Shipping Container
Transport Services
In Kentucky

Yes. In Kentucky, you typically need a permit to place or use a shipping container on residential or commercial property. The exact permit depends on how you plan to use it and how long it will remain on-site. Temporary storage may require a short-term permit, while long-term placement or conversion usually requires a full building permit and inspections. Always contact your local planning/zoning office for requirements.

Yes, but it’s highly regulated. Container homes must meet local zoning rules and building code requirements, including foundations, inspections, and professional sign-offs. Rural areas may be more flexible, while cities often require full compliance similar to traditional construction.

Zoning is managed locally, not statewide. Check your city or county Planning/Zoning Department. Many areas provide GIS portals and online zoning maps, such as LINK-GIS in Northern Kentucky. You can also contact the County Clerk or visit City Hall for ordinances tied to your address.

Yes. Transport permits may be required if the container is oversize or overweight. Commercial moves may require a KYU number, and oversize/overweight permits are issued through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) when legal limits are exceeded. Permanent placement on a property may also require local permits.

Common conditions include One-Trip (new), Refurbished/Premium, Used (Cargo Worthy, Wind & Watertight), and As-Is. Grades reflect structural soundness, appearance, and suitability for shipping or storage. Options like IICL (excellent) and Food Grade are also available for specific needs.

No. Shipping containers do not have titles like vehicles. Proof of ownership is typically a receipt or bill of sale from the seller. If placing a container permanently, local permits may still be required.

Inspect the roof for holes/rust, check walls for major dents, confirm doors/hinges/seals operate properly, and verify the floor is sound with no soft spots or water damage. For shipping use, confirm Cargo-Worthy status and the CSC plate details.

The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft, all typically 8ft wide. Standard height is 8'6" and high cube height is 9'6". Other sizes like 10ft and 45ft exist, but 20ft and 40ft are most common.

A high cube container is about one foot taller than a standard container (9'6" vs. 8'6"). This provides extra interior volume, making it ideal for bulky cargo, storage, and conversions like offices or homes.

Yes. Specialized options include refrigerated (reefer) containers, high cubes, open tops, open-sided containers, flat racks, half-height containers, tank containers, and double-door containers. Availability depends on suppliers and routing.

Containers are commonly moved by truck using chassis, flatbeds, stepdecks, and tilt-bed trailers. Rail transport may also be used for certain lanes. Sidelifters and cranes can assist with placement, especially at ports, yards, and customer sites.

Typical container transport pricing in Kentucky is around $2.90 to $3.00 per mile (often ~ $2.95/mile). Final pricing varies by distance, container size (20ft vs. 40ft), weight, seasonality, fuel, and whether ports/rail ramps are involved.

Shipping a container to or from Kentucky averages $2.65 to $3.00 per mile for standard freight. Prices vary by lane, container size, whether it’s loaded or empty, access conditions, and fuel costs—contact HET for an accurate quote.

For an accurate shipping container quote to or from Kentucky, contact Heavy Equipment Transport with your pickup/delivery locations, container size, loaded vs. empty status, total weight, readiness date, and any access constraints. Ask for a detailed breakdown and confirm potential add-on fees upfront.

HET offers transparent pricing, but container transport can include additional charges such as demurrage/detention, port/terminal fees, and fuel surcharges—especially for international or port/rail moves. Handling, distance, site conditions, and peak seasons can also affect final cost, so confirm all potential charges in advance.

Permits may be required for oversize/overweight moves through KYTC and for placement through local city/county zoning and building departments. Requirements vary by load configuration, route, and municipality.

Often, yes. Many Kentucky municipalities treat containers as accessory structures and require zoning, building, or temporary-use approvals. Rules can include setbacks, size limits, and restrictions on duration and visibility—check with your local planning/zoning office for specifics.

Prohibited items can include explosives, flammable materials, compressed gases, poisons, radioactive materials, biological hazards, ammunition, illegal drugs, live animals/plants, certain chemicals, household cleaners, and open alcohol containers. Confirm restrictions with your carrier and comply with federal HAZMAT rules.

Delivery typically requires adequate clearance for the truck/trailer, stable and level ground, and enough room to maneuver and place the container safely. Local permits or escorts may be required depending on the setup and route.

Common equipment includes chassis trailers for intermodal containers, flatbeds, stepdecks for taller loads, and specialized options such as tilt-beds or sideloaders depending on container size, weight, and delivery conditions.

Containers are loaded/unloaded using forklifts, cranes, sidelifters, and other specialized lifting equipment at ports, rail ramps, yards, warehouses, or job sites. Handling methods depend on container type, weight, and access.

The most common are 20ft and 40ft containers, plus 40ft high-cube. Other sizes like 10ft, 16ft, 45ft, and 53ft may be available depending on supply and equipment. Most standard containers are 8ft wide.

A standard 20ft container typically weighs about 4,500–5,000 lbs. A standard 40ft container weighs about 8,200–8,800 lbs. Exact tare weight is usually marked on the container’s door placard.

Kentucky supports multiple ISO standards including ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Health and Safety), ISO 18013-5, and ISO 19115. Support may be available via CIRAS and private consultants.