Container Delivery Basics: Tilt-Bed, Flat-Bed, or Chassis
So you've finally found the perfect steel shipping container you've been looking for. The next big question is - how are you going to get it delivered? There are a few different options for having shipping containers delivered, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the three standard container delivery methods so you can determine which is best for you.
Tilt-bed Landoll trailer with 40’ container
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Please note: Super Cubes only moves containers that we sell. |
Shipping Container Delivery by Tilt-Bed
When choosing a delivery option for your shipping container, the most popular choice is a tilt-bed, which can be used with either a straight truck (the truck is all one piece) or a tractor-trailer combo (the trailer disconnects from the truck). With this method, the truck will back directly into the designated spot for your container. The trailer will then be tilted downward, and a winch will lower one end of the container to the ground. After that, the truck will move forward, and the winch will lower the other end of the container.
Pros: Your container is slid to the ground right where you want it. You do not need to have any equipment on hand.
Cons: Generally more expensive than other methods. While these trucks can pick up a lightly loaded 20’ container, they cannot pick up loaded 40’ containers at all.
Video of a 40’ container being offloaded
Video of a 20’ container being offloaded
Shipping Container Delivery by Flatbed
Another option for your shipping container delivery is utilizing a truck with a long flatbed which can hold either one 40’ container or up to two 20’ containers. A forklift or crane is used to set your container on the truck at the beginning of the trip and lift it off when it reaches your site.
Pros: Because your container will be loaded onto a truck that is likely carrying other cargo, flatbed delivery is a low-cost alternative, especially when the container needs to travel long distances.
Cons: You'll need to ensure that the proper equipment is available to load and unload your container. This can add cost if you don’t have that available on both ends.
Container on flatbed
Shipping Container Delivery by Chassis
Pulled by a trailer, a chassis is a metal frame with wheels designed to carry containers securely. Shipping lines use them to bring containers to customers for loading and unloading. If you ship cargo overseas, this is usually how the container will arrive. It will stay on the truck while you load as they are used to the container backing up to docks for loading.
Pros: Low-cost way to move a container. The tractor disconnect easily from the chassis, which gives added flexibility if you need some time to load and don’t want the driver to have to wait. Although that option may only be available if you are near where the container will go into the port or rail. Chassis are one of the accepted types of trucks allowed into the rails and ports.
Cons: You must load the container while it stays on the chassis or have some means of lifting the container on and off the chassis. When a container is on a chassis, it is dock height. Lifting a 40’ steel container on a chassis requires a crane.
Container chassis trailer
20' container on a chassis
Find Out More About: How To Move 20 Foot and 40 Foot Shipping Container
Side-Loaders and Rotator Trucks
There are some specialized trucks that can lift containers off the truck from the side. Side-loaders have arms that lift the container on both ends of the container and set it down next to the truck. Rotators are more like mini-cranes that lift the container from one center point so the container is chained to the arm. The arm can then rotate and set the container down near the truck. It has a little more flexibility than the side loader. Both of these options will generally cost more than a tilt-bed truck for delivery and are subject to availability in their markets.
A side sets a 40’ container down next to the truck
A rotator is lifting a 20’ container
Your best delivery option will depend in part on how you will use your container. Talk it over with your container vendor or shipping agent. As always, Super Cubes is happy to offer friendly advice geared to your needs. If you are looking to purchase a shipping container, our team can help. Contact us today to get started.
Super Cubes is a family-owned business located in Minneapolis, MN, that provides containers anywhere in the continental US. We offer personalized service for individuals and businesses, providing high-quality containers at competitive prices. With nationwide facilities, we can modify and deliver containers close to you. Contact our experienced team for your next container project.