Having a shipping container delivered can be a simple process, provided you are prepared. There are several factors to keep in mind before your shipping container delivery.

United Rentals delivers storage containers all over the country. We’ve put together a list of things to consider to help make your delivery go quickly and smoothly.

Plan for your shipping container delivery in advance

Before communicating with our shipping container delivery service, there are a few things that you should consider. Plan your container delivery well in advance to be prepared when the storage container arrives.

Scheduling your container ahead of time helps to guarantee the container size you want is in stock and ensures that delivery can occur when you want it. In addition, it gives you plenty of time to prepare and clear your desired delivery site.

Will it be simple to drop, or does the container need to be lowered onto some type of foundation?

Site preparation is important when you’re expecting a shipping container delivery. The delivery site should be clear in advance of United Rentals' arrival. Depending on the compaction of the ground and how long the container will be on the site, you may want to make special accommodations.

If the container is going to be in one place for more than six months, it’s a good idea to put some type of foundation or support underneath, which will allow for drainage and help to keep the container level during seasonal changes.

Tip: It’s a good idea to stake the area where the shipping container is being placed. This lets the driver know exactly where they are going, and you can also be sure that the container fits into the location specified.

Is your container going to a company or to residential property?

Be sure to tell your United Rentals representative the exact location where the container is going. While your sales representative may be able to use a mapping service, such as GPS, to see an aerial view of your location, you should also provide recent photos of the site. You should also share details about the site such as the location of power lines, new structures and/or equipment. Clear communication about shipping container placement is key to quick and successful delivery.

Is there enough space for a large shipping container moving truck to pull in and move around?

When delivering a shipping container, a basic rule of thumb is that you’ll need a space triple the length of the container. If you’re having a 40-foot storage container delivered, you’ll need at least 120 feet of clearance so the truck can pull out from under the container without driving over anything (like a tree, fence or mailbox).

Where should the container doors face?

Doors to Cab – This means that the shipping container is loaded with its doors facing the front of the truck. In these circumstances, when the container is unloaded from the truck, the doors will land on the ground last and will face the same direction as the truck is pointing.

Doors to Rear – This means that the storage container doors land on the ground first, facing the opposite direction from the cab of the truck. This method is commonly used when the container is placed near a building for access or loading purposes.

Does the storage container look level to you?

First and foremost, no matter how long the container will be on-site, the surface where it will sit must be level. It is also important to level the container, particularly opposite corners, to ensure that doors are easy to open and close. You'll want to check during delivery to make sure the doors open and close easily.

The best way to ensure a smooth storage container delivery is good communication

If you are unable to attend the delivery, please make sure you are available via phone to answer any questions the driver may have. With a little planning and clear communication, the shipping container delivery can go quickly and easily.

The team here at United Rentals is here to help. Please contact one of our storage container and mobile office experts for more information.