A Sideloader is a specialised trailer equipped with two hydraulic cranes that lift and lower shipping containers or other heavy cargo directly from the ground. It can also transfer containers between different transport modes, such as trailers, trucks, or rail wagons.

Sideloaders are ideal for deliveries or relocations in areas with limited access—such as sites with tight spacing, low fences, or no room in front or behind the drop-off point. The truck simply positions itself alongside the desired location, and the container is precisely placed on the ground between the stabilising legs on the driver’s side.

If you need to move a full container (FCL) quickly, safely, and with minimal site disruption, our Sideloader service offers a smart, flexible solution to deliver your container exactly where it’s needed.

Clearance & Access Requirements

• Height Clearance: Containers are approximately 4.2 metres tall. Ensure this minimum clearance when navigating under powerlines, trees, or bridges.

• Width for Unloading: A Sideloader requires at least 6 metres of clear width to safely deploy its stabilizer legs and unload the container.

• Gate & Access Points: Minimum entry width should be 3.5 metres to allow the truck to access the site.

• Overall Vehicle Length: The truck and trailer combined measure approximately 19 metres in length. Ensure adequate space for positioning, maneuvering, and unloading

Required Clearances for Dropping a Container Inside a Warehouse:

• Roller Door Height: Minimum clearance of 4.5 metres is required to allow the truck to enter the warehouse.

• Lifting Arm Height: The sideloader's lifting arms need a vertical clearance of at least 6.5 metres to operate safely.

• Truck Width: A minimum width clearance of 6 metres is needed to accommodate the truck during container drop-off.

Ground Conditions

• The unloading area must be firm, stable, and relatively level. Sloped surfaces, especially inclines, can cause the container to swing and potentially collide with the Sideloader’s lifting arms.

• Off-road or unsealed surface deliveries are generally discouraged. If the vehicle becomes stuck on soft or uneven ground, the cost of recovery will be the client’s responsibility.

• Prior to delivery, inspect the site for:

  • Soft or waterlogged ground

  • Rubble, debris, or recently excavated areas

  • Any hazards that may affect vehicle stability

  • These must be clearly communicated to the driver on arrival.

Deliveries Over Fences

In some cases, Sideloader’s can place containers over low fences. However, this requires the outrigger legs to extend beyond the fence line. If there is insufficient clearance, temporary removal of fence panels may be necessary.

If you're unsure whether your location can accommodate a container, don’t hesitate to send us your address and some photos, and we’ll provide a free assessment.

Container Transport Services

At A1 Sideloader Service, we offer specialised container transport solutions tailored to meet a wide range of freight requirements. Our fleet is equipped to handle your container logistics with precision and reliability.

Standard FCL Transport

We transport 20ft and 40ft Full Container Loads (FCLs) across metro and regional areas, providing reliable and timely delivery for standard cargo.

Specialised Container Types

We also handle non-standard containers to accommodate specific shipping needs:

• Open-Top Containers
  For cargo with oversized dimensions or items that require top-loading.

• Hazardous Goods Containers (Class 1–9)
  Fully compliant transport for dangerous goods, meeting all safety and regulatory requirements.

• Overweight Containers (22.5–29 tonnes)
  Heavy containers are safely managed using a chase truck, ensuring legal compliance and operational safety.

Flexible Delivery Options

To suit different site conditions and schedules, we offer two delivery methods using skel trailers:

• Drop Trailer Service
  We leave the trailer on-site, allowing you to unload at your own pace and convenience.

• Live Unload Service
  Our driver remains on-site while you unload, then departs once the container is empty.

Why Choose A1 Sideloader Service?

• Precision delivery using sideloaders

• Compliant transport for hazardous and heavy cargo

• Flexible unloading options to suit your workflow

• Experienced team committed to safety and efficiency

Whatever your transport requirements, we’re here to help you find the right solution.

We currently cannot offer deliveries to residential addresses, as many lack the necessary space or safety conditions for container placement. Our priority is maintaining strict safety standards for our customers, drivers, and equipment, which can be challenging to uphold at residential sites. If you're unsure whether your location can accommodate a container, don’t hesitate to send us your address and some photos, and we’ll provide a free assessment.

Deliveries to regional addresses are possible, but they are subject to the specific location and access conditions. Factors like road quality or distance may impact our ability to complete the delivery. If you're unsure whether your rural site can accommodate a container delivery, feel free to send us your address and photos for a free consultation.

We specialise in managing the shipping container transport between Melbourne Port terminals and the client site, including container dehire. For assistance with the full import or export shipment process and custom clearance, we recommend working with a freight forwarder. We’d be happy to connect you with some trusted freight forwarders we work closely with — just let us know!