Answers To Containers & Storage FAQs | PODS (2023)

What type of lock should I use?

We recommend a 2 ¾” (70mm) Disc Lock or a 1 ¾” Padlock. Locks can be purchased from PODS or at your local home improvement store.

Can I ship my car in a PODS container?

Can I put a car in a PODS container?

No, cars, motorized vehicles and lawnmowers are not allowed to be transported in PODS containers.

What can't I load in a Container?

Hazardous Materials such as toxic chemicals, gas, liquids, substance, material or waste, lawn mowers, motorized vehicles and illegal items cannot be placed in a PODS Container.
We also recommend that heirlooms, irreplaceable artifacts, deeds, legal notices, forms of currency and items that are not your personal property are not placed in the Container. Refer to your rental agreement for additional restrictions on what cannot be stored in the Container.
HUMAN OR ANIMAL HABITATION IS ALSO SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED.

Can I access my PODS Container?

What is considered Hazardous Materials?

“Hazardous Materials” shall include but not be limited to any hazardous or toxic chemical, gas, liquid, substance, material or waste that is or becomes regulated under any applicable local, state or federal law or regulation.
For further information on hazardous materials please refer to your Rental Agreement. If you are not a current customer, feel free to chat with one of our agents online after you run a quote.

What if I can’t open my container door?

If you're having trouble opening your container door, items may have shifted during transit. Please visit our container help pagefor assistance. If you still need help with your door, you can reach out to our Customer Care Team who will schedule a time for your local PODS team to assist you.

Is there a weight limit?

The maximum weight limit for our containers are:
8’ Container = 5,200 lbs 12’ Container = 4,700 lbs 16’ Container = 4,200 lbs
Customers do not have to calculate their content's weight, so the weight limits should be used as a guideline when packing the container. If you're concerned that you may be approaching the maximum weight, pick out your heaviest items and look for comparable items online. Most retail websites will list the weight of their items. The total weight of your heaviest items shouldn't exceed 75% of the total allowed weight. Heavy items to consider are appliances, sofas, large entertainment centers, bookcases, bedroom chests, safes, exercise equipment, pianos and pool tables.

What does the inside of a container look like?

Although the container's interior may depend on the model and size you receive, our containers are open spaces without obstructions or shelving.
There are wooden beams every 3-4 feet and in some models, tie down hooks are installed on the wood beams.
Pictures of a partially packed container can be found on our Loading page.

How do I make a claim under this coverage?

To report damages, customers can call the toll free number 1-866-351-3724.

Does PODS offer Contents Protection Coverage options, or coverage for damage to the container? How much are monthly rates for these coverage options?

Are there shelves included in the Container?

There are no shelves in the PODS containers.

Is the container and my belongings safe while it is at my location?

While the container is at your location, please make sure to keep the roll up door locked when you are not accessing the container.

Does PODS offer coverage for damage to the container?

Yes, PODS offers Container Only Option (COO). Pursuant to the terms of the PODS’ rental agreement, you are responsible for any damage to the container while the container is in your care and possession. This option gives you the opportunity to protect yourself against financial loss in the event the PODS container itself suffers any damage. PODS charges one low price per month for this coverage. Damage to the container however will not be covered if the damage was caused by your willful or intentional acts or items stored in the container prohibited by the PODS’ rental agreement.

What is not covered by the Contents Protection Option (CPO)?

Damage resulting from improper packing, normal shifting or intentional acts by the customer to the contents or the container is not protected. PODS will also not assume liability for burglary and/or theft of personal property for on-site containers. Additional details are outlined in the Contents Protection Option Addendum.

What does Container Only Option cover?

The Container Only Options will cover losses or damages to the container due to lightning, windstorm, hail, fire, smoke explosion, vandalism, riot, malicious mischief, falling objects, or auto accidents that may require a police report. For further information please refer to the Container Protection Options page.

I would like to cancel or make changes to the coverage on my PODS container

In order to cancel, add, or decrease the amount of CPO or COO, please call one of our customer care representatives at the number at the top of the page. Coverage can only be added or increased prior to the initial delivery of the empty container to your location. If you have coverage and wish to cancel, please keep in mind that once the coverage is cancelled, it can't be added back to the account.

How is a PODS container moved?

The PODS delivery truck is equipped with ourrevolutionaryhydraulic lift system, PODZILLA, designed to reduce shifting of your contents. It securely transports the PODS container to and from your location.

Are there any restrictions for using PODS?

PODS containers are permitted at most locations. If PODS is aware of regulations in your area, you will be informed at the time you place your order.

Are PODS containers water-proof?

PODS containers are weather-resistant. The container is designed to protect your items against typical weather conditions such as falling rain and snow.

Are there eyelets or Tie Downs in the PODS containers?

Most of our containers have eyelets every 4 feet and our newer containers have e-track slots. The customer is responsible for providing their own straps.

Are PODS containers for sale?

Unfortunately, we do not sell PODS® containers. When customers are looking for a flexible storage option, though, most people find us to be a great solution for their needs.

How many PODS containers should I order?

PODS containers are designed to accommodate a typical household. Larger households will require multiple containers. In general, each 8’ PODS container (Interior: 6’6”x6’x7’6”) may accommodate 1 room, each 12’ PODS container (Interior: 11’6”x7’x7’6”) may accommodate 2-3 rooms, and each 16’ PODS container (Interior: 15’6”x7’x7’6”) may accommodate 3-4 rooms. As every household is different, the customer is responsible for assessing the container capacity for their belongings. PODS container sizes are approximate.

What is the wind resistance of a PODS container?

PODS containers have been determined to withstand wind velocities of up to 110 mph winds when fully loaded, depending on weather conditions and container placement.

Do PODS containers have reflectors on them?

Our containers have reflective tape on each corner of the container.

What types of property are not covered?

PODS will not be responsible for valuable items that are listed in the rental agreement and should not be put into the container. A few such items are: jewelry, furs, firearms, computer programs, antiques, collectibles, credit cards and certain other invaluable and irreplaceable items. A detailed list of exclusions is outlined in the Content Protection Option Addendum.

What are your containers made from?

PODS containers are made of a steel frame with specially designed, aluminum skin panels. PODS containers also provide ambient, natural light to illuminate the inside of the container. Plus, there is a light-weight steel roll up door.