Is a Shipping Container Right for Your Family or Business Cross-Country Move?

When planning to move your household goods or business items, you most likely think of a traditional moving company.  Some people think that it might be more affordable to purchase a shipping container to store their goods in and have it transported to the next destination.  However, moving a loaded container long distance can be challenging and quite expensive depending on how far it is going and with what type of truck is being used.  Here are some things think about when comparing both options.

Advantages

• No Time Limitations – You can purchase a shipping container and have it placed on the ground at your current location. The best part is you can load and unload it at your leisure.

• Flexibility- Select the shipping container size based on the volume of your items. Available in 20 ft and 40 ft lengths and made from durable Cor-Ten Steel, these containers offer robust protection. You can hire a professional trucking company to transport the loaded container to your destination, or if equipped, you can move it yourself using your own truck and trailer.

• Use for Storage or Re-sell – Upon reaching your destination, you can repurpose the shipping container for storage, customize it with features like shelving and insulation, or sell it to recover part of your cost.

Disadvantages

• Delivery Cost –Cross country delivery will vary depending on the pickup and drop off location.  

• Delivery Requirements – The ground must be dry, solid, and level, with a clearance of 12 ft in width and 16 ft in height (free of wires or trees). For delivery, a 20 ft container requires 75 ft of space, while a 40 ft container needs 120 ft for the truck to pull forward as the container slides off.

• Loading and Unloading container – Once your container is loaded, you need to arrange transport to your destination. For distances under 200 miles, a trucking company can slide the loaded container back onto their truck and move it to your site. Be prepared to sign a damage waiver as items may shift inside. For distances over 200 miles, consider using a flatbed truck company. This will require hiring a crane at both locations to load and unload the container from the truck.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s crucial to find a reputable, cross-country shipping container delivery company that not only has recent customer reviews but also has comprehensive insurance coverage. Whether you purchase a shipping container to assist with your move or when you reach your destination, Container Sales Group can help. Call us today for a quote at 708-639-4783.