume — get quotes for both before assuming one is better. Not having to drive a truck yourself is a real advantage regardless of the cost comparison, and it's worth weighing on its own.
Companies offering this option include ABF U-Pack — mentioned here as an example of the category, not a recommendation. Compare it against other providers using the same questions you'd ask any mover: what's included, what's extra, and what the actual quote comes to for your move.
Other PPM/DITY options:
Helpful Hints
- Not all companies will work for all moves. You may have to meet distance requirements with some services.
- This option works best if you already have a known delivery address or anticipate only a few days of delay before having a new home.
- If you anticipate needing to store your goods at your final destination, ask providers about container-based storage options — some, like ABF's ReloCubes, can be stored at lower rates than keeping your belongings on a full trailer, with ground-level loading and unloading. Ask for an itemized receipt separating storage fees from shipment fees for your PPM filing, and check with your finance office about how storage is treated for reimbursement.
- Some companies charge extra fees for items such as ramps, packing blankets, and weight tickets — ask about these up front, since weight tickets are required for reimbursement regardless of who provides them.
- Check local restrictions on parking a trailer outside your house for several days. Some HOA covenants or base regulations may prohibit or limit this.