🏗️ Free Professional Depot Container Loading & Cargo Guidelines

Every shipping container purchased from Four Seasons Containers includes free professional crane or reach-stacker loading at our US depots—whether delivered by our tilt-bed fleet or picked up by your commercial carrier.

1. Complimentary Depot Loading Included

When you purchase a new or used shipping container from Four Seasons Containers, depot handling and truck loading are 100% included in the price. Our certified terminal operators use container reach-stackers, overhead gantry cranes, and heavy-duty forklifts to position your container safely onto the transport trailer.

2. Requirements for Customer Carrier Pickups

If you choose to arrange self-pickup from one of our regional depots (Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Savannah, Newark, Seattle, Oakland, Denver, or Kansas City), your transport vehicle must meet standard US DOT intermodal safety regulations:

  • ISO Twist-Locks or Heavy Chains: Semi-trailers, step-decks, and flatbeds must be equipped with certified ISO corner twist-locks or DOT-rated heavy transport chains and binders.
  • Depot Release Reference: We issue an official Depot Release Number within 1–2 business days of order confirmation. Simply present the release number at the terminal gate for immediate loading.

3. Best Practices for Loading Cargo Inside Your Container

  • Even Weight Distribution: Distribute heavy pallets and machinery evenly across the marine-grade plywood floor Cross-members so no single half of the container carries more than 60% of the total payload.
  • Lashing Rings & Tie-Down Points: Utilize the welded steel lashing rings along the top and bottom side rails (rated up to 2,200 lbs each) to strap cargo securely and prevent shifting.
  • Forklift Loading Ramps: Use a heavy-duty steel container loading ramp (available in our Container Accessories catalog) for smooth pallet-jack and forklift entry over the 6-inch door sill.