Moving a shipping container can seem like an overwhelming task, especially when thinking about the potential costs. Did you know that moving a large shipping container can cost between $500 to $1,000 even for the shortest distance? This article will shed light on all aspects of relocating shipping containers and provide insights into how much it could potentially cost.
Keep reading if you want to understand how best to budget for this major undertaking!
Key Takeaways
- Moving a shipping container across your property can cost between $500 to $1,000, depending on the size and distance.
- Moving a shipping container across the city may cost between $500 and $1,000, plus additional charges for loading and unloading.
- Moving a shipping container across the country or internationally can range from $1,200 to over $10,000.
- Factors that affect the cost include the amount of items being moved, distance of the move, domestic or international relocation, weight of items, insurance coverage, and storage requirements.
Average Cost to Move a Shipping Container
Moving a shipping container across various distances can come with different costs. If you need to move a shipping container across your property, the average cost can range from $100 to $500.
Moving a shipping container across the city may cost between $500 and $1,000, while moving it across the country or from state to state can have an average cost of $1,000 to $4,000.
On the other hand, if you are looking for international shipping container relocation, be prepared for costs ranging from $3,000 to over $10,000.
Cost to Move a Shipping Container Across Your Property
Moving a big shipping container on your land is not costly. You may pay from $500 to $1,000 for this job. The price depends on the size of the box and how far it goes. It will cost more if you have large items inside.
So, think about what you need to move when planning this work. Professional movers can help do this well with safe tools like cranes and trucks. Always plan ahead to avoid surprise charges or problems during moving day!
Cost to Move a Shipping Container Across the City
Moving a shipping container across the city can cost between $1.5 to $3 per mile, depending on the distance and location. For example, if you are moving a container 10 miles within the city, it could cost around $15 to $30.
Loading and unloading the container onto a truck can also add an additional cost of about $1,200 to $2,500. These costs may vary based on factors such as the size of the container and any special requirements for transportation or delivery.
It’s important to research different moving companies and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
Cost to Move a Shipping Container Across the Country (Or From State to State)
Moving a shipping container across the country or from one state to another can vary in cost. On average, it can range from $1,200 to over $7,500. Factors like distance and the size of the container will affect the price.
For shorter moves within a state, you may pay around $1.5 to $3 per mile. Loading and unloading the container onto a truck can add an additional cost of $1,200 to $2,500 depending on your location.
So when planning for a long-distance move with a shipping container, keep these costs in mind to budget accordingly.
Cost to Move a Shipping Container Internationally
Moving a shipping container internationally can be more expensive than moving it domestically. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the distance, destination, and size of the container.
On average, shipping a container overseas can range from $2,000 to $6,000. This cost includes transportation fees, customs duties, and documentation expenses. It’s important to research different shipping companies and compare quotes to find the best price for your international container move.
Additionally, keep in mind that additional costs may arise for services like loading and unloading the container at each port along the way.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Move a Shipping Container
The cost to move a shipping container can vary based on factors such as the amount of items being moved, the distance of the move, and whether it is a domestic or international relocation.
Read on to learn more about these factors and how they impact the overall cost.
Amount of items being moved
The amount of items you need to move can impact the cost of moving a shipping container. If you have fewer items, it may be cheaper because you will need less space in the container.
This means you might be able to choose a smaller container size or share a container with someone else, which can save money. On the other hand, if you have more items that take up more space, you may need a larger container or even multiple containers.
This could increase the overall cost as more space is needed for transportation and potentially additional handling fees. So, when considering how much it costs to move a shipping container, keep in mind how many items you are planning to transport.
Distance of the move
The distance of the move is an important factor that affects the cost of moving a shipping container. The farther you need to transport the container, the more it will generally cost.
On average, the cost per mile for moving containers is around $3. This means that a typical move of 1000 miles can cost approximately $3,000. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate and actual costs may vary based on other factors as well.
So, when planning your move, consider both the distance and how it might impact your overall budget for shipping container relocation.
Domestic or international move
If you’re planning to move a shipping container, whether it’s domestically or internationally, the costs involved can vary. For domestic moves within the US, the cost can range from $1,200 to over $7,500 depending on factors like distance and size of the container.
If you’re moving internationally, the cost will be different and depends on factors such as destination and shipping fees. It’s important to research and understand these costs before making any decisions.
Keep in mind that there are container shipping cost calculators available to help estimate these expenses accurately.
Weight of the items
The weight of the items you are moving can affect the cost to move a shipping container. Heavier items may require specialized equipment or additional manpower, which can increase the overall cost.
Additionally, heavier containers may also result in higher transportation fees due to fuel consumption and wear and tear on the vehicles. It’s important to accurately estimate the weight of your belongings before requesting quotes from moving companies to get an accurate cost estimation for your container move.
Insurance coverage
Insurance coverage is an important factor to consider when moving a shipping container. It provides protection in case of accidents or damage during transportation. The cost of insurance coverage can vary depending on factors like the value of the items being moved and the distance of the move.
It’s important to research different insurance options and choose one that suits your needs and budget. Remember, having insurance coverage gives you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are protected during the move.
Storage requirements
When moving a shipping container, it’s important to consider your storage requirements. The amount of items you need to move will impact the overall cost. If you have fewer items, you may be able to choose a smaller container and save money.
On the other hand, if you have many belongings that require extra space, you may need a larger container which could increase the cost. It’s also important to consider if you’ll need long-term storage for your container before or after the move.
Storage fees can add additional costs to your overall moving expenses. So, make sure to assess your storage needs and factor them into your budget when planning a shipping container move.
Tips to Save Money When Moving a Shipping Container
To save money when moving a shipping container, consider purging unused items, shipping during the off-season, and exploring less-than-container load (LCL) options.
Purge unused items
When moving a shipping container, it’s important to purge unused items. This can help you save money by reducing the size and weight of your shipment. Get rid of any items that you no longer need or want before packing up your container.
Not only will this lighten the load, but it will also make unpacking at your new location much easier. Plus, if you’re using a professional moving service, they may charge based on the volume or weight of your belongings, so purging unused items can help lower your overall moving costs.
So take some time to declutter and donate or sell any items that you don’t use anymore before moving your shipping container.
Ship during the off-season
Shipping during the off-season can help you save money when moving a shipping container. During peak times, such as summer and holidays, prices tend to be higher due to high demand.
By scheduling your move during the off-season, you may be able to negotiate lower rates with shipping companies.
According to Forbes, shipping container prices are typically lower in January when demand is lower. This means that if you can plan your move for this time of year, you may be able to take advantage of reduced costs.
Additionally, shipping during less busy months can also result in faster delivery times since there is less competition for transportation resources.
By opting to ship during the off-season, cost-conscious buyers have the opportunity to save money on their shipping container relocation while still ensuring a timely and efficient move.
Consider less-than-container load (LCL) options
If you’re looking to save money when moving a shipping container, consider less-than-container load (LCL) options. LCL allows you to share space in a container with other shipments instead of having an entire container just for yourself.
This can be a cost-effective choice, especially if you don’t have enough items to fill an entire container or if you’re on a tight budget. With LCL, you only pay for the space your items take up in the shared container, which can help reduce your overall moving costs.
So, when planning your move, explore LCL options as a way to save money while still getting your belongings transported safely and efficiently.
Top Shipping Container Moving Companies
– PODS: PODS is a popular choice for moving containers, offering flexible delivery options and convenient storage solutions. They have transparent pricing and excellent customer service.
– U-Pack: U-Pack offers affordable container moving services with their ReloCube containers. They provide door-to-door delivery and allow you to only pay for the space you use.
– 1-800-PACK-RAT: 1-800-PACK-RAT is known for its reliable service and secure storage options. They offer local, long-distance, and international moves with competitive pricing.
– Zippy Shell: Zippy Shell provides efficient container moving services that are cost-effective and convenient. They have various sizes of containers available to accommodate different needs.
– SmartBox Moving & Storage: SmartBox Moving & Storage specializes in small-scale container moves. Their portable storage units are weather-resistant and come with easy loading ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Shipping container moving can be a complex process, and you may have some questions. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the cost of moving a shipping container:.
1. How much does it cost to move a shipping container across the country?.
The cost to move a shipping container across the country varies depending on factors like distance and size. On average, it can range from $1,200 to over $7,500.
2. Can I ship a shipping container internationally?.
Yes, you can ship a shipping container overseas. However, the cost will depend on various factors such as the destination and any additional services required.
3. Are there calculators available to estimate shipping container costs?.
Yes, there are online calculators that can help estimate the cost of shipping containers based on your specific needs.
4. What are the delivery options for moving an empty container or container home?.
Delivery options for moving an empty container or container home vary depending on your location and preferences. It’s important to research and understand different choices available in terms of costs and logistics.
Remember that these are general answers, and actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances such as distance, weight of items being moved, insurance coverage requirements, storage needs, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, moving a shipping container can vary in cost depending on factors such as the distance of the move, size of the container, and any additional services needed. It is important to research different options and compare prices from various companies to find the best deal.
By understanding the average costs and considering money-saving tips, you can make informed decisions when it comes to moving a shipping container.
FAQs
1. What are the costs for moving a shipping container?
The costs of moving a shipping container includes the transport fees, loading and unloading prices, rental, and sometimes even crane cost if needed.
2. How does distance impact the price to move a shipping container?
The longer the distance, the higher the container transport cost will be. Moving a foot container across town may cost less than an international move.
3. What options are there for delivering my shipping container?
There are various delivery options: you can use shipping services that handle all logistics or choose to rent and drive your own moving truck.
4. Are there additional expenses involved when relocating a shipping container?
Yes! Shipping containers require special equipment for loading and unloading which could add extra charges along with any necessary permit fees depending on your location.
5. Where can I get pricing information for my intended move?
You can ask various companies about their moving prices in advance which will help you breakdown transportation expenses so you can plan your budget.
Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.
