Container Delivery & Placement: How Shipping Containers Are Delivered

What Does “Container Delivery” Mean?

Container delivery refers to the process of transporting a shipping container from a depot or yard directly to your location and placing it on the ground. For most buyers, this is the final step that turns a steel box into usable on-site storage.

Unlike freight transport, container delivery for storage focuses on precision placement at a jobsite, warehouse, or commercial property.

How Shipping Containers Are Delivered

Most storage containers are delivered using tilt-bed trucks. These specialized vehicles:

• Transport the container on a flat platform
• Tilt the bed upward at your site
• Slide the container gently onto the ground
• Allow for controlled placement

This method makes it possible to place a 20ft or 40ft container without cranes or forklifts.

What “Ground-Placed” Really Means

A ground-placed container sits directly on your site, typically on:

• Compacted soil or gravel
• Concrete pads
• Railroad ties or blocks

Proper support keeps the container level, prevents door misalignment, and extends its lifespan.

Preparing Your Site for Delivery

Before delivery day, make sure:

• The ground is level and firm
• There is at least 60–100 feet of straight clearance
• Overhead obstacles like wires or branches are removed
• The placement area matches the container footprint

Good preparation ensures a smooth, damage-free placement.

Local vs Long-Distance Container Delivery

Delivery cost and timing depend on distance from the container depot:

• Local Delivery – Faster and more cost-effective
• Long-Distance Delivery – Higher transport cost due to fuel and time

Working with a supplier that has regional inventory helps control these costs.

What Happens on Delivery Day

On delivery day, the driver will:

• Inspect the access path and placement area
• Position the truck for unloading
• Lower the container using the tilt-bed
• Confirm placement before departing

Most deliveries take less than an hour once on-site.

Flexible Payment & Pickup Options

Many buyers take advantage of Pay on Delivery, which allows you to complete payment once the container arrives.

For customers who prefer to transport their own unit, our Pick-Up Service provides a flexible alternative.

You can learn more about the full process on our Shipping Container Delivery page.

Why Professional Delivery Matters

Shipping containers weigh thousands of pounds. Professional delivery ensures:

• Safe handling
• Accurate placement
• No damage to property
• Proper orientation for door access

Attempting self-placement without proper equipment often leads to costly mistakes.

Industry Standards for Container Transport

Container transport follows established logistics practices developed through decades of intermodal shipping. These standards ensure safe movement from depots to end users.

For an overview of freight movement systems, see the U.S. Department of Transportation Freight Program.

Making Container Delivery Simple

With the right preparation and professional placement, container delivery is fast and straightforward.

From construction sites to commercial yards, a properly delivered container becomes usable storage the moment it touches the ground.