Shipping Containers for Sale

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space is required on-site for a successful delivery?

Delivery is typically performed using a tilt-bed truck, which needs a significant amount of space to safely unload.

• 20-foot container: Requires approximately 70 feet of straight-line clearance.

• 40-foot container: Requires approximately 120 feet of straight-line clearance.

• In both cases, you need a minimum of 10 feet of width and 16 feet of overhead clearance (since the truck tilts up). The site must be clear of low wires, trees, and obstacles.

What kind of ground preparation is needed for the container?

The container must be placed on hard, dry, and level ground. Unloading on soft, muddy, or severely uneven surfaces can lead to the truck getting stuck or the container twisting once placed (which makes the doors difficult to open).

• Ideal surfaces: Asphalt, concrete, gravel, or compacted soil.

• Foundation: We strongly recommend placing the container on level supports (like railroad ties, concrete blocks, or a gravel bed) at the four corners to prevent sinking and to allow air circulation, which prevents rust and moisture build-up underneath.

How is the container actually unloaded from the truck?

1. The driver backs the truck into the designated spot.

2. The trailer bed is raised to an angle, and the container is slowly slid off the back, using a winch to control the descent.

3. The truck pulls forward as the container rolls onto the ground.

• Alternative: For tight spots or over obstacles, a side-loader or crane (HIAB) truck may be required, which typically incurs an additional fee.

Can I specify which way the container doors face?

Yes, you must specify your preference when ordering.

• Since the container is slid off the back of the truck, the door placement is determined by how the driver loads it onto the trailer at the depot.

• You will choose either "Doors to the Cab" (doors are the last thing off the truck, landing furthest from the road) or "Doors to the Rear" (doors are the first thing off the truck, landing closest to the road).

What happens if the delivery driver cannot access the site?

If the site is inaccessible due to obstacles, soft ground, insufficient clearance, or an unprepared foundation, the driver cannot safely unload the container.

• This may result in a "failed delivery" charge and the need to reschedule after the site issues have been corrected. To avoid this, please review the clearance requirements and site preparation steps carefully before the delivery date.