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How To Move a Shipping Container

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Once your shipping container is ready, you need to move it to your location. There are a few methods to move a shipping container, and you can choose depending on your needs and circumstances. For convenience, you can create a task and we’ll find a moving company in some hours.

 

Tilt truck

The most common way of moving the shipping container is by a truck. However, the truck size can vary depending on a couple of factors. A tilt truck is the best option for short destinations up to 200 miles. The bed tilts to slide the container off, so you won’t need forklifts or additional force to move it. The truck driver will tilt the bed, and the container will slide and lock into position. You don’t need forklifts or cranes to position the shipping container in its final destination.

However, keep in mind that the surface for placing the shipping container needs to be flat and dry. Also, the truck will need enough space to access and position it.

Flatbed truck

The cost might be a challenge when moving your shipping container to distant locations. In this case, a flatbed truck is a better solution. When the journey extends to more than 200 miles, this truck is more feasible to use. The simple truck design has no walls, so you will need additional force to move a shipping container. 

Step-deck truck

Things will take different directions when transporting a high cube shipping container. If they are higher than the standard ones, you will need to use a step-deck truck for transport. It has a flat but low bed, allowing transport of higher objects. With the step deck truck, you will need a forklift or a crane to lift the shipping container to its final position. 

 

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How to move the container from the truck

When your shipping container arrives at its final destination, you need to take care of moving it. This step is crucial, as correctly handling the shipping container will ensure it gets in perfect condition. Otherwise, you risk damaging your new container and losing money.

The cost of transporting a shipping container depends on its size, distance, season, gas price, and other factors. Every situation is different, so there is no defined price for moving a shipping container.

The method for moving depends on the container and its size. A single container of any size can be moved with a crane. The containers have corner castings so that they can be conveniently moved with the crane. Never use a standard warehouse forklift since they can’t bear the weight of a shipping container. For 20 feet long containers, a forklift with 6-foot times should be used. Also, it should be able to carry the weight of the shipping container. 

If a shipping container is larger than 20 feet, you need an 8-foot-tine forklift that can bear a weight of a minimum of 15,000 pounds. 

 

Train transport

Transporting a shipping container by train is feasible for long-haul destinations and if there is train transport nearby. However, keep in mind that this will include additional costs and logistics, such as transporting a shipping container by rail. The costs can build up quickly, so it is better to do a detailed calculator to see if the method would be feasible for you.

 

Boat transport

The shipping containers were originally designed to be transported by boat. However, you should still count on the additional costs, such as moving the shipping container in and out of the port. 

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