Shipping Container Delivery: Everything You Need to Know

A complete guide to preparing your site, ensuring access, and meeting all requirements for a smooth, safe, and stress-free shipping container delivery.

19th January 2026

Site Preparation

Before your container is delivered, make sure your site is properly prepared. The ground should be level and stable, such as tarmac, gravel, or concrete, and all obstacles or debris cleared. Adequate space must be available for the delivery vehicle, and any required permits or local approvals should be obtained. Proper site preparation ensures the container can be positioned correctly and doors operate smoothly once on-site.

Preparing the Foundation

A strong, level foundation is key to a successful delivery and long-term use:

Concrete base: Provides a durable and even surface.
Concrete blocks or flagstones: Effective for storage containers where hardstanding is not possible.
Railway sleepers: Adjustable and support each corner for proper levelling.

Proper foundation prevents issues like stiff doors or uneven seals, ensuring the container operates correctly from day one.

Access, Clearance, and Timing

Delivery requires careful consideration of access and clearance:

Gates and narrow passages should be wide enough for delivery vehicles.
Check for low-hanging branches, cables, or other obstructions.
Limited access may require a smaller truck or a crane.
Schedule a convenient date and consider weather, traffic, and road conditions.

Being present during delivery ensures any adjustments or levelling can be addressed immediately, avoiding additional costs.

Container Placement & Security

Once the container has been delivered, you'll need to determine the best placement for your needs. Consider factors such as access, visibility, and security when choosing the location for your container. You may also need to take into account any zoning or land use regulations that may apply to your site.

Shipping containers are built to be sturdy and secure, but it's still important to take precautions to ensure the safety and security of your container and its contents. Consider adding locks, alarms, or surveillance cameras to your container to deter theft or vandalism.

Delivery Requirements

To ensure a smooth delivery, consider the following:

Access at least 12ft wide for vehicles
Level hardstanding ground with no sharp turns
No overhead cables above the placement site
Lorry must have space to extend HIAB legs
Vehicles cannot drive over grass or fields

Delivery lead times are provided at the point of order. Modified containers may require additional time. Please note we can only supply the container and deliver it to a UK address.

Our drivers are able to deliver to specified docks or have them dropped for loading, but we cannot organise the international shipping of containers.

Reporting Issues

If you wish to report any issues with the container, this has to be done via our online help centre. Issues like stiff doors, unit condition, holes etc. should all be reported via the help centre so one of our team can then review and respond.