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1-800-PACK-RAT Review
By Susan Doktor MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
With thousands of moving service companies in the U.S., picking the right one can be daunting. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers portable storage units that customers can pack on their own time; the unit is then shipped to a location near the customer’s new home. While it didn’t make it onto our list of the best moving companies, since it isn’t a traditional mover, let’s look at the services offered by 1-800-PACK-RAT and what customers think of the company.
Table of contents
- 1-800-PACK-RAT overview
- 1-800-PACK-RAT’s moving services
- 1-800-PACK-RAT’s credentials
- 1-800-PACK-RAT’s accessibility
- 1-800-PACK-RAT’s customer satisfaction
- 1-800-PACK-RAT FAQs
- How we evaluated 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Summary of 1-800-PACK-RAT review
1-800-PACK-RAT overview
- It may be a more economical option than traditional moving services.
- Schedule your container delivery date 48 hours before you need it.
- Pack at your own pace.
- Storage containers are weatherproof.
- Discounts and frequent promotions can save you money.
- Flexible storage options are available, including climate-controlled warehouses.
- Available across 97% of the U.S.
- Contents Protection Plans available to cover belongings.
- The company is not a full-service moving company.
- Packing and unpacking services are outsourced.
- There are many Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaints.
- Customers need to have an area to store the unit at their house while packing.
1-800-PACK-RAT was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Wakeforest, North Carolina and services local, interstate and long-distance moves. The company operates more than 65 storage locations across the country. Its sister company is Zippy Shell.
It’s a moving container and portable storage company that offers a type of service similar to PODS or U-Pack. It provides customers with one or more of its all-steel storage units that they can pack with their belongings. Once ready, the company picks up the unit and brings it to either a nearby storage facility or one close to the customer’s new home.
If you need help packing and unloading your belongings, 1-800-PACK-RAT doesn’t offer this service itself but outsources it through a partnership with Hire A Helper.
1-800-PACK-RAT’s moving services
As a storage unit-based moving company, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers a few different unit sizes based on how many belongings you want to move. It offers flexible storage and moving options but lacks in-house packing and unpacking services.
What it offers
- Portable eight-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers
- Option to rent multiple containers
- Very flexible, temporary and long-term storage solutions
- Local, interstate and long-distance shipping
- Moving supplies
- Vehicle relocation
- Contents Protection Plan options
What it doesn’t offer
- In-house packing and unpacking services
- International moving services
An eight-foot container typically holds one to two rooms of furniture, a 12-foot container holds two to three rooms’ worth and a 16-foot one holds three to four rooms of belongings. The 12-foot and 16-foot containers can hold up to 6,000 lbs, while the eight-foot one can hold up to 4,000 lbs.
1-800-PACK-RAT moving costs
Moving costs through 1-800-PACK-RAT differ depending on how much you need to move. It charges based on the distance of your move, the size and number of storage containers you need and how long you keep them. There’s a monthly rental cost for storage units. There’s also an extra cost if you need the unit stored at one of the company’s facilities. Unlike other companies, 1-800-PACK-RAT doesn’t estimate the weight of your belongings to come up with a cost figure.
1-800-PACK-RAT.com, provides a calculator to estimate what size and how many storage containers you’ll need to cover your belongings. You can also request a quote online for moving, storage or both.
Generally, 1-800-PACK-RAT is considered an economical solution when compared to full-service moving companies. It sponsors frequent promotions that can help you save money. There are also discounts for military personnel, first responders, teachers, doctors, nurses and seniors.
Container companies do not offer mandatory protection coverage as do traditional movers. There is an optional Contents Protection Plan, the cost of which ranges from $9.99 to $149.95 per month, depending on the level of coverage you choose.
1-800-PACK-RAT’s credentials
1-800-PACK-RAT has all of the credentials a storage company needs to comply with the law. However, it doesn’t have a spotless record in transporting possessions safely. A total of 19 crashes involving 1-800-PACK-RAT vehicles have been reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) over the past two years.
Licenses and Registration
The company is duly licensed to operate in all 50 states and has been in business for nearly 20 years. 1-800-PACK-RAT is licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Its DOT number is 1534531.
Awards and Certifications
1-800-PACK-RAT was the recipient of an American Business Awards Gold Stevie® in 2019; the company was designated Company of the Year in the Transportation category.
1-800-PACK-RAT’s accessibility
1-800-PACK-RAT has availability all over the U.S. with both online and over-the-phone contact methods. Though, quotes are given over the phone. Its moving process is convenient and workable.
Availability
1-800-PACK-RAT serves customers in all 50 states and operates over 65 storage locations across the U.S. The company says its service territory spans 97% of the U.S.
The company delivers the storage unit to your home, usually putting it in your driveway. If you don’t have a driveway, the website notes that you may need to obtain a permit from your city or town for on-street storage.
Contact information
You can contact 1-800-PACK-RAT by using an online form at 1800packrat.com or by calling the company’s toll-free number. Customer service is available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST.
The company is reachable in the following ways.
- Website: https://1800packrat.com
- Phone number: 1-800-722-5728
- Mailing address: 11640 North Park Drive, Suite 200, Wake Forest, NC 27587
The 1-800-PACK-RAT moving process
The first step in using 1-800-PACK-RAT is to get a cost estimate, which you can request online. That estimate will facilitate figuring out which container sizes and the number of storage units you need. You schedule the delivery to your departure location. Customers can keep the unit(s) for 30 days after drop-off, after which there is a surcharge.
Once you are ready to move your unit, you call 1-800-PACK-RAT for pick-up. With a local move, you may be able to get the same or next-day delivery of your container. But the company advises that a delivery time of 2 or 3 days is a more reasonable expectation.
You have the option to stash your container in a 1-800-PACK-RAT storage facility until you’re ready for it to be delivered to your new location. Alternatively, the container can be kept at your new home for as long as needed and unpacked according to your own schedule.
User Experience
Like most moving companies 1-800-PACK-RAT offers to provide moving quotes online. But these are only estimates and you will need to speak to a customer service representative to get precise numbers. If you make last-minute changes to your moving plans, you can expect your moving cost to change, too.
1-800-PACK-RAT’s website provides information you need to understand the company’s service offering. It offers an FAQ section and a blog with universal moving tips, tips for military moving customers and information on moving to some popular destinations.
Limitations
All moving companies have limitations on what you can and can’t pack for transport. 1-800-PACK-RAT advises that you shouldn’t pack perishable items, flammable and toxic substances, important documents, cash and other valuables in your container(s).
1-800-PACK-RAT’s customer satisfaction
Though 1-800-PACK-RAT is an accredited business with the BBB, there are numerous complaints customers have filed against the company.
Customer complaints
The Better Business Bureau reports that a total of 711 complaints against 1-800-PACK-RAT have been resolved through the organization over the past three years. This year, a total of 275 complaints have been resolved. Many of these complaints concern delayed delivery dates and billing issues.
Third-party ratings
Despite the many BBB complaints filed against 1-800-PACK-RAT, the company earns an “A” rating from the organization. That’s generally a signal that a business has responded promptly to complaints and resolved them to the customer’s satisfaction.
1-800-PACK-RAT earns a rating of four out of five stars from customers who review the site on Trustpilot. Positive reviews on Trustpilot praise 1-800-PACK-RAT’s professionalism and dependability.
1-800-PACK-RAT FAQs
Is 1-800-PACK-RAT a legit company?
1-800-PACK-RAT has been in business for almost 20 years and is accredited with the BBB. It is fully licensed to do business in 50 states and can move you across town or to another state.
Does 1-800-PACK-RAT have hidden fees?
1-800-PACK-RAT charges customers based on the following:
- Cost of the container(s) you use
- Cost of delivering your container(s) to your departure location
- Cost of transporting your container(s) to your new home
- Cost of transporting your container(s) to any interim locations, such as a storage facility
- Monthly rental fee if you keep the container(s) longer than 30 days
- Warehouse storage fees
- Fees if you need to access your unit while it's in storage at their facility
How long does 1-800-PACK-RAT take to deliver?
The time it takes to deliver your belongings depends on how many containers you are using, if you need 1-800-PACK-RAT to store your unit, how far you are moving your belongings, and more. The company states on its website that long-distance moves under 1,500 miles can take as long as 10 days from pick-up to delivery. Plan on two weeks or more if you're moving a greater distance. Local moves may be much shorter.
How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost per month?
The monthly cost of 1-800-PACK-RAT depends on several factors, including the number of storage containers you rent, the size of the containers, and your location. According to the sources we consulted, monthly rent can range anywhere from about $200 to $700 dollars or more. The only way to determine your true monthly cost is to speak to a 1-800-PACK-RAT customer service rep.
How we evaluated 1-800-PACK-RAT
We considered these factors when we evaluated 1-800-PACK-RAT:
- Types of moves it handles and services available
- Price and value
- Transparency
- Geographical availability
- Online experience
- Safety records
- Customer reviews
- Licenses and awards
Summary of 1-800-PACK-RAT review
For people who want to save money by packing their belongings and loading them into a storage container themselves, 1-800-PACK-RAT is a moving partner to consider. It may also be a great option for people who need to store their items before moving into a new home.
The company offers great flexibility and allows customers to move according to a timeline that suits them. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers local and long-distance moves, but it cannot accommodate international transport. Numerous customers have filed complaints against the company, but the BBB gives it an “A” rating. Overall, it may not be suitable for someone who wants a full-service moving company that can pack and unpack their belongings, but may be a company to consider for someone interested in a DIY move.
