Container Services
Container Transport
Transport of domestic, import and export containers between ports, depots, rail hubs, and delivery locations.
Services can be provided as standalone movements or as part of a wider logistics solution, including sea and rail container options across New Zealand.
Container Types Used in
New Zealand
Express Cargo works with all standard road, sea freight and rail container types used throughout New Zealand, supporting import, export, coastal shipping, inland road and inland rail movements. Depending on the freight and route, containers may move seamlessly between ship, rail, and road
Standard ISO Sea Freight Containers
These containers are used for international shipping and are fully compatible with sea , road and rail transport throughout New Zealand.
20ft Standard Container (20GP)
• Most commonly used container in NZ
• Ideal for dense or heavy freight
• Suitable for sea, rail, and road transport
Typical uses: machinery, industrial goods, palletised freight, bulk cargo.
40ft Standard Container (40GP)
• Double the length of a 20ft container
• Used for higher-volume freight
Typical uses: retail goods, consolidated shipments, manufactured products.
40ft High Cube Container (40HC)
• Extra internal height compared to standard 40ft container
• Widely used in NZ import and export trade
Typical uses: lightweight or bulky freight, high pallet counts.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers
– 20ft & 40ft
• Temperature-controlled containers
• Essential to NZ’s export economy
Typical uses: meat, dairy, seafood, produce, pharmaceuticals
Open Top Containers
• Removable tarpaulin roof
• Allows crane or top-loading
Typical uses: oversize machinery, tall or awkward cargo
Flat Rack Containers
• No side walls, end walls only or flat base
• Designed for over-width or over-height cargo
Typical uses: vehicles, large plant, industrial equipment
Rail Container Types Used in New Zealand (KiwiRail)
KiwiRail operates domestic rail containers designed for New Zealand’s inland freight network.
These containers are pallet-wide, optimised for rail efficiency, and used for domestic rail and road movements only. They are not used for international sea freight.
25’ GSM Containers
• Enclosed domestic rail container
• Forklift loaded via end doors
• Designed for palletised general freight
Typical uses: retail goods, FMCG, manufacturing freight.
20’ GYT Containers
• Curtainsider rail container
• Side-loading via curtains for fast forklift access
• Pallet-wide internal design
Typical uses: distribution freight, fast-turn pallet movements.
25’ GXT Containers
• Extended or higher-capacity rail container
• Designed for larger pallet volumes
Typical uses: bulk palletised freight, large domestic consignments
25’ GSH Containers
• Fully enclosed, high-security rail container
• Rigid construction for protection of sensitive goods
Typical uses: electronics, high-value or sensitive freight
Example use case
An importer requires containers moved from Lyttelton Port to an inland distribution centre. Express Cargo manages port pickup, rail movement, and final road delivery as part of a seamless end to end solution. Pick up of the empty container and returned to the Christchurch dehire container yard.
Vehicle Transport
Secure transport solutions for cars, commercial vehicles, machinery, and mobile equipment. Vehicle transport services support single vehicle movements, fleet relocations, dealership transfers, and project-based requirements, with door-to-door and nationwide coverage.
Specialised Vehicle Transport
Our high-end, specialised equipment enables point-to-point transport of high-value and specialised vehicles in a single-vehicle, fully enclosed and locked unit, eliminating multiple touchpoints and reducing risk.
Vehicle Movements to Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground (SHPG) Specialist logistics for winter testing vehicles
Express Cargo provides trusted vehicle movements to and from Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground (SHPG) — supporting freight forwarders, OEM programmes, test teams, and logistics partners moving vehicles for winter validation and snow-farm testing.
We handle everything from confidential “secret” vehicles and prototype movements to crated imports and open vehicle relocations, with a strong focus on discretion, timing, and careful handling.
Best suited for:
• Cars and commercial vehicles
• Machinery and mobile equipment
• High-value or specialist vehicles
• Confidential “secret” vehicles
Example use case
A luxury car dealer needs to transport a high-value vehicle between cities. Using a fully enclosed service, the vehicle is moved securely in a dedicated unit, ensuring maximum protection and peace of mind.