When one owns, buys, or rents a shipping storage container, one of the main concerns is how it would be relocated to the person’s preferred location. Even though it is easy to say that container relocation can be done by just hiring a truck and a trailer to move the container to a different location, there are many things that can affect the process from running smoothly and safely. Individuals and businesses, alike, need to consider that there are various factors that would affect the movement of their shipping containers. Knowing these factors will help ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely.
Relocating Shipping Containers by Yourself
There are individuals or businesses that have more than enough resources, which makes it more convenient for them to handle the relocation of their shipping containers. With the availability of higher budgets, they may opt to use their own methods of transportation. However, there are still various factors that they should still consider before going through the process of container relocation since there may still be some hindrances that might make things difficult for them. Below are some of the factors that have to be looked into:
· Lifting the container onto a trailer
o One of the issues in container relocation is how the container would be lifted and placed on to a trailer. Businesses that may own a fleet of trucks and trailers may not have the necessary equipment to load the containers onto a trailer. Even if these businesses rent trucks and trailers without availing any shipping services, they may still find it difficult to lift their shipping containers. By not hiring the services of reputable freight companies that are experts in container relocation, then these businesses may need to invest or rent handling equipment that have been developed for container relocation. Some of the equipment include gantry cranes, reach stackers, forklifts, lifting jacks, side loaders, tilt beds, straddle carriers, truck cranes, or top loaders.
· Hiring experts to handle the equipment used for loading and relocating shipping containers
o When it comes to the handling of shipping storage containers, the competency and expertise of the employed personnel need to be considered. There are some equipment and tools that require licensed professionals to operate them, just like the forklift. Companies have to ensure that the workforce that is handling their containers is properly trained so that accidents will be avoided. Companies need to make sure that the shipping containers are able to reach their destinations safely and efficiently to avoid possible profit losses.
· Checking if the container weight is still within the allowable limits
o Without the proper guidance of reputable freight forwarding companies, there may be an issue with the actual weight of the load that needs to be transported. There are limits set by the government on the total weight of a load that trucks can transport through highways. These limits have been set to ensure safety, not only to the public but also to the items that are being shipped. Businesses that need to transport large quantities of items sometimes forget to consider if the container is already overweight due to the availability of free space within the container. It should always be remembered that the volume inside the shipping container is not necessarily proportional to the weight of the items. There are some items that may be smaller in size but are heavier due to their composition.
· Processing of fees and taxes
o There will be times that companies will need to ship the containers across borders or to sites located abroad. In these cases, they may need to factor in any customs taxes and duties or any other fees that may be imposed before their containers are allowed to pass through. Companies may hire customs brokers to aid them with the process. However, these companies should make sure that the brokers that they transact with have good reputations to avoid getting scammed.
Hiring Freight Companies That Offer Container Relocation
Individuals or families may need to relocate their shipping containers that may be filled with furniture, appliances, and other household things. These people may have used their shipping containers to store things that are valuable to them. So they will need to transport these containers securely. The same goes for companies that use shipping containers as storage for their products, tools, and equipment. They may not have the means to have their own handling equipment or even the necessary trucks and trailers to transport their shipping containers. For these cases, they will need to hire the services of freight companies that offer container relocation. However, they should be vigilant since they are entrusting their properties to 3rd-party companies. You may refer below to some of the things that they should consider when availing the services of 3rd-party freight companies:
· Reputation of the freight company
o Before considering anything else, it is crucial that the reputations of the freight companies are checked. This is necessary to ensure that they are able to fully commit to the services that they are offering. By looking at the reactions of their clients, it can be determined if the companies have been able to satisfy their clients’ expectations. Also, knowing if a certain company has a good reputation would mean that it has all the required licenses and staff to fulfill its transactions properly.
· Types and quality of the cargo securement tools of the freight company
o For those who want to be assured that their shipping containers reach their destinations safely and securely, they should consider checking the cargo securement tools that the freight company is using. This is very important because heavy duty securement tools and well-known brands are known to keep the shipping containers secured even if they are being transported to destinations that are located far away. Even though freight companies shoulder the responsibility and accountability of the shipping containers while they are in transport, it would still be best if customers were assured that nothing wrong will happen to their containers and the items that are inside them.
· Types and sizes of shipping containers that will be transported
o Customers have to understand that freight companies will only provide services that are meant to meet their customers’ requirements. Whatever the customers declare on their applications are what freight companies study and consider when deploying the equipment, tools, and staff needed to fulfill the transactions. This is why customers have to inform the freight companies everything there is to know about their shipping containers. The information received by the shipping companies will determine the sizes and types of trailers that they will be sending to their customers’ locations.
· Prices comparisons to save on costs
o It is highly recommended that customers should get price quotations from multiple freight companies. This is very important for those who have some budget limitations to work with. By comparing the prices and services between companies, customers are able to find the most cost-effective way to relocate their shipping containers.
· Determine the destination of the container
o In the business of container relocation, there are freight companies that offer to deliver their customers’ containers to various destinations. In most cases, customers already have their minds set on where the containers would be delivered to. However, there are some customers who do not have pre-determined locations for their containers but need to move their containers to new locations. Some freight companies offer storage facilities for these customers. Usually, these freight companies have guarded facilities with 24/7 surveillance to ensure that nothing bad happens to the containers of their customers.
· Scheduling the container relocation
o Another important thing to consider is the scheduling of the relocation of shipping containers. This can negatively affect both the budget and time if it is not factored in. There are times when freight companies are very busy, which may cause the cost of their service offerings to significantly increase. For customers that have budget constraints, it is highly advised that they schedule their planned container relocation on other dates. Also, when customers have already set the schedule to have their containers relocated, they should strictly follow it so that they would avoid getting into unwanted delays and possible fees due to penalties that they may incur. Customers have to ensure that there should be people ready at both the pickup place and the destination of the shipping containers. This will ensure that the containers are loaded and unloaded efficiently.
Let Experts Move Your Shipping Containers
Even if an individual or a company does not have budget restrictions, it is still important to consider the other factors that can affect the relocation of shipping containers. Reputable freight companies that offer container relocation are equipped with the latest tools, equipment, methods, and the knowledge to go about the process in the most efficient and safe way possible. By letting experts handle the relocation of your shipping container, you are assured that if there are unforeseen problems during transport, these companies shoulder the accountability of your container and the items inside it. If you need to have your shipping container relocated, do not hesitate to contact the Ontario Container Transport at (905) 695 1501.
