As portable storage and relocation solutions gain popularity, many Tennessee residents and businesses require professional assistance to move shipping containers—whether for residential, commercial, or construction use. At Trust Tennessee Movers, we specialize in safe, efficient, and reliable shipping container moving services throughout Murfreesboro, Nashville, Franklin, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Belle Meade, and surrounding communities. This page provides comprehensive information on our container moving capabilities, processes, and how to secure a seamless relocation for your on-site storage unit.
A shipping container move refers to transporting a portable storage unit—often called a “container,” “pod,” or “storage box”—from one location to another. Unlike traditional moving trucks, shipping containers can be dropped at your property, loaded at your convenience, and later picked up and transported to its destination. These containers measure approximately 8 to 20 feet in length, are made of weather-resistant steel, and lock securely for long-term storage or transport.
Common reasons customers seek container moving services include:
Residential Moves: When homeowners need temporary on-site storage during renovations, downsizing, or staging a home for sale.
Commercial Relocations: Businesses relocating office equipment, inventories, or equipment requiring secure, weatherproof storage.
Construction Sites: Moving containers full of tools, supplies, or equipment between job sites while maintaining organization and security.
Event Support: Transporting equipment, furniture, or supplies to venues for large events, conventions, or trade shows.
Whether you already have a container from a storage provider (such as PODS, U-Haul U-Box, or a local vendor) or need us to supply one, our team can handle every aspect of your container relocation.
While some companies offer rental containers, moving them requires specialized equipment and expertise to prevent damage to the container, your property, and the contents inside. Here’s why working with professional container movers is beneficial:
Proper Equipment and Expertise
We use hydraulic lift gates, specialized tilt-bed trailers, and container brackets designed to load and unload safely.
Our crew is trained to position the container precisely, accounting for ground slope, overhead obstructions (trees, power lines), and parking restrictions.
Damage Prevention
Professional movers secure containers to prevent shifting during transport.
We protect driveways, lawns, sidewalks, and curbs by using protective mats or wooden planks when positioning and moving containers.
We know how to distribute weight and manage uneven terrain to minimize pressure and avoid ruts.
Regulatory Compliance
Local municipalities often enforce rules regarding oversized loads, permit requirements, and street closures. We obtain any necessary permits to move your container legally and safely.
We adhere to state and federal Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines for highway transport of oversized or overweight cargo.
Time and Labor Savings
Instead of spending hours figuring out how to load, secure, and transport a container, you can rely on our efficient process, allowing you to focus on packing, organizing, or other priorities.
Quick, on-time delivery and pickup—often within 24 to 48 hours of your request—help you stay on schedule.
Insurance and Liability Coverage
We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for container moves. In the rare event of damage to your property or container contents, our insurance covers repairs or replacements.
By engaging a specialized container moving service, you reduce risk, ensure compliance, and benefit from the experience of trained professionals dedicated to an exceptional relocation.
At Trust Tennessee Movers, our container moving process is designed to be transparent, efficient, and safe. Below is an overview of each step—from initial inquiry to final delivery:
Inventory and Container Size: We begin by discussing your specific needs—whether you have a 20-foot, 16-foot, or 8-foot container. If you have valuable or fragile items inside, we factor in additional padding and stabilization requirements.
Location Assessment: We review both pickup and drop-off addresses to identify any challenges: narrow driveways, low-hanging branches, overhead power lines, or permit zones.
Scheduling: Based on our assessment, we propose available moving dates and arrival windows that align with your timeline. We can often accommodate same-day or next-day requests in Murfreesboro and nearby areas.
Transparent Pricing: We provide a written quote outlining labor, equipment, mileage, permit fees (if required), and any ancillary charges (e.g., container restacking, waiting time).
No Hidden Fees: Our estimates cover the full cost of pickup, transport, and drop-off. If circumstances change—such as additional container weight or access complications—we update the quote promptly.
Site Preparation: If you plan to place the container on your property, clear a level, stable area approximately 10 feet longer and wider than the container for loading and unloading. If necessary, our crew helps remove obstacles or place protective boards.
Permitting: Should the move involve city streets or multiple jurisdictions, we secure any required permits prior to moving day.
Professional Loading: We arrive on schedule with a tilt-bed truck or chassis equipped with a lift system. Our crew guides the container onto the trailer, ensuring it is level and secure.
Safety Checks: Drivers perform a safety inspection—checking tire pressure, securing straps, and verifying load balance—before departing.
Secure Transport: Using licensed drivers and DOT-compliant vehicles, we navigate to the destination. We leverage GPS tracking and maintain communication, so you know exactly when to expect delivery.
Route Optimization: Our drivers plan routes to avoid low-clearance bridges, construction zones, and heavy traffic, minimizing delays and ensuring timely delivery.
Precision Placement: Upon arrival, the crew carefully slides the container off the truck onto the designated location. We use leveling jacks or blocks as needed to stabilize the unit—ensuring it sits evenly and safely.
Final Inspection: We conduct a walkthrough with you, confirming the container is placed correctly, the doors open freely, and no damage occurred to surrounding structures.
Cleanup: We remove any protective materials (plywood or mats) and ensure the site is left tidy. If subsequent moves or container restacking are required, we schedule those as needed.
Customer Satisfaction: Our dispatch team follows up within 24–48 hours to ensure you are satisfied with the service and to address any outstanding questions.
This streamlined process, combined with local expertise, ensures that your shipping container move is completed safely, on time, and without surprises.
We are experienced in handling various container sizes and types commonly used for portable storage. Our most frequently moved units include:
20-Foot Containers
Ideal for residential moves or small business storage, a 20-foot container can accommodate the contents of a two- to three-bedroom home, including furniture, boxes, and appliances.
16-Foot Containers
Used for apartments, condos, and small businesses, 16-foot containers offer ample storage capacity while remaining more maneuverable in tight driveways or streets.
8-Foot Containers
Perfect for small-scale needs—such as a few large boxes, single furniture pieces, or seasonal storage—8-foot containers are cost-effective for short-term projects.
PODS®-Style or Proprietary Units
If you have a branded container from a national provider (PODS, SMARTBOX, or U-Box), our team can coordinate pickup and delivery in partnership with those companies. We treat each branded container with the same care as our own rolling stock.
Specialty Units (Refrigerated, Customized Crates)
Although less common, certain clients require temperature-controlled or customized shipping crates. We subcontract or coordinate the appropriate equipment to meet specific needs—whether it’s for temperature-sensitive inventory or high-value artwork.
If you’re unsure about your container size or type, contact us and we’ll help identify the appropriate dimensions and equipment required for safe transport.
Our shipping container moving services appeal to a wide range of clients with diverse needs:
When remodeling or renovating a home, moving furniture out of the way and securing belongings in a container on-site reduces stress and prevents damage.
During a residential move, a container at your driveway provides flexible packing time; once packed, we transport it directly to your new property.
Staging vacant homes often requires temporary storage for furniture, staging props, or seasonal decorations.
Moving containers between multiple listings helps agents and stagers manage inventory efficiently.
Businesses relocating within town or expanding to new locations rely on containers to store inventory, fixtures, or office supplies safely between lease terms.
Pop-up shops, seasonal businesses, or event-based retailers can use containers to transport equipment to trade shows, fairs, or festivals.
Storing tools, lumber, and equipment securely at job sites reduces theft risk and protects materials from the elements.
When a project ends, containers can be moved intact to new sites, saving time on packing and organizing.
Large-scale events—such as concerts, conferences, or weddings—require secure storage for sets, AV equipment, and décor.
Moving containers from temporary lots to final event sites minimizes handling and helps maintain order under tight timelines.
Military families relocating to new postings can store packed containers temporarily before final delivery to a base or civilian residence.
Government entities moving equipment, archives, or supplies between offices often rely on professional container movers to meet strict timelines.
Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, contractor, or event organizer, our container moving services can be customized to meet your exact requirements.
Shipping container moving costs vary based on several factors. At Trust Tennessee Movers, we provide transparent, itemized quotes that reflect the following considerations:
Container Size and Weight
Larger containers (20-foot) require a bigger tilt-bed truck and may incur higher handling fees.
Heavier containers increase fuel consumption and may require specialized equipment or additional movers.
Pickup and Drop-Off Locations
Distance traveled between locations affects mileage fees.
Urban areas with restricted access or long carry distances (more than 75 feet) may incur additional charges.
Permitting and Oversize Load Requirements
Moves involving public roadways or oversized containers (wider than 8 feet) may require special permits. Permit costs vary by municipality.
Access Conditions
If driveways are unpaved, sloped, or narrower than 12 feet, additional onsite preparation is required (e.g., laying plywood or securing ground mats).
Low-hanging power lines, tree limbs, or steep inclines can increase labor time and equipment setup.
Timing and Scheduling
Moves scheduled during peak hours (rush hour) or peak seasons (late spring through early fall) may incur higher rates due to demand.
Off-peak or weekend moves sometimes receive discounted pricing, but availability may be limited.
Additional Services
Container Restacking: If a stacked container (one planned to sit on top of another) needs repositioning, we charge a restacking fee.
Container Exchange: Picking up one container and dropping off another from the same provider requires coordination with both locations and may incur a transfer fee.
Storage Coordination: If your container must wait at a storage yard before final delivery, we coordinate with the storage provider and bill any associated holding fees.
By assessing these factors in advance, our moving coordinators deliver an accurate, written estimate—usually within 24 to 48 hours of your initial inquiry. We do not add hidden fees after the job is complete; any necessary adjustments are communicated before proceeding.
Trust Tennessee Movers proudly serves a broad region of Middle Tennessee. Our primary service areas include:
Murfreesboro (Corporate Headquarters)
Nashville (All Neighborhoods)
Franklin
Smyrna
Spring Hill
Belle Meade
Surrounding communities: La Vergne, Brentwood, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Lebanon, Columbia, and beyond
Because we operate locally, we understand the nuances of each jurisdiction, ensuring rapid response times, permit compliance, and efficient route planning. No matter where you are in central Tennessee, our team can arrange container pickup or delivery within 24 to 48 hours, depending on availability.
To facilitate an efficient container relocation, follow these preparatory steps:
Clear and Level the Drop-Off Area
Identify a flat, stable surface at least 10 feet longer and wider than the container footprint (e.g., a paved or gravel driveway).
Remove low-hanging branches, garden ornaments, or vehicles that may obstruct container placement.
Confirm Ground Conditions
Avoid soft soil, loose gravel, or freshly laid sod. If necessary, rent plywood sheets or wooden boards to distribute weight and protect grass or landscaping.
If placing on grass, consider using a ground mat system for even weight distribution.
Secure Access Permissions
In gated communities, high-rise apartments, or commercial complexes, provide gate codes, loading dock instructions, or contact information for property managers.
Ensure that any needed street parking permits or load/unload zones are reserved.
Pack and Seal the Container Belongings
If you supplied the container, pack items securely and stack boxes from floor to ceiling, placing heavier items on the bottom. Use cardboard or plywood sheets to stabilize the load.
Lock the container after packing to prevent unauthorized access during transport.
Communicate Special Requirements
Notify us of any hazardous materials or restricted items inside the container. While shipping containers can handle most household items, certain chemicals, fuels, and perishable goods may be prohibited.
If you require temperature-controlled transport (rare for standard containers), let us know in advance so we can arrange appropriate equipment.
By preparing your site and container properly, you help our crew work safely and efficiently—reducing overall labor time and potential additional charges.
Q1: Can you move my PODS® (or other branded container)?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with national and local container providers. Simply provide the container delivery/pickup ticket number and any required identification codes. We treat your branded container with the same care as our own equipment.
Q2: How long does it take to move a container locally?
For most local moves (within 25 miles), container pickup and drop-off can be completed in 1 to 3 hours, depending on access, traffic, and site preparation. We confirm a narrow arrival window (typically two hours) so you can plan accordingly.
Q3: Do I need to pack the container before you move it?
Yes. We move the container as a sealed unit. Ensure all items are packed, secured, and locked inside before our crew arrives. If you require on-site packing, consider our partial packing services arranged separately.
Q4: Are there weight limits for container loads?
Most standard 20-foot containers have a weight capacity of approximately 55,000 pounds gross weight (including container weight). However, local roads and parking areas may have load restrictions. We perform a pre-move assessment to confirm your container’s approximate weight and arrange any required permits.
Q5: How do you protect my driveway or lawn?
We use plywood sheets or protective mats under the container’s contact points if ground conditions are soft. For concrete or asphalt driveways, we rely on our specialized lift equipment calibrated to distribute weight evenly. In all cases, our crew takes precautions to minimize ground disturbance.
Q6: What if the container cannot be lifted or placed due to site conditions?
If best-practice positioning is not possible—because of steep grade, narrow ingress, or underground utilities—we may recommend alternative locations (side street, adjacent driveway, or public parking zone) and assist with permit applications. We always work with you to find the safest and most practical solution.
Q7: Do I have to be present for the move?
Yes, we request that you or an authorized representative be onsite during pickup and delivery. Your presence ensures we place the container in the correct location, address any questions, and confirm the final condition of your property. If you cannot be present, please provide written instructions and grant permission for our crew to act on your behalf.
Q8: How do I pay for a container move?
Payment is due upon completion of services. We accept major credit cards, debit cards, checks, and approved electronic transfers.
Don’t let the logistics of moving a shipping container cause frustration or delays. Trust Tennessee Movers is your local expert for container relocation in Tennessee. Our trained professionals handle every detail—from securing permits to precise placement—so you can focus on what matters most.
Request a Free Quote or Schedule a Consultation:
Phone: 1-865-459-2632
Office Address: 323 NW Broad St #102, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Whether you need container pickup today or next week, contact us now to ensure your on-site storage is relocated safely, promptly, and affordably. Let us show you why so many Tennessee residents and businesses rely on Trust Tennessee Movers for “shipping container movers near me.”
Trust Tennessee Movers is your trusted partner for professional, reliable, and affordable moving services across Tennessee. Whether you’re relocating locally within Spring Hill, Franklin, or Nashville, or planning a long-distance move, our experienced team is committed to making your move smooth and stress-free. From residential and commercial moves to packing and storage solutions — we move with care, speed, and integrity.
323 NW Broad St #102, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA