The choice of shipping container is one of the most crucial (although not the most perceived) decisions that you will make when planning a move, be it within the UK or abroad.
The container that you choose not only defines the effectiveness with which your items will be shipped safely, but also the cost-efficacy as well as efficiency of your relocation.
Among the main components of that success is the fact that the shipping container is always of the correct size, type, and needs to meet the needs of each move.
Here, we will go through all that you need to know to make a wise decision in this guide.
Why is Selecting the Right Shipping Container Important?
Your shipping container is not a box; it is your moving boat. It ensures that whatever you have is not damaged physically or even being exposed to the weather, and also when transporting across the border, there can be a problem with customs.
Using the container improperly may result in:
- The additional costs of unused space or extra containers.
- Damage as a result of inadequate ventilation or incorrect loading.
- Shipment and delivery delays.
Making a correct move at the beginning is a sure way of making the move secure, smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Learn the key Container Shipping Classes
It is always good to be aware of what to pick before making a choice. The most frequent container types in the UK removals are:
Standard Dry Containers (20ft and 40ft)
These are the most widely used household and business moves.
- 20ft container: This is used when small homes are being moved or half-house moves. Usually carries the goods of a 2/3-bedroom house.
- 40ft container: This one is suitable for large homes (more than 4 bedrooms) or an entire house relocation.
Neither of the two is open, waterproof, and suitable for most forms of furniture and household items.
High Cube Containers
Like a regular container, except that it is an additional foot high. This extra space may help a lot when transporting large furniture or tall objects, such as wardrobes, gym machines, or piled boxes.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers
Refrigerated containers can be used to carry sensitive goods that require a constant temperature, e.g., foods, plants, or artwork.
Open-Top or Flat-Rack Containers
Made to fit large or strangely shaped objects, such as industrial machinery or vehicles. They are flexible in loading and unloading, but might not be used with the usual household goods.
Step 2: Think about How Big and How Much You Move
The most frequent query that we receive at Removals is: What container size do I require?
In case your freight is not a full-sized shipment, then you may want to use a shared (LCL – Less than Container Load) service.
This is a plan that can enable you to share with other customers space in the container and all the money you spend is based on consumption. It is affordable, and it is effective when it comes to smaller moves.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Destination and Mode of Delivery
The kind of container you use is also based on the location where you are relocating and the delivery mode of the container.
- Net internal moves within the UK: 20ft or 40ft containers are suitable. They can be carried by road and unloaded without much difficulty at your new destination.
- International relocations: Have the container standards of the ISO shipping standards been met to ensure it is used in the ocean freight? Containers to be used in overseas removals should undergo customs inspection and also be sealed in order to be transported by sea.
- Remote or narrow access sites: Smaller containers or modular container solutions can be more appropriate in case large lorries cannot access your house.
We never leave any building out regardless of the type of business run in Removals.co.uk, we will always carry out a site access survey to advise on the most effective delivery option to use.
Step 4: Learn the distinction between FCL and LCL
The two important terms of shipping you will encounter in case you are relocating overseas are:
- FCL (Full Container Load): This is where you lease the full container to use the space to your own things. Best suited to large families or when you really desire to have complete control over your shipment.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): You share space with other customers, and you only pay based on the space that your stuff will occupy. Best in terms of smaller moves or cost-saving transfers.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both solutions; FCL is fast and secure, whereas LCL is cheap and available.
Step 5: Include Budget and Insurance
The container you choose influences your cost of shipping. Specialised or larger containers are more expensive to move, but determining the size ensures that an organisation does not spend money on unwarranted expenditure.
Removals insurance should also not be forgotten (applied to international moves, in particular). It insures your belongings in the event of transit damage or loss, and that is a great comfort on the way.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are moving inside the UK or getting your family packed to a foreign country, it is important to select the correct container that will allow you to move in a stress-free manner. Whether it comes to size and type, to quality and method of delivery, every choice will make your belongings and relocation successful and safe.
At Removals, experience, accuracy, and care are combined to ensure that every move is smooth. Call our team today and get professional recommendations on shipping container removals in the UK and receive a free of charge, no obligation quotation on your next move.