America’s Best Franchises (ABF) Brand Insight —
UNITS is a wealth-building play built on tangible assets. Owners accumulate a fleet of portable storage containers that generate recurring rental revenue across self-storage, on-site storage, and moving demand. With an executive, semi-absentee model and protected territories, the appeal is less a hands-on job than an asset base that compounds. For a capitalized operator, that container fleet and its recurring income are the real draw.
At a Glance
- Liquid Capital Required: $500,000 (readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets — not from borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income)
- Ownership Model: Executive owner-operator; semi-absentee available
- Location Type: Secured warehouse, not home-based
- Time Commitment: Semi-absentee possible (10–15 hours per week)
- Experience Required: Management and leadership background
About UNITS Moving and Portable Storage
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage was founded in 2004 by Michael McAlhany and began franchising in 2007. It competes in the portable storage and moving market against names like PODS, serving both residential and business customers nationwide.
Owners operate a fleet of lightweight steel containers delivered by the proprietary ROBO-UNIT system, which keeps loads level during transport. The brand spans 75-plus franchised units reaching over 800 cities, with protected territories and an inter-franchise long-distance moving network.
Why Own a UNITS Franchise?
- Build a tangible-asset business by accumulating a fleet of revenue-generating storage containers.
- Run an executive, semi-absentee model in as little as 10 to 15 hours per week.
- Earn across four markets: self-storage, on-site storage, self-service moving, and long-distance moves.
- Operate in a protected territory of at least 100,000 potential clients.
- Use the proprietary ROBO-UNIT delivery system to lower equipment costs versus competitors.
Why This Opportunity, Why Now
ABF Market Analysis —
Portable storage and moving span a roughly $42B market across self-storage, on-site storage, self-service moving, and long-distance relocation. Demand is steady because people and businesses always need to move and store, and the portable model captures customers who want convenience over traditional self-storage units or full-service movers. UNITS competes in this space with recognized branding against names like PODS, but with protected territories that give a franchisee a defined market rather than open competition with other owners.
ABF Timing Insight —
As housing turnover, renovations, and business relocations continue, portable storage keeps taking share from traditional self-storage and moving options. UNITS offers a capitalized owner an executive model with prime territories still available in many markets. For someone seeking to build long-term wealth through tangible assets rather than run a hands-on job, entering now means claiming a protected territory and building a container fleet before the strongest markets are taken.
Training & Support
- A four-day training week at UNITS corporate headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Three days on site with a regional director at your location during opening.
- A complete package of operations manuals, customized software, inventory, and equipment.
- Site selection, lease negotiation, and recruiting assistance from the corporate team.
- Ongoing phone support, co-operative advertising, and access to professionally produced ad campaigns.
Who Are We Looking For
- Wants to build wealth through tangible assets
- Strong leader with great people skills
- Management background in sales and marketing
- Well-capitalized for the investment
- Comfortable with an executive model
Who Is Not A Good Fit
UNITS is not a fit for an undercapitalized buyer; it requires significant net worth and liquidity to fund the warehouse, container fleet, and equipment. It also is not right for someone wanting a small, hands-on owner-operator job, since the model rewards an executive who builds and manages an asset base. Those without management experience, or who want a low-capital entry, should look at other concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much of my time does it take?
A: The model can run semi-absentee, with some partners spending as little as 10 to 15 hours per week with a qualified manager and one to two employees in place. Others choose to manage day-to-day operations themselves.
Q: What makes UNITS different from competitors like PODS?
A: The proprietary ROBO-UNIT delivery system keeps containers level during lifting and transport, protecting contents and lowering equipment costs. Owners also benefit from protected territories and an inter-franchise long-distance moving network.
Q: What are the revenue sources?
A: Four markets — self-storage, on-site storage, self-service moving, and inter-franchise long-distance moves — giving owners multiple ways to generate recurring container revenue.
Q: Do I get a protected territory?
A: Yes. Each franchisee is guaranteed an exclusive, protected territory of at least 100,000 potential clients, with expansion options available.
Q: What does a location require?
A: A secured warehouse to store and stage the container fleet, plus the ROBO-UNIT delivery equipment. It is not a home-based business.
Next Steps
If you are drawn to building wealth through tangible assets, an executive semi-absentee model, a protected territory, multiple recurring revenue streams, and a recognized brand in portable storage, UNITS is worth a direct conversation. Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for UNITS.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
Billy Hardin, Units franchise owner, details franchise ownership.
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage franchise owners talk about their experiences.
“My wife and I originally chose UNITS for four main reasons. We wanted… 1) A fairly straight forward business without a lot of complication that we could turn over to a General Manager at some point when we were ready to retire. 2) A business that could provide a nice income stream to supplement our retirement savings, 3) A business model that was part of a growth industry, & 4) We wanted a business that had some significant barriers to entry. UNITS met all criteria, and seven years in, we have begun to reap the rewards of that decision.” We are searching for the right people for our expansion – please respond to see if you qualify for ownership. You will receive a business profile assessment and a comprehensive, confidential report that details how Units has hit it big.”
“I would absolutely recommend UNITS Moving and Portable Storage to friends for franchising since it’s such a great product. Their corporate team is very easy to deal with, and they walk you through each process from the very beginning to the end.”
After working 23 years with the same company, and 26 years overall, it was time for me to move on from my current situation. I reviewed several options but ultimately hired a coach for traditional job hunting but the thought of doing the same type of work for the next 20 years was not particular inspiring. So, I also reached out to a franchise coach and narrowed my search to three concepts, ultimately choosing UNITS. The support I’ve received from UFG has been consistent and unwavering. I also receive two scheduled weekly conference calls, that help drive my business.