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Why should you choose HET for shipping a container in Minnesota?
Heavy Equipment Transport is ISO 9001 certified and handles over 1,500 container shipments nationwide each year. This year, we have already exceeded that number, moving 211 containers to and from Minnesota.
We prioritize on-time delivery, which typically helps our clients save around 11.5%. We are licensed by the FMCSA (MC-693977) and provide $250,000 in cargo coverage.
Additionally, we are GSA-certified and a FEMA Partner Approved company. For seven consecutive years, we have been recognized as a potential Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company.
With more than 16 years of experience, our team of 140 logistics experts operates from locations in Florida, Ohio, and Minnesota.
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Trustworthy Container Movers Compoany in Minnesota
Heavy Equipment Transport assures safe and reliable container moving services in Minnesota. We have a team of professional and experienced drivers who know the best routes to use when transporting containers in Minnesota. They will take good care of your shipping container until it arrives at a destination of your choice. All containers we carry are fully insured.
This is to ensure that in case the shipping container isn’t delivered in the condition it was picked in, our clients can be fully insured. Our clients are made holders of the insurance cover for an easy compensation process. We also have loading and unloading assistance available for customers who don’t have cranes, at an additional fee.
Timely and Fully Insured Container Moving Services in Minnesota
With any container you bring with us, you receive complete insurance and you are named as the policyholder. That is, if the container is not delivered in the same condition it was picked up, you can directly claim full compensation without going through our company.
Our drivers know all of the routes throughout Minnesota. They will pick up your shipping container on the agreed-upon date and ensure timely delivery. Also, in case of the client having no crane access, we offer loading and unloading assistance for an additional fee
Heavy Equipment Transport offers reliable container moving services to and from every city and port terminals in Minnesota. Below are the port terminals we serve together with their addresses and contacts.
Port of Duluth
This port handles containerized cargoes, project cargoes, steel coils, wind energy cargoes, and wood pulp. Below are the terminals we serve.
- Clure Public Marine Terminal: This is terminal deals with general cargo and breakbulk. Below is the address. 1310 Port Terminal Drive, Duluth MN, 55802, (218) 727-6646
- Duluth Cargo Connect: It offers storage, distribution, and transportation logistics for general cargo, breakbulk and heavy lifts. Below is the address. 1310 Port Terminal Drive, Duluth MN, 55802, (218) 727-6646
Shipping Containers in Minnesota: Regulations and Permits
In Minnesota, container regulations on shipping are more restrictive to one’s particular city or county, and usually those regulations work in residential zones (where temporary use can be permitted or specific use permitted) and require permits for longer periods or permanent placement, and local zoning (setbacks, screening, foundation) and building codes (safety, structure) compliance (especially if the container is converted into living spaces) must be applied, so always consult your local municipality’s ordinances first.
Local Zoning is Key in Minnesota
Regulations are so far divergent; a few cities (like Inver Grove Heights) permit them as accessory uses with size restrictions (e.g., 20ft max), whereas others are heavily restrictive in residential properties.
Minnesota Permits Often Required for Containers
- Building Permits: Required for structures over a certain size (e.g., 200 sq ft in some areas) or if they are being converted into dwellings.
- Conditional Use Permits (CUPs): It may be necessary for uses beyond temporary storage.
- Right-of-Way Permits: Required if placing on public property (e.g., city streets), often with strict time limits.
- Residential Restrictions: Generally prohibited or restricted to short-term (e.g., 90 days) temporary storage in residential zones, necessitating that they be behind the home, screened, and on appropriate foundations.
- Commercial/Industrial Zones: Broader latitude, but still subject to setbacks, screening, and aesthetic rules (e.g., color matching).
- Building Codes: Converted containers (for living, offices) must meet International Building Codes (IBC) and International Residential Codes (IRC) for structure, safety, and utilities.
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Container Transport Rates in Minnesota
Heavy Equipment Transport offers affordable container moving services in Minnesota. Our transport cost is all-inclusive without any hidden fees. Our Minnesota container transport cost varies from time to time because it's influenced by factors such as loading and unloading assistance, ground distance, season, route, weight, and size among other factors.
When a rigger man is needed and the client doesn’t have one, we provide one at a fee. With Heavy Equipment Transport, your shipping container will get to any city in Minnesota on time and in the condition, it was picked in.
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Our Recent Transports
TRANSPORTING A 40FT HIGH CUBE CONTAINER ON A STEP DECK TRAILER
Transport DetailsLong Beach, CA
Rochester, MN
Janelle Foltz was in charge of shipping this 35,000lbs and 40L 8.6W 9.6H 40ft high cube container loaded with household goods from Long Beach, CA, to Rochester, MN, where it was delivered safely. We transport containers of all sizes and weights to and from Minnesota at affordable rates. Call us for a quote.
Minnesota Shipping Container Transport FAQs by Category
General Information and Types
Are shipping containers standardized in Minnesota?
The containers shipping are ISO standardized, but Minnesota's use of those containers for housing must comply with local zoning, permits and codes for foundations, electrical and plumbing the same way any other dwelling must. Certain special permits may permit larger weight limits. Shipping containers are used in Minnesota for storage, construction and business use.
What are the most common container sizes used in Minnesota?
The average sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot, with a standard height of eight and a half feet, though there are taller options at nine and a half feet as well. If it's not as large, you can go for 10-foot containers if you need less but you can go for large projects for 45- or 53-foot ones. These different sizes help meet a variety of specific needs.
What are the primary types of shipping containers used in Minnesota?
Minnesota shipping containers are the Standard Dry (20ft & 40ft), High Cube, and Reefer Containers, suitable for temperature-sensitive items. Flat Racks/Open Tops are used for oversized cargo. Large ports such as New Orleans accommodate agricultural and industrial needs, and dry storage is the standard for everyday items.
Purchasing and Usage in Minnesota
Where can I buy or rent shipping containers in Minnesota?
Many shipping containers are available from local and national suppliers in Minnesota, like Tom Kraemer, Inc., Citi-Cargo & Storage, On-Site Storage Solutions, and Midwest Storage Containers. Options include various sizes (10ft to 40ft), new/used conditions, and flexible rental or rent-to-own programs.
Can shipping containers be used as homes or offices in Minnesota?
Yes, in Minnesota shipping containers can be used as homes or offices, but local zoning and building codes determine the possibility. Minnesota does have state-level legislation allowing for such alternative constructions, though the local county or municipality in which the shipping container is being constructed or placed ultimately determines that.
Delivery and Transport
How are containers transported and delivered in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, containers are transported using specialized trucks with tilt-beds, sidelifters, or cranes, typically by major highways such as I-94/I-35, which connect them to ports (Duluth, St. Paul) or rail terminals. In addition, methods that cater to the size (20 ft, 40 ft, 53 ft) of containers and types of trucks have been adjusted for terrain including winter conditions and are driven by GPS information for transport logistics. Delivery involves precise placement using equipment like forklifts or specialized trailers, requiring clear, level ground for drop-offs.
What are the requirements for delivery containers in Minnesota?
Minnesota delivery container criteria depend on what is in transit: hazardous materials (labeling, closed, separate) and food (temperature control, separate containers for raw/cooked, clean surfaces). General storage/shipping containers are subject to local city/county rules to ensure permits are granted (building/zoning), containers are placed (setbacks, firm surfaces), size is kept to a minimum and appearance is determined, often requiring permits for right-of-way placement.
Do I need a permit to transport a container on public roads in Minnesota?
Yes, a permit will likely be required to transport a container along Minnesota public roads, particularly if it's over 8.5 ft wide, 13.5 ft high, or 40-75 ft long, depending on your vehicle, or overweight and requires an Oversize/Overweight Permit from MnDOT for state roads. And for placing containers in the right-of-way (street/curb), you will also need local city permits, and zoning rules apply for placement on private property, so do double check with your city/county.
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Shipping Container Transport Dimensions and Specifications
Minnesota container transport costs vary based on distance, port terminal, container status (loaded or empty), permits, routing, and delivery requirements. Submit your details above to receive accurate pricing and availability for your move.
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