How to Transport a Shipping Container Home
Francisca Olive / May 2023
Shipping container homes have gained popularity in recent years due to their durability, affordability, and unique aesthetic. However, shipping container home transport can be daunting since it requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on transporting a shipping container home, from planning the transport to unloading the container at its new location.
Can Your Shipping Container Home Be Moved?
The answer to this question will depend on several factors. Some container homes can be easily moved, while others are more permanent. Because shipping container homes are all distinct and diverse, not all can be moved. Some can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled.
If a container home can be disassembled, it can be moved. You cannot transport a container home that has been welded together or set up such that it cannot be disassembled. However, if you construct your house with mobility in mind, getting it up on a truck is pretty simple.
Disassembling Your Shipping Container Home
The first step before transport is to disassemble stacked shipping containers. You should remove any connections between the individual shipping containers so you can take them apart. Several shipping containers cannot be transported at once. Therefore, it is advisable to deconstruct the stacked shipping containers so you can get modular containers instead, which are easier to transport.
You should remove all belongings from your container home before the move. This will not only make moving easier for you, but it will also help to keep your valuables safe. Once the shipping container home has been transported and reassembled, you can transfer your belongings to the new location.
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Transporting a Shipping Container Home
Once you have removed all your belongings from a shipping container and disassembled the shipping containers, you need to understand how to transport them. There are multiple options available.
Transporting Using a Tilt Bed Truck
A tilt bed truck is the most efficient mode of transport for distances of less than 200 miles. Not only will this make loading easier, but unloading the containers will also be a breeze. The bed of this truck can be tipped at an angle so that the container can slide off. Thus, when the driver arrives at the new location, they can place the container on the ground without needing specialized tools.
It’s also worth remembering that a tilt bed truck needs a lot of clearance to get into a location. You can choose this transportation option if there is plenty of room around the shipping container home.
Transporting Using a Flatbed Truck
If you need to transport your containers further than 200 miles, you should look into shipping container home movers with flatbed trucks. This is because the containers will need to be secured tightly. This option requires a crane for loading and unloading, which can be costly. Thus, you should plan adequately if you plan to use this option.
Transporting Using a Step-Deck Truck
Regular shipping methods won’t work if you have high-cube containers. That’s because the average height of a high-cube container is 9.5 feet. Here’s where a step-deck truck comes in handy. Step-deck trucks are very similar to flatbed trucks. They have a platform that is level and permanent. However, these trucks’ platforms are lower than flatbed trucks, making it easier to transport high-cube containers.
The containers must be loaded and unloaded using a forklift or other device.
Unloading the Shipping Containers
Once the shipping containers get to the new location, the next step is to unload and reassemble them. Make sure that all utility connections are ready to go before this occurs. That way, problems can be avoided. The last thing you want to be doing is frantically searching for a water service when the containers are being unloaded.
If the shipping container home movers use a flatbed truck, a crane will be required to unload the containers. On the other hand, tilt-bed trucks make this process effortless; the containers can just be slid off. When you have the containers positioned where you want them, you can reattach them using threshold plates and bolts. After that, you can bring your belongings back into the house and enjoy your new location.
Ensure you prepare the delivery site. This includes cutting down low-hanging trees, relocating low-hanging utility or telephone wires, and preparing the foundation.
If you want to avoid mud and wetness on the ground, schedule delivery for a day when the weather forecast is dry.
Key Takeaway
Transporting a shipping container home can be a complex and challenging task, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be done safely and successfully. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your container home is transported to its new location with minimal stress and hassle.
William Thomas
Heavy Transport Specialist
Being able to lead a team of such talented logistics agents has been a wonderful experience over the past ten years. If you would like to know anything more about the heavy equipment transport services we offer, don't hesitate to give us a call!