Whether you need to move items from across the street or across the world, shipping and storage containers are a great asset. However, their size and weight make special equipment and carefully considered logistics necessary when moving. Even moving items on your own property can prove challenging when the container itself can weigh over 2 tonnes when empty.
To make your container relocation seamless, Ontario Container Transport offers a full range of intermodal shipping services. In this article, we will look at everything you need to know about getting your storage container relocated both within Canada and internationally.
How to Get Started with Container Relocation
Ready to have your container relocated now? You can begin the process now by calling Ontario Container Transport at (905) 695 1501 to receive a Free quote for container relocation. We offer container shipping services all across Canada, the U.S., and around the globe.
We help individuals, small businesses, and large companies move their storage containers of all sizes. Read on to learn more about the factors that affect container relocation including money and time-saving tips.
Tips for Saving Time and Money on Your Container Relocation
While most factors involved in the timing and cost of container relocation are out of your control, there are some things you can do to make the process easier and possibly cheaper.
Be Ready: When your container relocation team arrives, your items should, ideally, already be packed and in the container. If you require help loading the container, this will likely incur an additional fee and should be discussed prior to the moving date.
Leave Yourself Time: If you need your items to arrive at their destination at a certain time or day make sure you leave plenty of time for this to happen. There are many ways that a container relocation project can be delayed including everything from excessive traffic for short moves to major flight delays for international shipping.
Get the Right Sized Container: If you have not yet gotten a container, do some work ahead of time to make sure you are getting the right size. For businesses that are shipping wrapped palettes and many of the same boxes, this can be fairly easy to figure. However, if you are an individual or small business using a container for moving purposes, this can be somewhat more difficult.
As a rough estimate, you will likely need a shipping container with an interior space in cubic feet that is roughly half the square footage of your home or office. For example, if the interior of your home is 1000 square feet, you will need a shipping container with around 500 cubic feet of interior space. This calculation is based on two factors 1) items in your home are spaced out and will not need to be as far apart inside the container 2) items can often be stacked in the container even if they are not typically stacked in your home.
If your home is very heavily or very sparsely furnished, you may need a larger or smaller container. Similarly, if you know that you have many fragile items that cannot be stacked, you may require more space.
How is Cost for Container Relocation Calculated?
There are several factors that go into calculating the final cost of moving a container. Here are the top factors:
Size of Container: When moving storage containers, the cost is calculated based on the size of the container and the distance it travels. For example, a 6-meter long container might be around $2 per km while a 12-meter container would be around double that per kilometer or around $4 per km.
Insurance: Insurance when shipping anything is usually a good idea. However, if your container is traveling a very short distance such as on your own property or within your own city, there is a lower likelihood that anything will be damaged. If you are moving your container a short distance, skipping insurance may be one way to reduce your costs.
Distance: Container relocation costs are dependant on the distance of the relocation. Depending on the carrier, there may be a minimum distance fee meaning you will be charged at least a certain amount even if the move is all on your own property or down the street.
LCL Vs FTL Shipping: Less than container loads (LCL) describes a container load that is not a Full Truck Load (FTL). Generally, when your shipment is an LCL, it will be shipped with other LTLs on the same truck, boat, train, or aircraft. Shipping an LCL is generally cheaper but also slower since you will be waiting on other shipments to be added to your own.
Mode of Transportation: Containers can be shipped via train, plane, truck, and boat. Each of these modes of transportation has advantages and disadvantages. In terms of costs, shipping by boat is usually the cheapest though it is also the slowest. Truck transportation tends to be the most costly but also the most versatile and is often the only type of transportation that is able to make the last leg of a journey to deliver a container to your home or business.
Often, if you are shipping items a great distance, intermodal shipping may be best. By using multiple modes of shipping you can sometimes reduce costs without excessive delays in delivery.
On-Site Equipment: If your container needs any special equipment to load it onto the truck, this will be factored into the cost. Examples of equipment here would include a forklift to hoist the container up on the truck.
Special Considerations for International Container Relocation
Relocating a container to another country will include special logistic considerations along with customs fees. You may also be restricted on what you can ship or charged extra for certain items. You will also likely need the services of a customs broker, someone who has expertise in the documentation needed for successful international shipping.
At OCT, we have experience with shipping all around the world. Our team of experts will work with you to get your items where they need to go along with the right documents and customs fees.
Can I Move a Storage Container Myself?
For smaller storage containers, it could be possible to move them with a pickup truck or other utility vehicle. However, keep in mind that even small storage containers, especially when full, can weigh hundreds of kilograms. Though it may be possible to move this with certain vehicles and the right rigging, you could run the risk of damaging your car with this. The strain could be too much for the motor or the bumper may also be stressed.
Additionally, driving with a trailer attached to your vehicle can be difficult and pose a hazard. If you do not have experience with this, the extra risk may simply not be worth it. If you do decide to try and move the container yourself, make sure to read up on the towing capacity of your vehicle and have an idea of how much your container weighs when filled.
It is also worth noting that if you are renting your container, the company you are renting from may specifically prohibit you from moving the container yourself. If you are unsure of this, it is best to contact the company first. If you move it yourself and cause damage, you may be responsible for fixing the container.
Get a Free Quote for Container Moving Today
Ready to get started with your container relocation? Ontario Container Transport is here to help. Our network of carriers, logistics experts, and professional shipping team can help you move your containers from just about anywhere.
We offer container shipping via boat, plane, truck, and train to ensure we always have the means to get your items where they need to be. Get started with a free container relocation quote today by calling (905) 695 1501.
