Container Unpacking Services for Importers and Distributors

Across Australia, importers often face mounting detention fees when containers sit idle at the port, making fast and efficient container unpacking essential. Couriers & Freight manages the full process for importers and distributors: unloading containers, palletising and shrink-wrapping goods, handling short-term storage, and coordinating national distribution through one provider. 

This helps businesses clear containers faster, reduce storage costs, and keep stock flowing into their warehouse or retail network without delays.

Fast, Reliable Container Unpacking

Clear containers quickly and move freight into distribution with Couriers & Freight’s full-service unpacking.

Get a Quote Now

Why Importers and Distributors Choose Couriers & Freight

Couriers & Freight moves containers through the supply chain faster by coordinating the entire process from arrival to national delivery. Instead of dealing with multiple subcontractors or moving freight between different providers, businesses work with one team that manages timing, handling, and onward transport across multiple states.

Why importers choose Couriers & Freight:

• Consistent, reliable turnaround on incoming containers across all major cities
• Coordinated scheduling to reduce port delays and prevent detention fees
• National 3PL network that connects unpacked freight directly into distribution
• Single-provider management, reducing admin and operational complexity
• Dedicated support teams across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth

Australia’s maritime imports grew by 3.6% from 2023 to 2024, increasing demand on warehouse teams and labour. Many importers now outsource unpacking to maintain throughput and prevent bottlenecks.

For example, a furniture importer in Sydney used Couriers & Freight to coordinate two 40 ft containers weekly, reducing port storage costs by 25% and meeting all retailer delivery deadlines without hiring extra staff.

What’s Included in Our Container Unpacking Service

Couriers & Freight’s container unpacking service is designed to give importers and distributors a clear, end-to-end handling process that scales from a single monthly container to multiple weekly arrivals. We manage standard and mixed cargo types, including electronics, furniture, hardware, retail stock and packaged FMCG goods.

Inclusions:

Container Unloading

We unload 20 ft and 40 ft containers, including palletised and floor-loaded cargo. Our warehouse teams handle mixed shipments and varied load configurations, ensuring goods are removed safely and in the correct sequence for palletising or staging.

Palletising & Stacking

Goods are palletised according to your distribution, warehouse, or retailer specifications. This includes accurate stacking, alignment, shrink-wrapping and ensuring each pallet is secure for local delivery or interstate transport.

Packaging Removal

We remove and dispose of wrapping, straps, base materials and any loose packaging that obstructs storage or dispatch. This keeps your freight clean and ready for warehouse intake or transport without requiring additional handling.

Cross-Docking

For time-sensitive shipments, goods move directly from the container into outbound vehicles. This fast-turnover option is suitable for electronics, FMCG imports, retail replenishment or any freight that needs same-day or next-day dispatch.

National Distribution

Once unpacked, freight enters Couriers & Freight’s national distribution network. This allows goods to be delivered to stores, warehouses, fulfilment centres or distribution hubs across Australia without booking separate transport providers.

Short-Term Warehousing

Secure storage is available for goods requiring temporary holding before delivery. This helps importers manage overflow stock, coordinate delivery schedules or consolidate freight while maintaining visibility and control.

Optional Add‑ons:

• Re‑labelling: For shipments requiring destination-specific or retail-ready labelling.
• Re‑palletising: For consolidation, export readiness or alternate load configurations.

Our facilities support importers with low container frequency as well as distributors managing multiple weekly arrivals across several states. Each site is equipped to handle both FCL and LCL shipments and maintain consistent service standards nationwide.

Our Flat-Rate Pricing Model

Couriers & Freight uses a flat-rate pricing model for standard container unpacks, giving importers and distributors predictable costs for budgeting and planning. The fixed rate covers unloading, palletising and packaging removal, so businesses know the total cost before work begins.

Hourly rates apply only to more complex or manual tasks, such as mixed cargo or floor-loaded shipments that require additional labour. This structure keeps pricing clear and reduces the risk of unexpected charges for routine handling and staging.

Service Locations and Capacity

Couriers & Freight operates container unpacking facilities through its national 3PL network. This infrastructure allows importers and distributors to process incoming freight efficiently at the closest metropolitan centre to the port of arrival. This reduces turnaround time and helps clear containers quickly during busy periods.

Service available in:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Adelaide
• Perth

Each site is equipped to manage both full-container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments. Our teams coordinate across all sites to maintain consistent handling standards and support high-volume schedules for customers with multi-state arrivals.

Why Outsource Container Unpacking to Couriers & Freight

Outsourcing container unpacking to Couriers & Freight helps importers reduce congestion at the port, limit labour dependency, and maintain predictable delivery schedules. Businesses can save up to $1,200 per container in detention and handling fees while reducing unpacking time by 1 to 2 days per shipment.

Benefits of Couriers & Freight’s Container Unpacking Service:

1. Reduced detention and storage costs: We process containers quickly, helping you avoid unnecessary port or yard fees.
2. Lower labour burden: Our trained warehouse crews handle the physical unpacking, freeing your team to focus on sales and inventory.
3. Less product damage: Professional palletising and secure handling reduce breakage and repacking costs.
4. Faster delivery turnaround: Goods move directly from the container into national distribution through our 3PL network.
5. Simplified vendor management: One provider manages unpacking, storage, and transport coordination.

Get a Quote for Container Unpacking and Distribution

Reduce container delays and move freight into distribution faster with Couriers & Freight’s full-service unpacking and national delivery. 

Request a quote to receive a fixed price based on your shipment volume and location. Our team will manage unloading, pallet preparation, short-term storage and transport scheduling so your stock is ready to move as soon as it lands.

Fast, Reliable Container Unpacking

Clear containers quickly and move freight into distribution with Couriers & Freight’s full-service unpacking.

Get a Quote Now