What Materials to Use When Placing the Shipping Container on Your Property
Written on December 1, 2025
by Anna Nichita
In the following categories: Shipping Container Maintenance & Fabrication
Before placing a shipping container on your property, it’s important to prepare the ground properly to prevent future issues like door misalignment, sinking, or rusting. Whether you’re in Texas, Georgia, or California, good preparation ensures your container remains level and stable for years to come.
Check Local Regulations Before You Begin
Before ordering a container, verify with your city, county, or HOA that you’re allowed to place one on your property. You may also need a local permit for installation or site modification. Once you’ve cleared the paperwork, you can start preparing the site.
Preparing the Ground for Your Shipping Container
Most delivery companies—including YES Containers—expect customers to have the site ready before delivery. The driver will need a level, firm, and accessible surface that supports both the container and the delivery truck.
Key Preparation Steps
- Level the ground: The surface should be even and large enough to fit the container footprint plus clearance around it.
- Clear debris and vegetation: Remove rocks, branches, and roots that could affect balance or airflow.
- Ensure solid ground: Avoid soft, muddy, or recently soaked soil. The delivery truck and trailer weigh over 27,000 lbs (13.5 tons) when loaded.
- Check for overhead clearance: Watch for tree branches or power lines that could obstruct delivery.
Best Materials for Shipping Container Placement
Proper supports will keep your container level, stable, and dry underneath. Containers should rest on their four corners—the strongest structural points. Here are the most common and effective materials for shipping container placement:
1. Concrete Pads or Footings
Concrete offers a permanent, stable foundation. You can pour small concrete pads under each corner or create a full slab for maximum support. Ensure pads are level and strong enough to handle at least 10,000 lbs per corner.
2. Cinder Blocks or Cement Blocks
Affordable and easy to install, cinder blocks are ideal for short-term or semi-permanent setups. Place at least one block under each corner, adding extras toward the middle for 40ft containers.
3. Gravel Pads
A gravel base (typically 4–6 inches deep) is one of the most recommended methods. It provides excellent drainage and airflow while helping prevent rust and corrosion under the container. You can also set cinder blocks or beams on top of the gravel for added stability.
4. Wooden Beams (4x4, 8x8, or Railroad Ties)
Pressure-treated wood beams are great for temporary installations. Place 3–4 beams beneath the container—two near the ends and one or two in the center. They help keep the underside dry and maintain airflow.
5. Heavy-Duty Paving Slabs
Paving slabs provide a stable base for lighter loads or short-term storage. They can be combined with gravel pads or wooden beams for improved stability and drainage.
Tips for Safe and Easy Container Delivery
- Make sure the delivery area is accessible by a gooseneck tilt-bed trailer (around 80 ft total length).
- Avoid placing raised cement posts before delivery—they make unloading difficult. Build small ramps if needed.
- Slide wooden beams under the container during delivery; for cinder blocks or cement pads, lift and place them after delivery using a jack or forklift.
- Support the middle of the container if storing heavy goods inside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing the container directly on soft or uneven ground—leads to sinking or twisting.
- Using weak supports that crumble under weight—always verify material strength.
- Not checking levelness—an uneven base can cause doors to jam or misalign.
Nationwide Delivery Locations
YES Containers provides delivery to every U.S. state through local depots, including:
FAQs
Do I need a concrete foundation for my shipping container?
Not always. While concrete offers the best long-term stability, gravel pads or beam supports often work just as well for residential or temporary setups.
Can I place a shipping container directly on grass or dirt?
It’s not recommended. Over time, moisture and soil movement can cause the container to sink, twist, or rust underneath.
How high should I elevate the container?
Even a few inches of elevation allows water drainage and airflow beneath the container, protecting its underside from corrosion.
Key Takeaway: Proper Preparation Means Long-Term Stability
Preparing your site correctly is essential to keep your shipping container level, stable, and protected from moisture damage. Whether you use gravel, concrete, or wooden beams, solid placement ensures years of safe use. For expert advice or to order your container, Get A Quote or call 800-223-4755 today.
