Drop and Swap Container Service

Drop and swap — sometimes called live unload or drop-and-pick — is a container handling arrangement where Armour Transport delivers a shipping container to your site and leaves it in position for you to unload over an agreed period, rather than waiting while you unload.

When your unloading window does not align with port collection, drop and swap removes the pressure entirely. The container acts as temporary on-site storage. Once you have emptied it, you notify us and we collect — typically within 24 hours.

When drop and swap is the right choice

• Your warehouse team cannot unload the same day as port collection
• You are receiving multiple containers over several days and need staggered unloading
• Your site has space for a grounded container but not for a waiting HGV
• You are using the container itself as short-term bonded storage before customs clearance

Typical process

1. Agree the swap window when booking — usually 24 to 72 hours depending on your requirements.
2. We collect from the port and deliver the container to your site.
3. We position it safely using your site's available space and access arrangements.
4. You unload at your pace.
5. You contact us when ready; we collect the empty container and return it to the shipping line or depot as required.

Site requirements

You need a hard standing area large enough for the container (20ft, 40ft, or 45ft) and adequate site access for an HGV. Our driver positions the container using the vehicle — no crane or reach-stacker required for a ground-level drop.