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shipping container delivery
How We GetYour Container to You, Fast & Safe
container delivery timeline
🚚 How Our Delivery Process Works – Start to Finish
Every container needs a plan — and we’ve refined our delivery logistics over 15+ years to ensure you get on-time, damage-free, and cost-effective transportation across all 48 contiguous U.S. states.
🔹 1. Delivery Quote Calculation – What Determines Cost?
Your container delivery cost isn’t one-size-fits-all. We calculate based on three key factors:
| Factor | How It Affects Delivery |
|---|---|
| Distance (Miles) | The farther your location from our nearest depot, the higher the cost. Rates typically range from $2.50–$4.00 per loaded mile. |
| Container Size & Weight | Larger or heavier containers (e.g., 40ft High Cubes, ISO tanks) may require specialized handling. Heavier loads impact fuel use and transport regulations. |
| Site Access & Equipment Needs | Tight access? Uneven terrain? If a standard tilt-bed won’t work, we arrange crane-assisted or flatbed delivery, which adds to the cost. |
🔹 2. Delivery Methods – How We Transport Your Container
We tailor our delivery method based on container type, site conditions, and your preference.
| Method | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt-Bed (Rollback) | Truck arrives, bed tilts, and container slides off into place. | Most standard 20ft or 40ft deliveries on level ground. |
| Flatbed Truck | Container arrives on flatbed; you provide equipment (e.g., forklift, crane) for unloading. | Sites with equipment access or bulk deliveries of multiple units. |
| Crane-Assisted Delivery | Truck comes with crane to lift and place container in tight/uneven spots. | Limited access areas, urban sites, or specific placement needs. |
Pro Tip: Tilt-bed deliveries require minimum 60-100 ft of straight clearance.
🔹 3. Delivery Timeline – When Can You Expect It?
Your schedule matters — and that’s why we treat delivery timing as seriously as you do.
From the moment your payment is confirmed, the clock starts ticking. Our logistics network is set up to move your container fast, safely, and predictably, based on your location, container type, and accessibility.
🕒 Standard Delivery Timeframe: 5–10 Business Days
In most cases, containers are delivered within 5 to 10 business days after full payment confirmation.
How we achieve this:
- Immediate dispatch to the nearest available depot to reserve your unit.
- Same-day handoff to the appropriate logistics partner.
- Pre-arranged dispatch scheduling based on your zip code, road access, and required equipment (tilt-bed, flatbed, crane).
📍 Example:
Ordering a 20ft used container for a site in Atlanta, GA?
Expect delivery typically between Day 6 and Day 9, depending on driver scheduling and weather conditions.
Variables that may extend standard delivery:
- Remote or hard-to-access locations
- Unusual container types (e.g., ISO tanks requiring special handling)
- Severe weather or road restrictions
- Seasonal freight surges (e.g., during agricultural harvest seasons)
We’ll always communicate proactively if any delay beyond the standard window is anticipated.
Need it faster? We offer priority handling in select regions.
When you request expedited service:
- Your order is prioritized in our queue.
- We tap into our express fleet and priority logistics partners who specialize in accelerated shipping.
- A dedicated dispatcher is assigned to your order for real-time tracking.
📍 Example:
Need a one-trip 40ft high cube delivered to Dallas, TX?
Expedited service could have it on-site within 48–96 hours after payment clearance — subject to truck availability and weather.
Expedited Delivery Notes:
- Additional premium applies (quoted case-by-case based on urgency + region).
- Not available in all extremely remote areas.
- Requires payment confirmation before 12 PM local depot time for same-day dispatch.
Once your delivery is scheduled:
- You will receive a 48-hour advance notice confirming:
- Delivery day
- Estimated 2–4 hour arrival window
- Driver name and contact number
- On delivery day, the driver will call you approximately 30–60 minutes prior to arrival to finalize access instructions and placement preferences.
If delays occur en route (e.g., traffic incidents), you’ll be informed immediately so you can adjust site access as needed.
Why This Matters:
- Reduces site downtime (no guessing when to have personnel ready).
- Ensures your site is prepped (especially critical for crane-assisted or tight site deliveries).
- Enhances communication between you and your driver for real-time coordination.
🧠 Summary of Timelines:
| Service Type | Typical Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Delivery | 5–10 business days | Most orders |
| Expedited Delivery | 2–4 business days | Premium, limited by location |
| Scheduling Window | Confirmed 48 hrs in advance | Driver contact provided |
🚀 Our Delivery Promise:
- 99.6% On-Time Delivery Rate (2023–2024 internal logistics data).
- Real-time updates from dispatch to arrival.
- No ghosting, no guessing — full transparency from quote to container drop.
📦 Ready to Book Your Delivery?
Your container is one decision away from being scheduled — and we make the journey from depot to site clear, predictable, and worry-free.
🔹 4. Preparing for Delivery – What You Need to Know
A successful container delivery isn’t just about having a truck show up — it’s about making sure your site is truly ready to receive the container without delays, extra charges, or safety issues. Proper preparation saves time, prevents damage, and ensures your container is placed exactly where you need it on the first attempt.
Here’s what to consider before your delivery arrives:
🛠️ Site Requirements – What We Need to Deliver Safely
Your drop-off site should meet the following conditions for a smooth and secure delivery:
Containers are heavy (a 40ft can weigh 8,000+ lbs empty), and stability is critical during drop-off.
- Ideal surfaces: compacted gravel, concrete, asphalt, or solid dirt
- Avoid: soft soil, wet grass, mud, or areas that have drainage issues
- Not level = not deliverable: A sloped or uneven surface may cause the container to tip or sit unevenly, risking door alignment or load shift.
Tip: If you're unsure about your ground conditions, send us a photo before delivery — we’ll help assess it.
The delivery truck (especially a tilt-bed rollback) needs a clear, straight route to your intended container site.
- No low-hanging branches, overhead wires, or power lines within 15 feet of clearance height
- Avoid tight turns, narrow gates, or steep inclines
- Width clearance: minimum 10–12 ft
- Height clearance: minimum 14 ft
- Make sure roads or driveways leading to the site are solid enough to support a combined vehicle/container weight of up to 35,000 lbs
If your location is tight or remote, we may recommend a flatbed delivery with crane-assisted placement.
For tilt-bed and flatbed trucks, we need a clear straight stretch to place the container.
- 20ft container: Requires 60 feet of straight-line clearance
- 40ft container: Requires 100 feet of straight-line clearance
This includes space for:
- The length of the truck (often 40–50ft)
- The container itself
- Additional room for safe tilt and offloading
Blocked access or inadequate space can result in failed delivery attempts and re-delivery charges.
🌧️ Weather Considerations – Safety First
We work through weather, but not at the expense of safety, equipment, or your site conditions.
- Heavy rain, snow, or ice can cause soft ground, stuck trucks, or tipping hazards during tilt-bed deliveries
- Frozen ground can delay placements, especially in rural or unpaved areas
- Wind speeds over 25 mph may require rescheduling for crane-assisted delivery or high-cube units
If unsafe conditions arise, we will:
- Contact you immediately
- Reschedule at no penalty if conditions are beyond your control
- Recommend proactive site reinforcement if weather risk is anticipated
We’ll never risk your property or our drivers — safety is a top priority.
📸 Site Review & Guidance Available
Not sure if your location qualifies?
- Send us photos or video walkthroughs of your site
- We’ll help assess suitability and suggest options
- If needed, we can coordinate pre-delivery site inspections (available in select regions)
🧾 What to Expect If the Site Is Not Ready
If the delivery crew arrives and the site:
- Lacks clearance
- Is unsafe due to weather or ground condition
- Cannot be accessed with available equipment
We may:
- Attempt an alternate placement on your property (if feasible)
- Return the container to depot
- Charge a return/re-delivery fee (quoted transparently in your invoice)
That’s why it’s always best to communicate concerns early — we’re here to help, not surprise you.
✅ Final Prep Checklist Before Delivery:
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Ground is level & compacted (gravel, dirt, or concrete) | ☐ |
| Path is clear of trees, branches, wires | ☐ |
| Truck can access 60–100ft straight-line to placement site | ☐ |
| Any gate or drive is wide enough (12ft+) and solid | ☐ |
| Contact person is available by phone on delivery day | ☐ |
📞 Questions? Concerns? We’re Here Before Delivery Arrives.
We’ve delivered over 6,000 containers across 48 states — and we’ve seen it all. If you’re not sure whether your site will work, or you want to prep better, just reach out.
🔹 5. What Happens on Delivery Day?
When delivery day arrives, we make sure there are no surprises, no confusion, and no stress. Here’s how the process unfolds — step by step:
You’ll receive a direct call or text from the assigned driver or dispatch team approximately 24 to 48 hours in advance. This contact includes:
- Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
- Driver’s Name and Contact Info
- Final confirmation of site address and drop point instructions
Why this matters: It allows you to finalize site prep, clear the access path, and make sure someone is on-site (if required).
When the truck arrives, the driver will:
- Perform a brief visual inspection of the access path and drop location
- Confirm clearance for overhead lines, tree limbs, gate width, terrain slope, or obstacles
- Determine whether the delivery method matches the site condition (e.g., if tilt-bed is unsafe, driver will notify dispatch)
Important: If the site is not ready (e.g., soft ground, blocked access), delivery may be rescheduled — delivery charges may still apply depending on the situation.
Once the driver confirms the drop zone is secure:
- For tilt-bed deliveries, the truck will back into position, tilt the bed, and slowly lower the container onto your prepared surface.
- For flatbed deliveries, your on-site equipment (e.g. crane or forklift) is used to unload the container under the driver's supervision.
- For crane-assisted deliveries, the container is lifted vertically and precisely placed, even in tight or elevated locations.
Placement will be done according to prior discussion — whether facing doors a certain way, backing into a specific corner, or aligning with a foundation pad.
Before the driver departs, you (or your authorized receiver) will:
- Inspect the container exterior and interior
- Check for damage, correct size/type, and agreed-upon condition
- Confirm container matches your order
- E.g., if you ordered a 40ft high cube, confirm that’s what arrived
- Sign off on delivery paperwork or digital confirmation
If there are any discrepancies, you can contact our support team immediately from the site — we’ll verify and resolve on the spot or escalate if needed.
🚩 Delivery Day Do’s & Don’ts Summary
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Ensure site is flat, firm, and accessible | Wait until the truck arrives to clear the path |
| Be reachable by phone the day before and of delivery | Assume the driver will place without guidance |
| Double-check container type on arrival | Accept delivery if the unit is not what was quoted |
🧠 Why This Matters
A successful delivery isn’t just about dropping a box — it’s about:
- Safety (no damage to site or truck)
- Precision (correct placement)
- Accountability (container meets agreed specs)
We ensure the process is professional, coordinated, and fully documented — from dispatch to drop-off to inspection.
preparing for container delivery
🔹 6. Post-Delivery Support – We're Still Here
If anything isn’t right, call us immediately. Whether it’s repositioning advice or follow-up on modifications, our team is available.
🧾 Delivery Cost Example Breakdown
Here’s a typical delivery calculation for a 40ft container:
| Factor | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Distance: 200 miles @ $3.25/mile | $650 |
| Container Size: 40ft Standard | Included |
| Tilt-Bed Drop Off | $150 |
| Total Delivery Cost | $800 |
Note: Multi-container discounts & bulk delivery rates available.
📊 Why Our Delivery Works Better
- 99.6% On-Time Rate (2023–2024)
- Direct coordination with local logistics partners
- Real-time updates – no guessing when we’ll arrive
- Nationwide reach – rural or urban, we’ve delivered there