How to Transport a Shipping Container: A Complete Guide
Don’t be intimidated by these moving containers
If you’re planning for a big move in the future, learning how to transport a shipping container (also known as portable storage containers) can be an affordable option. However, shipping containers require special safety considerations for transportation due to their size. Read on to learn how to transport a shipping container safely and effectively with the help of a professional moving company.
Why Should I Use a Shipping Container For a Move?
Shipping containers may not be your first thought as a moving strategy, but it can be an easier option to move large items and a savvy way to cut costs for long-distance moves. The cost to hire movers for a long-distance move is anywhere from $2,700 to $10,000.
Additionally, a shipping container can easily fit the contents of a three- or four-bedroom home, whereas moving trucks vary in size. Homeowners may need to pay more for larger vehicles if they have a lot of large furniture items and belongings to transport.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Shipping Container?
The average cost to ship a moving container is $3,000, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. The size and weight of the container are the biggest factors when determining the cost, but long-distance or international moves can also increase prices. You can expect to pay a moving company between $1.00 and $4.00 per mile for a domestic move that uses a 20-foot moving container.
How to Load a Trailer with a Shipping Container
If you’re planning to transport the container yourself, the first step is to load a trailer or truck with the shipping container. To complete this step, you’ll need to operate heavy machinery. Since that process can be dangerous to your safety and property, we recommend hiring a local moving company to assist.
Forklift
A heavy-duty forklift is needed to carry the weight of a shipping container, so make sure the forklift can lift at least 15,000 pounds. You will also want a forklift that has wide arms to pick up the container without tipping or shifting it. For safety reasons, only use a forklift to transport a 20-foot shipping container since a larger container will be too big for the machine. Consult the forklift licensing guidelines in your state to ensure a qualified driver is operating this machinery.
Crane
Cranes are the best option for moving a shipping container since they make placing your shipping container on the trailer or flatbed easier. However, cranes require special licenses to operate, meaning you’ll need to hire a pro to do the crane lifting for you, even if you drive the shipping container to your destination.
How to Transport a Shipping Container
Here are the different transportation methods to move the shipping container to its new location. You may need to have a special license to drive these vehicles, depending on the local regulations.
Tilt-back Truck
A tilt-back truck is the simplest and most commonly used truck to transport shipping containers. The truck’s back deck tilts back at an angle, so the container can easily slide out of the back without the assistance of heavy machinery.
Flatbed Truck
A flatbed truck or trailer has an open platform to carry large, heavy items like shipping containers. You’ll need a forklift or crane to move the shipping container on and off of the truck.
Tips for Transporting a Shipping Container Smoothly
Follow these tips and tricks for using a shipping container for moving effectively.
Get moving insurance: Whether you plan to move by yourself or hire movers, there’s always a risk of accidents and errors during the moving process. Purchase moving insurance so you’re prepared for any situation.
Enlist the help of a certified operator: You’ll need a qualified pro to operate a crane or forklift instead of renting heavy machinery and getting the license yourself. This option ensures your container is lifted safely and efficiently onto the truck or trailer.
Check state transportation regulations: In some states, special licenses or permits are required for transporting large goods like shipping containers. Be sure to check every state you’ll drive through, not just the starting and ending locations.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Moving a shipping container requires multiple steps to lift and transport the container to the new location safely. Plus, doing the move yourself may involve truck and trailer rentals, heavy equipment rentals, and risks to your health and property.
While moving a shipping container yourself will save money, it’s best to get the pros involved to ensure the move is done safely and according to local transportation laws. Research at least three moving companies near you and compare their prices and operations.
Some companies only offer shipping container transportation, meaning you’ll need to figure out how to mount the shipping container onto the truck. Look for full-service moving companies instead to make the process easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to minimize the use of heavy equipment when moving a shipping container is to use a tilt-back truck, which can tilt the back platform so the shipping container slides off easily at the new location. However, heavy equipment will still be needed to place the container on the truck at the start.
If you don’t own heavy equipment to move the shipping container, look into renting the equipment or hiring a pro to handle it since some equipment, like cranes, require a special license to operate.
An empty 20-foot shipping container weighs between 1.8-2.2 metric tonnes (3,970 to 4,850 pounds). The total weight varies depending on the kind of items you fill it with. In general, a 20-foot container has 25 to 28 cubic meters of space and it holds the boxed contents of a three-bedroom house.