Container & Pod Permits in Cambridge, MA
Place your PODS, U-Pack, or any portable storage container on a Cambridge street — we handle the permit
Service fee from $100 + city fees (based on spaces & days)
Apply at least 7 business days before your delivery date — city minimum requirement
Need to place a portable storage container (PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, SMARTBOX, or any brand) on a Cambridge public street? Cambridge requires a street obstruction permit that reserves the parking space and authorizes No Parking signs to be posted before your delivery date. We handle the entire process.
A public-street permit is different from permission to place a container on private property. If the container stays fully on a driveway or private lot, confirm the property and local zoning rules before ordering a street permit.
- ✓ Works with all container brands: PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, SMARTBOX, and more
- ✓ Standard and metered zone variants available
- ✓ No Parking signs posted before your start date
- ✓ Optional sign removal service available
Photo not available
Container Permit Pricing
Service fee is fixed — city fee varies by location
Container/Pod Permit
For residential streets without meters
2 spaces, 3 days
- ✓ City permit filed for you
- ✓ No-parking signs posted
- ✓ Parking space reserved
See cost breakdown (example)
Container/Pod Permit (Metered)
For residential streets without meters
2 spaces, 3 days
- ✓ City permit filed for you
- ✓ No-parking signs posted
- ✓ Parking space reserved
See cost breakdown (example)
PODS and U-Box
The street permit applies to the occupied curb space, not the container brand. Enter the delivery dates, size, and spaces needed.
U-Pack and other providers
Ask the provider for the required bond letter before filing. Upload it with the permit request.
Also using a moving truck?
"I work as an office manager for a moving company in Massachusetts and working with James has been nothing but a pleasure! His prices are much better than competitors', he always responds quickly, helps with any questions I have and even sends proof of permit postings :)"
Google Review · Verified Customer
Frequently Asked Questions — Container Permits in Cambridge
Do I need a permit to place a PODS or storage container on a Cambridge street? ▼
Yes. Cambridge requires a street obstruction permit to place any portable storage container on a public street. The permit reserves the parking space and authorizes No Parking signs to be posted before your delivery date so the space is clear when your container arrives. We handle the entire process.
How much does a container permit cost in Cambridge? ▼
Container permits in Cambridge are priced based on the number of parking spaces and number of days, following Cambridge's official rate schedule. Our service fee is $100. For a typical single-container placement (2 parking spaces, 1 day), the all-in cost is approximately $179.
How far in advance do I need to apply for a container permit? ▼
Cambridge requires at least 7 business days advance notice — this is the city's minimum. We recommend applying as early as possible to secure your preferred dates.
What is a bond letter and do I need one? ▼
Yes — Cambridge requires a bond letter from your container provider (PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, SMARTBOX, etc.). Request this document when you schedule your delivery. You'll upload it as part of your permit application.
How long can a portable storage container stay on a Cambridge street? ▼
Cambridge allows containers on public streets for up to 5 days. Your permit must specify your start and end dates.
Who posts the No Parking signs for my container? ▼
We post the No Parking signs before your container's start date so the space is clear when your container arrives. Optional sign removal service is also available.
Does this work for PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and SMARTBOX? ▼
Yes — the Cambridge street permit covers any portable storage container brand. The permit authorizes use of the public parking space regardless of which provider you use.
What is the difference between a standard and metered container permit? ▼
A standard permit is for residential streets without parking meters. A metered permit is for locations in metered parking zones and includes the city's meter fee. If you're unsure whether your location is metered, select the standard permit — our team will confirm the zone type when processing your application.
Neighborhoods in Cambridge (6)
Ready to reserve your space?
Container permits in Cambridge — service fee from $100
Get My Container PermitNo charge until approved