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Why choose HET for transporting containers in South Carolina?
HET is a South Carolina transport company specializing in shipping container deliveries. This year, we delivered 801 containers with a 98.3% on-time rate.
Heavy Equipment Transport is ISO 9001 certified and handles over 1,500 container shipments each year. We prioritize on-time delivery, which helps our clients save approximately 18.2% on shipping costs.
We are licensed by the FMCSA (MC-693977) with a coverage limit of $250,000, and we are both GSA-certified and FEMA Partner-Approved. With 16 years of experience, our team of 140 logistics experts operates in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. We have also been a candidate for the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years.
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Expert Transportation of Shipping Containers in South Carolina
Heavy Equipment Transport has been safely moving shipping containers in South Carolina for more than ten years. We handle containers of all shapes and sizes, and our team is here to help you with your needs quickly and securely.
We provide services that can pick up and drop off containers from your location or transport them from a terminal. Our modern trucks are designed to keep everything safe during transit. You can rely on Heavy Equipment Transport to take care of all the details while you focus on your day-to-day activities without any worries.
Trustworthy and Fully Insured Container Shipping Services in South Carolina.
Heavy Equipment Transport is your trusted partner for container shipping in South Carolina. We fully insure your shipment against damage, so you can claim full compensation if it isn’t safely delivered.
Before loading, we do a deep inspection and complete a Bill of Lading (BOL) to confirm safe arrival at the drop-off location. Our trained drivers navigate efficient routes, and we have cranes and trailers ready in every city for quick service.
Transport your loaded or unloaded container in South Carolina today!
The Most Important Ports for Shipping Containers in South Carolina
The Port of Charleston is an important shipping center in South Carolina, ranking among the top 10 ports in the United States for container volume. It manages a large amount of international cargo at its terminals, including Wando Welch and Leatherman, and is supported by inland ports located in Greer and Dillon.
The Port of Georgetown specializes in handling breakbulk cargo, which consists of goods and merchandise that are not shipped in containers.
Key Seaports for shipping container transportation in South Carolina
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Port of Charleston (SC Ports Authority): This is the primary, high-velocity container hub, featuring the deepest harbor on the East Coast (52 feet), allowing it to handle fully loaded post-Panamax vessels. It is consistently ranked among the most productive ports globally. The key terminals located in the Port of Charleston, South Carolina, include:
- Wando Welch Terminal: The biggest shipping terminal is in Mount Pleasant and it takes care of most of the container shipments.
- Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal: A new, state-of-the-art shipping terminal has been built to increase the shipping capacity by an additional 2.4 million containers.
- North Charleston Terminal: Specialized in the management of container vessels with a capacity of up to 8,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).
- Port of Georgetown: Situated 60 miles north of Charleston, this facility specializes in handling breakbulk and bulk cargo—such as steel and cement—rather than containerized shipments.
Inland Ports of South Carolina
These ports are important for enhancing train links from the Port of Charleston to other parts of the state.
- Inland Port Greer: This inland port links the Upstate region to the coast and serves as an important manufacturing center.
- Inland Port Dillon: The service operates in the northeastern part of the state and provides intermodal connections.
Permits and Regulations for Container Shipping in South Carolina
In South Carolina, trucks with special SCDOT permits can weigh up to 100,000 pounds, requiring specific trailers, route planning and safety guidelines.
Permits for oversized or overweight loads cost between $30 and $100 and have travel restrictions during holidays and peak times. Containers stored outside must also comply with local regulations to remain out of public sight.
Important Permits and Regulations for Container Transportation
- Weight Limits: The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) permits shipping containers weighing up to 100,000 pounds for international shipping.
- Permit Costs:
- Single Trip Permit: $30.00
- Overwidth (>16 ft): $35.00
- Overwidth (>18 ft): $40.00
- Annual Multiple-Trip/House Moving: $100.00
- Oversized or Overweight Transport Regulations:
- Route Planning: It is important to plan a professional, precise route for the transportation of oversized loads to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
- Travel Restrictions: No hauling or transportation of overweight equipment is allowed on holidays or for one day before and after. Restrictions apply from 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM in high-traffic areas for vehicles over 14 feet wide.
- Safety Requirements: The plan for hauling large loads must incorporate escort vehicles, designated signage and adequate lighting.
- Hazardous Materials: In order to transport hazardous materials, it is imperative that transporters submit a Site Identification Form. They may be required to comply with specific regulations governing the storage of such materials.
Zoning and Placement Regulations for Shipping Containers in South Carolina
- Permits: A permit is required for any permanent structure, including a converted shipping container used as a home or office.
- Placement: Containers should not block any parking spaces and need to be placed at the back of buildings.
- Screening: Local regulations in South Carolina mandate that containers be effectively screened from public rights-of-way. This screening is typically accomplished through the use of landscaping or fencing.
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Affordable and Timely Container Moving Services in South Carolina
Heavy Equipment Transport offers free and accurate container shipping quotes. Our services are affordable without any hidden fees. The cost of transporting a container in South Carolina depends on the distance, route, weight, size, and season.
In addition, we offer expedited transport services at an added fee for clients who want their containers shipped urgently.
Get your South Carolina container transport rate today
Our Recent Transports
A 20FT CONTAINER ON A FLATBED TRAILER
Transport DetailsAustin, TX
Cranston, RI
This 20ft container loaded with HH goods was shipped from Austin, TX, to Cranston, RI, by our specialist Janelle Foltz. The 20L 8W 8.6H and 15,000lbs container was carefully loaded on a step-deck trailer using a crane before it was secured for transport. Call Heavy Equipment Transport today to safely transport containers to and from Rhode Island.
South Carolina Shipping Container Transport FAQs by Category
Logistics & Costs
What are the costs for container transport in SC?
In South Carolina, transporting 20-foot shipping containers costs between $490 and $1,100. For long-distance moves, prices range from $1.65 to $3.10 per mile, with total costs for larger moves from $2,900 to $5,500.
What types of vehicles are used for delivering containers in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, containers are delivered using specialized vehicles such as side loaders, tilt bed trucks, flatbeds and container chassis trailers. These trucks, commonly operated by companies working with the Port of Charleston, transport container units ranging from 20 to 53 feet in length for residential, commercial, industrial and construction purposes.
What articles can be transported in a container to or from South Carolina?
Containers shipped to and from South Carolina, through major hubs like Charleston, are most often used to transport household merchandise, goods, furniture, vehicles (such as cars, motorcycles, and boats), heavy machinery, construction materials, and industrial equipment. Specialized options are available for oversized items, raw materials like timber, and electronics.
Permits & Regulations
Do I need permits for a shipping container in SC?
In South Carolina, if you want to use a shipping container, you need to get some permits, especially if you plan to make it a permanent structure or use it for living purposes.
The requirements will differ based on your location, as some areas, cities and counties may require different permits, such as building or electrical permits. In contrast, others might not allow shipping containers as extra structures at all.
What rules and permits are necessary for temporary placing a container in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, using temporary containers or dumpsters may require local permits, especially near public streets. For example, Columbia requires a 20-foot clearance. Homeowners' associations might also have guidelines, and permits are often needed for long-term storage on private property.
Are there restrictions on what I can pack in a container shipped to or from South Carolina?
Shipping containers to or from South Carolina face strict restrictions on hazardous materials, including explosives, fuel, chemicals, illegal drugs, firearms, and perishable items. Prohibited items include airbags, mercury, and fireworks, while alcohol and certain batteries have specific restrictions.
Container Types & Conditions
What are the various types of containers available for use in SC?
Shipping container transport in South Carolina involves local and long-distance moves, specialized handling, and compliance with permits. Costs average $450–$1,300 for local 20-foot moves, and $1.65–$3.10 per mile for long-distance deliveries.
What do container grades mean?
Container grades classify shipping containers based on condition, from "one-trip" (new) to "as-is" (used). Classifications such as One-Trip, Cargo Worthy (CWO), IICL and Wind/Watertight (WWT) indicate their suitability for shipping, storage, or modifications.
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Regions
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Shipping Container Transport Dimensions and Specifications
South Carolina 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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