Steel Container Store

Getting a container delivered is exciting, but a little preparation prevents big headaches. Proper site preparation ensures a smooth delivery, protects your property, and sets your container up for long-term success. Here's everything you need to know to prepare your site for container delivery.

1. Check Access and Clearance

Delivery trucks need ample space to maneuver safely. Before scheduling delivery, verify the following:

Road width: Ensure your driveway or access road is at least 12 feet wide. Tilt-bed trucks are large and need room to navigate.
Straight clearance: You need at least 100 feet of straight clearance for a tilt-bed truck to position and unload. Curved driveways or tight turns can be problematic.
Overhead clearance: Check for low-hanging branches, power lines, or structures. Trucks are typically 13-14 feet tall when loaded.
Gate width: If you have a gate, it must be at least 12 feet wide. Consider temporarily removing gate posts if necessary.
Parking: The truck needs space to park and operate. Ensure there's room for a 50-60 foot truck to park and maneuver.

If access is limited, discuss alternative delivery methods with your supplier. Some companies offer crane delivery for difficult-to-reach locations, though this typically costs more.

2. Level Ground Preparation

The most critical step is ensuring the ground is level. An unlevel container can cause doors to bind, structural stress, and water pooling. Here are your foundation options:

Concrete pad: The most permanent and stable option. A 4-inch thick concrete pad provides excellent support and prevents settling. Ensure it's perfectly level.
Gravel base: A 4-6 inch layer of compacted gravel (crushed stone) works well for most applications. It provides drainage and stability while being more affordable than concrete.
Concrete blocks or piers: Placing the container on concrete blocks at each corner distributes weight and keeps it elevated. This is ideal for areas with poor drainage.
Railroad ties or timbers: Pressure-treated timbers can serve as a foundation, though they're less permanent than concrete or gravel.

Use a level to check your foundation before delivery. The container should sit level both front-to-back and side-to-side. Even a slight slope can cause problems over time.

3. Surface Firmness and Ground Conditions

Delivery trucks are extremely heavy—often 30,000+ pounds when loaded. Soft or wet ground can cause the truck to get stuck, potentially damaging your property and delaying delivery.

Check soil conditions: If the ground is soft, muddy, or recently disturbed, it may not support the truck's weight. Consider waiting for drier conditions or adding temporary road base.
Drainage: Ensure the area drains well. Standing water indicates poor drainage that could cause problems.
Compaction: If you're using gravel or soil, compact it thoroughly. Loose material will settle under the container's weight.
Slope considerations: While the container site should be level, the access path can have a slight slope. However, steep slopes (over 10%) may be problematic for trucks.

4. Permits and Permissions

Before delivery, ensure you have all necessary permissions:

Homeowner's association approval: Many HOAs have restrictions on container placement. Get written approval if required.
Local permits: Some municipalities require permits for container placement, especially if it's permanent. Check with your local building department.
Property line compliance: Ensure your container placement complies with setback requirements from property lines and structures.
Neighbor notification: While not always required, informing neighbors about the delivery can prevent conflicts and ensure access isn't blocked.

5. Utility Considerations

If you plan to add utilities to your container, plan ahead:

Electrical access: Consider proximity to your main electrical panel. Running power to a distant container can be expensive.
Water/sewer: If you need plumbing, plan for water and sewer line access. This may influence container placement.
Underground utilities: Before digging for foundations or utilities, call 811 (in the US) to have underground utilities marked.

6. Final Pre-Delivery Checklist

The day before delivery, complete this checklist:

✓ Access route is clear of vehicles, debris, and obstacles
✓ Foundation is level and ready
✓ Ground is firm and dry
✓ All permits and permissions obtained
✓ Someone will be present during delivery (usually required)
✓ Payment arrangements confirmed with supplier
✓ Exact placement location is marked (use spray paint or flags)

7. During Delivery

On delivery day, be prepared to:

Guide the driver to the exact placement location
Inspect the container for damage before the driver leaves
Ensure the container is level and properly positioned
Sign delivery paperwork

Proper site preparation is the foundation of a successful container installation. Taking the time to prepare correctly will save you headaches, protect your investment, and ensure your container serves you well for years to come.