Make sure your site is prepared for delivery:
Space to Deliver
Room to Maneuver
Solid Surface
No Obstructions
Communication is Key
To ensure a smooth delivery process
Space to Deliver
The Delivery Truck Needs Space!
All of our containers are delivered on flatbed vehicles where the container slides off like a dumpster. The 20’ containers and 10’ containers are delivered on a straight, one-piece flatbed truck that is approximately 28’ long. The delivery truck would need a relatively straight shot of around 60’ in order to drop a 20’ container and about 50’ for a 10’ container. The 40’ Storage Container is delivered on a tractor-trailer combo unit that is approximately 70’ feet long. This vehicle would need about 120’ feet of a straight shot to deliver a 40’ container. Also, because of the configuration of the delivery vehicle, the site needs a fairly wide driveway in order to enter the property. At minimum of 10′ is needed. Ultimately, our DOT-certified drivers always have the final say if they cannot deliver the unit where you need it.
Room to Maneuver
Make Sure the Truck Can Access Your Site
In addition to straight away backing space, the truck also needs to be able to maneuver into position at your delivery site. Because 40′ shipping containers are delivered on a tractor-trailer combination, we’ll need extra space to make the turn off the road into your delivery site. Please make the driver aware of any septic tanks, sprinkler systems, gas lines or any other underground structures or utilities on the property, especially if it is being delivered at a residential site.
Solid Surface
Who Knew!? Trucks are heavy!
The combined weight of the truck, trailer and container can weigh as much as 45,000-pounds, so it’s important that your delivery surface be firm. If there is mud, wet grass or snow (any soft ground), there could be a risk of the truck getting stuck in the ground or damaging under ground structures because it’s not firm enough. The driver always has the right to make the decision not to deliver. If your site is questionable, make sure you talk to us before delivery. It also never hurts to have a back-up spot in mind where there won’t be any issues. To avoid any possible damage to the surface underneath the container (specially for paved surfaces), it is your obligation to use wood or dunnage to protect the delivery site and level the container.
Standing Water & Runoff
If your container is placed in an area where water may pool after a storm, the steel underneath the floor will eventually fail, and the floor could soften, creating a muddy surface, which could lead to the truck getting stuck. Moreover, prolonged exposure to moisture can promote the development of mildew, affecting the contents inside and the container’s integrity. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to keep your container floor out of water. Please make sure to keep your container floor out of water by having concrete or wooden blocks, railroad ties, gravel pads etc. ready for the driver at delivery.
No Obstructions
Don't be safety blinded, be safety-minded
The truck is 13’6″ while the container is flat, and can be up to 16′ tall at its peak during delivery. Make sure there are no low-hanging power lines or tree branches in the delivery area. Additionally, ensure there are no septic tanks or other obstructions. For the safety of our drivers and everyone on site, make sure to remove all overhead obstructions from the area before delivery. If the obstruction cannot be removed, be sure to inform the driver and allow them to assess the safety of the delivery area.
Container Position
How do you want the container loaded?
To prepare for your delivery, it is important that you understand which way you want the container to be loaded – Storage doors to the cab or storage doors to the rear.
“Doors to the cab” – the container is placed with the storage (swing) doors opening towards the front of the truck
“Doors to the rear” – the container is placed with the storage doors opening towards the back of the truck.
For Office Containers, you’ll need to specify the orientation of the container by visualizing which way you want the entry doors placed on the truck – so either on the Driver’s side or Passenger’s side.
Change your mind about where you need your container? If the unit is still empty, our drivers can assist with moving containers on-site for an additional fee. Please call our office to schedule a movement of your container.
Communication Is Key!
Any last minute changes? We're a phone call away!
Clear communication among customers, drivers, and dispatch is crucial for hassle-free deliveries. Please inform us of any changes regarding equipment type, delivery date, on-site contact, delivery instructions, or if the location becomes inaccessible due to weather, ground conditions or other factors. Be on the lookout for phone calls from our driver or dispatch the day of delivery. If you are not satisfied with your delivery or the unit itself, do not hesitate to reach out to us!
