Storage & Handling
Storage and goods handling scaled to the volume and period your business needs.
Learn moreContainer handling
Container unloading and cargo handling
A container arriving on site has to be emptied quickly and in the right order. Crew and equipment are set by the cargo type, not by default.
Unloading a container is work against the clock. There is a time by which the container must be released, and cargo that needs to reach its place in an organised state — not just be stacked outside.
The big difference is between palletised cargo and loose cargo packed by hand. In terms of manpower and equipment these are two entirely different jobs, which is why we ask about it up front.
Who this service is for
- Importers receiving containers at their own premises
- Businesses taking imported cargo directly into their warehouse
- Companies needing fast unloading because of container return deadlines
- Anyone receiving loose cargo that requires manual unloading
- Businesses that need both unloading and organising of the goods on site
Situations we handle regularly
- A container with palletised cargo unloaded using a forklift
- A loose-loaded container unloaded by hand and stacked onto pallets
- Unloading that has to finish within a short window
- Organising the goods into the warehouse immediately after unloading
- Unloading in an open yard without a suitable dock
What the service can include
- An unloading crew sized to the cargo type
- Manual unloading of loose cargo
- Stacking onto pallets and organising the load
- Moving goods into the warehouse or storage area
- Equipment matched to the layout of the site
- Coordination with the driver and the container schedule
How the unloading runs
Cargo profile
Container type, whether the cargo is palletised or loose, and the approximate quantity.
Crew and equipment
We set crew size and equipment according to the unloading type and the site layout.
Scheduling
We fix a date and time around the container arrival and the release deadline.
Unloading and organising
Unloading, stacking onto pallets where needed, and moving the goods into place.
Request a quote
What we need to know
If something is still unknown you can mark that you are not sure:
- Company name and contact
- Unloading location
- Required date
- Container type: 20ft, 40ft or 40HC
- Whether the cargo is palletised, loose or mixed
- Approximate number of units or pallets
- Whether organising or moving into the warehouse is also required
Frequently asked questions
How long does unloading a container take?
Palletised cargo unloads relatively quickly. Loose cargo unloaded by hand takes considerably longer. We estimate the time from the details you provide.
I do not know whether the cargo is palletised — what now?
You can mark that you are not sure. We will ask a few short questions or request a photo, and that is usually enough to plan correctly.
Do you supply the forklift as well?
That depends on the cargo and the site. In some cases equipment already on site is used, in others additional equipment is required. We agree this in advance.
Can unloading be combined with storage?
Yes. If there is no room for the goods at your site, storage can be combined — see the storage and handling page.
Related services
Areas customers usually look at alongside this service.
Pallets & Cargo
Pallets, general freight and equipment — with the right vehicle and unloading kit.
Learn more
Business Transport
Structured transport for businesses, chains and institutions — one-off or ongoing.
Learn more
Happy to quote
Tell us briefly what needs moving — we will ask what is missing and come back with a quote.