diff --git a/start_docker.sh b/start_docker.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f56ce7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/start_docker.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+# Define the container name
+CONTAINER_NAME="safeqr-ml"
+IMAGE_NAME="safeqr-fastapi-app"
+PORT_MAPPING="8000:8000"
+
+# Check if the container is running
+if [ "$(docker ps -q -f name=$CONTAINER_NAME)" ]; then
+    echo "Stopping the running Docker container: $CONTAINER_NAME"
+    # Stop the container
+    docker stop $CONTAINER_NAME
+fi
+
+# Check if the container exists (but not running)
+if [ "$(docker ps -a -q -f name=$CONTAINER_NAME)" ]; then
+    echo "Removing the Docker container: $CONTAINER_NAME"
+    # Remove the container
+    docker rm $CONTAINER_NAME
+fi
+
+# Run the Docker container
+echo "Starting a new Docker container: $CONTAINER_NAME"
+docker run -d --name $CONTAINER_NAME -p $PORT_MAPPING $IMAGE_NAME
+
+# Print the status of the new container
+docker ps -f name=$CONTAINER_NAME