How to move a Conex Box

Are you considering purchasing a Conex Box or have you have already purchased one and are now wondering how to move the container? When I purchased my Conex Box from an estate auction, I had the same question. I had no idea how to get the container from the previous owners property to my location. I was surprised at how much effort it took to find someone that could move my Conex Box for me at a reasonable price. Hopefully the lessons I learned will help make the process a little easier for you.

My first thought was to call up a local trucking company and hire them to move the container for me. This wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I found that many of the larger companies deal mostly with other companies with large contract jobs. Most did not want to deal with an individual with a single small job.

Luckily I did finally speak with someone that was kind enough to advise contacting an independent trucker. Independent truckers are individuals or small trucking companies that own their own trucks and usually are more willing to take on small jobs. To locate an independent trucker check your local yellow pages or classified websites.

The main issue with hiring an independent trucker to move the container is finding one with the right equipment for the job. Because they are usually smaller operations they may not have the necessary equipment to load, move and unload the container for you. There are a few different trailer options for moving containers that may be suitable for your needs. When deciding on a trucker to move your container, consider the type of equipment they will be using and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Container Chassis

Container Chassis such as the ones available from Chassis King are specifically designed trailers used for hauling shipping containers. A Container Chassis features twist locks on each corner that enable the container to quickly be secured to the trailer at it’s strongest points saving time when securing the load. A container Chassis is designed to carry a container when fully loaded with products or materials so they have the necessary strength to move your empty container easily and effectively. These trailers are designed to be quickly and easily loaded and unloaded saving transportation time for the products and materials being shipped. However, Container Chassis require the use of a crane or heavy duty fork lift to load and unload the container. If you do not have access to a crane or heavy duty fork lift a container chassis is probably not your best option.

Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed Trailers are probably the most common trailers. They are designed for hauling a large variety of freight. Flatbed trailers can be used to move mostly anything that does not exceed the weight limit capabilities of the truck and trailer, including conex boxes. Some flatbed trailers include twist-lock capabilities for securing Conex boxes while others must be strapped down. When considering hiring a company to move a Conex using a flatbed make sure and inquire as to how they will be securing the load and how much experience they have in moving this type of freight. Also, flatbed trailers will require the use of either a crane or heavy duty fork lift to load and unload the Conex Box.

Tilt Trailer

Tilt Trailers are designed to load and unload freight without the need for a crane or fork lift. They tilt the bed up until the back end is at ground level and use a winch to drag the load onto the bed of the trailer. To unload the bed is tilted up again and the winch is slowly released allowing the freight to slowly slide down the bed until one end is on the ground. The truck then pulls forward with the bed still raised allowing the container to slowly slide off the bed onto the ground. For someone who does not have access to a crane or fork lift this may be the most cost effective method to move a Conex box. However be aware that some of these trailers may have lower weight limit capabilities so be diligent in selecting a company that can provide adequate equipment for your needs.