A Guide to Shipping Container Delivery and Siting

If you're thinking about ordering a shipping container, for things like extra storage, a pop-up project, or even a home office, then you’re probably wondering: how exactly does delivery work? How do these huge metal boxes end up neatly placed on your land without chaos? Sure, it sounds confusing (understandably so). 

But don’t worry, because this guide is going to tell you everything you need to know to get this whole process started, covered, and even covering everything from choosing the right size to preparing the ground it’s going to sit on. So, if you’re new to the world of shipping containers, don’t worry, we’ve got the logistics covered in a way that’s easy to understand!

The Delivery Process

Well, for starters, watching a massive steel container glide smoothly into place is oddly satisfying, right? But behind that seamless moment is a lot of planning and precision. Yes, there’s tons of planning that goes into this like picking the right size to choosing how it’ll be dropped off, this section walks you through what actually happens when it’s go-time.

Choosing the Right Container Size

Before anything can be delivered, you’ll need to pick the right shipping container for your needs. Are you going for a standard 20ft or do you need a 40ft? Will a high cube give you the extra space you’re after? Make sure to consider what you’re planning to use it for and how much room you’ve actually got. If you’re totally unsure, have a quick chat with your supplier; they’ll steer you in the right direction.

Booking Delivery and Preparation Steps

Once you’ve decided on a container, it’s time to book your delivery. You can count on a good supplier to guide you through the details, but it helps to be prepared. You’ll need to confirm the drop-off point, check for obstructions like trees or low-hanging wires, and give a heads-up about any narrow country lanes or tight turns. 

But overall, just a bit of prep on your end can make delivery day smooth sailing (and avoid any last-minute panics). But of course, you have to be detailed with them before the delivery itself.

Transport Methods

Shipping containers can be delivered using different transport methods depending on the site and container size. Most commonly:

• HIAB trucks: These come with a mounted crane, making it easy to lift and position the container exactly where needed. So it’s perfect if your site’s a bit awkward.

• Flatbeds: So this one is a more basic delivery method. Plus, these require you to have unloading equipment on-site, like a forklift or crane.

Want to know more info? Want to know what our transport options are? Well, we got you covered, just go ahead and check out our transport services and see what might work best for you. 

Siting Considerations

Now that you’ve got your shipping container on the way, it’s time to think about where it's actually going to go. Now, this isn’t just about plonking it down in the first open space you see, actually, site prep is everything. Basically, one this part is right, then the whole process becomes a lot smoother (and you won’t have to call in favours to move it later).

Space Requirements for Drop-Off

Okay, so you need to make sure there’s enough room for the delivery vehicle to access your site and safely lower the container into place. So a 20ft container typically needs around 18 metres of straight clearance (to accommodate the lorry), while a 40ft might need closer to 30 metres. Are there any tight angles or awkward positioning? 

Well, in that case, a HIAB comes in handy since it can gently swing the container into place like a giant claw machine (but with less suspense).

Ground Conditions

It’s not really a surprise that shipping containers are heavy, and they get even heavier once filled. So that’s why a level, solid surface is essential. You can’t just have this plopped down on soft or uneven ground, rather, it needs to be on concrete or even compacted gravel. You don’t want this to sink or lean.

Accessibility for Delivery Vehicles

It was mentioned earlier, but it’s best to mention this again. So, if you’ve got gates, narrow roads, low-hanging branches, or even some tight bends, now’s the time to flag them. Delivery lorries aren’t exactly dainty, and they need room to maneuver. But it might even help to take a few pictures of your site (and even some of the roads close to your house) and share them with your supplier.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Yes, the golden question: can you just pop a shipping container on your property? Well, the answer is… sometimes. In many cases, you won’t need planning permission, especially if it’s being used temporarily and doesn’t significantly alter the appearance of the land. But if it’s being used long-term, or if you’re in a conservation area, permission might be required.

Tips for a Smooth Delivery & Setup

Okay, so you’ve sorted the container, picked your delivery method, and scoped out the perfect site, so now let’s make sure delivery day goes off without a hitch. So, these tips are all about making life easier for you and your delivery driver (besides, a happy driver makes for a smooth delivery).

Clear the Area in Advance

Sure, it sounds simple, but it’s easy to overlook. You need to clear the space before delivery day, such as your cars, bins, garden furniture, just all of it. Be sure to give the delivery team a clean, open area to work with, and you’ll avoid delays. Really, the last thing you want is that awkward shuffle of moving things mid-delivery.

Think About Future Access

Seriously, no, don’t just drop your container where it fits, Ideally, you should think long-term. Will you need to access it regularly? Can the doors swing open fully? Is there enough space to add another one down the line if needed? Sure, it’s a lot of questions, but asking these will save a whole lot of hassle.

Get in Touch with Us

Got questions? Need help picking the right container or planning a tricky delivery? We're here to help. At TEU, we make shipping container delivery and siting straightforward, reliable, and tailored to your needs.

Go ahead and get a quote today or drop us a message, we’d love to hear about your project!