Shipping containers are quickly becoming the go-to choice for cost-effective and flexible solutions when it comes to transporting goods. Not only do they ensure secure storage, but also provide minimal maintenance costs, convenient portability, and efficient cargo loading/unloading capabilities! Even though moving a container can seem like a difficult task, you’ll feel confident in your ability to transport items safely if you have access to the right equipment and resources.
In this post, we will outline the different methods of storage shipping container transportation and provide an estimate of their associated costs.
Shipping Container Delivery by Truck
The containers’ size and destination determine the type of truck necessary to ship them. Depending on what you need, a small or large truck might be required for transporting containers.
Using Tilt Bed Truck in Delivering Shipping Containers
Tilt bed trucks are the most common and cost-effective delivery vehicle for used storage containers. If your container is going on a short distance (less than 200 miles) it’s best to use a tilt bed truck. The driver can tilt the back of the truck so the container slides off easily.
This means they don’t need any additional equipment or heavy equipment to put it on the ground. Note that tilt bed trucks need a lot of space to put the container. The ground must also be dry, strong, flat and even.
Using Flatbed Truck in Delivering Shipping Containers
If you considering a long distance moving (more than 200 miles) for your container, it is cheaper to use a flatbed truck. Flatbed trucks have a big platform but no walls around it. You need special equipment to move the container onto and off of the truck bed.
Using Rollback Truck in Delivering Shipping Containers
Rollback tow trucks, also referred to as rollback trucks, are delivery vehicles that are equipped to transport cars, trucks and shipping containers. While most of these trucks have smaller truck beds, they can only accommodate 20-foot shipping containers or smaller.
This limited size is beneficial as it enables maneuverability in tight spots with restricted access, making them an ideal option for delivering 20-foot shipping containers in such locations.
Other Ways To Move Shipping Container
Moving Shipping Containers by Train
Have you ever seen a train with containers on it? If your cargo starts and ends near a train track, you can use the train. Rail transport uses different types of containers to keep goods safe. Refrigerated containers and isothermal containers are used for things like food, chemicals, and medicines that need special care.
Shipping goods by rail can be a cost-effective way to transport items such as:
- Pre-packaged goods
- Lightweight loads
- Perishables
- Bulk cargo
- Liquid and fragile cargo can also be shipped safely with the proper labeling regulations in place for hazardous materials.
The advantages of transporting shipping containers by rail are abundant. Freight trains can transport more cargo at the same time than road transportation, and long-distance travel is usually quicker and cheaper by train. However, there are some drawbacks to this form of transportation as well: potential delays due to changing operators across borders; furthermore, it may be expensive for shorter distances.
Moving Shipping Containers by Boat
Shipping containers were created with the purpose of being used on boats. In fact, these vessels are also known as cargo ship when they contain shipping containers. Cargo ships are classified into 8 different kinds. They depend on what type of freight they are carrying.
- Cargo ships: Carry packages with things like clothes, machines, food, chairs and other items inside.
- Multi-purpose vessels: Carry different kinds of items. These items can be dry, like paper or clothes. They can also be liquid, like juice or water.
- Bulk carriers: You can carry things that are not in packages. Examples of this are coal, cement, sand, and grains.
- Tankers (including oil tankers and chemical tankers): Carry products like oil, chemicals, petroleum, and gas.
- Container ships: Freight is a type of goods that are shipped. It is like cargo ships, but the freight is stored in special containers.
- Reefer ships: Refrigerated containers are used to keep food fresh. This includes meat, fish, dairy products and fruits and vegetables.
- RoRo ships: RoRo stands for roll-on / roll-off. This is a type of ship that carries vehicles like cars, vans, trucks, and trailers. You can easily move the vehicles on and off the ship.
- Feeder ships: These ships are medium-sized. They take containers from one port to another. The containers will be picked up by a bigger ship when they arrive.
Transporting shipping containers by sea freight offers a multitude of advantages. For instance, you can move large quantities at comparatively low prices if you enlist the services of a reliable freight forwarding company that can combine consignments and optimize costs. Plus, once delivered via oceanic vessel, containers may further be employed for land or rail transport.
However, transporting shipping containers by sea can be a slower, often inflexible process with difficulty in tracking progress and additional landscape transportation needs. Furthermore, port taxes and duties need to be paid as well as basic freight rates that are subject to fuel surcharges or currency fluctuations. All these factors make utilizing the traditional oceanic shipping method risky for any business endeavor.
What Does It Cost to Move a Shipping Container?
The amount of money you spend will depend on if you move the shipping container by yourself or pay someone else to do it. If you want to move a shipping container, you will need to rent some equipment. The cost of this will depend on how much equipment you need. Renting a semi-truck or truck with the capacity to pull a flatbed trailer can be cost-effective, but there are potential extra costs that could accumulate over time. These include:
- You can rent a truck and trailer or flatbed truck for one day. The moving cost is usually from $50 to $300. You can also rent it for a week if you need it for longer.
- You might need to rent a forklift or crane. This can cost up to $500 each day.
- When renting something, think about the cost of gas, insurance on the rental item and taxes and fees.
At On-Site Storage Solutions, you can rely on competitive delivery charges for shipping containers; usually ranging from $300 to $400 depending on the distance traveled and your location. These prices are also included in their quotes.
Companies and experts specializing in handyman projects can help you move your shipping container at a fraction of the cost. Consider asking these professionals for advice, as they may have an affordable solution to meet your needs.
Buy Shipping Containers
When you need a secure, dependable way to move your shipping containers, look no further than On-Site Storage Solutions! Our experienced team offers fast and safe transport of shipments all across the United States and Canada with over 60 depots available at an unbeatable price point! We guarantee that everything will be safely delivered right on time so rest assured knowing that your belongings are in good hands. Contact us now at (888) 405-8772 to begin receiving reliable shipments today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For short-distance moves within the same city, the estimated cost to transport a shipping container is $5 per mile. It is crucial to keep in mind that these figures are approximations, and actual expenses may differ depending on individual circumstances and the chosen service providers.
To drag a shipping container, you’ll need a heavy-duty vehicle with towing capacity and strong chains or straps. Attach the chains/straps securely to the container’s strong points. Slowly move the towing vehicle forward, applying steady pressure. Ensure the container remains stable during dragging and follow traffic laws. Seek guidance from professionals for specific techniques and safety precautions.
To move a shipping container without heavy equipment, attach a forklift or crane to a tractor/truck, or use a tow truck/flatbed trailer with a winch. Alternatively, employ levers, rollers, and pulleys to manually push or pull the container into position. Choose the method that suits your resources and ensures safe and efficient movement.
To move a shipping container using a tractor, secure the container onto a trailer bed. It’s crucial to verify that the tractor can handle the weight and size of the container by checking its towing capacity. It’s also important to take safety precautions and the driver should have experience in pulling heavy loads.
Moving a storage container requires a specialized trailer called shipping container chassis. These chassis commonly support containers with lengths of 20, 40, or 45 feet.
