Shipping Container Storage

Secure off-wharf container storage at our Prestons yard. Picked up from the port, stored at our facility, and accessed or re-delivered when you're ready. One provider managing the cartage, the storage, and everything in between.

Common Use Cases

What container storage enables for businesses across various sectors

01

Staged inventory for retail and FMCG

Containers stored at our yard and released in line with retail replenishment cycles. Stock moves to stores or distribution centres when needed, not when the wharf forces the timing.

02

Production-aligned storage for manufacturers

Raw materials and components held until the production schedule calls for them. Manufacturing runs aren't disrupted by inventory arriving too early or sitting idle on factory floors.

03

Project-staged storage for construction and infrastructure

Materials and equipment stored until the project timeline needs them on site. Containers move out in the order construction phases require, not all at once.

04

Dedicated container pools for high-volume importers

Regular importers using our yard as a permanent storage base for incoming containers. Predictable capacity, predictable handling, predictable costs.

05

Multi-container consolidation for distribution

Multiple containers stored together and unpacked or distributed as a coordinated batch. Freight moves out across multiple destinations in a planned run rather than as separate jobs.

06

Off-site warehouse extension

For businesses where the warehouse is full but a permanent expansion isn't justified, our yard functions as flexible overflow capacity without lease commitments.

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01

Staged inventory for retail and FMCG

Containers stored at our yard and released in line with retail replenishment cycles. Stock moves to stores or distribution centres when needed, not when the wharf forces the timing.

Image
02

Production-aligned storage for manufacturers

Raw materials and components held until the production schedule calls for them. Manufacturing runs aren't disrupted by inventory arriving too early or sitting idle on factory floors.

Image
03

Project-staged storage for construction and infrastructure

Materials and equipment stored until the project timeline needs them on site. Containers move out in the order construction phases require, not all at once.

Image
04

Dedicated container pools for high-volume importers

Regular importers using our yard as a permanent storage base for incoming containers. Predictable capacity, predictable handling, predictable costs.

Image
05

Multi-container consolidation for distribution

Multiple containers stored together and unpacked or distributed as a coordinated batch. Freight moves out across multiple destinations in a planned run rather than as separate jobs.

Image
06

Off-site warehouse extension

For businesses where the warehouse is full but a permanent expansion isn't justified, our yard functions as flexible overflow capacity without lease commitments.

OUR APPROACH

Container storage that buys back time and protects you from compounding charges

Approach images

Off the wharf and into our yard before free time expires

We pick the container up from the wharf before free time expires and bring it directly to our yard at Prestons. From there, it stays in a secure, monitored facility until you're ready to access it, unpack it, or have it re-delivered to its final destination.
Approach images

One team handling cartage, storage, and re-delivery

The same team that handles the cartage manages the storage. Same yard, same facility, same point of contact from collection through to re-delivery. No second provider. No coordination gaps. No surprise handoffs.
Approach images

Access and re-delivery without the friction

If you need to inspect the container or schedule re-delivery, you tell us and it gets organised. Not by request form. Not by negotiation. Just by phone or email to the operations team you've already been dealing with.
Process

From wharf collection to confirmed re-delivery in five steps

01

Confirm the container details

Container number, size, weight, last free day, and any handling or biosecurity requirements are confirmed before pickup is scheduled.

02

Collect from the wharf before free time expires

The container is collected within the free time window, or as soon as it clears an inspection or hold, and brought directly to our Prestons yard. No detours, no delays, no third-party handoffs.

03

Stored at our facility under our supervision

The container sits in our secure yard at Prestons. Our team monitors the facility daily and the container stays under one provider for the entire storage period.

04

Access, inspect, or unpack on your terms

When you need to inspect the container, retrieve freight, or arrange unpacking, the operations team coordinates it directly. Same team you've been dealing with from day one.

05

Re-delivered or distributed when you're ready

The container is re-delivered to a single destination, unpacked and distributed across multiple sites, or returned as an empty. The job closes when the freight is where it needs to be.

Testimonials

What clients say after working with us

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Jerome Gallagher
Corporate Account Manager
Freight Mart International
FREIGHT MART INTERNATIONAL

“I cannot recommend using Scott Lovatt’s for your trucking, unpack and warehousing needs any more highly if you’re reading this and thinking of using them then just do it. Scott’s team is professional. They always follow up and respond in a quick timely manner. What they say they do, they do and nothing is ever too hard for them. Rate requests are quick and the level of customer service is outstanding. I use them for Sideloader deliveries, Container pick up and unpack, Warehousing and redelivery and Country transport to mine sites from the unpacks they do for me as well and they have never let me down.”

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Jason Stockwell
Commercial Director Sila Global
Sila Global

“The Scott Lovatt team are always reliable and easy to deal with. Communication is clear, they’re proactive with updates, and they consistently deliver even when timelines are tight. Makes a big difference having a transport partner we can trust to just get the job done without the back and forth.”

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Simon Lewis
Business Development Manager Complete Freight Services
Complete Freight Services

“Having known and dealt with Scott for close to 20 years now it was an easy decision to have his company provide both transport and warehousing services. The ability for them to problem solve whilst meeting client expectations provides us with confidence that the job will always be handled well.”

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Eddie Luke
General Manager Hume Doors & Timber
Hume Doors & Timber

“We have worked closely with Scott Lovatt Container Cartage and have consistently found their service to be reliable, responsive, and highly professional. Scott and his team are always punctual, communicate well, and importantly, are willing to go the extra mile when it counts. Whether that’s accommodating tight deadlines or stepping in for weekend work to keep things moving. That level of flexibility and commitment makes a real difference in our operations and gives us confidence knowing we have a transport partner we can depend on. We value the partnership and look forward to continuing to work together.”

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Shelene Lok
Logistics Director Oriental Merchant
Oriental Merchant

“Scott Lovatt Container Cartage is a great transport company with high reliability, exceptional communication and professionalism. He and his team had proven themselves by providing timely updates, handle goods with care, offer competitive rates, and display courteous, expert service at all time to Oriental Merchant Pty Ltd – Sydney operations team. When we faced with critical moment, Lovatt is always there to get us through for both cartage and warehouse service. Their tremendous support during Covid Time and when we continuously run out of capacity, Lovatt was always there for us as a trusted partner that got us through our challenges. We had fantastic experience with their reliability and professionalism and we look forward to your partnership for many years to come. Go, Scott Lovatt, you are the best.”

THE DIFFERENCE

What you actually get when container storage is part of an integrated operation

Other Transport Setups
Time to get the container off the wharf
Container collected before free time expires and brought directly to our yard in one job.
Coordinate cartage with one provider, storage with another. Free time often expires before logistics line up.
Who handles the cartage and storage
Same team manages cartage, storage, access, and re-delivery. One provider, one accountability point.
Cartage carrier hands off to a separate storage provider. Two contracts, two invoices, two points of failure.
Access to the container while stored
Phone or email the operations team. Access organised on your terms without friction.
Notice periods, request forms, restricted access hours, and additional fees
for retrieval.
What happens when re-delivery is needed
Re-delivered by the same team using the same fleet. No second carrier, no rebriefing, no gap
Find a separate carrier, coordinate timing, rebrief the job, and absorb the gap between providers.
Provider legitimacy
A real yard in Prestons. NHVR accredited. Inspectable in person before you commit.
Often a third-party yard you've never seen, run by people you've never spoken to.
Pricing transparency
Clear pricing with no surprise add-ons. What you're quoted is what you pay.
Storage rate quoted, then access fees, retrieval fees, notice fees, and full-period billing layered on.
Integrated unpack capability
Unpack handled at the same facility using purpose-built equipment. No additional cartage required.
Storage only. Unpack requires another provider and another move.
Communication during disputes or holds
Direct line to the operations team that's been managing your container the entire time.
Generic support channels, slow responses, blame shifted between providers.
FAQ

What businesses ask before storing containers with us

How quickly can you collect the container from the wharf?

It depends on container availability and slot booking, but our priority is getting the container off the wharf before free time expires. We monitor the timing actively and book the slot as soon as the container is confirmed available.

How long can the container stay in storage?

There's no fixed limit. Storage is arranged around your needs, whether that's a few days while a site gets ready or several weeks for staged distribution. We'll confirm the rate and any minimum period upfront.

Can I access the container while it's in storage?

Yes. If you need to inspect the container, retrieve specific freight, or arrange unpacking, the operations team coordinates it directly. No request forms, no notice periods, no additional fees for accessing your own freight.

Where is the container actually stored?

At our own yard at 1 Illaroo Road, Prestons NSW. The same facility where we run our unpack operation. You're welcome to inspect it in person before you commit to the service.

Is the yard secure?

Yes. The yard is monitored daily by our team, with cameras across the facility and fleet. Containers stay under one provider for the entire storage period rather than moving between unknown third-party yards.

What happens if the container is held at the port for inspection?

We monitor the status, communicate updates as they come through, and collect the container as soon as it clears. The storage plan adjusts around the release timing rather than locking you into commitments before the container is available.

How does pricing work?

Storage is quoted upfront with no surprise add-ons. The rate covers the storage period agreed at the start. If access, unpack, or re-delivery is needed, those services are quoted clearly before they happen so there are no unexpected line items on the invoice.

Do I need to organise re-delivery separately?

No. Re-delivery is handled by the same team and the same fleet that managed the cartage and storage. Whether it's a single destination, multi-drop distribution, or unpack and statewide delivery, it stays under one provider.

Can I just store with you without using your cartage or unpack services?

Yes. Storage on its own is fine. The full integrated service exists for businesses that want one provider managing everything, but you're welcome to use only the parts you need.

How do I verify your business before committing?

ABN 69 003 447 845. Registered address at 1 Illaroo Road, Prestons NSW. NHVR accredited. Listed on Australian business directories. You're welcome to verify any of this independently or visit the yard before storing your container with us.

Next steps

Ready to plan your next job properly?

Request a free assessment
We’ll review the details and respond within 1 business day.