The price on a shipping container is only part of the cost. Getting a two-tonne steel box from a depot to your driveway, farm or building site needs a specialist truck, and delivery charges can add a surprising amount to your total if you do not check them first. This guide explains what affects container delivery costs in Australia, how containers are actually delivered and how to avoid extra charges.
What Affects Container Delivery Costs?
Across the industry, delivery prices are usually based on a handful of factors:
- Distance from the supplier’s depot to your site.
- Container size. A 40ft container needs a bigger vehicle than a 10ft or 20ft.
- Delivery method. Crane (HIAB) trucks generally cost more to run than tilt-bed vehicles.
- Site access. Remote, rural or restricted sites can need special vehicles or longer journeys.
- Failed deliveries. If the truck cannot unload, a second trip is almost always charged.
Many suppliers quote delivery separately and charge by the mile, so the cheapest container price is not always the cheapest overall deal. Always compare the delivered price.
How Much Does CQ Quality Containers Charge for Delivery?
| Delivery area | Cost | Typical transit time |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | A$299 for one container or cabin | 4 to 10 business days from dispatch |
| New South Wales | A$499 for one container or cabin | 4 to 10 business days from dispatch |
| Australian Capital Territory | A$549 for one container or cabin | 4 to 10 business days from dispatch |
| Victoria | A$599 for one container or cabin | 4 to 10 business days from dispatch |
| South Australia | A$649 for one container or cabin | 4 to 10 business days from dispatch |
| Tasmania | A$899 for one container or cabin | 5 to 14 business days from dispatch |
| Northern Territory | A$1,099 for one container or cabin | 5 to 14 business days from dispatch |
| Western Australia | A$1,299 for one container or cabin | 5 to 14 business days from dispatch |
| Additional containers or cabins, remote locations or special access | Extra charges agreed in writing before dispatch | 5 to 14 business days from dispatch |
| Offshore islands | Not available | — |
Orders are normally processed within 1 to 3 business days before dispatch. Your delivery cost is calculated automatically from your postcode at checkout, so you see the full price before you pay. Full terms are in our shipping policy.
HIAB vs Tilt-Bed: How Containers Are Delivered
HIAB (crane offload)
A HIAB truck has its own crane mounted on the vehicle. It lifts the container off the back and lowers it into place. Because the container is lifted rather than slid, a HIAB can often place it over a low wall or fence, or in a spot the truck cannot reach directly.
- Needs overhead clearance for the crane arm, so no cables or low branches above.
- Needs space either side of the truck for its stabiliser legs.
- Best for gardens, tight yards and precise positioning.
Tilt-bed (slide-off)
A tilt-bed truck raises its bed and slides the container off the back onto the ground as it drives forward.
- Needs a long, straight, level run behind the truck, roughly the length of the container plus the vehicle.
- No overhead crane clearance required.
- Well suited to open sites, farms and commercial yards.
You do not need to choose; we confirm which method applies when your delivery is arranged, based on your container and site.
How to Avoid Extra Delivery Charges
The most common extra cost is a failed delivery. If the driver cannot unload safely because of access or ground conditions, the delivery is rearranged and a fixed $150 redelivery fee applies. You can avoid this by checking your site beforehand:
- Confirm the road and entrance are wide enough for a heavy goods vehicle.
- Check for low cables, branches, archways and overhanging roofs along the route and above the drop zone.
- Make sure the unloading area is firm, level and clear of cars, skips and materials.
- Prepare the base in advance, such as sleepers, concrete pads or compacted hardcore.
- Leave space at the door end so the doors can open fully once the container is in place.
- Be available (or have someone there) on delivery day to show the driver where to put it.
If you are unsure whether your site is suitable, contact us before you order. It is far easier to sort out in advance. Our delivery and site access page has the full checklist.
Does Container Size Affect Delivery?
Yes, mainly in terms of space. A 10ft or 20ft container can be delivered to most sites with reasonable access, while a 40ft needs a much longer, clearer area. If space is tight, read our comparisons of 10ft vs 20ft and 20ft vs 40ft containers.
Get Your Container Delivered
With a set delivery rate for each state, the container price you see in our shop plus the delivery rate for your state is, in most cases, the total you pay. Browse our containers or request a quote if you have questions about your site.