A Guide to Cargo Container Delivery

So you're looking to learn about cargo container delivery? It's a complex process, but don't worry, I've got you covered.

Cargo containers are typically 20 or 40 feet long and can be loaded onto ships, trains, or trucks. They're designed to withstand the rigors of transportation and can be reused multiple times.

The weight capacity of a standard cargo container is around 40,000 pounds. That's a lot of stuff!

To prepare for delivery, containers are often sealed and secured with locks or tamper-evident tape. This ensures the contents remain safe and secure during transit.

A different take: Old Corrugated Containers

There are three shipping container delivery methods to consider. We offer tilt bed roll off, customer assist, and flatbed delivery methods to your property.

Our tilt bed roll off delivery method is a convenient option that allows containers to be delivered and picked up from the same location.

Customer assist delivery requires the customer to be present and assist the driver with the delivery process. The customer needs to be on site to receive the container.

Flatbed delivery is a more traditional method that uses a flatbed truck to transport the container.

You'll need to clear enough room for your container, so make sure to check the exact shipping container dimensions before delivery.

To prepare your property, consider having a relatively flat cleared area where the shipping container can be placed. You can also prepare a foundation, which can include asphalt, gravel base, grass or dirt, and railroad ties or pressure treated beams.

Before the delivery, make sure to decide which way you'll want the doors to face when unloaded. This will determine how your container is positioned on the delivery truck.

Entrances, exits, and pathways to the property and the specific delivery site must be cleared of debris and obstacles. Ensure there is enough space for the delivery driver to maneuver and unload your container at the site.

To save on delivery costs, consider renting or purchasing a shipping container that's located close to your home.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning ahead for shipping container delivery:

Delivery costs can be a significant expense for cargo container delivery. Typically, these costs range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the container's size and the distance it needs to travel.

Delivery costs may be influenced by the type of container used. For example, a 20-foot container may cost less to transport than a 40-foot container.

Financing options are available for those who need to cover the costs of delivery. Some shipping companies offer financing options for cargo container delivery, which can help spread the cost over several months.

Delivery costs can vary depending on your location and the delivery method.

The company I mentioned earlier includes delivery cost in the price you see for shipping containers, which is a unique approach in the industry.

Typically, there is no difference in the delivery cost for a 40ft or 20ft container, but a smaller trailer or tow truck may be required for sharp turns, which can add extra costs.

Delivery costs include a fixed cost, usually several hundred dollars, and a per-mile fee.

The total price of a container may not include the delivery fee, so it's essential to check the final cost before making a purchase.

The delivery distance, size of the storage container, type of delivery truck, and labor and offloading charges all impact the delivery cost.

Here's a breakdown of the factors that influence delivery costs:

At some container financing companies, the container delivery cost is included in the terms of the financing.

Container One offers shipping container financing options that include the container delivery price.

Standard containers are the most common type, measuring 20 or 40 feet in length and 8 feet in width.

They are suitable for shipping a variety of goods, from machinery to household items.

High-cube containers are 9 feet 6 inches tall, allowing for more vertical space and increased cargo capacity.

They're often used for shipping oversized or bulky items.

Refrigerated containers maintain a consistent temperature between 15°C and 30°C, making them ideal for shipping perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals.

They're equipped with insulation, ventilation, and refrigeration units to keep cargo at the right temperature.

Shipping containers can be transported by boat, making them a convenient option for areas near busy waterways. This method is commonly used for overseas shipping.

Ships and boats are ideal for transporting shipping container units due to their ability to navigate waterways.

However, it's essential to ensure that the container is watertight, as certain modifications can allow water to enter and cause internal damages. Check with your vendor to confirm the container's watertight status.

Moving a container in and out of ports will also require additional costs and logistical considerations.

Dimensions and sizes are crucial to understanding container types and sizes.

Standard shipping containers are 8 feet wide and 8 feet tall.

Lengths vary from 20 to 40 feet, with 40-foot containers being the most common.

The 20-foot container is the smallest standard size, but it's still a popular choice for many businesses.

In contrast, the 40-foot container offers more space for larger cargo.

The delivery process for cargo containers is a complex operation that requires careful planning and execution. Containers are typically delivered to a terminal, where they are inspected and prepared for loading onto a ship or train.

Once a container is loaded, it's assigned a unique identifier, known as a BOL, or Bill of Lading, which tracks its movement throughout the delivery process.

A typical container delivery involves a series of handoffs between different parties, including the shipper, freight forwarder, and carrier.

If this caught your attention, see: Order to Delivery Process

When planning for container delivery, it's essential to consider the availability of the container. You can get it delivered in less than two weeks if it's available.

The delivery time can vary depending on the company's schedule, but some companies offer faster delivery for an extra fee.

It's also crucial to specify the direction of the container doors in advance. This can be done by indicating which way you want the doors to face.

There are two ways of loading the container doors: towards the cab of the truck or away from the cab. If you have a specific requirement, make sure to note it in advance.

We carefully plan and coordinate each delivery to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for our customers.

Our team uses advanced technology to track packages in real-time, allowing us to stay on top of any issues that may arise.

Our delivery network spans the entire country, with a fleet of vehicles and a team of experienced drivers.

We work closely with our drivers to ensure they have the necessary tools and information to complete each delivery on time.

Our drivers are trained to handle a wide range of situations, from navigating through heavy traffic to dealing with unexpected weather conditions.

We continuously monitor and evaluate our delivery process to identify areas for improvement and implement changes as needed.

Our goal is to deliver packages to our customers as quickly and safely as possible, while also providing exceptional customer service.

Check this out: Just in Time Delivery

As a customer, it's essential to understand your responsibilities when it comes to cargo container delivery. You're responsible for inspecting the container before signing for it, and if you notice any damage, you must report it to the delivery team immediately.

Make sure to have a clear and safe area for the container to be delivered, as the delivery team needs a flat and stable surface to maneuver the container. This will help prevent any potential accidents or damage.

Be prepared to provide the necessary documentation, such as a valid ID and a signature, when the delivery team arrives. This is a standard procedure to ensure the container is delivered to the right person.

If you're not available to receive the container, make arrangements for someone to be present to sign for it. This will prevent any delays or issues with the delivery process.

Potential issues with cargo container delivery can arise, but knowing how to handle them can make all the difference. In the rare event that the driver concludes it's unsafe to deliver to your desired site, they'll deliver to the nearest alternative location.

If no alternative delivery location can be agreed upon, you might need to return the container to the depot. This will result in a refund of the purchase price minus a 10% re-stocking fee.

The re-stocking fee is a standard charge that covers the costs of returning the container to its original location. Any fees already incurred will also be deducted from your refund.

It's essential to carefully review the delivery terms and conditions to understand your responsibilities and any potential costs involved.

Tilt-bed trucks are a convenient option for delivering containers within a 200-mile radius, and can tip their bed at a certain angle to allow the cargo to slide off easily.

Tilt-bed trucks can deliver containers up to 45’ in length, but require 100-feet of straight-line clearance at the delivery site.

Flatbed trucks are ideal for delivering containers over several hundred miles, and can pull up to 45 feet of container, but they require the receiving company or purchaser to have access to a crane or heavy machinery to unload the storage unit.

Side-lifter trucks, on the other hand, have two cranes mounted at the front and rear that help move the container, and can deliver containers ranging from 20’ - 45’ in length, with a 42,000-pound load capacity.

Flatbed trailers are used for delivering 20ft and 40ft shipping containers, and the customer will need to provide a means to lift the container off the trailer, which could be a crane, forklift, or any other heavy equipment.

Tilt-bed trailers are separate from the truck pulling them, and can be used to support multiple 20 ft. containers or your longer 40 ft. and 45 ft. containers.

Before you schedule your shipping container delivery, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. You'll want to select a suitable delivery site, as containers usually get delivered right onto the ground. Containers have marine grade plywood floors screwed down into steel cross members, which sit up some due to the frame.

Clear the area of debris and obstacles, including entrances, exits, and pathways to the property and the specific delivery site. Ensure there is enough space for the delivery driver to maneuver and unload your container at the site. The driver doesn't level the container for you, so you'll need to be prepared to level and block it further if needed.

Here are some essential items to have on hand:

Be available on the day of delivery, and have someone on site to help move blocks or railroad ties if needed. This will ensure a smooth delivery process and help prevent any potential issues with the container's floors.

Communication with Site Personnel and Driver is crucial to a smooth delivery.

Be sure to give the driver appropriate security or site access prior to their arrival at the site. This means letting all necessary staff that work at the drop site notice of the delivery and arrival time as well.

You should also give the driver any necessary information about the site, such as who to contact in case of an issue or where to park the vehicle.

Giving the driver clear instructions and information will help prevent delays and ensure a successful delivery.

Before you schedule your shipping container delivery, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

You'll need to think about the size of the truck that will be delivering your container. Containers can be delivered with two different sizes of trucks.

The small truck is a tilt bed, roll back wrecker that can handle 20' containers or smaller. It requires 60' feet of space to offload and can deal with slight unevenness.

The big truck is a semi tractor hooked to a 43' delivery trailer, which can handle two 20' shipping containers at once, 40' shipping containers, and larger. It requires a flat surface and 130' of space to pull away.

You'll need to make sure the delivery area has a level, hard-packed surface with easy access. Off-road deliveries can be tricky and may not be worth the risk.

If your ground is wet, it's best to call ahead and postpone the delivery. Trust me, neither the driver nor the container service wants to get stuck.

Before your shipping container delivery, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First, make sure your property is accessible by truck and trailer, and there must be a relatively flat cleared area to place the shipping container.

You'll also want to decide which way you'll want the doors to face when unloaded, as this will determine how your container is positioned on the delivery truck. This is something you can specify at the time of the order, but it can be changed if need be.

Explore further: Delivery Truck with Liftgate

Clear the area of any debris and obstacles, including entrances, exits, and pathways to the property and the specific delivery site. Ensure there is enough space for the delivery driver to maneuver and unload your container at the site.

To ensure a smooth delivery process, be available on the day of delivery and be ready to guide the driver so the container can be delivered as close as possible to where you want it. If you're having the container set on railroad ties or blocks, make sure you have the necessary help on site to move them during delivery.

Here are some common types of foundations for shipping containers:

Renting or purchasing a shipping container that's located close to your home will result in the lowest delivery costs!

Before your cargo container is delivered, you'll want to make sure your property is ready for it. The ground must be level, smooth, and firm, so consider installing a concrete pad, paved road, or a sturdy surface. A clearance width of 14ft is required for the truck to maneuver, including gates, fences, or access roads.

You should also ensure the delivery site has a straight space of at least 120ft and a clearance height of 16ft. Access roads should be wide enough to accommodate necessary turns into the delivery site and should be clear of low-hanging wires, branches, fences, and other common obstructions.

If you're preparing a foundation, common types include asphalt, gravel base, grass or dirt, and railroad ties or pressure treated beams. Make sure to have the necessary help on site to move blocks or railroad ties during delivery, if you're using those.

Before your shipping container arrives, it's essential to check your property to ensure a smooth delivery process. Make sure the area where the truck will be driving and offloading the container is free of any obstacles that might damage the truck or prevent the container from being placed.

Low-hanging tree branches, rocks, debris, and other obstacles can cause problems, so take a close look around the delivery site. A clear path will make it easier for the delivery driver to maneuver the truck and unload the container.

You'll also want to ensure there's enough space for the truck to turn and park. A clearance width of 14ft is required, including any gates, fences, or access roads. Additionally, you'll need a 120ft line of straight space and a clearance height of 20ft while tilting.

Here's a quick checklist to ensure your property is ready for delivery:

By taking a few minutes to check your property, you can avoid any last-minute complications and ensure a successful delivery of your shipping container.

Inspecting Your Shipping Container is a crucial step in ensuring it's in good condition before you start using it. The container should be thoroughly inspected for any visible damage or signs of mishandling during transportation.

Check for dents, scratches, or structural issues that might have occurred during the journey. A simple checklist can help you identify any potential problems.

Here's a simple checklist to follow:

If you're buying a new "one-trip" or used "wind and watertight" container, it's guaranteed to comply with certain standards. Walls and roofs should not have any holes or leaks, doors should open and close properly, and floors should be intact and functional.