Shipping Container Movers: What You Need to Know Before You Relocate
Thinking about renting a shipping container to move your household or business to another city—or even across the country?
You’re not alone. More people are turning to shipping container movers as a flexible way to handle moves, renovations, or extra space.
With a moving truck, you are compelled to pack, move and unpack in a day or two, while a container allows you to pack, move and unpack at a less stressful pace.
But moving a shipping container isn’t as simple as calling a moving truck.
You’ve got to think about the size and type of container, who’s allowed to move it, how much it’ll cost, and what could go wrong if you skip the details.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about shipping container movers—from local hauls to long-distance relocation.
If you’re moving your stuff, your business, or just planning ahead, you’ll get clear answers to the most common questions people have when it’s time to roll.
Can You Move a Rented Shipping Container?
Before making any plans to move a rented shipping container, it’s important to confirm whether relocation is allowed under your rental agreement. Not all container rental companies permit customers to move units.
- Dry Box can perform container rental relocation within our service area.
- Dry Box DOES NOT ALLOW moving rental containers to states outside our service area
If more flexibility is a priority, consider the rent-to-own storage containers program. This option still gives you low monthly costs, the ability to move to any state, and you eventually own the container.
What is the Best Size Moving Container?
You can find small moving containers as little as 6 feet long. Dry Box offers 6ft, 8ftt, 20ft, and 40ft shipping container movers. The largest PODS containers available are only 16 feet. (See Dry Box vs PODS)
If you’re just moving a couple of rooms of belongings, a 10-foot container may be all you need.
If you’re planning to relocate your home or apartment, a 20-foot container is usually the most practical option. It holds about as much as a standard UHaul truck. It’s compact, easier to maneuver, and fits on most standard trailers. It also weighs less, which may reduce transport costs.
40-foot containers can be moved too, but they require more space, larger equipment, and may not be allowed on certain roads without permits. If your delivery site has tight turns, low branches, or limited access, a 40-footer might be more trouble than it’s worth.
At Dry Box, we’ll help you choose the right container for your project and make sure it’s ready for transport when the time comes.
How Much Does It Cost To Move A Shipping Container?
The cost for moving a shipping container is more than renting a moving truck and driving it yourself. However, it’s significantly more affordable than hiring a moving company.
Shipping Container Moving Cost at Dry Box: Full load weight local moves (within 50 miles) start around $1150, depending on distance, access, time and container size. Get an exact quote here.
If you’re moving across the country, long-distance “Flat Deck” hauls can run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
Several factors affect the price:
- Distance traveled
- Container size (20ft may be cheaper to move than 40ft)
- Pickup and drop-off conditions (tight access can raise the price)
- Weight of contents
To avoid surprises, ask for a written quote that includes all fees. Be clear about the addresses, container type, and any challenges at either location.
How Do I Find Shipping Container Movers Near Me?
Dry Box provides shipping container moving services in 8 Northwest states; Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada.
Dry Box can help coordinate third-party Flack Deck haulers for cross-country moving for customers who buy a shipping container.
Can You Move a Full Container? Is There a Weight Limit?
Yes, you can move a full container if it’s filled with household belongings or similar items.
If the container is packed top-to-bottom with books or other heavy materials, it may not be able to be moved with standard equipment.
A safe weight limit for standard delivery equipment is under 30,000 pounds total. The safe weight is lower if you require or specialty delivery equipment to get in and out of tight spots.
Always check with your container movers first. At Dry Box, we can help you understand your container’s limits and recommend the best way to move it—full or empty.
How to Prepare Your Container for Moving
Getting your container ready for transport takes a little planning, but it can prevent costly delays or damage. Here’s what you should do before moving day:
- Balance weight in the container or make sure the contents are securely and evenly packed, and under weight limits.
- Lock the doors and check that all latches, handles, and exterior features are secure.
- Remove or disconnect power if your container has lighting, outlets, or HVAC units.
- Inspect the container for any loose panels, sharp edges, or structural issues.
- Clear the area around the container so trucks or trailers can access it easily.
- Prepare an area at the new property—it should be flat, level, and have room for unloading.
Taking these steps ensures a safe and smooth move. If you’re unsure, Dry Box can help walk you through it and coordinate with experienced container movers.
