Choosing the right solution for your Container Transport

What’s the difference in container transport?
The right equipment makes all the difference. Detention, demurrage, and storage fees can quickly cut into margins, so it’s important to work with a partner who understands your business. By matching the right trailer type to your needs, we reduce delays, control costs and keep your supply chain moving. 

What is the difference between Side Loaders and Standard Trailers? 
Side Loaders lift and unload containers from the side using hydraulic cranes. They don’t require a dock or separate equipment to move the container onto the ground. Features of a Side Loader: 

• Typically handle 20ft and 40ft containers.

• Ideal for sites without docks or container-handling equipment.

• Best when containers need to be placed at ground level.

Standard Trailers (skel/flatbeds) require external equipment, such as cranes, reach stackers, or docks to unload. Alternatively, they can be dropped at a site and collected later, if the site has dock facilities. Features of a Standard Trailer:

• Handle all container sizes (20ft, 40ft, high cube).

• More economical when sites have unloading infrastructure.

• Often more manoeuvrable in tight-access urban areas.

Container unloading options for Standard Trailers

Live Unload

• Driver remains onsite (usually 1 hour) while the container is unpacked.

• Reduces detention and avoids trailer hire costs.

• Best for sites with labour ready to unload quickly.

Drop Trailer

• Container (on trailer) is left onsite (24 hrs) to be unloaded later 

• Provides flexibility and minimises disruption to operations.

• Useful for staged unloading or as short-term storage.

Choosing the Right Solution

Mainfreight Wharf works with you to select the most cost-effective option.

• Side Loaders are best where infrastructure is limited.

• Standard Trailers suit customers with docks or handling equipment.

• Live Unloads keep supply chains moving quickly.

• Drop Trailers give flexibility where time and space are constraints.

With our nationwide network, we provide the right combination of equipment and service to keep your supply chain running seamlessly.