Shipping containers aren’t just for transporting goods, they’re also great for storing items. Whether you need extra space for your business or a temporary storage solution at home, they’re a reliable and affordable option. However, to ensure a smooth delivery, it’s important to know the requirements.
In this post, we’ll cover the key things to consider when arranging a shipping container delivery. Understanding these factors can help you avoid problems and make the process easier.
What is a Shipping Container?
Before we get into the delivery requirements, let’s first understand what a shipping container is. A shipping container is a large, durable box made of corten steel, designed to transport goods over long distances. The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft, and they’re used for both business and personal purposes, offering secure, weatherproof storage for items like electronics, furniture, and more.
When used for storage, these containers are ideal for short-term and long-term needs, providing a safe and reliable space to store belongings during a move, renovation, or for extra business storage.
Key Shipping Container Delivery Requirements
When scheduling a storage container delivery, it’s important to plan to ensure everything goes smoothly. Good preparation helps avoid delays, problems, and extra costs. Here’s a guide to make your shipping container delivery easy and hassle-free.
1. Access to the Delivery Site
The first step to a successful delivery is ensuring the delivery truck can reach your site without obstacles.
- Clear Path: Make sure the route the delivery truck will take is free from obstructions such as tree branches, parked cars, or fences. Anything in the way could slow down or stop the delivery.
- Wide Roads and Driveways: Delivery trucks, especially large ones carrying a 40ft shipping container, need plenty of space to maneuver. Check if your driveway or the road leading to your delivery site is wide enough for the truck to pass through.
- Turning Space: Ensure there’s enough space for the delivery truck to turn around or back into the spot where the container will be placed. Tight spaces can make it difficult for delivery drivers to park the container in the right location.
2. Flat and Stable Surface
Once your container is delivered, it should sit on a stable, level surface to stay secure.
- Level Ground: The area where the container will be placed must be flat and firm. A sloped or uneven surface can cause the container to shift, making it difficult to open and close or causing damage over time.
- Suitable Surfaces: Concrete, gravel, or asphalt are the best surfaces for shipping container delivery. Avoid placing it on soft dirt or grass, as the weight of the container can cause it to sink or become unstable.
3. Container Size and Weight
Understanding the size and weight of your container is key to a hassle-free delivery process.
- Know the Size: Shipping containers come in standard sizes like 20ft and 40ft shipping containers. Measure the space at your delivery site to make sure the container fits without blocking other areas.
- Consider the Weight: Empty containers typically weigh between 5,000 and 8,000 pounds. This affects the delivery truck and the surface where it is placed. Check with the delivery company to confirm the truck and site can handle the container’s weight.
4. Zoning and Permits
Before placing a shipping container on your property, you may need to consider local regulations.
- Local Regulations: Some areas require permits for placing a shipping container on your property. This is particularly common in residential areas or near public spaces. Please note that it’s essential to check with your local authorities for any specific rules.
- Street Placement: If the container is being placed on a public street, you might need special permission. Make sure you comply with zoning laws to avoid fines and delivery issues.
- Temporary vs. Permanent Placement: The regulations may differ based on whether the container is being placed temporarily or permanently. Clarify the container’s duration on your property and follow the rules for that type of placement.
5. Weather Conditions
Weather can have a huge impact on shipping container deliveries, so it’s important to plan.
- Weather Delays: Bad weather like heavy rain, snow, or strong winds can slow down the delivery or make it unsafe. Be sure to check the forecast before your delivery day to make sure the conditions are good.
- Rescheduling: If bad weather is coming, it’s a good idea to move the delivery to another day. This can help avoid damage to the container and keep the delivery drivers and others safe.
6. Delivery Vehicle and Method
Different types of trucks and methods are used to deliver containers, so it’s important to know what to expect.
- Truck Type: Delivery trucks can be flatbed trucks, tilt bed trailers, or roll-off trucks. Be sure to check with the delivery company about which type of truck will be used for your delivery.
- Offloading Method: Depending on the truck type, your container may be either rolled off the truck or lifted off with a crane. Make sure to confirm whether the delivery will use the tilt bed or roll method so you can prepare your delivery site accordingly.
7. Site Preparation
Preparing the site properly is important to make sure the delivery goes smoothly.
- Clear the Area: Before the delivery, make sure the space where the container will go is free of debris, rocks, or anything else that could get in the way.
- Mark the Spot: If you have a specific location for the container, marking it clearly will help the delivery drivers place it exactly where you want it.
8. Delivery Timing and Distance
Scheduling and understanding the distance of your delivery can also help avoid problems.
- Scheduling: Confirm the delivery day and time with the delivery company well in advance. Some areas have restrictions on delivery hours, so it’s important to check these restrictions before scheduling.
- Distance from Depot: If your delivery site is far from the company’s warehouse, the delivery could take longer and cost more. Be prepared for extra time and expense if your location is distant.
9. Safety Considerations
Safety should always come first during a shipping container delivery.
- Safety During Delivery: Delivery drivers should follow all safety protocols. If the container is being placed near roads or public areas, set up barriers or signs to protect pedestrians and other vehicles.
- Inspect the Container: Once the container is delivered, check for any damage. If you notice any dents or scratches, contact the delivery company right away. Take pictures of the damage to help with any potential claims.
By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth shipping container delivery. Planning will help avoid delays and make sure everything goes as planned. Whether you’re storing belongings during a move or need extra storage, these tips will simplify the process.
Conclusion
To make sure your shipping container delivery goes smoothly, planning is important. Whether you’re using the container for long-distance moving, home renovations, or business storage, being prepared will make the process much easier. Begin by getting the delivery site ready, checking the weather, and confirming all delivery details to avoid common problems and help everything go as planned.
Get Reliable Shipping Containers and Modifications with SuperBox!
SuperBox offers top-quality shipping containers and expert modifications to meet your storage needs, whether for personal or business use. We’re here to guide you through every step to ensure your delivery goes smoothly. Give us a call at 1-866-696-9269 to get started today!
