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 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:
Check it yourself
Provider terms, restrictions, and prices change. Rules, prices, and instructions change and differ by service, installation, and provider — open the sources below, confirm the current details for yourself, and get your move's specifics from your transportation office in writing.
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 providers (ABF's ReloCubes, for example) offer container-based storage — ask whether storage rates and handling differ from keeping your belongings on a full trailer. Ask for an itemized receipt separating storage fees from shipment fees for your PPM filing. Military OneSource says service members are authorized up to 90 days of temporary storage, not to exceed the government constructed cost, with weight tickets, storage contracts, and receipts required — confirm the details with your TO.
- Have the container weighed empty before it's dropped off. Military OneSource says to tell the delivering company to weigh a portable container empty; you'll need full and empty weight tickets.
- 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.