1-800-PACK-RAT, LLC, is the portable storage and moving company that provides the simplest way to store or move your stuff. With numerous storage facilities across the USA, and a growing network of containers and trucks, they can get you anywhere you need to go. 

In 2001, a North Carolina entrepreneur sketched out an all-steel, weatherproof, portable-storage design that was jokingly referred to as a “pack rat” because of its ability to store everything. The founder then sought out one of the most experienced heavy equipment manufacturers in the country and together they built an innovative system that can lift a fully loaded moving container without swaying or shifting and gently place it anywhere a truck can be driven. 

The first three locations were developed in North Carolina around 2003. Under new leadership, 1-800-PACK-RAT grew from three to fifty locations in just two years. This national network of storage facilities allowed 1-800-PACK-RAT to expand its business and services to include long-distance moving, where they quickly became an industry leader. 

In 2018, Virgo Investment Group (“Virgo”), a middle market private equity firm, announced that 1-800-PACK-RAT had merged with its portfolio company, Zippy Shell Incorporated. With Virgo behind them, they have been able to continue to invest in container assets, new locations, and customer service initiatives. 

The core value of 1-800-PACK-RAT is to provide every single customer with the highest quality service. 1-800-PACK-RAT has a strong corporate model that ensures every single customer will receive the highest standard of customer care in the industry – a key differentiator between many of their franchised competitors. 1-800-PACK-RAT is the only company in this industry to pledge total customer satisfaction - if you aren't completely satisfied with our products and services, we want to hear about it so we can make it right. 1-800-PACK-RAT is also the only company in our industry to include a $10,000 complimentary contents protection plan for all long-distance moves.  

1-800-PACK-RAT has a strong history of growth year after year. Each year welcomes new market locations, increased assets and new technologies to make storage and moving easier for our customers!  

1-800-PACK-RAT franchise opportunities offer a rare chance to participate in the revolutionizing of an industry. Applicants are preferred to have current or previous ownership and operating experience of multi-unit service operations in their desired market. Franchising experience is strongly preferred. If you have spoken with PODS and discovered that your preferred PODS market is not available, 1-800-PACK-RAT has desirable markets still open.

Our development partners must also have access to capital sufficient to fund the development of the market area they choose. We currently grant exclusive territories to developers of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Depending on the size of a particular MSA, it may contain multiple exclusive territories and therefore the minimum net worth requirements varies from market to market.

Regional developers must have substantial familiarity with the market proposed for development and be willing to develop multiple units over a period of time. In addition, they must be willing to diligently exert full-time best efforts in performing their obligations under the Regional Development Agreement.