Moving Containers Storage

There are many different types of containers used to transport materials. All shipping containers are typically extremely large, weather-resistant steel-made boxes that are designed to be shipped across sea containing cargo. However, over years of development in the logistics industry, new names have emerged to define shipping containers. 

Shipping containers are identified as being between 20 feet and 40 feet long. These containers are traditionally constructed from Corten steel. 

Storage containers are designed to store goods during transit, so the name “shipping containers” can actually be used interchangeably. However, storage containers may also be used in different sizes and different metals. Some of these containers are made from lightweight aluminum and cannot be transported via sea but are used to store commercial and personal goods. There are cargo containers, which are simply another name for shipping containers, and Conex containers. Again, CONEX containers are another type of shipping container, but CONEX containers can also be used to stack more efficiently to store more cargo in a single location.

If you are anticipating a delivery of storage containers, you need to ensure adequate space for the delivery truck to arrive. Consider that the truck will need to make very wide turns to get in and around the property. Check for clearance under gates, tree limbs, power lines, and other obstructions. Some drivers can work with 10 feet of clearance, but ideally, there should be at least 15 feet of clearance. 

Make sure a flat, hard surface is available to sit containers on. Mud, grass, and moist dirt will sink under the weight of a delivery truck, not to mention the containers themselves.

You may also wish to place wooden blocks or plywood squares under the container’s corners, although your delivery team may do this on your behalf. This ensures that the doorframes are kept square, and any unstable ground is mitigated. 

Ensure an obstruction-free area is available to deliver the containers. Trees, buildings, and even power lines can get in the way of a delivery truck. Ensure there is adequate space around where the container will also be placed. Anticipate, as well, potential site changes, like new landscaping, seasonal changes, and so on. 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) screens all goods entering Canada, which means it is not out of the ordinary for a moving container to be examined. The CBSA conducts examinations to ensure the goods inside the container will not cause harm and to confirm whether it contains dutiable or taxable goods. The ultimate goal is to make sure that only items permissible by law are crossing the Canadian border. Thus, if you track your moving container and see a status that says “Held at Customs,” it simply means the container is being held for inspection and will likely be examined and processed within a day or two. 

The CBSA aims to complete all inspections in 12-48 hours, however, during high traffic periods, this can take even longer.

Generally speaking, the shipping company is responsible for damage to a container or its content, assuming the client can prove that their belongings were in good condition when given to the shipping company. That said, Atlas Van Lines takes great care when storing and preparing your moving containers. For example, our dedicated team will carefully wrap your belongings in protective moving blankets, before placing them inside clean, wooden, dust-free storage vaults, ensuring minimal damage is sustained on the journey. Once the container arrives at its destination, each of your possessions, along with the container as a whole, will be inspected and inventoried. From there, each piece will be wrapped in heavy-duty plastic for added protection. At the end of the day, Atlas Van Lines’ #1 goal is to ensure the safe and damage-free transport of your belongings. 

Atlas Van Lines is pleased to provide free quotes to all prospective clients. We specialize in long-distance moves across Canada and abroad. Though we offer traditional transport services in the form of trucks, we also have Affinity Vault moving containers to make moving even more convenient. Secure, fast, and safe, our fleet of Affinity Vault shipping containers makes for a hassle-free move experience. They are also a great short-term storage solution. Atlas Van Lines is pleased to offer moving containers to our Canada-based clients for moves of all sizes. Between our flexibility to handle small shipments, our top-notch warehouse facilities, and our state-of-the-art tracking system, there is no better way to move in Canada than using moving containers. Get in touch today and receive a free quote for your long-distance move.

The cost of renting a moving container can vary a lot because each move is different. Factors that can affect the final cost include the total weight of your belongings, the distance between your current location and your destination, and how long you need to store your items. Considering these factors, the cost to relocate a pod can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Renting a moving container for a local move can cost anywhere from three to four figures. The cost can differ significantly because each move is unique. Things that can affect the price include the weight of your belongings, the distance between your current home and your new place, and how long you need to store your items.

While moving pods are easier to use, moving trucks are generally cheaper to use than moving pods. When deciding on a moving pod, it’s best to look at your budget and decide what works better for you in terms of time, cost and convenience.

It depends on the size of your move. If you’re looking to move a one-bedroom home, an 8-foot container is ideal. However, if you’re moving to a two- or three-bedroom home, you’ll want a 16-foot container. For homes with more than four rooms, you’ll need two 16-foot containers.

A shipping container needs a stable, level surface to sit on. You need to make sure whatever you use is level and strong enough to hold the container and its contents. Here are some options for what a shipping container can sit on:

• Concrete pad: The best support is a flat, solid concrete slab, such as a level concrete driveway.
• Gravel bed: A thick layer of compacted gravel can provide a stable and level base, allowing for drainage.
• Concrete Blocks or Piers: Placing the container on concrete blocks or piers at each corner can lift it off the ground, preventing moisture buildup and allowing for airflow.
• Wooden Beams or Railroad Ties: Treated wooden beams or railroad ties can be used to provide a stable and level base.