How do I relocate an empty shipping container?

I hear from container owners that want to move a 20' or 40' shipping container. Here are the most common scenarios.

20' Unit on Roll Back Wrecker

1. You have an empty container that needs to travel a few mile or to the next town. If you have a 20' unit, you may use a roll back wrecker. A 40' or larger will need a special container trailer/tractor set up. There are several brands of container haulers-so "container trailer" is a generic term.

Start by calling local wrecker services in your area. Search Google for "wrecker service, towing service or commercial hauling." Your request should sound like this " Hi, I have an empty 20' sea cargo container I want to move from Athens, GA to Marietta, GA. Can you move empty sea cargo containers? No-you don't move containers. Okay, can you suggest someone in your area that might be able to help me?"

The first one or two will likely tell you no-so then ask whom they can suggest. Within two to three phone calls, you will have a local wrecker service to assist you.

Once you find a willing vendor, ask how they charge. I have often paid a hookup/loading fee and then been charged by time or mileage. Ask to speak to the dispatcher for a rate. Be prepared with a pick up and delivery address before you call. Also, know the mileage in advance. If you don't have an exact address, find one you can use close by. They will use these addresses to run mileage and give you a quote. These companies make money by keeping trucks moving. Keep to the point and know your stuff prior to calling. Some wrecker companies are fully staffed, some are one man bands. Having your information handy prepares you for both.

You may find most services are a bit abrupt by phone. If the wrecker vendor seems really rude or disorganized by phone, don't use them. Any transaction that begins badly, usually ends the same way. Be prepared to get the job done, but don't expect white glove service. These are wrecker companies, not day spas.

One you've chosen a vendor ask how much space they need to get to your container. Be sure you are ready for the trucker before they arrive. This means that your container is empty, not blocked by cars or equipment. If you are asking the trucker to go off road, be sure the ground is dry. Nothing is worse than having a huge wrecker get stuck at your place-this is a bad day around for everyone. Don't be that guy!

40' HC on tilt bed container delivery trailer

2. Your cargo container is loaded and you want to move it. This is tricky. In many cases, the wench on the wrecker truck is limited by weight. In addition, the container will tilt at a 45 degree angle when loading. Everything inside will sift if it isn't strapped down. Wreckers are a horrible way

Another consideration, it is expensive to relocate a loaded container with a wrecker service.

If you are determined, be prepared with the above mention information and know the weight of the contents.

Loaded moves usually fall under the following categories:

• Shipping overseas. Start with a shipper. Google "International container shipping"-that should get you started. Talk with them about all logistics from start to finish. Do this prior to purchasing a shipping container. You will need a container chassis and trucking. If you are a first timer-please hire an expert. I am not an expert in shipping. :)

IF YOU ARE SHIPPING OVERSEAS, you may not send just any CDL driver into a port. Those drivers are regulated. Your container also needs a professional certification to ship. This is why you may want to hire a professional shipper to arrange all of this for you. I am not a shipper.

• Moving your home or business out of state or across the country. Many people want to fill up a ground level container in one state and relocate to another part of the country. I think all those "PODS" commercials have made this seem really easy. BEWARE-it is not easy. As mentioned before, once a unit is loaded, it is not simple to pick up and truck elsewhere. Here is a great example:

You want to buy 40' container and have it dropped to your property in Smyrna, GA. You are selling your home and want to pack it full. Once full, you want it moved to Roswell, GA and have it dropped on the ground at your new home. This sounds really simple, but let me explain why it isn't.

Once your container is loaded, most wrecker services won't touch it. First, they aren't insured and bonded (movers are regulated). Second, even if they are willing, most wenches can't handle the weight. So now what?

Plan B-hire the following:

A forklift or crane service to mount container to a chassis or flatbed-this service is needed at the pickup and delivery locations
A CDL driver with a chassis or flatbed, or rent a chassis or flatbed

This is not an impossible process, it just isn't a simple one. Most homeowners or businesses aren't willing to hire a crane or lift.

We do not move loaded containers-sorry.



40' Chassis

40' Container on a chassis

***FYI- I used to suggest local wrecker devices in metro Atlanta. These companies, I realized, do not really want to do work for private individuals. Great example-a local company that might charge me $350 for a relocation, will quote you $750. They are quoting high to run you off.