When it comes to transporting containers across Australia, towing service plays a vital role. Whether you’re moving a 20ft container across town or hauling a 40ft loaded container unit, one question comes up almost every time: how much will I have to pay? And to be honest, this is not always an easy reply.
That’s why, Brisbane Towing and Recovery – trusted for container towing in Brisbane – decided to list out the main factors that affect the cost of container towing in Australia. Let’s get into the details of our heavy duty transportation guide!
Shipping container towing: Price factors
Okay, a lot of factors come together to determine the cost of moving a container from A to B. Here are the biggest ones!
Distance and Location
Longer distance traveled, the more you are going to pay. The price of short hauls within a single city would be much lower than that for long-distance container towing between cities. Here’s the reason why distance matters:
- Fuel consumption increases
- Driver time and wages increase
- Wear and tear on the towing vehicle adds up
Rural and remote areas also add to the costs due to access issues, a shortage of service providers, and extended travel time.
Container Size and Weight
Standard shipping containers come in sizes like 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft long, but the weight of these containers varies greatly depending upon what’s inside.
Towing empty containers would be easier and cheaper. While loaded containers demand more heavyweight truck capacity and possibly special permit fees if they exceed legal weight limits.
Towing costs for a 20 ft container loaded might be a lot cheaper than a 40 ft container loaded instead. If you own a container that is either quite heavy or oversized, anticipate a surcharge in addition to the standard towing fee.
Read out our other blogs as well:
Emergency Towing in Brisbane: 10 Things to Keep in Mind
Shipping a Tractor in Australia: How-to Guide, Cost, and More
Oversized Load Towing Essentials and Expert Tips to Do it Right
Types of Tow Trucks: Everything You Need to Know
10 Car Towing Tips to Avoid Accidents in 2025
Type of Tow Vehicle Required
Not all containers can be towed with the same equipment. For the job, the appropriate tow truck should be chosen based on the type of the container, its size and weight, and where the container is to be picked up or delivered.
- Tilt tray trucks are for short towing and empty containers.
- Side loaders are more expensive to use, but can pick up containers from tight spots.
- Semi-trailers or flatbeds are used for heavy loads or long distances.
Loading/unloading requires specialized equipment such as cranes, forklifts, or HIAB trucks, which adds extra cost to the standard pricing.
Access to Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Sometimes the biggest challenge is not really the distance but rather the terrain and access. If, for instance, the container is located in a less accessible area (e.g., muddy construction site, narrow laneway, rural property), you may incur:
- Call-out charges.
- Extra labour or time.
- Special vehicle requirements.
On the other hand, easy-access locations that allow for drive-in and drive-out convenient towing tend to translate into cheaper towing fees.
Permits and Regulations
The towing company would have to apply for special permits for oversize containers if their dimensions and weight exceed the limits, mainly if they are traveling interstate.
These permits incur fees and have processing times, with variations in fee by state.
Extra escort vehicles would need to be considered in case the load size for towing is unusually large
Check if your towing job is considered legal or if some extra permits are in order.
Timing and Urgency
Need your container towed ASAP or after hours? It will cost you extra. After-hours and weekend tows may attract extra charges from some towing companies.
Charges for priority will accrue in case of an emergency or same-day requests. If you plan your tow during regular business hours and book in advance, you can probably save a few bucks.
Towing Company Rates and Location
Finally, the service provider you will choose will affect the last bill amount. Different towing companies have different pricing structures, based on:
- Experience
- Fleet size
- Availability
- Customer service levels
In competitively packed areas such as Brisbane, prices can stand on the effective side, while in remote areas where the options are limited, you probably will pay more purely because of lack of competition.
Looking for Affordable Shipping Container Towing?
Be it for a 20ft empty container within the state or a 40ft loaded interstate transport, it’s always advised to compare towing quotes for safe container transport. Many towing companies offer online quotes while others render free phone consultations.
In Queensland, Brisbane Towing and Recovery is a reputable name for container towing. We have the fleet and the experience to tow containers locally within the surrounding suburbs of Brisbane including Logan, Ipswich, Bayside, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba.
Getting the best deal is all about knowing what affects the price—and now, you do! Catering to Brisbane businesses and families for many years, our skilled team of tow operators in Brisbane use top-notch gear and safety measures for safe container towing experience.
Call us on 0438 155 555 to get the best container towing services in Brisbane.
Also, check out our most popular services: