Moving a shipping container is more challenging than it may seem. It requires specialized knowledge and the right tools to do the job safely and effectively. From construction sites to retail stores, shipping containers are becoming increasingly popular for preparation, storage, and transportation. Yet, to many, their size and complex structure can be intimidating when moving from one location to another. Luckily, this comprehensive guide will explain how one moves a shipping container safely with minimal stress and hassle! With our helpful advice and tips, you can know that your next move will be handled with care!
Key Takeaways
- Inspect both the container for rust, dents, or damage, and the site for any obstacles like overhead power lines or uneven ground.
- Select the right equipment based on the container’s size, weight, and the terrain it will be moved across, such as cranes for heavy containers, forklifts for short distances, or tilt trailers for flat surfaces.
- Properly secure the container by using cargo bars, straps, or twist locks to keep the contents stable, ensure the doors are locked, and prevent shifting during transport.
- When budgeting for the move, account for transportation methods like cranes, forklifts, or trucks, factoring in the distance, container size, and any additional expenses such as permits, insurance, and rental fees.
Moving a Shipping Container Step by Step
1. Check the Container and Site
Check the Container: Look for rust, dents, or damage.
Pro Tip: Check all 4 corners and door hinges as these are high stress areas when lifting and moving.
Check the Site: Look for obstacles or uneven ground.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to check for overhead obstacles like power lines which can interfere with cranes or high reaching equipment.
2. Choose the Right Equipment
Weight and Size: Measure the container weight (with contents) to choose the right equipment.
Pro Tip: For fully loaded containers, check with an equipment provider to confirm load capacity requirements.
Choose Equipment for Terrain: Match the equipment to the terrain (e.g. all terrain crane for rough ground).
Common Mistake: Underestimating the container weight which can cause equipment strain or tip over.
3. Prepare the Container for Transport
Secure the Contents: Use cargo bars and bracing to prevent internal shifting.
Pro Tip: For valuable or fragile items, add padding to reduce vibration damage.
Lock the Doors: Make sure doors are locked.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to lock doors properly which can cause doors to open during transport.
4. Lift and Load the Container Safely
Position your Equipment: Make sure you line up the crane, forklift or trailer with the container.
Pro Tip: Use chalk or markers where needed to make sure you get precise alignment before you start lifting.
Use the Right Lifting Technique:
- For Cranes: Attach lifting accessories to corner castings to ensure the object is lifted evenly and then lift slowly to prevent swinging.
- For Forklifts: Centre forks under the container, making sure you have enough width to keep the load stable.
- For Tilt Trailers: Back up to the container and secure it to the trailer before tilting.
Common Mistake: Lifting too fast, which can cause sway or instability.
5. Secure the Container for Transport
Tie the Container to the Vehicle: Use heavy-duty chains, straps, or twist locks.
Pro Tip: Double up on lifting accessories or straps in high winds for extra security.
Check Fastenings: Double-check before driving.
Common Mistake: Using the wrong straps or not checking connections properly which can cause the container to shift during transit.
6. Transporting the Container
Plan Your Route: Accounting for bridge heights, weight restrictions and the type of road conditions.
Pro Tip: Check local permits as some cities will need you to get a special permit for oversized loads.
Drive Carefully: Keep speed steady to minimize risk.
Common Mistake: Taking sharp turns or sudden stops may tip or slide.
7. Unload the Container
Position the Vehicle: Park on flat ground to prevent tipping.
Pro Tip: Use wheel chocks on the trailer for extra stability during unloading.
Unfasten and Prepare for Offloading: Release securing devices and make sure the container is clear.
Use the Right Equipment to Unload:
- For Tilt Trailers: Tilt slowly until the container comes off.
- For Cranes and Forklifts: Reverse the lift slowly and steadily.
- Common Mistake: Unloading too fast, can cause damage or incorrect placement.
8. Final Check and Inspection
Check for Damage: Look for dents, scratches, or shifted contents.
Pro Tip: Document the container before and after with photos, especially for insurance purposes.
Secure the Container in Position: Add support if necessary, especially in windy or unstable areas.
Common Mistake: Assuming stability on uneven ground without anchoring.
How to Move a Shipping Container Over Short Distances
These are the most common methods for moving a shipping container short to medium distances.
Cranes
Cranes are perfect for quick and convenient short-distance moves. These trucks are equipped with built-in lifting points, making lifting containers directly onto the truck bed easy. Securing a shipping container to a crane will allow you to move the container without damaging it.
Crane Types: Different types of cranes—truck mounted cranes, all terrain cranes and gantry cranes—have features suited for container handling.
- Truck Mounted Cranes: Good for on site moves where the container needs to be lifted onto a trailer.
- Gantry Cranes: For larger or longer distance moves, more stability and can handle extreme weights.
- All-Terrain Cranes: For remote or rough terrain where standard cranes or trucks can’t get to.
Weight and Reach Capacity: Cranes are used for very heavy containers (over 60,000 pounds). They also have extended reach to place in hard to access areas.
Setup Requirements: Cranes require more setup and space as they need stabilizing legs or outriggers which makes them not ideal in tight spaces.
Forklifts
- Types and Capacities: Not all forklifts can handle a full loaded shipping container. Forklifts with higher load capacities such as heavy duty forklifts with load capacities over 15,000 pounds are usually required.
- Limitations: Forklifts are good for shorter distances or moving containers within a small area like a yard or construction site. But not ideal for transport over uneven ground especially if the container is very heavy.
- Agility: Forklifts are good for precise placement in tight spaces like loading onto trucks and can even help with stacking if needed.
If you’re looking to move a container longer distances, a forklift is excellent for moving a shipping container onto a flatbed truck. When handling heavy shipping containers with a forklift, nothing is more important than safety. That’s why you must hire someone with proper training and certifications.
Trucks
Flatbed Trucks: The go-to method for getting from point A to point B when transporting a container more than 200 miles. Load up the container onto a flatbed truck with a crane or forklift.
Chassis Trucks: Loading and unloading containers has always been challenging. Chassis trucks have specialized container chassis, making loading and unloading containers easier. This method is standard for shorter distances and places near a port.
Side Loader Trucks: Side loader trucks have a lifting mechanism on the side of the truck that can pick up containers without extra equipment. They’re good for urban or crowded areas where space is limited. They can transport the container and unload it directly at the site, which is very efficient. Side loaders may not be suitable for very rough terrain or long-distance moves as they have limited suspension and terrain handling features compared to regular trucks.
Roll Off Trucks: Roll off trucks use a tilting mechanism that rolls the container on and off the truck bed. They’re good for delivering containers that need to stay on the truck for a while or need to be moved frequently. Used in construction or temporary site setups, roll-off trucks can place and remove containers without cranes or forklifts. Note that roll-off trucks can only handle lighter containers, so it is better for empty or lightly loaded containers.
Tilt Bed Trailer
Simplify your shipping container transportation with tilt bed trailers. These specialized trailers feature a hydraulic system that enables easy loading and unloading by tilting or raising the bed. Tilt bed trailers are perfect for transporting shipping containers distances shorter than 200 miles.
How it Works: Tilt trailers are designed to help with loading and unloading by tilting the container to slide off or onto the trailer without lifting.
Best Use Cases: Used for short-distance moves and for customers who don’t want to use cranes or forklifts. But the ground should be relatively flat.
Cost Effective: Tilt trailers can be a more affordable option for those with basic needs as they don’t require the expensive setup of cranes or forklifts.
Tractor
Move shipping containers with ease using a tractor! Whether you’re navigating short or medium distances, tractors are the ultimate transport solution. Tractors are equipped with custom trailers or chassis to transport shipping containers securely.
How to Move a Shipping Container Over Long Distances
Alternatively, rail or sea transport may be more appropriate for longer distances or international transport.
Rail
Rail transport is an efficient option for moving containers over long distances. Containers are loaded onto specialized container trains and transported to their destination.
Ship
When it comes to international transportation, container ships reign supreme. These massive vessels specialize in stacking shipping containers, making it possible to transport goods across oceans effortlessly.
Moving a Container Cheat Sheet
This table will help you quickly identify the best equipment for your situation based on factors like weight capacity and terrain adaptability.
| Equipment Type | Weight Capacity | Cost Estimate | Terrain Adaptability | Best Use Cases |
| Forklift | Up to 15,000+ lbs | Moderate | Limited | Short-distance moves, tight spaces |
| Crane | Up to 60,000+ lbs | High | Adaptable | Heavy loads, challenging access points |
| Tilt Trailer | Varies by model | Affordable | Flat surfaces only | Cost-effective, short-distance moves |
| Side-Loader Truck | Varies, generally under 20,000 lbs | Moderate to High | Urban and tight spaces | Efficient for direct site unloading |
| Roll-Off Truck | Typically lighter loads | Moderate | Limited to even terrains | Temporary sites, frequent moves |
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Shipping Container?
The cost to move a shipping container can vary based on several factors. Angi says the average cost for shipping a container is $3,000, with the lowest cost starting from $2000 and the highest cost exceeding $5000. Here’s a breakdown of the costs for common transport methods to give you an idea of what to budget.
Forklift Rental
- Cost Range: $200 to $600 per day depending on the forklift’s capacity and rental company.
- Additional Costs: Some rentals require an operator which can add $50 to $100 per hour. Consider fuel costs especially for heavy duty models.
Crane Services
- Cost Range: $500 to $1,500 per hour with most moves taking a minimum of 2 hours.
- Additional Costs: Rigging and setup fees may apply which can add $200 to $500 to the total. Travel fees may also apply for remote or hard to access locations.
Tilt Trailer Rental
- Cost Range: $100 to $300 per day for trailer.
- Additional Costs: Fuel for the tow vehicle and if you don’t have a tow vehicle rental can be $75 to $150 per day.
Side-Loader Truck Services
- Cost Range: $400 to $800 for local moves, $1,500 for long distance.
- Additional Costs: Operators are included but fuel surcharges may apply if moving over 50 miles.
Roll-Off Truck Services
- Cost Range: $300 to $600 for local moves, more for long distance.
- Additional Costs: Extended rental times or multiple moves can increase costs; budget $100 to $200 per extra pickup or drop off.
In Texas moving a shipping container has specific permit requirements and insurance considerations to comply with state regulations and protect against liabilities.
Additional Considerations
Here are some key considerations that can influence the overall cost:
Distance
The distance the shipping container needs to be moved is a significant factor. Longer distances typically result in higher transportation costs.
Transportation Method
The chosen transportation method (truck, rail, sea, etc.) will impact the cost. Each method comes with its own set of expenses.
Container Size
The size and weight of your shipping container will affect how much it will cost to transport. 20-foot shipping containers typically weigh more than 4,800 pounds while 40-foot shipping containers exceed 9,200 pounds. You can expect to pay higher fees if your container is more extensive and heavier.
Insurance Considerations in Texas
Make sure you have enough insurance when moving shipping containers in Texas, which should include:
- Liability Insurance: Texas requires motor carriers to have minimum liability insurance which varies based on the type of cargo and vehicle. For example, haulers of hazardous materials require higher coverage limits.
- Cargo Insurance: While not always required by law, it’s a good idea to get cargo insurance to protect against loss or damage to the container’s contents during transit. This can be tailored to the value and type of goods being moved.
- Additional Coverage: Depending on the move, route, or cargo type, additional insurance may be required. Consult with an insurance professional familiar with Texas transportation regulations to determine the right coverage.
Customs and International Fees
Be aware of customs fees, taxes, and additional charges that can significantly impact your expenses.
Permit Requirements in Texas
Transporting oversized or overweight shipping containers in Texas requires permits:
- Oversize/Overweight Permits: If your container is oversized or overweight, you will need to get an oversized/overweight permit from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). This permit allows you to move vehicles and loads that exceed the legal size and weight limits on Texas roads.
- Intermodal Shipping Container Port Permit: For moving sealed intermodal shipping containers in international transport within 30 miles of Texas ports the TxDMV offers an annual permit. This permit is for truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations with specific axle configurations and weight limits.
- Local Permits: Some municipalities or counties may have additional permitting requirements especially when moving containers through urban areas or local roads. Check with local authorities to be sure.
Safety Considerations for Moving a Shipping Container
This guide will walk you through the process of moving a shipping container from selecting the right equipment to ensuring safety. It will cover the process from selecting the right tools, safe lifting techniques, to transporting and unloading the container. So you can move with confidence and avoid common mistakes and have a smooth and safe move for your container.
Safe Lifting
- Make sure the equipment is in place and stable before lifting.
- Lift from all four corners or use lifting points on the container.
- No sudden movements to avoid container swinging or shifting.
- Use only certified and trained operators.
Securing the Container for Transport
- Get heavy-duty chains, straps, or twist locks.
- Check all connections and tighten loose straps or chains.
- Consider road conditions and use extra securing points.
- Attach reflective markers or flags to the container edges.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear gloves and boots.
- Wear hard hats and high-visibility vests.
- Use ear and eye protection for noisy equipment.
Communication and Team Coordination
- Establish hand signals or radios for communication.
- Assign a spotter for each move.
- Have a team briefing before starting.
Equipment Inspection
- Check all lifting and securing equipment for wear, rust, or damage.
- Check that the equipment’s load capacity is greater than the container’s weight.
- Maintain and service according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
Hazardous Conditions
- Don’t lift or move containers in high winds.
- Postpone the move if it’s foggy, rainy, or has limited visibility.
- Stabilize the container on rough terrain.
Emergency Preparedness
- Have an emergency plan with a first aid kit, emergency exits, and emergency phone or radio.
- Identify safe exit routes and have at least one person on site with first aid training.
Conclusion
Moving a shipping container can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined in our guide and planning and researching your move, you can ensure that the experience goes as smoothly as possible. By accepting these simple steps, you’ll be ready to go quickly! If you have any lingering questions about relocating your shipping container, consult professionals who can guide you through the process.
