How To Prepare Your Site For A Shipping Container Delivery

Setting up a space for a shipping container delivery may sound like it takes a significant amount of preparation to achieve, but with the right steps, this whole process can be a smooth and wise investment. 

At TEU, we believe taking the time to get things ready ensures there aren't any unexpected delays on delivery day, which can save you from extra costs and potential damage to your property. 

Containers are big and heavy, so they need plenty of room and a clear path to get them into position. This guide walks you through the essential steps to make sure your site is ready for its new arrival. We’ll talk about access routes, site requirements, foundations, orientation, and safety.

Check Access Routes

Of course, storage containers can be large, which means they require sizeable vehicles to reach your site without any issues. These vehicles are cumbersome, often a lorry with a crane or a hiab, so you need to look for any potential obstacles they may face when accessing your site.

That also means considering the nearby access routes, including potential boundaries like low bridges, narrow roads, overhanging tree branches, and tight turns. It's also a good idea to check if there are any weight restrictions on the roads near your property, because we’ll never break the law.

A great way to make certain everything is clear is to take some photos or even a video of the access route and send them to your supplier ahead of time. That way, they can see exactly what their driver will be dealing with and consider alternative routes.

Assess Site Space Requirements

Now you know the delivery truck can get there, which is a great first step. From there, you need to make sure you have enough space on the site itself. The ground where the container will sit has to be flat and level. You need to think about more than just the container's footprint, but the surrounding space to easily turn and unload 

That’s because the delivery vehicle needs room to manoeuvre, so you should have ample space for the lorry to get into position. You also need to consider clearance above and around the area for the crane to do its job. A 20ft or 40ft container will require a lot more room to get into place than a smaller 10ft one, which is something to keep in mind. Of course, also think about the road access on your property, or the size of the gates to let in our trucks.

Prepare A Solid Foundation

Placing a heavy container directly on soft ground like grass or soil is generally a poor idea, even if you’ve seen others do it. That’s because to prevent the container from sinking or becoming uneven over time, you should prepare a solid foundation. 

Some of the best options for this are a concrete pad, paving slabs, or railway sleepers. A solid base is also important for allowing proper airflow underneath the container, which helps to reduce the risk of rust and keeps the container in good condition. That’s best if you’re planning to rent this container for some time.

Consider Container Orientation

You should decide on the container's final position and orientation well before it arrives. Think about where you want the doors to face to ensure you have easy access to your belongings. It’s also wise to consider security, as you may want to position the doors so they don’t face a public road or a busy area. 

Also, think about any future plans for your site, such as needing access for a forklift or other vehicles. Perhaps you’ll safe yourself a great deal of effort if the door faces one way and not the other. We’re happy to talk through your options when we arrive on site.

Plan For Safety & Regulations

On the day of the delivery, you should make sure the area is clear of people, pets, and any vehicles. This creates a safe working environment for the driver who will never endanger others for the sake of a quick job.

We’d also recommend asking if you need local planning permission for a long-term placement of the container, as rules can vary depending on where you live. It is also good to let your supplier know about any specific health and safety rules or site hours they might need to follow. This is a noisy task for instance, and we don’t want to run afoul of noise limitations in a residential area.

Communicate With TEU, Your Container Supplier

As always, great communication is essential, and at TEU we’re always happy to talk. We will always politely ask for accurate details about your site, the access, and your specific requirements. If you have any doubts about whether your site is suitable, just ask for our advice! We have plenty of experience with deliveries and can offer some valuable insights. Be sure to confirm the delivery date and time well in advance so you have enough time to get everything prepared and ready for a successful drop off - but we’ll also contact you to make sure.

If you’re looking to discuss storage container logistics and site access, drop us a message. Our friendly TEU team will be happy to help.