Zippy Shell Moving Container Review
Searching for the perfect moving container company for your next long-distance or local move can be difficult, and space constraints or local ordinances complicate the process further. Zippy Shell overcomes these challenges by delivering your portable moving container inside of a licensed, street-legal trailer on wheels. It is called the Zippy Shell.
The Zippy Shell solution is ideal for city moves, apartment complexes with limited space, or neighborhoods with restrictions. Here is everything you need to know about Zippy Shell moving containers.
Zippy Shell Overview
Zippy Shell was founded in 2007 in Australia. It launched in the United States as Zippy Shell USA in 2010 and quickly expanded in popularity and availability. In 2018, Zippy Shell merged with another container company, 1-800-PACK-RAT. Although both companies operate independently, the merger provides more container options and availability. In addition, shared technology strengthened both companies.
Zippy Shell operates locations in 28 states across the United States. The company's steel-cage storage containers are transported inside a Zippy Shell moving trailer. The innovative cage design keeps the container fully enclosed by a street-friendly wheeled trailer when in transit and on-location, which makes it an excellent choice for moves in large cities.
What Do Zippy Shell Reviews Say?
Zippy Shell reviews vary greatly by location. For example, the Bay Area Zippy Shell has a 2.5-star review rating on Yelp, while the Zippy Shell of Northern Virginia has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp. The Zippy Shell USA Facebook page allows public reviews and has an average of 2.2 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers mention hidden fees, billing confusion, and late or missing deliveries. Users also report a lack of adequate customer service when conflicts arise, and they discuss difficulty accessing needed items when the container is in storage.
The Zippy Shell website highlights a good selection of positive reviews and testimonials. Several locations also feature higher-rated public reviews on search engines. Research your nearest location and check out local reviews and policies carefully before choosing your moving container company.
The Pros and Cons of Using Zippy Shell
This is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of using Zippy Shell containers.
Pros:
- Moving containers come loaded onto a moving trailer that can be legally parked almost anywhere.
- A professional does all the driving, so you don't have to worry about transporting your stuff.
- Fully enclosed and locking trailers with hitch blocks ensure on-site security.
- All storage facilities are climate-controlled and secure.
- Fewer touch-points to your container in transit.
- You are assigned a moving coordinator to assist with your move.
- Steel-cage design allows for nearly unlimited tie down points to secure items.
- The Zippy Shell moving trailer includes a ramp for easy loading.
- 30 days of free storage for those moving long-distance.
Cons:
- Limited to 1-3 days for loading and unloading your container.
- Website is outdated with some incorrect information.
- Customer service agents often give information that is different from what is on their website.
- You must call to receive a price quote and availability.
- Only available in 28 states, and the service area within those states is limited.
- Rates vary significantly based on distance, time of year, and location.
- Stricter cancellation policy than other moving container companies.
What Size Are Zippy Shell Moving Containers?
Zippy Shell offers both a 10-foot and 15-foot moving container. Well, that’s what the website says, but that appears to be incorrect.
We called Zippy Shell to get more information about their 10-foot containers, and a representative said the company no longer offers them. We asked why this information isn't updated on their website, and we were told that the 10-foot container is available, but only in a limited number of locations, and that they generally don't provide a quote for that size container any longer.
10-foot container:
- 420 cubic feet in size
- Dimensions: 10' x 7' x 7'
- Fits 1-2 rooms of furniture and boxes
- Only available for local moving and storage
- Often unavailable at many locations
15-foot container:
- 680 cubic feet in size
- Dimensions: 15' x 7' x 7'
- Fits 2-3 rooms of furniture and boxes
Both are delivered and transported in a Zippy Shell moving trailer measuring 10.5 feet wide, 11 feet high, and 22 feet long, including the hitch.
How Does Zippy Shell Work?
To receive a Zippy Shell quote, you must call the customer service number to speak with a representative. There is no online cost estimator, which makes the process a little more difficult. Pricing depends greatly on the distance to and from the nearest facility location, as well as the distance between origin and destination. Rates are given over the phone, and a contract is emailed.
Once the price is agreed on, you schedule your initial delivery date for the Zippy Shell container. You are charged 50% of the full cost two days before delivery. After arrival at your location, Zippy Shell requires you to load all of your belongings into the container yourself. Some customers note that it can be tricky to pack correctly to avoid damage during transit, and it is sometimes challenging to pack items efficiently to save space. You have 1-3 days to load the moving container, which is less than the majority of other moving container companies.
Fortunately, there is an option to simplify the packing, loading, and unloading process. MovingLabor.com has the resources you need to find professional movers to pack and load your moving container expertly. Hiring professional help will allow you to meet that 3-day deadline with ease.
After loading, your moving container will be transported to the nearest facility and then moved to the facility closest to your destination. You are charged the remaining 50% the day the moving container arrives at your destination warehouse or 31 days after initially receiving the container, whichever comes first.
Once the container is at your new destination warehouse, you can schedule home delivery. You have 1-3 days to unload your moving container. Meet this tighter deadline with ease by hiring help to unload your heavy furniture and belongings.
How Does Zippy Shell Work With Local Moves?
Zippy Shell offers support for local moves and long-distance moves. The smaller container size is reserved for local moves and works great for small studio apartments or a single roommate moving out. The smaller container is not available at all locations, so you may be forced to use their 15-foot container.
Zippy Shell also offers local box truck rental options and promotes a truck-and-trailer combination configuration as a solution for local moves that require partial storage.
MovingLabor.com can help you hire licensed professional movers to pack, load, and unload your Zippy Shell boxes at your destination to make the process faster.
How Does Zippy Shell Work With Long-Distance Moves?
Zippy Shell's transit system is designed to accommodate long-distance container moves. A moving coordinator walks you through the process of determining the price and availability for your desired locations. In a long-distance move, your moving container is transported to the warehouse closest to your original residence first. Then, it is transported to the warehouse nearest your destination location. It doesn't travel door-to-door, which is standard for moving container companies.
How Much Do Zippy Shell Moving Containers Cost?
Although Zippy Shell promotes transparent pricing once a contract is written, estimating the cost beforehand is difficult with Zippy Shell. Without an online cost estimator tool, expect to invest a good amount of time on the phone discussing pricing and container availability before determining if Zippy Shell is right for your move.
Prices can vary significantly based on your proximity to the warehouses at your original location and your new location. The price is also bound to fluctuate during peak moving season, as well as based on the cost of living in different locations.
Not only do rates vary from location to location, but the pricing process and structure are also different at each location. For example, Zippy Shell's frequently asked question page states that the container delivery fee "may include" delivery to your home with three days to load and "may include" pickup after, which suggests it is not always included.
Insurance coverage is not included in the rates and is highly encouraged as an add-on service for an additional cost.
Estimates for a single 15-foot container are as follows:
- Local move: $300-$600
- Long-distance move: $3000-$5000
When hiring help for your move, MovingLabor.com can help you find the most cost-efficient and professional movers around with dynamic, transparent pricing. Enlisting professional movers ensures that your belongings and furniture will be handled with care.
Downsides of Using Zippy Shell
One major downside of Zippy Shell is the abundance of poor reviews online. Even the best moving companies can't be perfect, but a pattern of poor results certainly gives pause.
Another downside is the quick timeline required for loading and unloading your containers. Zippy Shell's 1-3 days is low in comparison to the full month many other moving container companies offer their clients.
Should You Choose Zippy Shell Over Other Moving Container Companies?
For city moves and areas where traditional moving containers may not be possible or even allowed, Zippy Shell's innovative design provides a unique solution that may be perfect for your situation. Access to a ramp for easier loading is a unique feature of this service, and the climate-controlled storage facilities are a major bonus when it comes to the safety and security of your belongings.
Even better, you can combine your Zippy Shell container move with professional and reliable moving help from MovingLabor.com. With options to schedule help with packing, loading, and unloading, you can design your own hybrid move while saving an average of 40-50% compared to full-service moving companies.