1. Pick a reasonably level spot
Shipping container doors are sensitive to the ground beneath them. If one corner sits lower than the others, the doors can bind and won't swing freely. Walk the area and look for a spot with no more than a few inches of variation across the footprint of the container (20ft or 40ft).
If the ground slopes, the simplest fix is a few patio blocks or pressure-treated 6x6s under each corner to bring the container level. We can talk you through it before delivery if you're not sure.
2. Choose a foundation
You don't need a poured slab for a shipping container — they're built to sit on their four corner castings. Pick the foundation that matches how long the container will stay and how much rain or snow your site gets:
- Compacted gravel pad — most common. A 4–6 inch base of crushed gravel keeps water from pooling under the container and stops the corners from sinking. Good for long-term placement.
- Railroad ties or 6x6 timbers — fast, inexpensive, and easy to relocate. Place one timber under each end of the container so the steel sits up off the dirt.
- Concrete pads or piers — overkill for most uses, but worth it if you're stacking, attaching the container to a structure, or building a permanent install.
- Bare ground — fine for short-term rentals on firm, dry soil. Avoid grass that will trap moisture against the container floor.
3. Clear truck-and-trailer access
We deliver with a tilt-bed trailer. To place the container we need to back the trailer in, set the container down, and pull straight out from underneath it. As a rule of thumb:
- About twice the container length of clear, straight space in line with the drop spot (≈ 40ft for a 20ft container, ≈ 80ft for a 40ft).
- At least 14 feet of width for the truck and mirrors.
- No low branches, power lines, or overhead obstructions for at least 16 feet of clearance.
- Firm ground the truck can drive on — soft mud, sand, or saturated lawns can bog the rig down.
If your site needs a sharp 90-degree turn or specialized equipment to set the container, let us know before booking so we can confirm options.
4. Mark the exact drop spot
Use marking paint, stakes, or even a couple of bricks to show the driver exactly where you want the container. Note which end you want the doors on — once it's down, moving it is a separate trip.
5. Check with your local rules
Some HOAs and municipalities have rules about shipping containers — setbacks from property lines, time limits, or permits. A quick call to your city or county before delivery saves headaches later.