Pan-European Transport Logistics
Modbox Container provides seamless, pan-European transport logistics to ensure your containers and modular buildings arrive safely and on schedule. Leveraging a robust network of specialized haulage partners, we handle complex transportation requirements, including heavy-lift transport, wide-load permits, and cross-border customs documentation. Our fleet capabilities include flatbed trucks, side-loaders, and crane-equipped vehicles (HIAB), allowing us to offload and position your container exactly where you need it, even in challenging environments. Trust our logistics experts to manage the entire delivery process from our depot directly to your site.
Specialized Delivery Methods
Depending on your site constraints, we offer multiple delivery mechanisms. Standard flatbed delivery is the most cost-effective solution when a crane is already present on-site. For independent offloading, our HIAB crane trucks can lift the container precisely into place, navigating over fences or walls if necessary. Side-loader delivery is ideal for situations where the container must be placed flat on the ground in tight spaces.
International Shipping
For projects outside of mainland Europe, our international shipping division manages sea freight logistics. We coordinate with major shipping lines to ensure your modified containers are certified for sea travel (CSC plated) and arrive at the destination port ready for onward inland transport. Our customs team handles all export documentation, ensuring a smooth, delay-free process from our factory to your global location.
Delivery methods
Crane truck (lorry with mounted crane)
The standard method in Germany for 10ft, 20ft and many 40ft containers. The driver places the container using the vehicle's own crane and can lift it over obstacles such as fences or hedges, which suits residential streets and tight access. Unloading usually takes under 30 minutes.
Side lifter
The right method for 40ft and 45ft units. The container is set down alongside the vehicle, which allows parallel placement. A side lifter needs more lateral working room than a crane truck and a firm, level surface directly beside the approach lane.
Self collection
You may collect from the depot yourself if you have a suitable trailer and the necessary lifting equipment. Self collection is free of charge. Please arrange the collection slot with us in advance.
Transport costs
Container transport is heavy freight. Cost depends on distance, container size, delivery method and how accessible the unloading point is. The figures below reflect prevailing market rates in Germany as of August 2026 and are given as a guide.
| Distance from depot | 10 and 20 ft, with crane | 40 ft, with crane |
|---|---|---|
| up to 100 km | approx. 490 euro | approx. 590 euro |
| up to 200 km | approx. 590 euro | approx. 750 euro |
| approx. 250 km | approx. 800 euro | |
| approx. 400 km | approx. 1,200 euro | |
| approx. 450 km | approx. 1,300 euro | |
Locally and without crane unloading, costs are around 250 to 350 euro. As a rule of thumb the freight trade calculates 1.00 to 2.50 euro per kilometre driven from the depot, with about 1.50 euro being typical. A lorry with a mounted crane averages roughly 120 euro net per hour, so time spent on site counts as much as the distance driven.
What you pay at checkout
The checkout shows the standard German delivery rate: 590 euro for 10 and 20 ft units, 750 euro for 40 ft units and modular buildings. Those rates cover a crane delivery up to about 200 kilometres from the depot.
If your unloading point is further away, we confirm the exact cost against your postcode before the contract is concluded. You pay only after our written confirmation, and no surcharges are added later that were not stated in advance.
Handling and transit times
- Handling time: 1 to 3 working days from receipt of payment or order confirmation.
- Transit time: typically 3 to 7 working days within Germany, depending on distance and vehicle availability.
- We agree the delivery date with you by telephone beforehand. Someone must be reachable on site at the time of delivery.
Site access requirements
Please check these points before ordering. An inaccessible unloading point results in a wasted journey, and those costs have to be invoiced.
- Access width: at least about 3.65 m for a crane truck. A side lifter needs roughly 7 m of working room to the side.
- Overhead clearance: at least about 4 m, clear of branches, cables, canopies and archways.
- Manoeuvring length: about 18.75 m for the vehicle and trailer.
- Load bearing: the approach must carry a gross weight of up to about 40 t. Lawns, new paving and soakaways are the usual problem areas.
- Ground: level, load bearing and drained. Concrete, compacted gravel, concrete slabs or heavy timbers and railway sleepers under the corner castings are all suitable.
- Door orientation: please state which way the container doors should face when you order. Turning the container afterwards requires a second crane visit.
Delivery area
We deliver throughout Germany and to neighbouring EU countries. For deliveries outside Germany we quote cost and transit time on request.