Delivery Guidelines

SHIPPING CONTAINER DELIVERY SPACE CLEARANCE

80ft-100ft straight clearance
16ft height clearance
12ft width clearance

I am here to help you prevent any delays or setbacks in your shipping container delivery by being fully prepared ahead of time. From consultation to site inspection. We offer a range of services to help you determine the optimal site and schedule for your storage container delivery.

Before ordering a shipping container, make sure your delivery location can properly handle the drop-off. You’ll need sufficient space not only for placing a 20ft or 40ft container, but also for the truck and any equipment required to complete the delivery safely.

Access to the site is just as important. Check that entry points have adequate height and width clearance for the truck, trailer, and container. Also consider the roads leading to your property, they should be suitable for heavy-duty vehicles, with acceptable weight limits, stable surface conditions, manageable slopes, no low-hanging obstacles, and enough room for safe turning.

SHIPPING CONTAINER DROP SITE PREPARATION

Avoid Difficulties and Delays by Preparing for Shipping Container Delivery with this Simple Checklist.

Preparation plays a key role in any shipping container delivery. When your location is properly set up for drop-off, storage, or transfer, the entire process can often be completed in an hour or less. A well-prepared site also helps prevent damage to the container while it’s stored and keeps it in good condition.

In addition, having a suitable location makes future removal quicker and more efficient, whether for relocation, repurposing, or resale. To avoid delays, safety issues, equipment damage, or even canceled deliveries, it’s important to review all key factors before placing your order.

Short or Long-Term Site Preparation?

Your site requirements will vary depending on your intended use, as some setups call for short-term preparation while others need a more permanent solution. Long-term storage or ongoing use usually involves additional measures to keep the container in good condition over time and aligned with your specific needs.

Delivery Vehicle & Trailer Clearance

Insufficient clearance at a drop site can prevent a shipping container delivery from being completed. To ensure a smooth drop-off and easier handling in the future, your location should provide enough space for the truck, trailer, and container to be positioned safely. Find out more about the clearance requirements for shipping container delivery.

Level Ground

The drop site and nearby area should be level to allow safe access for delivery vehicles and proper container placement.

Even weight distribution across all four corners is essential, as uneven ground can make positioning difficult and may cause damage such as misaligned doors, bent corners, or other structural issues. If the surface isn’t naturally level, it can be adjusted using materials like gravel, wooden blocks, stone pavers, or railroad ties placed under the corners to create a stable and balanced foundation, ensuring long-term stability and easier use.

Drop Site Ground Surfaces

Shipping containers can be placed on any surface that is firm, level, and dry. Ideally, the drop site should have a prepared asphalt or concrete area, but compact dirt, gravel, or even grass can also work if the ground is stable, weather-resistant, and able to support even weight distribution.

This helps prevent the container from shifting or sinking once positioned. Surfaces like sand, loose soil, or muddy terrain are not suitable, as they can lead to movement, instability, and potential damage to the container.

Drop Site is Free of Debris and Obstacles

Ensure your container drop site is clear of rocks, tree stumps, branches, and any other debris that could interfere with the process or cause damage to equipment during delivery. A clean, level surface helps ensure a safe and smooth placement.

Drop Site is Free of Safety Hazards

In addition to having enough vertical and horizontal clearance, the drop site should be free from potential hazards such as low-hanging wires, cables, branches, or nearby equipment that could create risks during delivery. When visibility is limited, crews may use spotters to guide the vehicle and container safely into position.

WHAT TO AVOID FOR A STRESS-FREE DELIVERY?

ROUGH AND STEEP ROADS

INCLINES AND DECLINES

Unpaved roads, gravel surfaces, or areas with damaged pavement are often not suitable for shipping container delivery, as they may have limited load-bearing capacity and increase the risk of vehicles getting stuck, potentially causing damage to the roadway, equipment, and the surrounding environment.

Steep inclines can prevent a truck from hauling a loaded container uphill, while sharp declines pose safety risks to both the delivery crew and surrounding area. Contact us to assess your route and confirm if your local road grades allow for a safe and successful delivery.

TIGHT TURNS & WEATHER-AFFECTED ROADWAYS

Adverse weather conditions can make container delivery unsafe or impractical. This includes icy surfaces, flooded areas, muddy terrain, debris-covered roads after severe weather, and unplowed snow-covered routes. We’re always ready to work with our customers to plan a delivery that fits their schedule while ensuring a smooth and safe process from start to finish. Not sure if your local roads can support a successful container delivery? Get in touch with us for a free guideline assessment?

Shipping container delivery requires adequate turning space to avoid getting stuck, prevent potential damage, and ensure overall safety. A 20ft container typically needs at least 60ft of straight-line clearance, while a 40ft container requires a minimum of 125ft to complete a safe and efficient turn. Because of this, narrow rural roads bordered by trees or ditches, as well as tight urban streets with closely spaced buildings and parked vehicles, can make container delivery difficult or even unfeasible.

WEIGHT & HEIGHT RESTRICTION

Shipping container delivery requires at least 14ft of horizontal clearance to allow safe passage without the risk of getting stuck or causing delays. Roads narrower than 14ft may not accommodate delivery, and if no alternative access is available, the delivery may need to be canceled. Ideally, all access roads leading to your location should be at least standard two-lane, clearly marked roadways.

Any obstruction that provides less than 14ft of vertical clearance is considered a height limitation for shipping container delivery. This can include overhead power lines, trees and low-hanging branches, entry gates, arches, building overhangs, and low bridges. It’s important to verify that adequate vertical clearance exists along the entire delivery route to prevent potential hazards or delays.

Not sure about the shipping container length and height you need for your cargo or storage requirements?