PODS typically takes several weeks to deliver your items across the country because of their shared load-moving model. Rather than dedicating a box truck to one customer, they stack or place several pods on a semi (or trailer) to optimize shipping routes. Once your container is loaded, it's taken to a local warehouse or storage center and placed on a larger transport vehicle carrying multiple PODS containers for cross-country transit.
How Long Does PODS Really Take To Deliver?
While official PODS statements say 1–2 weeks of transit time, real-life reviews show that delivery times can take 1–3 weeks or longer, depending on driver availability and unexpected scheduling issues. Below, we'll summarize the average delivery times, why delays might happen, and how to prepare for a smoother experience.
Common Causes For Delivery Delays
A cross-country move with PODS can span anywhere from 1–3 weeks in total, depending on:
1. Transit Time (7–21 Days)
As mentioned, on average, PODS takes 7- 21 days for out of state and cross-country relocations:
Distance & Route: Coast-to-coast or very long routes (1,500+ miles) take 7 to 21 days for delivery with PODS Moving And Storage. Shorter moves (700–1,200 miles) take about a week to arrive in the new state.
Weather & Traffic: Severe storms, high-volume traffic corridors, or route changes can tack on extra days.
Real-World Cases: Some customers see up to three weeks for cross country hauls—especially if your container stops at multiple PODS warehouses.
2. Lost or Mixed-Up Containers
Several users complained about delivery delays due to PODS mixing up their shipments:
Temporary Storage: PODS sometimes stores containers at a local warehouse or a holding facility. This can lead to mix-ups if your container is mislabeled or placed behind others.
Real-World Complaints: Multiple customers complained about "lost" POD'S containers, where their belongings disappeared for days or weeks before finally being loaded on the correct truck/route.
Additional Fees: If your container sits longer than planned, you could incur extra storage charges.
3. Scheduling & Driver Availability
Since PODS subcontracts their long distance haulers, sometimes there can be a delay due to limited driver availability:
Subcontracted Carriers: PODS relies on local haulers to deliver and pick up containers. Driver availability can be limited during peak seasons, resulting in scheduling conflicts.
Last-Minute Cancellations: Reviews frequently mention customers who were told the night before that no driver was available—or that a new drop-off date was days away.
Regional Gaps: If you're moving to a rural area, lacking a local PODS facility or fewer driver routes might mean further delays.
Bottom Line:
While many PODS Moving claims a 7–10-day delivery window, reviews show that lost containers and busy scheduling can cause delays. If you need a shorter delivery window, consider alternatives to PODS like American National Movers; our rates are affordable, and we guarantee delivery dates.
Container Tracking: Can You Monitor Your PODS Shipment?
No, real-time GPS tracking is not provided through PODS long-distance moving services. You must contact your driver or a PODS customer service representative for an ETA. Here are some resources PODS offers:
A reference number or booking ID: You can call with this info to get ETA updates.
Online Account: Sometimes, you can see your scheduled pickup/drop-off dates or request a date change.
Customer Service: You can speak to a PODS representative for urgent location queries, though driver-level tracking might still be limited.
Comparing PODS to Other Long-Distance Movers
While PODS works well for flexible timelines, you might prefer a full-service or shared-load mover if:
You cannot handle heavy lifting.
You want quicker transport with less margin for delays.
You'd like door-to-door service where movers pack, load, and deliver furniture without you lifting a finger.
American National Movers, for instance, provides shared truckload options at a fixed cost for small loads—often matching or beating container rates but with labor included.
Final Answer: How Long Does PODS Take Cross Country?
Sometimes, PODS might move your container across the country in 7–10 days of transit, but consumers have reported up to 21 days or more. Consider other competitors like U-Pack and American National Movers for a potentially faster delivery date than PODS.