Delivery and Site Prep

Delivery Methods Overview

Shipping containers are delivered by truck. The method used depends on the container size, your site conditions, and what equipment the driver has available. Understanding the differences before you order prevents surprises and failed deliveries on arrival day.

Tilt-Bed Delivery — The Standard Method

The tilt-bed (also called tilt-deck or tilt-trailer) is the default delivery method for shipping containers in the United States. The trailer bed tilts at an angle and the container slides off under its own weight onto the ground. No crane or forklift is required, which keeps costs down and makes it the standard option for most residential and rural deliveries. ^[44]

The driver cannot place the container at an angle or around a corner with this method. Placement is strictly in a straight line off the back of the trailer. Once the container slides off the bed, repositioning it requires a forklift or crane, neither of which is included in standard delivery. ^[44]

Site Clearance Requirements

Preparing your site before delivery day prevents delays, repositioning fees, and the container ending up in the wrong spot. The minimum clearance requirements for container delivery are physical constraints of the delivery vehicle. ^{[44] [48]}

Overhead Hazards

Fourteen to fifteen feet of vertical clearance is required along the entire delivery path. Common overhead hazards that block deliveries include residential power lines (which are typically 11 to 15 feet high in older neighborhoods), tree branches, garage door headers, and telephone or cable lines running diagonally across access routes. ^{[44] [48]}

Ground Preparation

Concrete driveways, compacted gravel, asphalt, and firm packed earth are all acceptable delivery surfaces. The truck is heavy and the container adds significant load during the slide-off. Surfaces that cannot handle the load will cause problems. ^{[44] [48]}

Avoid soft or waterlogged soil, freshly laid gravel that has not compacted, and sloped ground steeper than 5 degrees. For buyers placing containers on soil, railroad ties, concrete pads, or pea gravel beds are common preparation methods to keep the container off the ground and improve drainage. ^{[44] [48]}

Delivery Timelines

Delivery timelines vary by dealer, region, depot proximity, and time of year. Here is what to realistically expect: ^[46]

• Local delivery (within 100 miles of depot): 1–5 business days
• Regional delivery (100–500 miles): 3–10 business days
• Long-distance delivery (500+ miles): 1–3 weeks
• Modified containers: Add 1–3 weeks for modifications
• Peak season (April–September): Add 3–7 business days to any estimate

Spring and summer are the busiest months for container sales and delivery. Homeowners, farmers, and contractors all move on projects when the weather improves. If you are buying between April and August, expect longer lead times and less driver availability, particularly for specialized delivery methods like short-bed trailers. Ordering in the fall or winter typically means faster delivery and more scheduling flexibility. ^[46]

Delivery Cost Factors

Delivery cost is separate from the container price and varies based on distance, container size, and delivery method. ^[49]

For domestic ground delivery in the United States, the primary cost driver is distance. The industry average for domestic moves typically runs between $1.00 and $4.00 per mile. An empty local move may cost as little as $100 to $300, while transporting a loaded 20-foot or 40-foot container across the country can cost thousands. For short-distance empty container deliveries (under 200 miles), buyers typically pay between $500 and $1,000. ^{[123] [124] [125]}

Other factors that impact cost include the delivery method (crane and specialized methods cost significantly more), remote or difficult access requiring specialized equipment, and peak season demand. ^{[49] [50]}

What to Expect on Delivery Day

Most national dealers follow a similar delivery process. The driver, or container handler, is responsible for safely delivering the unit to the location and providing the necessary equipment for unloading. The customer is responsible for ensuring the site is properly prepared and accessible. ^[51]

• Driver contact: The driver will call ahead to confirm the delivery window and get final directions to your site. ^[44]
• Site assessment: The driver will assess the access path and placement area before committing to the delivery position. The driver has the right to refuse delivery if conditions are unsafe or risk damaging the equipment. ^{[44] [126]}
• Placement: The container is unloaded using the tilt-bed or roll-off method. The driver will work with you on final positioning within the constraints of the delivery method. ^{[44] [51]}
• Customer inspection: Before the driver leaves, walk the container with them and inspect that doors open and close properly, there are no visible holes or rust-through, the roof is intact, and the floor is solid. Failure to notify the dealer of defects prior to accepting delivery implies acceptance. ^{[51] [120]}
• Documentation: Note any damage or discrepancies on the delivery paperwork before signing, and photograph anything you want to document. ^[51]
• Refusal rights and fees: While you have the right to refuse a container that does not meet the grade you ordered, be aware that if a delivery fails or is refused due to site conditions, lack of space, or a truck getting stuck, you are generally responsible for dry run fees, return delivery costs, and any wrecker/towing fees. ^{[20] [120] [126]}