Trucking is a big part of what a wholesale container order really costs. The best way to cut it is to buy from the right depot and plan the move before the truck shows up. Lummid sells from 350+ container depots across the U.S. and Canada, so most buyers can pick up close to where the containers are going.
Need a quote with the closest depots? Request a wholesale quote or call (888) 471-9099.
What drives container trucking costs
- Distance. Miles from the depot to your site are the biggest factor.
- Equipment. A container on a chassis, a tilt-bed and a roll-off truck all cost differently, and not every truck can carry a 40ft or 45ft box.
- Loads per trip. Moving one container per truck costs more per unit than moving two 20ft containers together when the truck allows it.
- Wasted trips. A truck that shows up and can’t load, or a container that has to go back, gets billed again.
- Waiting time. Drivers often bill for time spent waiting at the depot or the site.
1. Buy from the depot closest to your site
Wholesale containers sit in stacks at container depots, which work like container warehouses. When you ask for a quote, give the city where the containers will end up, not just where your office is. Lummid quotes from the depots nearest that city, and comparing two or three depots often shows that a slightly higher container price is cheaper once trucking is added. See where we have equipment on our locations page.
2. Pick up yourself or use a local driver
Wholesalers generally don’t do last-mile delivery. Most wholesale buyers pick up with their own trucks or hire a local driver, which is usually the cheapest option because the driver knows the depot and the local roads. If you don’t have a driver, Lummid can put you in touch with local drivers or schedule delivery for you.
3. Match the truck to the container and the site
- Chassis. Good for depot-to-yard moves when the container will be lifted off with a forklift or crane at the other end. Our chassis buying guide covers the types.
- Tilt-bed or roll-off. Sets the container on the ground with no equipment on site. It needs room to back in and pull straight out, and a firm, level spot.
- Door direction. On a tilt-bed drop, tell the driver which way the doors should face before loading. Turning a container around on site costs time, and sometimes a second trip.
4. Move more than one container per trip
Some trucks and chassis can carry two 20ft containers at once. If you are buying several 20s for the same site, ask your driver whether they can haul a pair. Grouping pickups at one depot on the same day also cuts the number of trips.
5. Avoid wasted trips at the depot
Most extra trucking charges come from trips that don’t go as planned. Before the truck leaves:
- Have the release order ready. The depot won’t load a container without one. Our guide to container release orders explains what the driver needs to bring.
- Confirm depot hours. Depots set their own gate hours, and a truck that arrives after the gate closes waits or comes back.
- Check the container at pickup. If something is wrong, call right away. The depot can often load a different unit on the spot. Once the container leaves the depot, you have accepted its condition, and sending it back means another trip.
6. Know the weight limits
Federal rules cap the gross weight of a truck and its load at 80,000 pounds on the Interstate System (23 CFR 658.17), and states set limits on other roads. An empty container is far below that. If you are moving a loaded container, give the driver the weight up front so they can plan the right equipment and route.
7. Book the truck early
Book your driver as soon as the release order is issued, and tell them the depot, the container sizes and the site details in one message. A driver who knows the whole job up front can plan the right truck and route the first time.
Quick checklist
- Give the destination city when you request a quote.
- Compare the delivered cost from two or three depots, not just the container price.
- Confirm the truck type, door direction and site access.
- Group containers per trip and per depot.
- Send the driver with the release order and confirmed depot hours.
- Check every unit before it leaves the depot.
FAQ
Does Lummid deliver containers?
Most wholesale buyers pick up at the depot. If you need delivery, Lummid can put you in touch with local drivers or schedule it for you.
Is it cheaper to buy from the closest depot?
Usually, but not always. Compare the total delivered cost from a few depots, since container prices differ by depot and trucking adds up with distance.
What is the most common extra trucking charge?
Wasted trips: a truck that arrives without a release order, after depot hours, or has to bring a container back. Planning the pickup avoids most of them.
Get a quote
Tell us the sizes, grade, quantity and the city where the containers are going. Request a wholesale quote or call (888) 471-9099. Buying for resale or in volume? See our resellers and bulk buyers page.