If you need to relocate a shipping container, one of your first questions is probably, “How much does it cost to move a shipping container in Texas?”
The cost depends mainly on the distance of the move, the location of the container, site accessibility, and whether the container is empty or has items inside.
At K3 Containers & Transport, we keep our standard container-moving prices straightforward so customers know what to expect.
How Much Does K3 Charge to Move a Shipping Container?
Our standard pricing is:
- $350 minimum charge
- The minimum charge includes the first 10 loaded miles
- After the first 10 loaded miles, the rate is $5 per mile
“Loaded miles” refers to the distance traveled while your shipping container is loaded on our truck.
Container-Moving Price Examples
| Loaded Distance | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 miles | $350 |
| 20 miles | $400 |
| 30 miles | $450 |
| 50 miles | $550 |
| 75 miles | $675 |
| 100 miles | $800 |
These examples are based on standard container moves. The final price may vary depending on the pickup location, accessibility, site conditions, container condition, or special equipment requirements.
Moving costs depend heavily on where you are. See our container delivery area and pricing for what we cover across Central Texas.
Is There a Travel Fee Outside the Waco Area?
Yes. If the container is located outside the Greater Waco area, a one-way travel fee may be added to the price.
This fee covers the cost of sending our truck and equipment from our service area to the container’s pickup location. The amount of the travel fee depends on how far we must travel to reach the container.
After the container is loaded, the moving charge is calculated using the loaded-mile pricing described above.
We provide the full price before scheduling the move so customers understand the charges upfront.
Do You Move Loaded Shipping Containers?
K3 Containers & Transport primarily moves empty shipping containers. However, we may be able to move containers with some items inside, depending on the circumstances.
The ability to move a container with contents inside depends on factors such as:
- The type of items inside
- The estimated weight
- How the items are distributed
- Whether the contents are properly secured
- The size and condition of the container
- The equipment required for the move
We typically do not move heavily loaded containers. Excessive or uneven weight can make loading, transportation, and unloading unsafe.
If your container has items inside, contact us to discuss your specific situation. Do not remove everything until you speak with us, because we may still be able to complete the move safely.
What Affects the Cost of Moving a Shipping Container?
Although distance is one of the biggest pricing factors, several other conditions can affect the final quote.
Pickup and Delivery Access
Our equipment needs enough space to safely approach, load, unload, and leave the property.
Difficult access may include:
- Narrow driveways or gates
- Tight turns
- Soft or muddy ground
- Steep slopes
- Low tree limbs
- Overhead power lines
- Fences, buildings, or vehicles near the container
- Limited room to position the truck and trailer
Photos of the pickup and delivery locations can help us evaluate the job and provide a more accurate quote.
Container Size
The most common sizes we move are:
- 20-foot shipping containers
- 40-foot shipping containers
- 40-foot High Cube shipping containers
Let us know the container’s size when requesting a quote so we can confirm that the appropriate equipment is available.
Container Condition
The container must be structurally sound enough to load and transport safely.
Severe rust, damaged corner castings, weakened floors, or structural damage can create problems during loading and unloading. If the container is damaged, send us photos so we can evaluate its condition before scheduling the move.
Ground Conditions
Firm, level ground provides the safest conditions for loading and unloading.
Mud, loose soil, deep sand, standing water, or recently disturbed ground may prevent the truck from reaching the container or placing it in the requested location.
If the property has questionable ground conditions, contact us before the scheduled move.
How Much Room Is Needed to Move a Shipping Container?
Tilt-bed container delivery and relocation equipment needs more room than many customers expect.
The exact amount of space depends on the container size, truck and trailer configuration, placement direction, and property layout.
Before scheduling the move, make sure the route is clear of:
- Parked vehicles
- Equipment
- Low branches
- Power lines
- Gates that are too narrow
- Soft ground
- Other obstacles
If space is limited, send photos or videos of the property. We can review the location and discuss the best way to approach the move.
How to Prepare for a Container Move
Preparing the pickup and delivery locations can help prevent delays and additional costs.
- Remove unnecessary items from inside the container.
- Secure any items that will remain inside.
- Clear vehicles, equipment, and debris from the access route.
- Trim low-hanging limbs when necessary.
- Check for overhead power lines.
- Make sure gates and entrances are wide enough.
- Confirm that the ground is firm enough for heavy equipment.
- Mark the exact placement location.
- Decide which direction the container doors should face.
- Send photos of both locations if requested.
Good preparation helps us complete the move safely and efficiently.
Can You Move a Container Across Texas?
Yes. K3 Containers & Transport relocates shipping containers in Waco and throughout Texas.
Moves outside the Greater Waco area may include a one-way travel fee based on the distance required to reach the pickup location.
We deliver regularly to Waco and McLennan County, Temple and Belton, Killeen, and Hillsboro and Whitney.
Whether the container needs to move across town or farther across the state, contact us with the pickup and delivery addresses for a customized quote.
What Information Is Needed for a Quote?
- Pickup address
- Delivery address
- Container size
- Whether the container is empty
- A description of any items inside
- Estimated weight of the contents
- Photos of the container
- Photos of the pickup location
- Photos of the delivery location
- Preferred door direction at delivery
The more information we have, the easier it is to evaluate the move and avoid unexpected issues.
Why Hire a Professional Shipping Container Mover?
Shipping containers are extremely heavy and require specialized equipment to move safely.
Attempting to relocate a container with the wrong trailer or equipment can cause:
- Personal injury
- Container damage
- Property damage
- Vehicle or equipment damage
- Unsafe weight distribution
- Expensive recovery costs
K3 Containers & Transport has the equipment and experience needed to load, transport, and place shipping containers safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum charge to move a shipping container?
Our minimum charge is $350, which includes the first 10 loaded miles.
How much is each mile after the first 10 miles?
After the first 10 loaded miles, the rate is $5 per additional loaded mile.
What are loaded miles?
Loaded miles are the miles traveled while your shipping container is loaded on our truck.
Is there an additional charge outside Waco?
A one-way travel fee may apply when the container is located outside the Greater Waco area. The fee depends on the distance required to reach the pickup location.
Can you move a container with items inside?
Possibly. We primarily move empty containers, but we can move some containers with items inside depending on the weight, contents, load distribution, and other circumstances. Contact us to discuss the specific move.
Do you move heavily loaded containers?
Typically, no. Heavily loaded containers can create safety and equipment concerns. Contact us with details about the contents and estimated weight so we can evaluate the situation.
Can you move 20-foot and 40-foot containers?
Yes. We move common shipping container sizes, including 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot High Cube containers, depending on the conditions of the job.
Get a Shipping Container Moving Quote
If you need to move a shipping container in Waco or anywhere in Texas, contact K3 Containers & Transport.
Our standard pricing starts with a $350 minimum charge covering the first 10 loaded miles, followed by $5 per additional loaded mile. A one-way travel fee may apply when the pickup location is outside the Greater Waco area.
If your container has some items inside, contact us to discuss the contents, estimated weight, and specific circumstances.
Call K3 Containers & Transport at (254) 366-1204 to request a quote for your shipping container move.
