7 Alternatives to U-Haul Cargo Trailers

Alternatives to U-Haul Cargo Trailers

1. Tactics to Save Money During the Moving Process
2. Portable Storage Containers
3. Shipping Services
4. Pickup Rentals
5. Purchase a Cargo Carrier
6. Full-Service Storage
7. Freight Trailers
8. LTL Movers

1. Tactics to Save Money During the Moving Process

Are you in desperate need of some better options for your move than the traditional, costly full service moving company? Maybe you would rather not shell out hundreds and hundreds of dollars for a service that you don’t really need. U-Haul trailers are becoming an increasingly popular, and seemingly cheaper, way to move household goods from one home to another. However, there are a lot of costs and risks involved with the rental of a U-Haul truck that is not apparent at first glance. Not to worry, because there are plenty of alternatives to renting a U-haul trailer that may be better suited to your needs.

2. Portable Storage Containers

More and more businesses have been offering portable storage containers as an alternative to the usual U-Haul services that they know people are turning away from. Portable storage container companies typically offer services that are not found with U-Haul companies, that usually require you to do everything yourself. With a portable container company, you can rent a container and have it at your door ready to be loaded in just a few days. After it is dropped off, you will have a few days to load it with whatever you need to, at your own pace. Then, the company will pick it up and drive it to the new location. If you aren’t able to load all of your heavy furniture into the truck, then you can hire moving help. Still cheaper than a full service moving company, the men will help you load whatever you need into the portable container. These containers also come in handy if you need to keep your items in storage for a while before transporting. The company will likely store your items in their own facility until you are ready to send it to your new location. There are a lot of variations in the size of portable storage container you can purchase. Some people use them for very large household moves, while others only use them to move a few items. Prices will vary depending on the size you need.

3. Shipping Services

If you don’t have a lot of items that need to be moved, then you can consider shipping them. This is a very economical option as opposed to getting a cargo trailer or U-Haul if you only have a few goods. Just like storage pods, there are many companies that specialize in the service of shipping only household goods and furniture. Some companies use unique methods to simplify the process of small shipments. Companies such as uShip, whose parent company are eBay, partner with independent truck drivers that are driving in the same direction that your goods need to go. You can rent out extra space on their truck, and have them do all of the difficult driving.

4. Pickup Rentals

If you don’t want someone to do the driving for you, then you can get a rental pickup truck to haul your goods. Specific rental car companies will charge you a lot of money for renting a truck one way. Home improvement stores usually offer the best solutions for renting pickup trucks. These stores usually do not charge additionally for mileage fees if you remain within the time limit. The best part is, the rental will only cost $20.

5. Purchase a Cargo Carrier

You may find it easier to move items if you just purchase a cargo carrier. If you have a son or daughter in college, then you may find this useful for getting their stuff home every year. Many cargo carriers can be towed behind your vehicle or attached to your roof. Although these are not suited for handling huge loads, you can still manage to move six suitcases worth of items. You can also use this for multiple moves.

6. Full-Service Storage

This is a good solution if you live in a large area, such as NYC. This option is becoming very popular in larger cities because of its convenience. These full-service companies will pick up your pre-packed boxes and store them until you want them back. Although it is not available for long distance moving, this option is much easier than self-storage.

7. Freight Trailers

Freight trailers are a great option if you want to save money for your move. The best part of using freight trailers is that you only pay for the space that you use.

Freight trailer companies will drop a trailer off at your home, which you can utilize a portion of for your goods. Then, the company will pick it up and drive it to your new city.

8. LTL Movers

Less-than-truckload movers are very accommodating to special situations, especially if you have a small load move. These moving companies utilize a variety of sources to get your items where they need to go.

All of these options are good alternatives to just renting a U-Haul trailer.