It’s a blissful morning, and your anticipation is through the roof as you eagerly await the arrival of your storage container. Finally, the container arrives, but you quickly realize that the location isn’t ideal. Then you decide that you need to move the storage container to another location. If a new unit is being dropped rather than relocated, see how to prepare your site for container delivery first.

You aren’t the Hulk, nor do you possess superhuman strength. So, moving that storage container to an ideal location for it will take some doing. This article will take you through the moving process of storage containers. Before going further, let’s start with an introduction to storage containers.

What are Storage Containers?

You may already be familiar with shipping containers. However, a refresher never hurts anyone, and you can get some additional insight on moving a shipping container yourself. So, let’s go back to the basics.

A storage container is an airtight vessel that can house different types of items for shipping worldwide. You can purchase or rent these storage containers depending on the size of things you want to move. The containers come in different dimensions depending on your taste.

The storage containers are watertight and waterproof, making them ideal for long-term storage. The containers can house your valuable goods for an extended period without degrading the items within.

Various sectors of society and industry utilize the services of storage containers. Some of these industries are:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Retail
• Construction
• Energy
• Government

The storage containers possess advanced locking mechanisms that ensure the security of your goods. Hence, it’ll be safe no matter where you move the storage container around your vicinity.

The Relevance of Moving Storage Containers

You’ll need to take caution when moving containers. What is the importance of moving a storage unit? Why do you need to weigh your options?

The most crucial reasons for moving a shipping unit are convenience and efficiency. Most storage containers are mobile warehouses that can contain total pieces of equipment for industrial and domestic purposes.

Furthermore, moving a storage container allows you to account for logistical costs and determine the best method to carry a particular load. Hence, depending on the volatility of the items you are moving, you’ll need to consider the most suitable moving option.

How to Move a Storage Container

There are tons of ways to move your shipping container. Each method features a type of vehicle in one way or another. However, remember that each means of relocating your storage container will have pros and cons.

The first thing to do is analyze the type of goods in your container. Once you can determine the importance of your goods, you’ll have to decide on the means of transportation. Furthermore, you’ll get tips for moving containers that will save you money and time.

Related Article: How Much is a 20ft Shipping Container?

Different Methods for Moving a Shipping Container

In this section, we will dive deeply into the different ways of moving a shipping container. We will highlight each mode of relocating the storage unit and note the respective dos and don’ts.

Moving a Storage Container by Truck

The use of trucks to move a storage container isn’t new. However, the size of the container will determine the type of truck to use—also, the destination of the storage unit matters.

Using a Flatbed Truck

If your destination for the storage container is beyond 300 km, then the flatbed truck is the ideal truck to use. The flatbed truck costs less to operate compared to other trucks due to its availability. Therefore, this truck is the more prevalent truck you will find on the market.

The flatbed truck features a stable platform, free of any enclosing walls. However, you’ll need a forklift or crane to transport the storage container off the flatbed.

Using a Step Deck Truck

In some cases, the storage container may be a high cube container slightly taller than the standard storage container. Hence, a step-deck truck is an ideal candidate to use in moving your storage container.

Despite similarities to the flatbed trucks, the step deck truck features a stable platform with a slight difference. Due to the extra height of the high cube container, the step deck truck has a low platform to the ground.

Additionally, you’ll need a crane or forklift to move the storage container off the back of the step deck truck. This action is also similar to that of the flatbed truck.

Lifting the Storage Container off the Back of the Truck

As mentioned above, if you’re using a flatbed or step deck truck, you’ll require the services of a forklift or crane to move the container. However, you can’t use both types of equipment interchangeably. When determining how to move the storage container, you’ll have to consider the dimensions of the container.

If you plan to use a forklift to offload the container, make sure the container is 600 cm or shorter. The standard forklift with 180 cm tines can conduct this task. However, if the container is longer than 600 cm, you need a forklift with tine longer than 180 cm. This forklift is to avoid damaging the container.

On the other hand, you can use a crane to lift the standard shipping container off a flatbed or step deck truck. Cranes are highly efficient for moving a storage container of relatively any size. Furthermore, the cranes are more cost-effective to rent in the long run. Additionally, due to corner castings on the containers, you can easily rig the containers for transport by cranes.

Using a Tilt Bed Truck

If you travel less than 300 km to relocate the container, then the tilt bed truck is your friend. When you arrive at your destination, you can easily tilt the back of the truck at an angle and slide the container down. Hence, you can move the storage container without a crane or forklift.

However, making enough space for sliding the container down when you arrive at your destination is essential. The ground on which you will offload the container must be flat, dry, and sturdy.

Moving a Storage Container by Train

In some cases, the origin and destination of the storage container may be close to rail lines. In that case, deciding to move a storage container by rail is a tangible option. In addition, rail allows for the transportation of a more significant number of storage containers.

Nevertheless, the train method has its own set of logistical considerations. First, the type of goods you’re conveying in the container matters. Your goods may be generic items that coincide with the standard freight of the rail line. However, if you are transporting a modified container, the rail line must provide special treatment to accommodate your cargo.

Now, this can be a logistical issue, as the rail line may not be comfortable with the presence of the particular cargo. Furthermore, you’ll have to pay more to enable the accommodation for your container.

You’ll also have to facilitate container transportation to and from the rail yard. Also, a rail yard certification may be necessary. Therefore, all these additional costs can stack up and cost a lot.

The railway to move a storage unit is non-invasive. Once you pay the stipulated amounts, you’ll have to wait. There is no need for any additional physical input. Hence, you’ll not need to operate forklifts or cranes.

Moving a Storage Container by Boat

Storage containers are, after all, also called shipping containers. Traditionally, this is the most popular option. You can move storage containers in enormous numbers in a single trip.

However, the logistical hurdle can be daunting. You’ll have to account for the transportation cost from the docks to your vicinity. You’ll also have to pay shipping fees to insure your cargo.

Another issue to note is the duration of delivery. The ship can take several weeks to months to deliver your container to you. Hence, this method may not be ideal for urgent storage container deliveries.

However, you can easily transport a storage container with modifications via boat than other means of transportation. But please bear in mind that specific storage container changes can render them less watertight. Such modification may be detrimental to the containers, and typically you’ll have to pay extra fees to ensure their safe delivery.

Transportation of commodities by water accounts for around 80% of all storage containers. This mode of transportation makes maritime transportation the backbone of global trade.

Over the past few decades, the global economy continues to expand, and so has the amount of freight that ships move. Global cargo shipping reached 1.85 billion metric tons in 2020, up from 0.1 billion metric tons in 1980. So naturally, the size of the world’s container fleet keeps increasing as well.

Factors Determining the Cost of Moving a Storage Container

The cost to move a storage container will vary depending on the time of order and delivery. Additionally, there are some other factors to consider that will affect the price, namely:

• Location
• Gas prices
• Travel distance
• Time of the year
• Mode of transportation

The location of your destination may be in a remote area. This location can affect the overall price of the storage containers. Therefore, you may have to pay more in a remote location.

Three things are certain in this life — death, taxes, and inflating gas prices. The last part is a significant determinant in the cost of deciding how to move your storage container. If your destination is in a busy metropolitan area, the frequency of traffic stops can affect gas consumption upon delivery.

In addition to the location of the destination of the containers, the travel distance also matters. The longer the distance, the more it’ll cost you. Hence, study your vicinity to determine which means of transportation will favour your distance the most.

Just as seasons affect our habits and routines, the time of year can also affect the cost of moving a storage container. Holiday seasons tend to be busier than other seasons, which can lead to an increase in price. However, the less busy season will favour you more, so we advise you to plan accordingly.

Finally, the mode of transportation is a major decision on how much you will spend on moving your storage container. Going by road, water or rail will depend on whichever option best suits your location. Hence, do proper research before choosing a mode of transportation.

Alternatively, you may be looking for where to buy storage containers for domestic and commercial uses. However, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered as we supply a range of top-quality storage containers for your needs. Just dial our number today and get a quote from us.

The Average Cost of Moving a Storage Container

Typically, it costs roughly $3 per mile to move a container. However, depending on the type of container, the prices vary. For example, the cost of moving a 20 ft container can be around $700.

Average Cost of Moving a Storage Container within your Property

Sometimes, you may simply need to relocate the container from one spot in your vicinity to another. For example, you may want to move the shipping container by yourself due to the perceived short distance. However, we caution against that action, especially if you have no prior experience.

You do not want to risk destroying your yard or damaging some of the goods inside the container. Therefore, you can hire some professionals at an average cost of $500 to help you move the container.

Average Cost of Moving a Storage Container across your City

When relocating a storage chamber across your city, you can expect to pay about $4 per mile. Please note that this may fluctuate depending on the size of your city.

If you live in a large city, there’s the tendency for a local moving company to be available for contact. Whereas, if you live in a small city, you may have to hire help from outside your city, which may cost more.

Average Cost of Moving a Storage Container across Canada

That local company in your state may not undertake the process of moving a storage container across a country. You’ll need a long haul company for this task. The average cost of moving storage units across the country is about $2 per mile.

The average cost may even dwindle a little for distances over 3,400 km. Furthermore, if the container relocation relies on only one means of transportation, the price will be less.

Average Cost of Moving a Storage Container Internationally

A significant tip for moving containers internationally is to ensure you utilize as few means of transpositions as possible. Due to the overseas nature of this relocation, your container will inevitably go through different modes of transportation.

For example, your storage container may be going from one continent to another. In this case, the container may take off on the road and convert to a ship at the international border before landing on the other continent. At the international edge of the destination continent, the container may continue its journey by either rail or road.

The movement of storage containers overseas is the most logistically daunting and expensive method. You’ll also pay for customs duties to pass your container into the destination continent. In addition, the cost of moving the storage container varies significantly from territory to territory.

Hence, you need to contact international shipping companies and get their quotes beforehand. Getting as much information as possible is paramount before sending your container on this arduous journey.

Safety Precautions for Moving Storage Containers

Whether you decide to move your storage container without a crane or with a forklift, there are necessary precautions to take. The containers are heavy metal boxes that can weigh several tons. Hence, we’ll go through some precautions you need to take when handling these bulky containers.

• Always pack the containers strategically, with the heaviest boxes at the bottom to prevent the containers from tipping over.
• If you decide to use a crane, use the right one for the suitable container.
• When moving the cargo, ensure there’s a spot for passersby to stay to protect anyone from falling cargo.
• Always wear your protection outfit, including helmets, boots, harnesses, etc.
• Be familiar with other safety equipment like fire extinguishers in emergencies.
• Ensure to move the containers in well-lit areas; if you have no natural light, use bright LED lights to move the boxes.
• Check the containers and make sure that the security straps are secure
• Inspect the door lock to ensure that it’s locked to prevent any loose items within from falling out

These precautions are essential guides for moving storage containers while preventing unnecessary dangers. However, if you need professional help moving your storage containers, you can call us today, and we’ll send you a quote.

Related Article: The Flatbed Hauling Tips You Must Know

In the end

Moving a storage container can be challenging, but we hope we’ve been able to break down the process and procedure necessary for moving these metallic boxes. Ensure to pick the ideal mode of transportation that will suit you best.

Furthermore, carry out proper research to know the cost beforehand and know which means of delivery will favour you the most. You’ll need to be cost-efficient to avoid spending frivolously.

Lastly, for the uninitiated, you can browse our catalogue of storage containers at Toronto Trailers and pick the right one for yourself. So make your storage container adventure a stress-free one today.