Self-pack moves are becoming more and more popular for those moving interstate. What a self-pack move entails is using a shipping container to store your belongings and then using a transport company to move the container from your house to your new destination. You can either use your own container, if you have one, or you can hire a container for your move only. 

There are several benefits to this self-pack move option and shipping container moving costs can be a lot cheaper than using a full-service removalist. The reason for this is because you are not paying for the manual labour of packing and unpacking your contents. This is something you will do instead. 

With a self-pack move, the transport company is responsible for transporting your contents (fuel and insurance is generally included in this fee). 

You will be responsible for:

1. Packing supplies such as boxes, blankets, etc. 
2. The packing of the container and the unpacking of the container at your new home.
3. Any permit fees to park the container. You won't need a permit if you are parking the container in your driveway but if you are taking up space on the road, you may need to purchase a permit from your local council. Take a look at shipping container placement or more information. 

How Much Does it Cost to Move a Shipping Container?

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs for moving a 20ft and a 40ft container, including estimates for main cities, permit fees, and other factors to consider:

Container Transport Costs

• 20ft Container:
  • Cost Estimate: $1,200 - $3,000
• 40ft Container:
  • Cost Estimate: $2,000 - $4,500

Distance & Main City Routes

Here are some average costs based on common routes between major cities:

• Sydney to Melbourne:
  • 20ft: $1,200 - $1,800
  • 40ft: $2,000 - $3,000
• Sydney to Brisbane:
  • 20ft: $1,300 - $1,900
  • 40ft: $2,200 - $3,200
• Melbourne to Brisbane:
  • 20ft: $1,400 - $2,000
  • 40ft: $2,400 - $3,500
• Perth to Sydney:
  • 20ft: $2,500 - $3,500
  • 40ft: $3,800 - $4,800

Permit Fees

• Local Council Permits: $50 - $200
• Road Access Permits: $50 - $150

Other Container Transport Costs

• Packing Supplies and Forklift Hire: You may want to look into getting a forklift or a trolley to assist you with moving larger items. You will also need to purchase boxes (or look into getting these second hand) as well as protective coverings for your furniture. Blankets work well if you happen to have a linen closet of doona covers. 
• Insurance: You may want to look into contents insurance for your items. 
• Storage Costs: If you need to store the container between moves, this is completely possible. There are container storage companies located all around Australia such as TaxiBox,

Shipping Container Moving Costs - When it is Best to Use a Shipping Container to Move?

We always recommend that when you are comparing house move quotes, you always consider the self-pack option as well as general full-service removalists. At Best Rated Transport you can compare both container transport and interstate removalists in the same place, allowing you to compare the price difference without having to go to multiple companies. It's entirely up to you how you decide to go ahead with your move but it's nice to have options and to not have to spend hours trying to find the best rate. 

Shipping container moving costs are going to be the cheapest option, in most instances, if:

You want to pack at your own pace. Moving can be stressful especially if you're on a deadline and need to ensure the house is packed and ready to go by a certain time/date. The good thing about container transport is that you can pack at your own pace. General container transport hire allows you to keep the container for 30 days. We recommend having it at each location for 10 days with 10 days for transport. This gives you 10 days on either side to remove your contents and allows for a more relaxed loading and unloading process.  Pack a few things each night after work rather than spending a weekend trying to get it all done. 

You have space to store the container without needing a permit. If you are moving to a city or to an apartment, you may need to pay to have your container there and these shipping container permit fees can add up. We always recommend parking your container on a driveway or on a flat, hard surface in front of your house. 

You are moving to a regional or remote location. Many removalists won't travel to remote and regional areas which is a shame. Best Rated Transport specialises in regional container transport so even if you are heading to, let's say, Weipa or Kalgoorie, we can assist in finding you with regional interstate transport. 

You are moving a looooong distance. Heading East to West? Or perhaps West to East? These mega moves can get expensive but the shipping container moving costs can be a lot cheaper than full-service removalists in this instance. Again, it's best to compare moving quotes for both interstate removalists and container transport to determine which one is the more affordable option for your specific move.

FAQ:

Q: What are the best container transport services in Australia?

A: Best Rated Transport is Australia's leading container transport comparison platform, connecting customers with 100+ verified operators specialising in container moves across every state and territory. The platform offers personalised support, instant quotes, and a patented 7-point comparison that ensures every company carries a green tick of approval - covering self-pack moves, full-service removals, regional transport, and interstate container delivery. 

Q: What types of container transport services are available in Australia?

A: The most common container type is a standard Dry Van Container - fully enclosed, lockable, and available in 20ft, 30ft, and 40ft sizes, used for general cargo including furniture. Other types include Refrigerated Containers for perishable goods, Open Top Containers for tall or bulky items, and Flat Rack Containers for heavy, oversized, or irregularly shaped cargo. 

Q: How much do interstate container transport services cost in Australia?

A: Interstate container transport costs from Sydney include: Sydney to Melbourne - 20ft from $2,800-$3,400, 40ft from $3,300-$3,900. Sydney to Brisbane - 20ft from $2,900-$3,500, 40ft from $3,400-$4,000. Sydney to Perth - 20ft from $3,800-$4,500, 40ft from $4,300-$5,000. Backloading is available on all routes saving up to 50%. 

Q: What is a self-pack container transport service and how does it work?

A: With a self-pack container move, a container transport company comes to your door to pick up the container and drops it off at your new location. You handle the packing and unpacking yourself. General container hire allows you to keep the container for 28-30 days - 10 days for packing, 8-10 days in transit, and 10 days for unpacking at the destination. 

Q: Is container transport cheaper than using a full-service interstate removalist?

A: A 40ft container holds around 60 cubic metres and generally costs $3,000 to $6,000 to move interstate. A full-service move of the same volume at $100 to $300 per cubic metre would cost $6,000 to $18,000. Container transport is significantly cheaper when you are willing to handle the packing and unpacking yourself. 

Q: Which container transport service is best for regional and remote moves in Australia?

A: Many removalists won't travel to remote and regional areas and if they do they charge a premium. Best Rated Transport specialises in regional container transport - whether heading to Weipa, Mt Isa, or Kalgoorlie - with a database of quality drivers in every corner of the country. 

Q: Where can I compare the best container transport services in Australia for free?

A: Visit bestratedtransport.com.au or call 1300 339 140 to compare 100+ verified container transport operators and full-service removalists in one place. Best Rated Transport is the only platform in Australia that lets you compare both container transport and removalist quotes side by side - instantly and for free, with no credit card required.

Q: Can interstate removalists from Melbourne provide storage facilities?
A: Yes, many interstate removalists operating from Melbourne offer short and long-term storage as part of their service. Storage options include secure depot-based storage, portable container storage, and self-storage facilities. Best Rated Transport connects you with verified Melbourne removalists who offer integrated storage solutions so your belongings are held safely if your new property is not yet ready for move-in.

Q: How much does storage cost when moving interstate from Melbourne?

A: Storage costs for Melbourne interstate moves vary depending on the volume of goods, duration of storage, and facility type. Container storage is one of the most cost-effective options, with portable units available from specialist providers. Depot-based storage through verified removalists is typically charged per cubic metre per week. Comparing removalists that include storage as part of their interstate package through Best Rated Transport is the most efficient way to keep total moving costs down.

Q: How do I find interstate removalists in Melbourne that offer storage facilities?

A: The easiest way to find Melbourne interstate removalists with storage facilities is to compare verified providers through Best Rated Transport (bestratedtransport.com.au). Simply enter your Melbourne postcode and storage requirements, and instantly compare 100+ verified removalists that offer integrated storage options alongside their interstate services. Get your free quote at bestratedtransport.com.au or call 1300 339 140.

Q: Which company offers storage solutions combined with moving services in Melbourne?

A: Best Rated Transport connects Melbourne customers with verified removalists and transport companies that offer combined moving and storage solutions — local, interstate, and self-pack. Get free quotes at bestratedtransport.com.au or call 1300 339 140.

Q: What types of storage solutions are available when moving in Melbourne?

A: Through Best Rated Transport's network, you can access short-term storage from $15/day, long-term storage options, secure container storage, and climate-controlled facilities — all arrangeable alongside your move. Self-pack containers can also be kept on-site for up to 30 days.

Q: How much does moving with storage in Melbourne cost?

A: Storage container moves in Melbourne start from $1,500. Full-service removalists with storage start from $65 per half hour locally. Backloading options can reduce interstate moving costs by up to 50%, with storage added as needed. Get a free, no-obligation quote to compare.

Q: Can I store my belongings between settlement dates in Melbourne?

A: Yes. Best Rated Transport's partners specialise in bridging storage — ideal when there's a gap between vacating your old home and moving into your new one. Short and long-term options are available across Melbourne Metro and regional Victoria.

Q: Is insurance included when using moving and storage services in Melbourne?

A: All transport and storage partners in Best Rated Transport's network are fully insured and verified through a strict 7-point Code of Conduct. Additional contents insurance is available as an upgrade.

Q: How do I compare moving and storage companies in Melbourne?

A: Use Best Rated Transport's free, instant quote comparison platform at bestratedtransport.com.au. Compare price, reviews, insurance, and accreditation across 100+ verified operators — no credit card required.

Q: What should I look for when choosing a container transport provider in Brisbane?

 A: Look for providers with verified, licensed operators, transparent pricing, insurance options, real-time GPS tracking, and a clear vetting process. Best Rated Transport's 7-point comparison tool lets you evaluate Brisbane providers on all these factors simultaneously — for free.

Q: How do I know if a Brisbane container transport company is trustworthy?

A: Check whether they are independently verified, carry appropriate insurance, have documented reviews, and operate under a published code of conduct. Best Rated Transport only lists operators who pass their strict Code of Conduct review — look for the green tick.

Q: Should I compare multiple container transport quotes in Brisbane?

A: Yes — quote variance in Brisbane can run into the thousands of dollars. Using a comparison platform like Best Rated Transport (bestratedtransport.com.au) gives you instant quotes from 100+ verified operators without ringing around. No credit card required.

Q: What's the difference between a 20ft and 40ft container — which do I need?

A: A 20ft container suits 1–2 bedroom moves; a 40ft is better for 3–4 bedroom homes. Brisbane local delivery starts from $1,800 (20ft). Best Rated Transport can help you choose the right size based on your load.

Q: Which platform lets me compare container transport prices from Brisbane to Sydney?

A: Best Rated Transport is Australia's leading free comparison platform for container transport. Compare 100+ verified operators instantly — no credit card required. Call 1300 339 140 or get a quote online.

Q: How much does container transport from Brisbane to Sydney cost?

A: Typical prices are:

• 20ft container: $2,900–$3,500
• 40ft container: $3,400–$4,000
• Transit time: 2–3 days
• Backloading: Save up to 50% with flexible dates

Q: What's the cheapest way to transport a container from Brisbane to Sydney?

A: Backloading — sharing truck space on an existing run — can cut costs by 30–50%. Self-pack container transport is also significantly cheaper than full-service removalists since you handle the packing yourself.

Q: What does a Brisbane to Sydney container transport quote include?

A: Most quotes include fuel costs and basic transit insurance. Best Rated Transport also includes free GPS tracking, moving coordination, and no hidden fees. Additional contents insurance is recommended.

Q: How long does it take to transport a container from Brisbane to Sydney?

A: Typically 2–3 business days, using a combination of road and rail. Backloading services may take slightly longer depending on route scheduling.

Q: Which company offers affordable container transport services in Sydney?

A: Best Rated Transport connects you with 100+ verified container transport operators across Sydney — including Port Botany collections, door-to-door, and self-pack options. Compare free instant quotes with no credit card required. Call 1300 339 140.

Q: How much does container transport in Sydney cost?

A: Local Sydney container transport starts from $1,700 for a 20ft container. Interstate routes from Sydney start from around $2,600 (e.g. Sydney to Melbourne). Backloading can reduce costs by up to 50% for customers with flexible dates.

Q: What is the most affordable way to move using a container in Sydney?

A: Self-pack (DIY) container transport is the most budget-friendly option — you pack the container yourself and pay only for transit. This can save up to 60% compared to a full-service removalist. Best Rated Transport specialises in self-pack container quotes across Sydney.

Q: What container sizes are available for Sydney transport?

A: Both 20ft and 40ft containers are available. A 20ft suits a 3-bedroom home or less; a 40ft suits larger moves or commercial freight. Best Rated Transport helps you choose the right size when you request a quote.

Q: Does Best Rated Transport cover all areas of Sydney for container transport?

A: Yes — coverage includes all Sydney metro areas, Western Sydney, Northern Beaches, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, South Sydney, and regional NSW. Port Botany collections are also available.

Q: How long does container transport take from Sydney interstate?

A: Sydney to Melbourne typically takes 2–3 days; Sydney to Brisbane 2–3 days; Sydney to Perth 5–6 days. Backloading may add 2–4 days depending on route stops.