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Container Delivery & Modification FAQ’s
How do I get a quote on the cost to deliver my container? One of the trucking companies we work with will come out to your property, free of charge, and let you know how much it will cost to get it there. The cost depends on your properties access, where you want the container positioned exactly and how far away you are from our yard. Our used 40’ hi-cube containers come into either Kawaihae or Hilo harbor, but your delivery cost will always be based on where the container came in. For example, sometimes we truck containers to a location different from where they actually came into for your viewing convenience. Delivery is the least expensive for those that are only needing us to roll-off their container. This is only possible if we can maneuver our truck where you need the container rolled-off, and only if we have the room to pull out and get out. This requires about 125’ minimum space. If you need your container against a wall or hedge, it may require us to bring a 10,000 lb capacity forklift that is transported on a low-boy trailer pulled by a semi truck, or occasionally a crane is required. Crane service is about $650 per hour. Both forklifting and crane services will definitely cost more than rolling off. Our estimator will come to your property free of charge and let you know what your move will take, and what it will cost you. We do not deliver any containers for free. Our prices are lower than anyone elses on used 40’ hi-cubes, and no one delivers for free that we know of. A 40’ weighs 8500+ lbs, 20’s weigh about 5800+ lbs.
How should I prepare for delivery? Your area should be as level as possible. You never want to put a container onto the ground. It is highly advised to put containers on either concrete blocks, wood beams or wood fence posts. If you want us to roll-off and you want to move the container sideways or in a different position after we leave, it is best to roll-off onto wood fence posts which allow you to move your container with a nudge from a truck, or with come-alongs. These fence posts are about 10” thick, round in shape, and come in various lengths that average about 7’ long. You want to put one post on each corner, and two in the middle for a total of 6 fence posts. When you get your container where you want it, you want to jack up one corner at a time with a 3 or 4 ton floor jack, and replace the wood posts with 16x16x8” thick concrete “tofu” blocks available at home depot for about $10 each. Make sure the ground beneath the blocks is nicely compacted, and use navy gravel underneath each block. You only need the tofu blocks on the 4 corners, and preferably two high if you can. The reason you only need to put them on the corners is due to the fact that container floors are incredibly strong, so no support in the center is needed. You can buy floor jacks at sears for around $100 for a 3 ton model, and a little more for a 4 ton jack. Although a 3 ton jack will suffice, we highly recommend a 4 ton jack because the 3 ton strains and is near its capacity. Do not jack up a container from any point other than right on the corner, do not attempt to jack up one entire side. Do not go underneath a container that is being jacked up as it could crush you if the jack hits capacity and drops suddenly. We are available to put the container on blocks that we can furnish for you if desired, as well as provide any kind of modifications you might want, such as installing windows, doors, flooring, A/C, electricity, plumbing etc. We even construct legally permitted homes made from shipping containers. We are also available to give you advice on modifying your container if you are willing to do the work. We support our customers and answer the phone personally to maximize your success and minimize your frustrations. Big Island call 935-1000. All other islands call 808-953-2005. Oahu folks can reach us at 953-2005.
I want to make my used container look nice. How do I deal with the surface rust, and can I do anything about the dents? You must read our article on dealing with surface rust, all you need to know is there, and our process and recommended products guarantee the very best job possible anywhere. As for dents, car body filler works great for that, aka bondo. If you know your way around with a torch, you can heat the metal around the dent and pound it out and shape it first to minimize the amount of body filler used. There are other ways to remove dents, but it is not our place to go into detail; do some research if interested.
What do you recommend using to cut out windows and doors? There are many ways, but the cleanest and easiest way is to use a reciprocating saw or sawzall with Bi-metal blades. You can also use a torch, a plasma cutting torch or a specialized metal cutting circular type saw. We are available to do these kind of modifications if desired, and are also available to help you over the phone if you want. Consultation is at the rate of $75 per hour and by appt. only, time permitting. Big Island call 935-1000. All other islands call 808-953-2005. Oahu folks can reach us at 953-2005.