Shipping containers rule the seas but you may notice more and more shipping containers on the highways to move heavy haulage. This is because container transport is quickly becoming the most affordable way to move goods from A to B.
Containers can be used to move almost anything from furniture and household items to manufactured goods. If you are looking for container transport, start your search for affordable container transport quotes with Best Rated Transport.
Whether moving house, moving office furniture, moving heavy equipment, moving bulky building supplies or even just moving an empty container to a new location, Best Rated Transport can provide you with quotes from trusted transporters that specialise in container transport in Sydney.
We are an online transportation comparison platform, specialising in all transport requirements, including furniture removals, car transport, container transport, general freight and heavy machinery and farm equipment transport.
Whether you have your own container, need to hire a container or are simply exploring your options, find your best rate right here with Best Rated Transport.
Self-pack moving means that you are responsible for the loading and unloading of your goods. This allows you to pack your container in your own time at your own pace and only pay for the transport of the container.
Unlike a full-service removalist, you won’t be charged for loading and unloading and thus this can be a really affordable way to move. Moving prices, like everything else, are on the rise and container transport is a great way to cut down on the costs of moving especially if you are happy to pack your contents yourself.
With a self-pack move, the transport company is responsible for transporting your contents (fuel and insurance is generally included in this fee) but you will be responsible for:
- Packing supplies such as boxes, blankets, etc
- The packing of the container and the unpacking of the container
- Any permit fees to park the container
The main benefit is container transport is often a lot cheaper than using a full service removalist company, especially if you’re moving interstate or 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 Mt Isa, we can assist in finding you with regional interstate transport.
Self-pack moves also allow you to move at your own pace and handle your contents yourself. 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.
The cost to buy a shipping container outright will depend on the location as well as the size and condition.
Buying a Used Container:
-20-foot Standard Container: Approximately $3,000 to $5,000
-40-foot Standard Container: Approximately $5,000 to $8,000
You may be able to find containers for cheaper through secondhand marketplace sites such as Facebook or Gumtree.
Buying a New Container:
- 20-foot Standard Container: Around $6,000 to $8,000.
- 40-foot Standard Container: Around $9,000 to $12,000.
If you don’t have your own container (and most don't), you can hire one to help with your move or whatever else you need a container for.
Typical container hire fees are by the month:
- 20-foot Standard Container: Typically $100 to $150 per month.
- 40-foot Standard Container: Generally $150 to $250 per month.
If you are looking to hire a container to move, then many container transport companies will include the hire fee as part of the transport costs.
The cost to move a shipping container will depend on a number of factors with distance being a big one. After all, the longer the distance, the more fuel will be needed.
Container transport quotes include fuel and insurance so this isn’t something you need to add-on to your quote.
Here’s a breakdown of potential costs for moving a shipping container in Australia
- 20ft Container: Cost Estimate: $1,200 - $3,000
- 40ft Container: Cost Estimate: $2,000 - $4,500
Example Routes:
- Container transport Sydney to Melbourne: 20ft: $1,200 - $1,800/ 40ft: $2,000 - $3,000
- Container transport Sydney to Brisbane:20ft: $1,300 - $1,900/ 40ft: $2,200 - $3,200
- Container transport Melbourne to Brisbane: 20ft: $1,400 - $2,000/ 40ft: $2,400 - $3,500
Permit Fees: If you are placing a container in your yard while you pack your belongings, you may be required to pay for a permit through your local council. If you are parking the container in your driveway, then no permit is required but if you are on the road, then you will need a permit.
-Local Council Permits: $50 - $200
- Road Access Permits: $50 - $150
Be sure to check with your local council if you live in a city or urban area as the fees can escalate quite quickly in these instances.
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.
At Best Rated Transport you can compare container transport AND removalists on the same platform. Access quotes for both move types and see which one is your best choice.
The most common type of container is a standard Dry Van Container. Dry Van Containers are fully enclosed and lockable and come in three main sizes - 20ft, 30ft and 40ft.
These are used for general cargo including furniture and is our recommendation if you are looking into self-pack moving services.
Other types of shipping containers include:
Refrigerated Containers (Reefers): To transport perishable goods that require temperature control.
Open Top Containers: Have a removable tarpaulin or hard top, allowing for easy loading of tall or bulky items from above.
Flat Rack Containers: Feature a flat platform with no sides or roof, ideal for heavy, oversized, or irregularly shaped cargo that doesn’t fit inside standard containers.
Tank Containers: Designed for transporting liquids, gases, or chemicals, these containers have a cylindrical tank within a frame for safety and ease of handling.
Side Open Containers: Have doors on the side as well as at the end, allowing for easier access to cargo, especially for long or wide items.
High Cube Containers: Similar to dry vans but taller, providing extra space for larger volumes of cargo without increasing the footprint.
Half-Height Containers: Shorter in height, these are used for bulk cargoes like minerals or gravel, making loading and unloading easier.
Of course, container transport isn’t just for moves. Container transport is also an excellent way to move general goods, equipment and supplies.
If you are after container transport Sydney, then put your details in below to get started. Compare for free, no credit card or login needed and find the best rate for your container transport in Sydney.
You can also contact us directly on 1 300 339 140 to speak to our team of transport experts.
