Whether you a relocating house, moving a piece of shipment, or positioning a project site for a longer period of time, container transport isn't something that you should leave to chance. It takes appropriate equipment, clever logistics, experienced operators and a team that knows Christchurch back to front, inside and out.

We are a proudly owned local container transport company in Christchurch, namely Alpine Carriers. When you need to move or deliver in town or across the state, Urban-Western has the truck and team you need for safe, hassle-free solutions—right on time, and right on budget.

Here’s what you need to know about how to move a container the right way.

Select Your Local Christchurch Team with the Gear You Need

Not all transport businesses can handle container logistics. Not anybody with a truck can move a container—it takes a certain kind of truck, plus cranes, hiabs and experienced operators who can adapt to different site conditions.

Here at Alpine Carriers, we’ve moved our share of containers all around Christchurch – from difficult hillside properties in Sumner to narrow, inner city sites in Sydenham, right through to warehouse deliveries in Hornby. Our fleet is ready to undertake all works, from transporting a 20ft container from a building site to delivering a full 40ft unit to a new storage site.

Our drivers are familiar with the roads, council laws, and access roads throughout Canterbury. That sort of local expertise saves time, prevents setbacks, and delivers a smooth experience, every time.

What Size and Type of Container Do You Have?

Oh, and let’s find out what we’re shipping before we send a truck out. The following are the typical container sizes:

• 20ft shipping container: Perfect for tiny site storage, Self move removals and tradie set ups.
• 40ft container: The 40ft containers are widely used for commercial freight, and for larger scale moves and for construction material.

There are also high-cube containers, reefers (refrigerated), and custom units to take into account. The size and type of the container also impacts the amount of trucking and crane work that’s required, particularly if it’s being delivered to a site with restricted access.

How do you ship a 20 ft container?

It is normal for us to lift/load 20ft containers with a swing lift or crane truck. Once it’s locked down, the truck drives to the delivery site and drops the container with the same equipment, guaranteeing your delivery is safe and damage-free.

How You Get to the Site Is More Important Than You Think

The destination affects a lot of container transport. The ground might be uneven, there may be tight turns, overhead wires, or not enough space for the truck to manoeuvre. Here’s what we recommend:

Remove any impediments from the surrounding area (cars, bins, debris)

Make sure that the ground is level and firm.

Gauge access points—such as gate widths and driveway clearances

Pro tip: If you’re not sure how accessible your site is? Free site checks available in Christchurch. A member of our team will pre-visit your site to quote, so on delivery day there are no surprises.

Book Early — and Shorter Times if it’s High Season

Whether you require a single container for temporary storage or numerous containers delivered to a construction site, you’ll appreciate getting in early and making that booking. The building season in Christchurch fills up fast and freight demand spikes around holidays and long weekends.

Once we know when you need us, we’ll book a truck and crane slot that works for you. And if you need to stagger your delivery, we can provide short-term storage at our secure facility.

We Take Over Logistics

The transportation of a container is much more than driving from A to B. We take care of the logistics around transport:

• Crane or hiab lift at pickup
• Safe transport and handling on a lorry
• Delivery to your job site or facility as promised
• Unloading and placement with care

And if you need container storage on a site, we have solutions, whether it’s a loaded container to a storage yard or an empty delivery over to a distant location, we have the right solution.

We have helped clients with site office relocations, container homes deliveries, building products moved, and can service large scale logistics throughout Canterbury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Container Delivery in Christchurch

How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container?

The cost varies based on factors such as distance, access, and whether the container is loaded. Relocating a 20ft container in Christchurch In Christchurch, removal fees could cost you somewhere between $300 and $600, depending on where your site is and how soon you take delivery.

How do you get a 20 ft shipping container?

We’ve got crane trucks, swing lifts, or side loaders depending on the site. The Unit is picked up, shipped on a freight truck, and placed at your location or facility.

What is the cost of a 40ft container in NZ?

If you want to buy a container, prices can vary depending on their condition and if they’re high cube or standard. A new 40ft container ship cost can be anywhere between $6,000 to $8,500 as compared to $3,500 – $5,000 for a used one. We can also put you in touch with manufacturers.”

How much does it cost to send a 40ft container?

(When it comes to international freight, container shipping is a dramatically uneven proposition, depending on the port, the route and the logistics partner.) For a local Christchurch container delivery, you can assume $500 to $1000+ (add on plenty if a crane is needed).

Need Storage or Warehouse Services?

You also may not be ready to pick up your shipment right away, or you may need secure storage between freight jobs. We have container storage in Christchurch at our managed site_. It’s ideal for:

• In construction needing overflow for storage
• Tradies who keep gear between jobs
• Companies needing temporary warehouse space

We can transport your container to your site from our storage yard when you’re ready — it’s that easy.

What Makes Alpine Carriers Christchurch’s Number Ones for Container Transport

We’re proud to be a local business, providing trusted and customized container transport in Christchurch. Our crew is hands-on, our equipment is top-notch, and we put just the right amount of elixir as a delicate touch on every project.

✔ Well-equipped cranes and trucks and trailers fleet

✔ Experienced local drivers who know Christchurch like the back of their hand

✔ Price is upfront and personalized freight solutions

✔ Real people you can call anytime ✘ Late Deliveries and Unhelpful Support People

✔ Friendly support from start till our finish.

Let's Get Your Container Moving

Do you require a carrier to drop off a container across town or a short-term storage related move between job sites? We don’t care for any fossil fuel funds due to build dates not lining up (you know, science and politics all mixed up?), but go ahead, give us a call on Alpine Carriers and we’ll sort it.

Are you needing only one unit or a whole fleet, we have the truck, crane, labor available to get it done.

Alpine Carriers – Christchurch’s Favourite Name for Container Transport and Cartage.

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