Six Questions for a Smooth Container Delivery

In other blogs, we have discussed the size of the container, how you want it delivered and whether you should put blocking under it. However, we have not discussed one of the most important things you should do before you get your container—prep your container delivery spot.

In this blog we will look at just that and what you should do to prepare. Here are six questions that will help you make sure you have a good spot for your shipping container and that delivery will go smoothly. Failing to consider these questions could lead to delivery delays, additional costs, or even damage to your property or the container itself.

Shipping Container Delivery Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Where is your container going to go?

This is the first question that requires careful consideration. You need to ensure that you have enough space for the shipping container itself, as well as for opening and accessing the doors. The doors open fully, allowing them to be flush with the container. This is the first major step in preparing for your container delivery. If you haven't already, now is the time to think about the space you have available for the container.

2. How will a truck access this spot?

This is another key consideration. Some spots are easily accessible – in a large parking lot, at the end of a long, straight driveway. However, others are more challenging – in a backyard, in a remote location, etc. It's important to remember that trucks are not as nimble as cars, or even RVs and smaller trucks. Most delivery trucks are a tractor-trailer combination with a 45’ trailer connected to a tractor/cab of the truck. While it can 'bend' in one spot, it does need plenty of room to turn from the street and to maneuver into place. Their turning radius is much bigger. Keep in mind that trucks cannot drive through fields or on soft ground.

3. Is there enough room to off-load the container? 

When delivering containers at ground level, the process typically involves the truck backing into the designated spot where the container will be placed. The back of the trailer then tips down, allowing the driver to use a winch to carefully lower the first end of the container off the truck and onto the ground. After this, the driver pulls the truck forward and continues using the winch to fully position the container on the ground. It's important to ensure there is sufficient space not only for the container but also for the length of the truck, as well as ample room for the truck to maneuver in and out of the spot. In general, this means allocating 130 feet for a 40-foot shipping container and 110 feet for a 20-foot shipping container. Additionally, the driver can arrange the container so that the doors are the first or last thing off the truck, which eliminates the need to worry about door positioning during the delivery process.

Read: How To Move 20 Foot And 40 Foot Shipping Container

4. Is the delivery area relatively flat?

When delivering a shipping container, the force of physics comes into play, and gravity is a key component of the process. If the delivery takes place on sloped ground, it can create a dangerous situation for the driver, truck, and container and can cause damage to your property. When a container is being offloaded, it will exert both downward and sideways pressure onto the truck. Therefore, it is critical that the truck can safely and effectively unload the container. We need relatively flat ground that is firm and dry.

5. Is the ground firm enough for your container delivery?

Ideally, the container would be placed on a solid surface such as concrete or asphalt. If that is not possible, a layer of gravel makes a great firm surface. A 20’ shipping container weighs 5,000 pounds while 40’ containers range from 9,200-9,600 pounds (depending on standard or high cube). These weights are when the containers are empty. If you place a container on soft ground, it will sink in. If the ground is not firm, you do not have a concrete or asphalt slab, we recommend putting in gravel. It's not only the most cost-effective and convenient choice, but it also allows for the quickest setup for a container. Using concrete or asphalt would require waiting for the slab to cure.

6. What if you don’t have all of these requirements?

If you find yourself in a situation where the above requirements are not being met, there are some options to consider. One option is to have the container initially delivered to a as close as possible and then hire an equipment handling company; this company specializes in using cranes and other equipment to relocate the container to your desired spot. This is particularly helpful if you need more time to prep your container's final destination or when you want the container to go in a backyard or a more remote location. It is also helpful if you are placing your container on a foundation or somewhere else where our trucks cannot drive.

Taking time to address these questions ahead of delivery will help ensure your container can be safely delivered and that you are satisfied with the placement of your container. If you are looking for a shipping container, our team at Super Cubes can help. Contact us today to get started.

Super Cubes is a family-owned business located in Minneapolis, MN, that provides containers anywhere in the continental US. We offer personalized service for individuals and businesses, providing high-quality containers at competitive prices. With nationwide facilities, we can modify and deliver containers close to you. Contact our experienced team for your next container project.