How to Prepare Your Site for Shipping Container Delivery

A little preparation before delivery day avoids delays, extra charges and a container sitting somewhere you did not want it. Here is what to sort out before your container arrives.

1. Choose the spot

Decide exactly where the container will sit and which way the doors should face. Leave enough room in front of the doors to open them fully (about 4 feet, more if you will drive equipment in) and enough space around the container for maintenance. Changing the door direction on the day costs extra, so decide in advance.

2. Make sure the ground is level and firm

The delivery spot must be level, firm ground that can carry the weight of the container. An empty 20ft container weighs around 5,000 lb and a 40ft around 8,000 lb or more, before you load it. Good surfaces include:

• Compacted gravel: drains well and is the most popular choice.
• Concrete pad or slab: the most stable option for long-term placement.
• Railroad ties, concrete blocks or piers: placed under the corners, these lift the container off damp ground and let air circulate underneath.

Avoid soft soil, fresh fill and anywhere water pools after rain. A container that is not level can rack, which makes the doors hard to open and close.

3. Clear access for the truck

Smaller containers (up to about 24ft) are usually delivered on a tilt-bed truck that slides the container off onto the ground. This needs a long, straight approach with room for the truck plus the length of the container, and plenty of overhead clearance while the bed is tilted. Check for:

• Low power lines and tree branches
• Gates, fences and narrow driveways
• Soft or wet ground the truck could sink into
• Septic tanks, buried pipes and other underground lines

Longer containers (up to 45ft) are usually delivered on a flatbed and need a forklift or crane on site to unload. If your placement is complicated, ask us about a crane truck.

4. Check local rules

Some cities, counties and HOAs have rules about where a container can go, how long it can stay, or whether you need a permit. A quick call to your local planning office before you order can save trouble later.

5. Be ready on delivery day

• Our dispatcher calls your site contact about 24 hours ahead to confirm a 2-hour delivery window.
• On the day, the driver calls with a 30-minute arrival window. Make sure someone can answer the phone.
• Have someone on site to show the driver where the container goes. Waiting beyond 30 minutes is billed at $150 per hour.
• Inspect the container before you sign. Use our inspection checklist.

The driver may refuse a placement that looks unsafe. If the preferred spot cannot be reached, the container is placed at the nearest suitable location, so good preparation really pays off.

Delivery costs at a glance

Delivery is a flat $350 per container, usually within 3 to 7 days of order confirmation. Weekend delivery is available for an extra charge. Full details are on our delivery page and in our shipping policy.

Ready to order? Browse containers or call (833) 726-7261.