When planning a long-distance move, many people wonder: Can PODS ship cars? The short answer is no, PODS and similar moving container companies do not transport vehicles. However, understanding the differences between moving containers vs auto transport services is crucial for making the right choice. While PODS excels at moving household goods with their portable storage containers, you’ll need a dedicated auto transport company to ship your vehicle. This comprehensive guide compares both options, explores costs, and helps you decide which service or combination of services best fits your moving needs in 2026.
Can You Actually Ship a Car in a PODS Container?
While it might seem logical to load your car into a PODS container alongside your belongings, PODS explicitly prohibits vehicle transport in their containers. This policy exists for several important reasons:
- Safety concerns: Vehicles contain hazardous materials like gasoline, oil, and battery acid that pose fire and environmental risks during transport
- Weight restrictions: Cars can weigh 3,000-5,000+ pounds, quickly exceeding container weight limits and potentially damaging the container structure
- Insurance limitations: PODS insurance doesn’t cover motor vehicles, leaving you without protection if damage occurs
- Legal compliance: Vehicle transport requires specific USDOT licensing and regulations that container companies don’t hold
- Space inefficiency: A car takes up most container space, making it impractical for combined moves
According to PODS’ 2025 Terms and Conditions, attempting to ship a vehicle violates their service agreement and can result in container refusal, additional fees, or contract termination.
Moving Containers vs Auto Transport: What’s the Difference?
Understanding these two distinct services helps you plan your move effectively:
Moving Container Services (PODS, U-Pack, SMARTBOX)
How they work: A portable storage container is delivered to your home. You load it at your own pace, then the company transports it to your destination where you unload it—or they store it at their facility.
What they transport:
- Furniture and household goods
- Appliances
- Boxes and personal belongings
- Non-hazardous items only
Auto Transport Services (Montway, AmeriFreight, uShip)
How they work: Licensed car carriers pick up your vehicle from a designated location and transport it on specialized auto haulers (open or enclosed trailers) directly to your destination.
What they transport:
- Cars, trucks, and SUVs
- Motorcycles and ATVs
- Classic and luxury vehicles
- Non-running vehicles (with additional fees)
Pros and Cons of Using PODS for Moving
Advantages
- Flexible timing: Load and unload on your schedule without rushing
- Temporary storage: Keep containers at your home or their facility during transition periods
- No driving required: Unlike rental trucks, PODS handles all transportation
- Secure containers: Weather-resistant, ground-level access, and lockable units
- Transparent pricing: Upfront quotes with no hidden fuel charges or mileage fees
Disadvantages
- Cannot transport vehicles: Requires separate auto transport arrangements
- Limited accessibility: Once picked up, you can’t access your belongings until delivery
- Space constraints: Container sizes may not accommodate all household items for larger homes
How Does PODS Work for Household Moves?
- Get a quote: Visit PODS.com or call for pricing based on distance, container size, and timeline
- Schedule delivery: Choose your delivery date and container size (7-ft, 12-ft, or 16-ft options)
- Load your container: Take as much time as needed (typically 1-7 days included) to pack your belongings
- Transportation: PODS picks up the loaded container and transports it to your destination or storage facility
- Delivery and unloading: Container is delivered to your new location where you unload at your pace
- Container pickup: Once empty, schedule pickup and PODS retrieves the container
Why You Need Professional Auto Transport Instead
Since PODS can’t ship your vehicle, here’s why dedicated auto transport services are your best option:
Specialized Equipment and Expertise
Auto transport companies use purpose-built car carriers with hydraulic lifts, secure tie-downs, and proper weight distribution. Drivers are trained specifically in vehicle loading, securing, and safe transport across various terrains and weather conditions.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Licensed auto transporters carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle during transit (typically $100,000-$250,000 per load for open transport, up to $500,000+ for enclosed). This protection doesn’t exist with moving container companies.
Legal Compliance and Tracking
Auto transport companies hold USDOT and MC numbers, ensuring they meet federal safety standards. Most offer GPS tracking so you can monitor your vehicle’s location throughout the journey.
Pricing and Costs: What Can You Expect to Pay?
PODS Moving Container Pricing
PODS pricing varies based on distance, container size, rental duration, and seasonal demand. Here’s a breakdown of typical 2025 costs:
| Distance | Small Container (7-ft) | Large Container (16-ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Local (same city) | $149-$299 | $249-$450 |
| 500-1,000 miles | $1,200-$2,500 | $2,000-$3,800 |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | $2,500-$4,000 | $3,500-$5,500 |
| 2,000+ miles | $3,500-$5,000 | $4,500-$7,000 |
Auto Transport Pricing
Auto transport costs depend on distance, vehicle type, transport method (open vs. enclosed), and season. Here are 2025 industry averages:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 0-500 miles | $300-$600 | $450-$900 |
| 500-1,000 miles | $550-$900 | $800-$1,400 |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | $800-$1,400 | $1,200-$2,100 |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,200-$1,900 | $1,800-$2,800 |
How Much Does It Really Cost?
Based on 2025 customer reports, here are real-world examples:
- New York to Florida (1,200 miles): $950 open transport for a sedan; $1,450 enclosed
- California to Texas (1,400 miles): $1,100 open transport for an SUV; $1,650 enclosed
- Chicago to Denver (1,000 miles): $750 open transport for a compact car; $1,150 enclosed
- Seattle to Los Angeles (1,100 miles): $850 open transport; $1,300 enclosed for a luxury vehicle
Factors affecting price: Vehicle size/weight, running condition (non-running vehicles cost $150-$300 extra), season (summer costs 20-30% more), pickup/delivery locations (rural areas add $100-$200), and expedited service needs (adds 30-50% to base cost).
Services and Insurance Coverage
What Services Does PODS Offer?
- Portable moving containers: Three sizes (7-ft, 12-ft, 16-ft) for different home sizes
- Flexible storage: On-site storage at your property or at PODS facilities nationwide
- Long-distance moving: Door-to-door container transport across all 50 states
- Local moving: Same-city moves with flexible loading windows
- Military discounts: Special rates for active duty and veterans
- Packing supplies: Optional boxes, tape, and materials available for purchase
What’s Covered? PODS Insurance Details
PODS offers basic protection called “Full Value Protection” as part of their service:
- Standard coverage: $5,000 included at no extra cost
- Additional coverage: Available up to $50,000+ for an extra fee (typically 1-2% of declared value)
- What’s covered: Damage from accidents during transport or while in storage facility
- What’s NOT covered: Improper packing by customer, normal wear and tear, perishables, vehicles, or valuables left unsecured
Important Note: PODS insurance explicitly excludes motor vehicles, making it impossible to get coverage even if you attempted to load a car. Always purchase separate auto transport insurance.
Auto Transport Insurance
Professional car shipping companies provide:
- Carrier liability insurance: Minimum $750,000-$1,000,000 required by federal law
- Cargo insurance: Covers your specific vehicle (typically $100,000-$500,000 depending on transport type)
- Supplemental coverage: Additional protection available for high-value or classic cars
- Damage documentation: Pre and post-transport vehicle inspections with condition reports
Customer Reviews and Ratings: What Are People Saying?
Overall Rating Breakdown
Based on aggregated reviews from multiple platforms as of January 2025:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): A+ rating with 1.14/5 stars (based on 950+ customer reviews)
- Google Reviews: 3.8/5 stars (averaged across local facilities)
- Trustpilot: 4.1/5 stars (3,200+ reviews)
- Consumer Affairs: 3.9/5 stars (2,100+ reviews)
BBB Reviews
PODS maintains an A+ BBB rating, but customer reviews reveal mixed experiences. The low star rating (1.14/5) primarily reflects complaints about delivery delays, damage claims disputes, and customer service responsiveness. However, the company actively responds to complaints and resolves most issues, which helps maintain their accreditation. As of January 2025, PODS has resolved approximately 73% of complaints filed in the past 12 months.
Google Reviews
PODS receives 3.8/5 stars on Google Reviews, with ratings varying significantly by location. Recent reviews from late 2024 and early 2025 highlight positive experiences with container delivery timing and driver professionalism, but some customers report difficulties reaching customer service during peak moving season (May-August).
Trustpilot Reviews
With a 4.1/5 rating on Trustpilot, PODS scores higher on this platform. Recent reviews from November 2024-January 2025 emphasize satisfaction with the flexibility of loading timelines and the convenience of having storage at your property. Common praise points include easy online booking and transparent pricing.
Reddit Reviews
Reddit discussions about PODS in r/moving and r/RealEstate reveal practical insights. Users frequently mention that PODS works well for flexible moves but isn’t suitable for vehicle transport. A December 2024 thread in r/moving specifically addressed the car shipping question, with multiple users confirming they had to book separate auto transport and recommending companies like Montway and uShip for vehicle shipping.
Real Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
“Used PODS for our cross-country move from Boston to Portland in October 2024. The container arrived on time, and we had a full week to load it. The driver was professional and careful with placement. We also appreciated being able to store the container at their facility for two weeks while our house closing finalized. For household goods, they’re excellent—just had to arrange separate car shipping through Montway for our two vehicles.” – Sarah M., Trustpilot, October 2025
“PODS made our local move so much easier. We downsized from a 3-bedroom to a 2-bedroom in Austin and needed storage for a month. The 16-ft container held everything, and we could take our time sorting. Great for furniture and boxes, but we drove our car ourselves since they don’t do vehicles.” – James T., Google Reviews, November 2025
Negative Reviews
“Our container was delayed by 5 days during our long-distance move from Chicago to Phoenix in August 2024. Customer service was hard to reach during peak season, and we had to extend our hotel stay. The container eventually arrived intact, but the delay was stressful. Also learned they don’t transport cars, so we had to scramble to find an auto transporter last minute.” – Michael R., BBB, August 2025
“Disappointed with damage claim process. Several items were broken after our cross-country move in September 2024, and filing the claim took weeks. They eventually paid out, but it was a hassle. Also, make sure you know upfront they can’t ship vehicles—we assumed we could fit our motorcycle in the container but learned it’s prohibited.” – Jennifer L., Consumer Affairs, September 2025
Top Auto Transport Companies for Vehicle Shipping
Since PODS can’t help with your car, here are the best alternatives:
| Company | Type | Average Price | BBB Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | Broker | $800-$1,400 (1,000 miles) | A+ | Reliable nationwide shipping, transparent pricing |
| AmeriFreight | Broker | $750-$1,300 (1,000 miles) | A+ | Budget-conscious customers, price matching |
| uShip | Marketplace | $600-$1,200 (1,000 miles) | A+ | Comparing multiple carrier bids, flexible timing |
| SGT Auto Transport | Broker | $850-$1,500 (1,000 miles) | A+ | Military members, expedited shipping |
| Ship a Car Direct | Broker | $900-$1,600 (1,000 miles) | A | Damage-free guarantee, premium service |
PODS vs Auto Transport: Which Should You Choose?
The reality is: you’ll likely need both for a complete long-distance move.
Use PODS When You Need:
- Flexible loading and unloading timelines
- Temporary storage during your transition
- A DIY moving approach without
Final Verdict: Should You Use PODS for Your Move?
PODS is an excellent choice in 2026 if you want maximum flexibility, need built-in storage, and are moving household goods only. It beats renting a truck for most people because you load/unload on your own schedule and avoid driving a huge vehicle cross-country.
But PODS cannot and will not ship your car. No cars, no motorcycles, no exceptions. Plan on booking a separate, licensed auto transport company (Montway, AmeriFreight, or uShip are the top recommendations from recent PODS users).
Bottom line: Use PODS for your stuff + a reputable car shipper for your vehicle. Combining both services is still cheaper and far less stressful than towing your car or driving two vehicles yourself on a long-distance move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my car inside a PODS container and ship it that way?
No. PODS strictly prohibits vehicles in their containers for safety, weight, insurance, and legal reasons. If they discover a car inside, they can refuse to move the container and may charge extra fees or cancel the contract.
Will PODS insurance cover my car if I sneak it in anyway?
No — vehicle coverage is explicitly excluded. If anything happens to your car (or the container), you have zero protection and could be held fully liable for damages.
Can I ship a motorcycle, ATV, or golf cart in a PODS container?
No. The same prohibition applies to all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, riding lawn mowers, etc.
What’s the cheapest way to move both my household stuff and my car long-distance in 2026?
Use PODS (or U-Pack) for your belongings because of the flexible timing and storage options, then book a separate open-transport auto shipper (Montway, AmeriFreight, or uShip) for the car. Most people save money and stress versus renting a truck and towing the car themselves.
Which auto transport companies work best with PODS customers?
The most frequently recommended by recent PODS users (2025–2026) are Montway Auto Transport (reliable & easy booking), AmeriFreight (best discounts), and uShip (lowest price if you’re flexible). All three coordinate pickup/delivery dates around your PODS schedule.
