Sideloader Truck & Swinglift Trailer Intermodal Transport Services

Sideloader Truck & Swinglift Trailer Intermodal Transport Services

Orbital Transport is your trusted partner for efficient and reliable intermodal transport services. With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in handling shipping containers using our state-of-the-art sideloader trucks and swinglift services. We offer our sideloader transport services throughout the US, so whether you need container hauling, or third-party container moves, we’ve got you covered.

  • Efficient side-loading and swinglift services
  • Level lifting of loaded shipping containers from various surfaces (ground, rail, chassis, etc.)
  • Handling of 10’, 20’, 40’, and 45-foot Conex shipping containers
  • Capacity to handle containers weighing up to 72,000 pounds.
  • Faster loading and unloading processes.
  • Enhanced stability and safety measures
Side-loading truck off loading 2 containers

You Load It. We Move It.

Unlocking Efficiency: Sideloader and Swinglift Trucks for Container Transport

Streamlining Container Logistics with Innovative Solutions

In the dynamic world of logistics, where time is money and precision matters, the choice of container transport equipment can make or break your operations. Enter the unsung heroes: Orbital Transport sideloader and swinglift trucks. These industry-inspired machines are revolutionizing the way we move shipping containers, storage containers, and conex boxes—whether it’s a local delivery or a cross-country journey.

The Orbital Sideloader Transport Advantage

Mobile Mini Delivery and Pickup, POD Solutions, Container Rental, Conex Container Delivery

Intermodal Sidelifter Mobile Crane Trucks: Our specialized sidelifter mobile crane trucks are designed to handle fully loaded conex shipping containers weighing up to 72,000 pounds. What sets us apart is our ability to lift and move containers straight up and down without tilting. No more precarious maneuvers—just safe and efficient handling!

Dynamic Flexibility: Sideloader trucks are the transformers of container hauling. Their hydraulic arms swing out, effortlessly lifting containers onto their backs. What’s remarkable? Our sideloader handles 10, 20, 40, and 45-foot containers, adapting to your specific needs. Whether you’re moving fragile household items or industrial equipment, our sideloaders adjust seamlessly.

Time and Cost Savings: Picture this: Orbital swinglift trucks load and unload containers directly from the ground, bypassing the need for cranes or additional lifting equipment. Time saved equals money saved. Whether you’re optimizing your supply chain or planning a relocation, our sideloader trucks keep costs in check.

Versatility: Sideloader trucks play well with various surfaces—pavement, gravel, or uneven terrain. Need to move a container from a railcar to a truck? Our sideloaders handle it. Need to move a rental storage container from the ground to a truck? No problem. Need to transport a shipping container long distance or across the parking lot? Orbital sideloader trucks are your answer.

Sideloader Trucks: Precision Redefined

Precision Loading and Unloading: Sideloader trucks are the champions of container handling. Their hydraulic arms lift fully loaded containers straight off the ground, rail, or chassis. No tilting, no wobbling—just a seamless, level lift. Whether you’re unloading at a bustling port, delivering supplies to a construction site, or moving your belongings across town, our sideloaders ensure accuracy and speed.

Space Optimization: Tight spaces? No problem. Orbital sideloader trucks gracefully maneuver where others struggle. Crowded docks, narrow streets, or confined storage yards—sideloaders thrive. They can unload containers directly onto the ground, eliminating the need for additional equipment. Plus, their compelling design allows for efficient stacking and storage of your containers. Double stacking, 2 containers wide!

Stability and Safety First: Orbital Transport sideloader operators undergo rigorous training, ensuring that your cargo is handled with the utmost care. The risk of damage during loading and unloading is minimized, protecting both your goods and your peace of mind. Whether it’s fragile home goods or heavy machinery, our sideloaders prioritize stability and safety.

Safety Protocols and Technical Requirements

Safety is at the core of Orbital’s operations. We maintain rigorous protocols and state-of-the-art safeguards so that every lift and move is executed without incident. Each sideloader truck is operated by trained professionals who follow strict procedures for site assessment, equipment setup, and load securement. Key safety features of our side-loader cranes include automatic tilt sensors and secure 4-point contact lifting systems. The integrated tilt-alert sensors continuously monitor the angle of the trailer and container, ensuring the unit remains within safe limits – if the ground is uneven beyond a safe threshold, the system warns the operator. The sidelifter’s twin hydraulic cranes attach to the container’s corner castings at four points, distributing weight evenly. This four-point lifting contact keeps the container stable and level during hoisting, unlike a single-hook crane that might allow swing or sway. As a result, we virtually eliminate the risk of containers swinging or tilting, protecting both the cargo and surroundings during handling.

Site Requirements

To perform a side-loader container delivery or pickup, certain site conditions are needed for safety. We require a firm, level surface with less than 3° of slope for the truck’s parking and operation. This ensures the sideloader remains stable and the container lifts evenly. Adequate clearance is also important – about 3.5 meters (~12 feet) of horizontal space alongside the container is needed for the outriggers and container to safely swing out. Overhead, there should be no low obstructions (tree limbs, wires, eaves) in the immediate lifting area; a vertical clearance of roughly 15′ is usually sufficient for a standard container lift. Our team will evaluate your site beforehand if needed, ensuring there is enough room to maneuver the truck and deploy the stabilizing legs. If the container is in a tight spot (for example, against a building or fence), let us know – our sideloaders can often still retrieve or place it, but we may advise slight repositioning or temporary fence removal for a very confined corner. Rest assured, Orbital Transport emphasizes job-site safety and will not proceed with a lift unless all conditions are safe. We carry standard safety gear, support pads, and chocks to stabilize the truck on softer ground and can adapt to many challenging environments (gravel lots, construction sites, etc.), provided the ground can support the weight of the loaded truck.

In practice, our operators follow a comprehensive checklist before every lift: verifying container structural integrity (all four corner castings must be intact and accessible), confirming proper attachment of lifting chains to the container, and ensuring the load is balanced. During the lift, the operator uses a wireless remote control at a safe vantage point, keeping a close eye on clearances. Tilt sensors will halt operations if any uneven lift is detected beyond safe parameters, and our trucks are equipped with emergency stop controls for immediate shutdown if needed. Thanks to these measures, Orbital has an excellent safety record – clients can have full confidence that their container (and property) will be handled without accidents or surprises.

Client Considerations:

Insurance & Compliance

Entrusting us with your container means you can expect professional service that meets all insurance and compliance requirements. Orbital Transport carries comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your cargo and property. Every transport includes a standard cargo insurance coverage (e.g. $100,000 coverage) at no extra charge, and additional insurance options are available if you are moving high-value contents and need a higher limit. We are fully licensed and insured to operate in all our service states, and our compliance team ensures adherence to DOT regulations, including maintaining up-to-date CDLs, medical certs, HOS (hours of service) logs, and vehicle inspections. If your container move involves any special permits (for instance, a high-cube container exceeding certain height limits, or routes that require escort vehicles), Orbital will handle the permitting process and logistics – you don’t have to navigate state bureaucracy on your own. Our experience with regulatory compliance means we’ll ensure a hassle-free move that avoids any fines or delays at weigh stations.

Precision Handling

Another consideration for clients is the precise handling of containers, especially if you have sensitive or valuable goods inside. Orbital’s side loader technology really shines here: because we lift containers evenly and set them down level, your contents won’t shift as they might with tilt-bed trucks. Fragile items, machinery, or tightly packed goods remain stable throughout loading and unloading. We can also place your container with extreme accuracy, as noted earlier – within fractions of an inch to a desired spot. This precision is ideal if you need a container positioned on footings or blocks, aligned to a building, or dropped within a narrow footprint. Our team works with you to understand any placement concerns beforehand (orientation of container doors, clearance from structures, etc.). During delivery, our operator will make fine adjustments to get the container exactly where you want it. Clients often remark on the skill and care our drivers exhibit, treating each container as if it were their own property being delivered.

Regional Coverage

Detroit cityscapeAs a proudly regional company, Orbital Transport focuses on serving the Midwest and Great Lakes area, with an emphasis on Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. We understand the unique logistical landscape of these states. From the industrial hubs of Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo) to the manufacturing centers of Michigan (Detroit, Grand Rapids), the distribution corridors of Indiana (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville), and the diverse industries of Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and beyond) – Orbital has the local knowledge and reach to support clients across all these markets. Our presence extends to Illinois (Chicago, Joliet, Rockford), West Virginia (Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown), Kentucky (Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green), and Tennessee (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville), where we bring industry-specific insight and dependable container transport solutions tailored to the region’s logistical demands.

Our drivers are familiar with local routes and state regulations, ensuring smooth navigation from busy urban areas to rural job sites. We take into account factors like seasonal road weight limits (for example, spring thaw restrictions in parts of Michigan or Ohio), required permits for oversize loads (we handle permitting if a container on chassis exceeds standard dimensions), and any union or port authority rules at intermodal rail yards. In fact, Orbital is a registered participant in the UIIA (Uniform Intermodal Interchange & Access) and a member of the National Portable Storage Association – credentials that reflect our compliance with industry standards and give us access to rail terminals and container yards throughout the country.

Local Expertise

Side-loading truck off loading 2 containersOne of Orbital’s advantages is site accessibility. Because our side-loader trucks can place containers directly on the ground, we can service locations that lack loading docks or heavy equipment. This is ideal for construction sites, farms, retail locations, or residential neighborhoods where a standard container chassis delivery might not be feasible. As long as our truck can access your property (through a gate or driveway) and has room to deploy its outriggers, we can set a container gently on your property exactly where you need it. Need a container dropped in a tight alley or between buildings? Our precise handling (with placement accuracy within ¼″!) allows for snug fits and careful positioning. Have multiple containers that need arranging on site? We can position them side by side or stack them if desired. We pride ourselves on finding creative solutions to deliver containers in challenging environments – all while maintaining safety and abiding by local ordinances.

Response times are quick and transport costs are competitive. We’re often able to schedule and complete deliveries faster than out-of-state haulers, particularly for last-minute needs. Additionally, our proximity means lower deadhead mileage, which can reduce cost for the customer. We also offer short-distance moves (even within the same city or property) which many large carriers won’t handle – for instance, repositioning a container from one end of a lot to another. For longer interstate hauls within the region, you benefit from our drivers’ interstate authority and familiarity with weigh stations and routes (e.g. I-75, I-80/90, I-70 corridors). In short, Orbital brings big-company capability with home-town service: you get the efficiency and expertise of a national carrier combined with the personalized attention and agility of a local operator. This regional focus translates into reliable, timely service and great communication, as evidenced by our many repeat clients and positive testimonials.

Transparent Communication and Customer Service

Finally, Orbital is committed to transparent communication and customer service throughout the project. We’ll provide you with clear instructions on site prep (e.g. marking the spot where you want the container, clearing any obstacles) so that delivery day goes smoothly. You’ll receive updates when the driver is en route and an immediate notification once the job is done. Our customer support is always a phone call away if you have questions or last-minute changes. We strive to make the entire process worry-free for our clients, handling all the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively) so you can focus on your core business. From ensuring compliance paperwork is in order to verifying that your container doors are securely latched before transport, we attend to every detail. With Orbital Transport, you can have peace of mind knowing that professionalism, safety, and customer satisfaction are our top priorities at all times.

So, whether you’re a business seeking efficient drayage services or an individual planning a cross-country move, consider our container transport service heroes—Orbital Transport sideloader and swinglift trucks. They’re not just machines; they’re efficiency enablers, turning container transport into an art form.Unlock efficiency. Embrace innovation. Let Orbital sideloader and swinglift trucks simplify and redefine your container logistics.

To learn more about how we have revolutionized shipping and intermodal transportation for other companies, visit our testimonials page!

National Delivery​

Orbital Transport, as a vendor of ContainerMovers.com, offers national delivery. We can ship your container, rent you a container, or move a 3rd party container for you. 

What Is Drayage?

Definition: Transporting goods a short distance via ground freight or the charge for such a transport. In freight forwarding, Drayage is typically used to describe the trucking service from an ocean port to a rail ramp, warehouse, or other destination.

History: The word Drayage originally stems from the term dray, a low cart without fixed sides that is used for carrying heavy loads a short distance. Although a dray is defined as a cart historically, a dray may be any vehicle used to transport heavy loads a short distance, such as a truck or sled.

Take The Next Step: Contact  Us and Depend on Our Pros to Share the Load.

Contact our team today or request a customized quote to get pricing for your container transport. Our quote process is quick and thorough – we’ll gather details about your container (size, weight, contents), pickup and drop-off locations, and scheduling preferences, then provide a transparent cost breakdown with no obligation. Discover why companies across the Midwest trust Orbital Transport for side-loader service that is a cut above the rest. We’re eager to demonstrate our expertise and ensure your container is delivered safely, on time, and on budget.

Align your operations with the region’s best – partner with Orbital Transport Inc. and experience swing-lift container truck service that raises the bar in container logistics. Your container journey begins with a single click for a quote – we’ll handle it from there, proving that with Orbital, “You Load It, We Move It” efficiently and reliably every time.

If you have any questions about your cargo container needs, give us a call and we will be more than happy to answer any question you may have.

Conex Shipping Container Intermodal Transport

Servicing OHIOMICHIGANINDIANAWASHINGTONPENNSYLVANIA ILLINOISKENTUCKYTENNESSEEWEST VIRGINIA.  Visit ContainerMovers.com for service outside of our Region.