Logistics Guide
Picking Up Your Container: Requirements & Process
How depot pickup works when you buy a shipping container — equipment requirements, what to bring, loading at the yard, and when pickup beats delivery.
When pickup makes sense
If you own or can rent a truck and trailer rated for container transport, depot pickup removes the delivery line from your quote entirely. Pickup suits fleet operators, transport companies, and buyers located close to the source yard. Your quote shows both delivered and pickup options where available, so you can compare directly.
Equipment requirements
- •20ft loaded: tilt/roll-off trailer or flatbed rated ≥ 5,000 lbs tare
- •40ft: step-deck or flatbed rated ≥ 9,000 lbs tare, 40+ ft deck
- •Chains/binders or twist-lock securing points
- •The yard loads the container onto your trailer — you secure it
The pickup process
After payment confirmation you receive a release number and the yard address. Book your pickup window, arrive with the release number and suitable equipment, and yard staff load the unit. Inspect the container against the quoted condition before it goes on your trailer — see our inspection guide for the checklist.