Moving with a shipping container

Moving from Canada to Osaka area.

Here's my current plan in order to cut down cost.

I found a great deal on a 20 feet shipping container to put all my stuff. It's a "door to port" service and the container will be stored on site (at the Osaka port).

Cost: about 3000$

Next, I need to either find a company to get this container (using a special truck) to our apartment where we'll be (roughly 1 hour drive) OR get them to put everything in a regular moving truck and then have it delivered to our apartment. The first method requires less work but driving around those small streets with a 20 feet container isn't always possible...

So I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone attempted something similar? Thoughts?
2. Any recommendations for a "global" but cheap moving company?
3. I heard that I cannot just rent a truck and go on port property by myself. Only accredited companies can. Truth or sales pitch?
4. Most important question. Anything important missing? Can it really be this simple?

Thanks a bunch in advance!

Is the "door to port" service provider going to take care of all customs clearance procedures (upon arrival)? To me it sounds like a deal for transport professionals.

I have not done anything like that, but have used Nittsu (Nippon Express) for relocation from/to Japan. You could check if they have an office near you.

No I have to do the custom clearance (via a broker).

I saw Nippon Express, will look into their services.

Thanks!

Salut Canadien et al.,

Did you do a comparison with the other company which Nitssu? I'm in the same boat, and am looking for a spiffy deal on shipping containers as well.

Which ones would you reccommend?

Also a Canadian. :)

Bardock711

I haven't made my choice yet so I can't really comment but pricing is pretty much the same with port to port service. Where it gets expensive is if you want door to door service...