Shipping containers are heavy-duty units, and preparing your site properly is essential to ensure smooth and safe delivery. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or site manager, a bit of planning ahead will help avoid delays, additional costs, or access issues on the day of delivery.

Below, we’ll walk you through every stage of the process - from checking access and preparing your ground, to choosing the right delivery method. Follow these steps to ensure your site is ready for your shipping container delivery.

Key Insights

• Ensure access routes can accommodate large delivery trucks
  
• Clear sufficient space for the container and the vehicle
  
• Prepare a solid, level base to prevent sinking or door issues
  
• Choose a delivery method suited to your site conditions
  
• Communicate with your supplier and prioritise safety on the day
  

Step 1: Check Access to Your Site

Start by evaluating how a delivery truck will reach your location. Most containers are delivered using large vehicles such as HIAB lorries or flatbeds, so it’s essential to confirm that your access route is suitable.

Things to check would be:

• Road width – is it wide enough for a large vehicle?
  
• Turning space – are there tight corners or narrow gates?
  
• Overhead clearance – are there trees, cables, or overhanging structures?
  
• Weight limits – are there bridges or areas that may not support a heavy lorry?

If your site has any potential restrictions, let your supplier know in advance. They may be able to arrange a smaller vehicle or suggest an alternative delivery method.

Step 2: Allow Enough Space for Delivery and Placement

Before the container arrives, make sure you have enough room on-site for both the container and the delivery truck to manoeuvre. A standard 20ft container is around 20ft long, 8ft wide and 8.6ft high. A 40ft container is double the length.

Think beyond delivery day: Consider how you'll be using the container once it's in place. Do the doors face the right way for easy access? Will you need to expand in future or stack more containers? Are you planning to run power or lighting into the unit? Thinking ahead helps avoid the need to reposition the container later.

We recommend:

• Marking out the container footprint in advance so you know it will fit
  
• Clearing any low-hanging branches or overhead cables
  
• Allowing extra space for the truck to position and offload the container

For HIAB crane deliveries, ensure there is enough space for the crane’s stabiliser legs to be deployed safely.

Step 3: Prepare a Level and Stable Base

Containers are heavy, and placing them directly onto soft or uneven ground can cause them to sink or sit unevenly. This can lead to issues with the doors and structural wear over time.

Popular foundation options include:

• Concrete slabs or pads
  
• Wooden railway sleepers
  
• Compacted gravel or crushed stone
  
• Concrete piers or footings

Always ensure the base is level and supports all four corner castings of the container. A solid base also improves drainage and airflow underneath the unit.

Step 4: Choose the Right Delivery Method

The delivery method you choose will depend on your site’s layout and the equipment you have available. Willbox offers a reliable container transport service nationwide, ensuring your unit arrives safely and is placed exactly where you need it.

Most HIAB lorries are approximately 2.5 m (8 ft) wide, but when you include deployed outriggers and mirrors, they may need over 5 m (16 ft) of clearance. Keep this in mind when planning access routes and delivery space.

Here’s a quick breakdown and comparison of the different methods.

Delivery Methods Comparison

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All Willbox deliveries are carried out by experienced drivers using HIAB lorries for safe and efficient placement. If you have specific requirements or prefer to collect your container, contact the team to discuss options.

Step 5: Stay in Touch and Prioritise Safety

As the delivery date approaches, maintain regular communication with your supplier. It’s helpful to send photos of your site in advance and confirm details such as:

• Delivery date and time
  
• On-site contact on the day
  
• Any obstacles or hazards the driver should be aware of
  
  

On delivery day:

• Keep the drop zone clear of vehicles, equipment, or bystanders
  
• Wear appropriate PPE on construction sites
  
• Never stand underneath a suspended container
  
• Ensure pets or children are kept indoors

Professional drivers will carry out risk assessments before offloading. You can support this by making sure the ground is stable and all access areas are clear.

Conclusion and Best Practices

Best practices for preparing your site:

• Confirm the delivery route is suitable for large vehicles
  
• Prepare a solid, level base before delivery day
  
• Make sure you have enough space and clearance for delivery and placement
  
• Choose a delivery method that suits your access and site conditions
  
• Keep in touch with your supplier and be ready on the day
  
• Prioritise safety on delivery day by wearing PPE and keeping children and pets well clear of the drop zone

By following these steps, you’ll ensure a safe and efficient delivery - avoiding delays, damage, or additional costs. Whether your container is destined for storage, office space, or event use, a well-prepared site means everything runs smoothly from the outset.

Need Advice or a Quote?

Willbox is one of the UK’s leading providers of shipping containers for hire and sale, with 24 depots nationwide and a specialist delivery team ready to help.

If you’re unsure about delivery access, site preparation, or what size container you need, our team is happy to assist.

Get in touch with us today to request a quote or speak to an expert.