Container transportation: How shipping containers are moved

Transporting shipping containers is a technically and logistically demanding process that requires precise planning, the right equipment and an experienced team.For 6-meter and 12-meter shipping containers, we are talking about a weight of 2200 to 4000 kg of an empty container. The weight with cargo can exceed 24 tons. Shipping container transport is a service in which details, safety and speed play a decisive role.

Container transport: Basic transfer options

From practice, we know that container transport is mainly carried out by road, rail, sea and combined. The most common is road transport of shipping containers using semi-trailers with a container frame, which allow for quick attachment via twistlock mechanisms. For long distances, intermodal transport (combined transport, for example train and ship) is standard, which reduces costs and CO2 emissions by up to 30% and at the same time reduces the risk of delays in large logistics projects.

Division of shipping containers

In practice, we most often distinguish shipping containers into:

• 6-meter shipping containers (20 ft container): have a carrying capacity of approximately 28 tons and the weight of an empty container is 2.2 tons.
• 12-meter shipping containers (40 ft container): have a higher volume, have the same width of 2.44 m and are suitable for larger construction projects.
• HC (high cube) shipping containers: These are versions with a height of 2.9 m, which provide approximately 10% more interior space.

Recommendations for transporting a container to the site

Based on our experience, the transport of shipping containers is most effective when access to the site, the bearing capacity of the subsoil and the handling spaceare checked in advance. We also recommend that you include a reserve of at least 1 to 2 meters for safe handling. Often these factors cause time delays and additional increases in transport costs.

Shipping containers by road

According to our experience, shipping container transport accounts for more than 60% of all special cargo transport in the construction segment.The reason is simple: in addition to transporting goods, containers are also used as residential or office containers. They are also used as technical facilities or warehouses for materials and tools.

Road transportof shipping containersis the most flexible solution. It is carried out using a tractor with a low loader or a hydraulic arm. Transporting containers over short distances (up to 150 km) is usually the most economically advantageous. However, it is also necessary to consider the legislation, because the maximum permitted width of the set is 2.55 m, height 4 m and length 16.5 m. If the transport of containers is oversized, an accompanying vehicle and a permit are required. In practice, we also recommend checking low bridges or narrow driveways.

Loading and unloading containers in practice

Based on our experience with transportation, proper loading is a key moment in the entire implementation.Container transportation begins with checking the levelness and load-bearing capacity of the base. A hydraulic arm, crane or reach stacker is most often used.

A minimum handling space of 3 meters on each side must be ensured during loading and unloading.Transporting shipping containers requires accuracy and extreme precision. A difference of a few centimeters may mean the need for repeated manipulation or, in the worst case, damage to the shipping container.

Before implementation, we recommend that you ensure and check:

• Prepare concrete footings or reinforced gravel on which the container will be placed.
• Check the slope of the terrain, ideally it should not exceed 2%.
• Have a person ready to navigate the driver and monitor safety during handling.

Properly managed container transport reduces handling time by up to 40%. If you are interested in container dimensions, read the article: Ship container dimensions: What are the sizes, weight and technical parameters?

Price and planning of shipping container transportation

The price depends on the distance, type of equipment and the complexity of unloading. The average shipping container transportation within the region ranges from tens to hundreds of euros (depending on size, weight, distance and complexity of placement).

• Distance: It is a basic parameter, with every additional 100 km naturally increasing fuel costs, driver time and equipment depreciation.
• Container type: Size plays a role in particular.12-meter shipping containers are more difficult to handle and require more space.
• Accessibility: Access to the land also has a significant impact, narrow driveways, soft terrain or limited maneuvering space can increase the price of transportation by tens of percent.
• Special requirements: If it is necessary to use a crane or special hydraulic equipment, the transportation of shipping containers will become more expensive depending on the hourly rate of mechanization.

Conclusion: Container transportation requires planning

Container transportation is not just about moving from one point to another. It is about coordinating transportation, handling and safety. Properly planned shipping container transportation minimizes risks, saves costs and prevents unnecessary complications. Based on our experience at hagro.sk, detailed preparation can reduce total costs by up to 15%.

FAQ

Usually 1 to 2 working days within the region, 2 to 5 working days for longer distances. No for standard dimensions, yes for oversized ones. Yes, but it requires appropriate technology and careful planning. Distance, unloading technique and access to the installation site.