Shipping containers can be transported by ship, train, or truck, depending on distance and destination.
In Australia, road freight is the most common method for short- to medium-distance moves.
Costs vary by distance, size, and location.
For the last mile, choose the right truck type: tilt-tray or side-loader.
Always check site access and permits before arranging delivery.
You’re considering investing in a shipping container, perhaps for secure storage, or a conversion into a site office, tiny home, garage or pool.
But before you buy, you want to know how to transport a shipping container.
How much does it cost to transport a shipping container? How do you transport a 20ft shipping container? A 40ft container? How do you place the container where you want it on your property?
In this guide we’ll answer all those questions and more.
Shipping container transport options
Shipping containers are designed for transport. Exactly how they’re moved mostly depends on the destination. Shipping container transport options include:
By sea: Container ships are a slow but incredibly cost-effective way to transport containers internationally. In Australia this method can also be used for interstate transport.
By rail: Trains are the cheapest and most efficient way to transport containers overland between major Australian population centres.
By road: B-double trucks offer a cost-effective way to deliver containers anywhere in Australia, while tilt-tray or side-loader trucks are typically used for the last mile.
How much does it cost to transport a shipping container?
Container transport costs depend on factors like container size, distance and mode of transport. The following numbers represent a very general guide, based on a standard 20ft shipping container*:
Local container delivery, such as from a port or a container depot to a destination in the same city: ~$330-$770 (depending on distance and site access).
Interstate routes between major cities, such as Brisbane to Sydney/Melbourne: ~$1,200-$1,600 (including pickup and unloading).
International or long-haul costs: Vary greatly depending on destination, usually quoted on a case-by-case basis.
*Prices are typically higher for 40ft containers and specialised sizes.
Choosing the right truck for the last mile
The final leg of the journey is the most critical. Once the container arrives on your property or site, how will it be placed in the right spot?
There are two main options:
Tilt-tray trucks (rear unload): The tray tilts, the container slides down and catches the ground, the truck drives forward to leave the container behind.
Side-loader trucks (parallel unload): Fitted with dual cranes, the truck parks next to the nominated spot, then lowers the container into place.
Your choice will usually come down to cost, container size, site access and space. Tilt tray trucks are the cheaper option, but require more space to unload, and can’t place the container as precisely as a side-loader. 40ft containers will also require a ‘super tilt tray’ truck.
If you have on-site unloading capabilities – usually in the form of a crane, although a small container may be able to be moved with a heavy duty forklift – delivery to your site can be made by a basic flat bed truck or semi trailer.
This also gives you the opportunity to speak to a few experts to understand which delivery option is best for your situation, and if there are any potential delivery issues or limitations that you weren’t aware of.
Andreas Atrott is the founder of shipping-containers.com.au, operated by Containerbase Pty Ltd (Hemmant, Queensland, Australia). He combines long-standing industry expertise with a hands-on approach to container sales, modifications, and custom solutions. He also conducts applied field research on the thermal and humidity behaviour of shipping containers in subtropical climates, publishing open datasets and reports under the Container Performance Research Series. His research dataset is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21466036 (ORCID: 0009-0007-9305-8058). His goal is to make buying and using shipping containers straightforward, reliable, and tailored to customer needs.
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