A shipping container looks simple to move, until the truck turns up and there is a fence, a soft lawn or a low power line in the way. Most problems on delivery day come from the site, not the container, and a little planning before you book saves time and avoids a wasted trip.
This guide is for anyone moving a container around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and the Hunter, whether you have just bought one for the backyard or need one shifted between sites.
Know what you are moving
- Size. The common sizes are 10ft and 20ft. If yours is bigger than 20ft, or the load is unusually heavy, say so when you ask for a quote so the right option can be worked out.
- Empty or loaded. A container full of tools, stock or household goods weighs far more than an empty one. Give an approximate loaded weight when you book so the right truck is sent the first time.
- Where it is going. Have both the pickup and drop-off addresses ready, and know exactly where on the property the container should sit.
Check access at both ends
A container moved on a tilt tray needs room for the truck to position and lower the tray. That applies at the pickup as much as the drop-off. Before you book, walk both sites and check:
- Width of the gate or driveway, and whether the truck can reverse in.
- Anything overhead, such as tree branches, wires or power lines.
- Fences, sheds, parked cars or other containers that could box the container in.
- Any slope on the approach or at the spot where the container will sit.
Not sure whether the truck will fit? It is better to ask before the day than to find out on the driveway.
Get the ground right
A container needs a firm, level spot. A truck carrying a heavy load can sink into soft ground, wet grass or loose sand, and a container left on uneven ground can end up with doors that stick. If the spot is soft or sloping, level and firm it up before delivery.
Check whether you need approval
In NSW, a shipping container used for storage on a home block is generally not treated as exempt development, so you may need approval from your local council. Rules can differ for farms, industrial sites and temporary arrangements, and for rental properties you will want your landlord's permission too. Check with your council before you arrange delivery.
How a tilt tray container move works
A tilt tray lowers to ground level, so a standard container can be slid on and strapped down securely without a crane. At the other end it is unloaded and placed where you want it. Our container towing and transport service uses tilt trays for 10ft and 20ft containers, empty or loaded, and our tilt tray transport page explains more about how the trucks work.
Your booking checklist
- Container size (10ft or 20ft)
- Empty or loaded, and the approximate weight
- Pickup and drop-off addresses
- A quick note on access and ground at both ends
- The day you need it moved
Our instant quote tool asks for the container size and whether it is empty or loaded, so you can get an estimate straight away.
Need a container moved?
NewLake Tow Trucks moves containers across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and the Hunter Region, seven days a week. See our container towing and transport page, or call to talk through your access before you book.
Call or text us on 0403 353 056.
