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 carrying containers? If your goods start and end near train tracks, you can use the train for transport. Trains use different containers to keep items safe. Refrigerated and isothermal containers are used for things like food, chemicals, and medicines that need extra care.
Shipping by rail can be a budget-friendly way to move 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.
There are many benefits to using trains for shipping containers. Freight trains can carry more cargo than trucks, and traveling long distances is usually faster and cheaper by train. However, there are some downsides, including possible delays when changing operators at borders, and it can be costly for shorter trips.
Moving Shipping Containers by Boat
Shipping containers were designed for use on boats, which are called cargo ships when they carry these containers. There are eight types of cargo ships, depending on the kind of goods they transport:
- Cargo ships: Carry packages with items like clothes, machines, food, and furniture.
- Multi-purpose vessels: Transport a mix of items, both dry (like paper or clothes) and liquid (like juice or water).
- Bulk carriers: Carry unpackaged items such as coal, cement, sand, and grains.
- Tankers: Transport products like oil, chemicals, and gas.
- Container ships: Similar to cargo ships, but they carry goods stored in special containers.
- Reefer ships: Use refrigerated containers to keep food fresh, including meat, fish, dairy, and fruits.
- RoRo ships: Stand for roll-on/roll-off and transport vehicles like cars and trucks, allowing easy loading and unloading.
- Feeder ships: Medium-sized ships that take containers from one port to another so they can be picked up by larger ships.
Shipping containers by sea has many benefits. You can move large amounts of goods at lower costs by using a good freight forwarding company that can combine shipments to save money. Once the containers arrive by ship, they can also be transported by land or rail.
However, shipping containers by sea can be slower and less flexible, making it hard to track their progress. There are also extra costs like port taxes and fees, along with basic shipping rates that can change due to fuel prices or currency values. These factors can make traditional ocean shipping a risky choice for businesses.
What Does It Cost to Move a Shipping Container?
How much you spend will depend on whether you move the shipping container yourself or hire someone to do it. If you decide to move it yourself, you’ll need to rent some equipment. The cost will vary based on what you need. Renting a truck that can pull a flatbed trailer can be a good option, but there may be extra costs over time, such as:
- Renting a truck and trailer for one day usually costs between $50 and $300. You can also rent it for a week if you need it longer.
- You might have to rent a forklift or crane, which can cost up to $500 a day.
- When renting, remember to factor in the costs for gas, insurance, and taxes.
At On-Site Storage Solutions, you can expect fair delivery fees for shipping containers, typically between $300 and $400, depending on how far you need to go. These prices are included in their quotes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right method to move your shipping container can be overwhelming, but with this guide, you now have a better understanding of your options. Whether you are moving locally or long-distance, by truck, train, or transport shipping, understanding the different methods and their associated costs will help you make an informed decision that best fits your needs and budget.
You can also visit this blog to know more: A Guide to Cargo Shipping Containers for Transportation
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.
