No matter what portable container company you are using you will learn about a weight limit. We will cover what a portable storage weight limit is, why we have weight limits, and how to gauge the weight of the contents.
What is a portable storage container weight limit?
A weight limit can be expressed as the total maximum allowable weight of the container and contents, or the weight limit of the contents alone. CAPSULE’s weight limit Is expressed by contents alone. The CAPSULE can have 6,000lbs of contents inside the capsule without going overweight.
Why do CAPSULE containers have weight limits?
Weight limits are typically specific to containers that will be moved with contents. Most weight limits do not apply to containers used only for on-site storage. CAPSULE has a weight limit of 6,000lbs of contents for our 8×16 CAPSULEs. This limit, and almost all weight limits set by portable storage companies are due to TXDOT weight regulations, not necessarily the durability of the container or equipment. For our truck, equipment, and container to operate on the road without a CDL driver, the entire rig needs to be under 26,000lbs. That is where the weight limit comes in. This is also why CAPSULE only provides 8x16ft containers and not 20ft, people go overweight with bigger ones, and the weight limits is actually less.
How do you gauge the weight of the contents?
CAPSULE has a machine that weighs the container before loading. However, to avoid delaying your move you want to make sure you do not go overweight. This can be tricky, but there are some easy and clear ways to make it a breeze.
First, it is more about what you put in it, than how much. Household items are not an issue, but some things are, BIG flags that affect the weight are things like:
- Large gun safe
- Large Rolling toolbox or shop full of tools
- A fully dismantled rock fireplace (yes that happened)
- Multiple full filing cabinets
- Abnormal amounts of boxes with books and paper
If you do not have any of those things, but you are still a little concerned, take the heaviest things you plan to pack, and look them up online for a weight (most retailers provide this online). The weight of the heaviest items should not exceed 4,500lbs. Here is a link to a moving weight calculator you might find useful.
Other things to consider about weight:
If you’re getting multiple CAPSULEs, try spreading the heavy items between the 2 CAPSULEs instead of all the heavy stuff in one, and all the light stuff in the other.
It is also beneficial to try to evenly distribute the weight in the container for transport. Some make the mistake of loading all the heavy items first, that means they all go in one capsule, and/or loaded on one end.
If you have any questions you can always call ant talk or email us.
