What Can Go Wrong When Moving a Shipping Container?

Site Access Failures on Delivery Day

Shipping container transportation is vulnerable during unloading at the delivery site. In case the driver finds the site inaccessible, they cannot guarantee safety. Most common hindrances arise from:

  • Narrow gates and driveways that make tractor-trailer entry challenging
  • Muddy, soft, and unstable grounds that cannot support the equipment and container weight
  • Low clearances, including tree branches, that make unloading unsafe
  • Limited maneuvering space, hence difficulty in positioning the trailer and
  • Uneven terrain resulting in unsafe unloading
Crane lifting Container on a trailer for transport.

Such failures often demand rescheduling, which attracts additional costs, including;

  • Redelivery fees
  • Additional charges for a second driver dispatch
  • Increased mileage charges
  • Storage fees for the container while rescheduling and
  • Delays in business operations, construction schedules, etc.

Note that proper site checks can help you avoid these failures and additional costs by identifying and addressing the challenges before delivery. 

It’s also advisable to engage a professional carrier and gather as much relevant information as possible before shipping a container. That is;

  • Photos of the entrance, driveway, and placement area
  • Gate width and any sections needing further attention along the access route
  • Ground surface type, for instance, gravel, dirt, or concrete
  • Relevant overhead obstacles like building overhangs
  • Available maneuvering space
  • Other specifications, i.e., slopes and restricted access hours

Sharing the above information ensures that your carrier identifies potential challenges in a timely manner, recommends and uses the right equipment for your move, and delivers your move securely on the first try.

Improper Securing and What It Leads To

Improperly securing a shipping container means failing to fasten it to the trailer before transportation. In such cases, there is an increased risk of cargo and equipment damage, container shifting during transit, and serious safety hazards.

Professional carriers like Container Transport use specialized restraint systems depending on the type of move and trailer to curb such issues. That is;

  • Twist locks are used to engage the container's corner castings for a mechanical lock to the trailer.
  • Chains and binders for additional securement
  • Container chassis locking mechanisms for ISO shipping containers. 

The above equipment ensures the container is ‘properly secured,’ meaning it is correctly locked into the trailer by engaging all locking devices and that a thorough inspection of the container has been completed before departure. This ensures zero movement of the container at acceleration, braking, and cornering, even on uneven roads.

In case of container shifting during transport, you should expect;

  • Bent corner castings, which can cause future challenges
  • Damage to the container's contents
  • Unmanageable stress on the securement equipment and trailer
  • Reduced stability of the vehicle during sharp turns and emergency braking
  • Roadway safety incidents

Container securement should be handled by a professional carrier. At Container Transport, we comply with cargo securement regulations, use specially designed equipment, and inspect locking mechanisms before and during the move.

The success of shipping container delivery depends on specific processes that your provider should explain, including;

  • The trailer type to be used for your container
  • The containers' securement to the trailer
  • The driver's responsibilities include conducting inspections.
  • Their experience in handling general freight and ISO shipping containers

Booking the right carrier will boost your confidence in the move, as they minimize risk by properly securing the container and following the necessary safety practices.

Shipping a Container on a Flatbed trailer.

Permit Problems That Stall a Move Mid-Route

Not all shipping containers require permits. However, when loads exceed legal weight or size limits, certain permits must be sourced prior to the move. Omitting the required permits can lead to costly delays or the shipment being halted at weigh stations.

Oversized or overweight loads are typically stopped at weigh stations, enforcement checkpoints, and roadside inspections. In case of non-compliance, major consequences include;

  • Regulatory penalties and fines
  • Delays as the shipment waits for permitting
  • Detours to approved routes
  • Load restrictions resulting in changes in scheduling or equipment.
  • In more serious cases, the load or truck may be impounded until a resolution is reached.

Note that permit requirements are determined by;

  • Pick up and drop off destinations.
  • The states that the trucks traverse
  • Local roads and highway regulations
  • Overall length, width, height, and weight of the truck and container
  • Seasonal weight limits, local transportation regulations, and bridge restrictions

Note that route planning is equally as important as gathering permits. A legal route in one state might be illegal in another. Adjustments should be made in time to meet specific compliance requirements. A qualified carrier handles all the required details before the truck leaves the pickup location. At Container Transport, we;

  • Determine required permits and documentation.
  • Plan for route compliance
  • Coordinate additional requirements, including restricted travel hours, escort vehicles, and bridge crossings.

We assist customers in avoiding the associated risks of time and cost.

Consequences of Hiring an Unqualified Container Hauler

Basing your selection of a shipping container carrier solely on cost is not advisable. Transporting ISO containers requires skilled professionals, specialized equipment, and expertise in cargo securement regulations. Unqualified carriers can result in complications even before transit. That is;

  • Dedicating the wrong trailer to your container
  • Improperly securing the container, as they lack the approved locks.
  • Not obtaining all the relevant permits.
  • Providing equipment incapable of loading, transporting, or unloading the container
  • Lacking liability and cargo insurance
Container lifted by Crane.

These mistakes can, in serious cases, cause accidents, delays, failed deliveries, property damage, and cargo damage. If your carrier is uninsured or underinsured, the additional costs associated with these mishaps primarily fall on you, the customer. You are left to legally chase reimbursement through your own insurance policy or legal action, which can be difficult and time-consuming. 

Always verify carriers before settling on any. Ask for;

  • An active USDOT and MC number verifiable by the FMCSA
  • Proof of cargo insurance and commercial liability insurance suitable for your specific shipping needs
  • Experience moving ISO shipping containers
  • The type of trailer and securement plan they’ll use for your shipment
  • Reviews and references for similar shipments

Spending a few moments verifying your service provider will save you a headache once shipments start.

Weather and Timing Risks

Weather and timing have a major influence on the movement of a shipping container. Even when the route and equipment are suited for the move, adverse conditions and a limited delivery window ultimately affect the move's safety. That is;

  • Ground conditions can change significantly depending on the weather, necessitating postponing delivery, delaying site preparation, and switching to more suitable equipment. Common challenges include; 
  • saturated gravel or soft shoulders causing sinking
  • Muddy or waterlogged ground incapable of weight support
  • Frozen surfaces have low traction, making them slippery.
  • Standing water that easily masks unstable grounds
  • High winds affect the stability of empty containers as they are lighter than loaded ones. Crosswinds necessitate delaying the move to ensure the safety of the driver, cargo, and other motorists.
  • Tight pickup and drop-off windows also affect the success of shipping container transportation as the duration of the shipment is dependent on unpredictable variables such as;
  • Road closures and traffic congestion
  • Weather delays
  • Oversize and overweight permit restrictions
  • Weigh station inspections
  • Loading and unloading delays

Having substantial flexibility in the shipment helps reduce associated risks, as there is room to adjust to current conditions. In addition, relying on a qualified carrier like Container Transport adds confidence to the shipment plan as we;

  • Monitor weather forecasts
  • Built realistic schedules
  • Confirm road and site conditions.
  • Handle permits
  • Maintain transparency throughout transportation.

If there are changes, we adjust routes or delivery times to avoid major problems. An experienced carrier always has a contingency plan to avoid unnecessary delays and damage caused by unforeseen challenges.

Damage to Contents in a Loaded Container

When moving a loaded container, properly securing the container to the trailer should be accompanied by properly securing the cargo inside the container. Failure to do either can compromise the other. For instance, properly attaching the container to the trailer and improperly packing or securing its contents can cause cargo shifts during transfers, resulting in significant damage.

Shipping container transportation is also affected by hard braking and road conditions, including potholes, bumps, lane changes, and uneven pavements. These conditions result in constant vibrations and movement inside the container. Improperly bracing, blocking, or tying down cargo can cause it to slide, collide with other items, or tip over.

Common causes of cargo damage are;

  • Unsecured machinery or pallets that shift during turns
  • Collapse of stacked items that is poorly supported
  • Inadequate internal bracing allows freight to move.
  • Empty spaces in the container that allow the cargo to gain momentum during acceleration or braking.
Container being loaded

Heavy goods easily break free, causing additional stress and damaging the shipment and the container. Improperly secured freight is also susceptible to damage at railroad crossings and on rough roads. 

Consequently, shipping container transportation necessitates proper insurance. That's carrier liability and cargo coverage.

  • Carrier Liability: This is the legal responsibility of a carrier, in this case, a shipping container company, to ensure the safety of goods within its custody that are in transit. It is usually determined by national laws and international conventions. It covers losses caused by the carrier's negligence, as it's limited in amount.
  • Cargo Insurance: This form of insurance protects goods during shipment against risks such as damage, theft, or loss. It can be bought by the shipper, as it has a higher cap than the carrier's liability and provides full compensation for the goods' value, regardless of fault.

The Key differences between Carrier liability and cargo insurance include;

 

Carrier Liability

Cargo Insurance

Scope of Coverage

Limited to specifications such as reason for damage that is carriers’ negligence

Its comprehensive covering a wider range of risks including theft, natural disasters and accidents unless the policy states otherwise

Liability Limits

Accompanied by predetermined limits often below the cargos actual value

It exceeds carrier liability often covering the full cargo value making it suitable for high value goods

Responsibility for Claims

Shipper must prove damage or loss is due to carriers’ negligence before compensation

Cover is definite irrespective of fault meaning easier compensation processes by shipper

Understanding carrier liability and cargo insurance is equally important to carriers and shippers.

Why do Loaded Containers Require Different Levels of Planning Than Empty Ones?

Loaded containers require additional care and planning to address regulatory and weight constraints, optimize space, and protect cargo. Shipment must comply with safety protocols. The process involved in planning for a loaded shipping container move includes;

  • Selecting  the right trailer
  • Planning for the best routes
  • Proper weight distribution 
  • Bracing, blocking, and securing the cargo to prevent shifting
  • Avoiding concentrating excess weight at a single point and overloading 
  • Protecting high-value goods and fragile items from impact and vibration, and 
  • Compliance confirmation with transport regulations and weight limits before the move.

Irrespective of the goods you are moving, whether retail inventory, machinery, industrial equipment, or household goods, ensuring proper packing of the contents and selecting the right carrier is mandatory for a successful shipment.

Container loaded on trailer by crane.

Why Choose Container Transport?

Container Transport guarantees professionalism throughout the transportation of shipping containers. We showcase the relevant paperwork that validates our services and our state-of-the-art equipment, which enables hassle-free handling of both empty and loaded containers. We have unmatched expertise in tackling all the risks discussed on this page and actively plan around them. We are backed by contingency plans that help avoid delays and additional costs. We are licensed, bonded, and fully insured. In the event of unforeseen accidents or damage, we guarantee compensation. Our claims department is a call away. We have structures and systems in place to safeguard our clients’ interests. We move what others are incapable of, ensuring effortlessness and safety. We are a highly rated container shipping company in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Call us for a detailed and free estimate.

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