How to Move a Shipping Container

If you’ve recently bought (or are thinking about buying) a shipping container, you might be wondering how on earth you’re supposed to move it. They’re big and heavy — and not exactly something you can pop in the back of a van…

Whether you’re planning to have one delivered to your home, a business site or somewhere more remote, getting it from A to B will take some planning, and this expert guide is here to walk you through the process. We’ll explain how shipping container transport works in the UK, what sort of vehicle you’ll need and how to ensure everything runs smoothly. We’ll also offer advice on how to prepare your site, the access requirements to think about and what to expect on delivery day.

Whether you’re arranging delivery after a purchase or moving an existing container to a new location, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Shipping Container Transport: How Does it Work?

Moving a shipping container might sound like a big job, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. In fact, with the right equipment, some forward planning and a bit of know-how, it can be relatively straightforward. Plus, regardless of whether you’re having a new container delivered to your property or relocating one you already own, the process is pretty similar.

In most cases, the container will be transported by a specialist haulage company using a crane-mounted lorry. These vehicles are designed to pick up the container, transport it safely and lower it into position once it arrives on site — all without you having to lift a finger.

That said, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before booking the job, including the type of vehicle required, the ease of access to your site, the ground conditions and whether any extra equipment will be needed.

If you’re buying a shipping container through a supplier, they’ll often arrange delivery for you. But if you’re buying from a private seller, or moving one you already own, you’ll probably need to arrange transport yourself with a haulage firm.

Generally speaking, the basic principles are the same for moving any shipping container: You’ll need a suitable vehicle, a plan for how to lift and place the container and clear, level access to your site.

Types of Transport Vehicles Used

Once you’ve arranged for your container to be moved, the type of vehicle used will depend on a few key factors — mainly the size and weight of the container, how far it needs to travel and what kind of access is available at your site. Here are the most common transport options used across the UK:

HIAB Lorry (Crane-Mounted Lorry)

While HIAB (pronounced “hi-ab”) is technically a brand name (it stands for ‘Hydrauliska Industri AB’), crane-mounted lorries are often referred to as HIABs regardless of the brand, similar to how almost all vacuum cleaners are called ‘Hoovers’ (at least in the UK!).

These specialist lorries are the most common and convenient solution for moving shipping containers, especially for private buyers, as they’re fitted with a hydraulic crane, allowing the driver to lift the container on and off the vehicle without extra equipment.

Because they can offload directly onto your site and place the container exactly where you need it, they’re ideal for residential properties, farms, construction sites and anywhere else that doesn’t have a forklift or crane on standby.

Sideloaders

Sideloaders are large lorries with built-in lifting arms mounted along the sides of the vehicle. They’re typically used for heavier loads, stacked containers and sites with limited space to manoeuvre a traditional crane-mounted lorry.

Unlike HIABs, which lift from above, side loaders pick containers up from the sides, which makes them useful for more complex manoeuvres and narrow locations. The downside is they’re harder to come by and may cost more to hire.

Flatbed & Skeletal Trailers

These are essentially flat lorries or trailers with no lifting equipment. They’re cheaper to use but only practical if both the collection and delivery sites have a way to lift the container on and off the truck, such as with an on-site crane or forklift.

Flatbeds are often used for depot-to-depot transfers and port logistics, where lifting infrastructure is already in place. They’re usually unsuitable for private buyers or one-off deliveries.

What Access Do You Need for Delivery?

No matter how your container is being delivered, access is one of the most important things to get right. Even the most experienced haulier can’t do much if the delivery vehicle can’t reach the drop-off point or has nowhere to unload safely.

Almost all standard HIAB and sideloader lorries are large vehicles, often around the size of a fire engine. That means they need plenty of room to turn, manoeuvre and safely lower the container into place.

Things to Check Before Delivery

Even with the right vehicle at your disposal, the success of the delivery often comes down to the site itself. Just because a place is easy to reach on foot or in a car, doesn’t make it accessible for a 40ft lorry with a mechanical crane swinging around. So, before booking a delivery, it’s always worth checking the following:

• Width & Height: Are there any narrow lanes, tight gates, low bridges or overhanging trees between the road and your site?
• Turning Space: Is there enough room for the lorry to approach the site and turn around or reverse if needed?
• Surface Conditions: Is the ground firm and level? Soft or uneven ground may make it difficult (and sometimes unsafe) for the lorry to unload.
• Overhead Obstructions: Look out for overhead cables, branches or other hazards that could get in the way of the crane’s arm.

If you’re unsure about access, speak to your supplier or haulier before booking. In some cases, they may recommend a site visit or ask you to send photos and measurements. It’s always better to flag any potential issues in advance than deal with complications on the day.

Preparing Your Site for Delivery

Once you’ve confirmed access, it’s time to prepare your site for the container itself. Whether it’s going into a garden, yard, construction site or car park, a bit of groundwork beforehand can help everything go smoothly on delivery day.

First, you’ll need to make sure the area where the container is going is completely clear. That means removing any obstacles (such as bins, debris, vehicles and overhanging branches) and ensuring there’s enough space for the container and the crane to operate safely.

You’ll also want to make sure someone is on-site when the container arrives. The driver may need directions or confirmation of exactly where the container should be placed. Plus, if access proves trickier than expected, it helps to have someone there to problem-solve.

The ground should ideally be flat, firm and level. Containers are incredibly heavy, especially when loaded, and if they’re placed on soft or uneven ground, they can shift and sink over time. This can cause problems with the doors and potentially damage whatever you’re storing inside.

If you’re planning to leave your container in place for more than a few days, it’s important to place it on a suitable foundation. This could be a concrete pad, timber sleepers or even level paving slabs — anything that keeps the base evenly supported and off the bare ground.

Pro Tip: Depending on where you’re placing the container, how you plan to use it and how long for, you might also need to seek planning permission from your local council. For more information, check out our guide: Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shipping Container?

How Much Does Container Transport Cost?

This is often one of the first questions people ask. While it’s difficult to give an exact price without knowing the details, there are a few key factors that affect the cost of moving a shipping container.

The first one is distance. The further a container needs to travel, the higher the transport fee is going to be. Fuel costs, time on the road and toll charges can all influence the final quote, especially for long-distance or cross-country moves.

You’ll also need to consider the type of delivery vehicle required. HIAB lorries are more expensive than flatbeds due to the built-in crane, but they’re often the most practical choice (especially if you don’t have lifting equipment on-site).

Other factors that can impact the price include:

• Size & Weight: Larger or heavier containers may require specialist equipment or permits.
• Loaded or Empty: A container that’s full will weigh more and may need a different type of vehicle.
• Access: Tight, uneven or restricted sites can add time and complexity to the job.
• Waiting Time or Handling: If the driver has to wait on-site or assist with repositioning, this may incur extra charges.

Because so many variables are involved, most haulage companies will provide a custom quote based on your specific needs. If you’re buying a container through a supplier, they’ll usually offer a fixed delivery fee depending on your location.

While we can’t give an exact figure here, a quick call or email to your supplier or haulier should give you a clear idea of what to expect and help avoid any surprises later on.

Moving a Container You Already Own

If you’ve already got a shipping container and need to move it to a new location, the process is more or less the same as arranging a delivery from a supplier, but with a couple of extra things to think about.

The first step is to find a reliable haulage company that offers container transport. Many firms specialise in this kind of move, and most will be happy to provide a quote based on the pickup and drop-off locations, the type of container and the access at both ends.

You’ll need to make sure the container is ready to move. That means checking it’s empty (unless you’ve specifically agreed to transport it loaded), that it’s accessible for the vehicle to lift and that there’s space at the new site to offload.

If you’re planning to move the container while it’s full, it’s worth noting that some transport companies won’t accept this, and those that do may charge extra. A fully loaded container puts more strain on the lifting equipment and can be more difficult to position accurately.

It’s also worth checking your storage insurance before the move. Some hauliers provide cover as part of their service, but others don’t — and if you’re moving the container yourself or using a third party, you may need to arrange this separately to protect your container and its contents from any mishaps.

Looking to Buy a Shipping Container?

At Pay Less For Storage, we offer delivery on all new and used shipping containers to any accessible location in the UK. With flexible terms, competitive pricing and secure storage sites across the country, we make it easy to get the right container to where it needs to be. If you’re not sure what you need, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.