How to Prepare a Shipping Container Foundation

Wondering how to prepare a foundation for your shipping container?

Here, we're going to explain why a good foundation is important and how you can set one up for your unit using various techniques.

Does a Shipping Container Need a Foundation?

A firm, level ground is the most important element to ensure you have in place around your site prior to your shipping container being delivered.

If the ground is not level, there is a chance of the container doors being extremely difficult to open and close due to twisting through the container frame. 

Shipping containers are also heavy, so a solid foundation is needed to stop them from sinking deeper into soft ground. 

A foundation will prevent your container from being in contact with standing groundwater too, which can lead to your unit suffering from corrosion and rust.

Shipping Container Foundation Ideas

So, what do you put under the container to create a foundation? There are several options available, depending on your facilities and the surface you are working on. 

Consider these techniques to find the perfect solution for your site:

Concrete Foundation for a Shipping Container

You should consider a solid concrete base as a foundation for your shipping container, if you have the facilities, space and funds.

This could be a great option, as you are guaranteed a long-lasting, even foundation for multiple containers.

Using Flagstones or Concrete Blocks for Shipping Container Foundation

For some facilities, we understand that hardstanding ground is not an option. So, a great alternative which works for containers that are to be used for storage are concrete blocks or flagstones. 

These can be placed in each corner of your container to create a level surface.

How Railway Sleepers Can Be Used as Shipping Container Foundation

Another popular option for creating foundations for your shipping container is railway sleepers. These would be placed on the floor from corner to corner and would ensure that the corners of the container don’t sink into the ground. 

Whilst this is an effective, long-lasting option, it is sometimes best to use thinner individual supports to make sure you can adjust each corner accordingly to avoid any of the issues mentioned above.

However you decide to prepare your land for the arrival of a container, you also need to ensure that the site is easily accessible for an articulated or rigid lorry. 

There also will need to be plenty of clearance around the container to allow for the doors to be opened.

Remember, drivers cannot deliver over fields of grass either. So, it is important that you discuss your access and other requirements with us if you are considering purchasing a shipping container.

You can find much more information about what to expect on the day we deliver a shipping container to your site within our in-depth delivery guide.

Whether you have further queries about foundations for a shipping container, delivery of your unit or another matter, please talk to us about your shipping container project today...