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4 Things To Know Before Your Shipping Container Delivery

Written by Susan Nalevac | Updated September 11, 2024

Picking out the shipping container that fits your needs is only step one in the process. Much more goes into ensuring that the delivery process of these large containers goes smoothly.


Here are four things to know before your shipping container delivery:


  1. Discuss Your Ideal Set Up Before Delivery
  2. Do Site Preparation
  3. Weather Can Impact the Delivery Process
  4. You May Need A Permit

1. Discuss Your Ideal Set Up Before Delivery

In addition to giving your delivery driver accurate instructions on where to drop off your delivery, it’s important to gain a shared understanding of how the process works. Generating a complete plan with your delivery time ensures that the delivery goes smoothly.


If you intend to elevate your shipping container onto a platform or cinder blocks, discuss this plan beforehand with your shipping container company. Not every shipping container is suited to being elevated off of an entirely flat surface. Your team can work with you to understand and meet your needs.

2. Do Site Preparation First

Site preparation is a crucial aspect of the shipping container delivery process. It’s your responsibility to ensure drivers have access to the area and room to maneuver as needed. Shipping containers do best when they’re placed on a compact, level surface.


Most of your site preparation tasks involve clearing debris and preparing the ground below where the shipping container sits. Work with your delivery team to understand the entirety of site preparation expectations.

3. Weather Can Impact the Delivery Process

Be mindful of the weather at the time of your delivery. Prepare for potential delays. The goal is to ensure that your shipping container does its job correctly. Placing the container onto uneven soil loosened by rain or snow leads to problems. Wait until the ground or surface you intend to keep your shipping container on is dry before delivering.

4. You May Need a Permit To Have a Shipping Container

Among the most important things to know before your shipping container delivery is whether your area requires permits for shipping containers. Townships, counties, and business parks all have specific rules for the placement of shipping containers.


Temporary containers may not require a permit at all, while containers used as structures will likely require approval.

Fabrication & Delivery or Pick Up

At Container Management, we have several ISO and used shipping containers at our Chicago location, as well as a dedicated fabrication team ready to build out your desired modifications.


If you already have a delivery truck on hand, you’re welcome to visit and pick up your shipping container directly from our depot. We’ll gladly lift the container to help you load up the truck quickly and get your shipping container on location with as little hassle as possible.


Now that you know four things to know before your shipping container delivery, you’ll be more informed about the process.

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