Address: Victoria 3064, Australia
Tel: +61 42012 9435
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634 651 031
ABN: 24 634 651 031
Preparing for Shipping Container Delivery
A successful shipping container delivery starts well before the truck reaches your property. The container must suit the available space, the delivery vehicle must be able to reach the unloading point, and the ground must be prepared to support the unit safely.
These considerations apply whether you are buying a 20ft storage container for a residential property, a 40ft container for a construction site or a specialised container building.
Good preparation helps avoid delays, unexpected equipment requirements and additional delivery charges.
12 m
Illustrative straight-line working space
for some 20ft tilt-tray deliveries.
24 m
Illustrative straight-line working space
for some 40ft deliveries.
4.5 m
Preliminary overhead-clearance reference,
not a guaranteed truck requirement.
Delivery access:
These figures are examples from the supplied
guide, not fixed requirements for Palliat
deliveries. Truck dimensions, turning space,
overhead clearance and unloading distance
vary by transport operator and equipment.
Confirm the requirements for your particular
delivery before preparing the site.
7 Steps to Prepare Your Site
01
Clear and Level the Ground
Remove debris, vegetation and any objects that may obstruct the container's final position. Check that the ground is firm, stable and suitably level.
Avoid positioning the container directly on soft soil where it may settle unevenly after rain. The finished supports should keep the container properly aligned and provide drainage beneath it.
02
Confirm Access for the Delivery Truck
Check gates, driveways, turning areas, overhead obstacles and the unloading location. Measure the narrowest part of the access route, not just the final installation area.
A tilt-tray vehicle requires space to position and unload the container. Sloping ground, trees, powerlines and soft verges can affect the unloading plan.
03
Discuss Alternative Unloading Methods
If a tilt-tray truck cannot reach the desired location, a crane or suitably equipped Hiab vehicle may be considered. The feasibility and additional cost must be confirmed in advance.
A flat pack container may also be worth considering where restricted access prevents a conventional shipping container delivery.
04
Prepare Appropriate Container Supports
Shipping containers are designed to transfer loads through their corner structures, but the support arrangement must suit the specific unit, ground conditions and intended loading.
Concrete pads, engineered footings, sleepers or a suitable slab may be appropriate. Confirm support requirements before delivery, particularly for loaded, modified or regularly occupied containers.
05
Check Council and Building Requirements
Find out whether placing the container on the property requires planning or building approval. Rules can depend on the local council, zoning, placement duration and intended use.
Review our Shipping Container Council Approval Guide and seek confirmation from the relevant authority before proceeding.
06
Plan the Door Orientation
Decide which direction the doors should face before unloading. Check whether both doors can open properly and whether there is enough room to load or unload furniture, tools and equipment.
Also consider drainage, nearby buildings, fences and future access requirements. Repositioning a container later can require specialist lifting equipment.
07
Arrange for Someone to Be on Site
Have an authorised person available to confirm the intended position and orientation when the driver arrives.
Keep the unloading area clear of people and vehicles, and follow the driver's safety instructions. Do not enter the lifting or exclusion zone.
How Much Space Does a Container Delivery Truck Need?
Tilt-tray delivery involves moving a container from the vehicle bed onto the prepared site. The process requires enough room for the truck, the container and the unloading movement.
The reference guide uses approximately twice the container's length as an initial straight-line allowance, but this is only a planning estimate.
Scroll horizontally to see the full comparison.
| Container Size | Approx. External Length | Illustrative Straight-Line Space | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | 3.0 m | Operator confirmation required | Truck configuration and placement method |
| 20ft | 6.06 m | Approximately 12 m | Truck clearance, unloading position and terrain |
| 30ft | 9.13 m | Operator confirmation required | Specialised equipment may be necessary |
| 40ft | 12.19 m | Approximately 24 m | Longer vehicle, larger turning and unloading area |
Check Width and Height as Well as Length
The supplied reference also suggests approximately 3.5 m of clear width and 4.5 m of overhead clearance. These are useful early screening figures, but the actual requirements depend on the selected vehicle and its operating envelope.
- Gate width: Measure between posts and allow for mirrors, steering and turning movement.
- Overhead obstructions: Identify trees, verandas, cables, building projections and powerlines.
- Driveway gradient: Steep transitions can prevent safe access or unloading.
- Ground bearing: Confirm the driveway and unloading area can safely support the vehicle.
- Turning area: Consider the full route, including corners, access roads and reversing.
Powerline safety:
Do not estimate safe electrical clearances
yourself. Overhead powerlines can make a
proposed unloading method unsafe.
The transport operator must assess
the risks and required exclusion distances.
Container Delivery and Unloading Methods
The most appropriate delivery method depends on vehicle access, site conditions, container dimensions and the desired placement.
Tilt-Tray Delivery
A tilt tray is often suitable where the truck can approach the installation point and has sufficient space to slide the container into position.
It can be a practical method for open yards, accessible commercial sites and residential properties with suitable driveways.
Hiab or Crane Placement
A crane or Hiab-equipped truck may be considered where an obstacle prevents direct tilt-tray placement.
Lifting capacity, reach, ground stability and the presence of overhead obstructions must be assessed. These arrangements may involve extra equipment and costs.
Flat Pack Container Delivery
Flat pack storage containers arrive in separate components and are assembled on site, making them an alternative for some locations with narrow access.
They differ from conventional ISO freight containers in construction and intended use. Check the specifications and assembly requirements before ordering.
Explore flat pack containers and container chassis and trailers where relevant to your requirements.
What Should a Shipping Container Sit On?
A container should be placed on a stable and suitably level support system. Poor support can cause uneven settlement, racking, drainage problems and difficulty opening or closing the doors.
Support requirements depend on whether the container is empty or loaded, its structural condition, any modifications and the bearing capacity of the ground.
Concrete Pads or Footings
Can provide durable individual support points when correctly designed for the unit and site conditions.
Timber Sleepers
May be suitable for some temporary storage installations where the timber and ground provide adequate support.
Compacted Gravel Base
Can improve drainage and provide a cleaner working area, often used together with defined bearing supports.
Concrete Slab
May suit permanent installations, modified container buildings or sites requiring engineered foundations.
Why Levelling Matters
Container door frames can become difficult to operate if the unit twists because of uneven support. Check the level and alignment after placement, without entering the unloading area before the driver confirms it is safe.
Is a Full Concrete Slab Always Necessary?
Not necessarily. Some storage containers can be supported at suitable corner locations without a full slab. However, this should not be assumed for heavy loads, modified containers, occupied buildings or weak ground.
Structural note:
The source describes four corner bearing
points as a common arrangement, but that
is not an engineering design for every
installation. Obtain qualified advice
where ground conditions, loading or
building use require it.
Plan the Container's Final Position
Before delivery, mark out where the container should sit and decide which way the doors should face.
- Door orientation: Ensure the doors open into a clear working area.
- Water drainage: Avoid positioning the container where stormwater collects.
- Boundary distances: Check setbacks required under local planning controls.
- Future access: Leave enough room for loading, maintenance and any planned changes.
- Ventilation: Maintain suitable clearance around the unit to help manage trapped moisture.
- Surface alignment: Check that the supports are arranged at the correct locations.
If exact dimensions matter, use our Shipping Container Dimensions & Sizes Guide to check the available footprint.
Check Council Approval Before Delivery
Shipping containers may be subject to planning and building requirements depending on the property location, zoning, container dimensions and intended use.
A container used for temporary non-habitable storage may be assessed differently from a permanent office, workshop or residence.
Before installation, confirm whether planning permission, a building permit, engineering documentation or other approvals are required.
Read our Shipping Container Council Approval in Australia Guide and obtain advice from the relevant local authority.
Shipping Container Delivery Checklist
Use this checklist before your scheduled delivery to identify anything that still needs attention.
Before the Truck Arrives
Tick each item as you complete it. The selections stay on the page until you refresh or leave it.
Before delivery:
If your site has a narrow entry,
steep driveway, powerlines, soft
ground or restricted unloading space,
discuss it with the delivery
coordinator ahead of time.
What Happens on Delivery Day?
The delivery process depends on the agreed transport and unloading method. For conventional tilt-tray unloading, the driver must position the truck and complete the placement safely.
Before Unloading
The driver may reassess the approach, ground conditions, nearby obstructions and final container position. If conditions are unsafe or different from those previously described, the delivery method may need to change.
During Placement
Stay outside the driver's designated safety area. Do not attempt to guide, lift, push or reposition the container yourself while it is being unloaded.
After Placement
Once the driver confirms it is safe, check the container position, door orientation and visible condition. Report any placement concerns before the vehicle leaves, where it is safe to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a shipping container need a concrete slab?
Not always. Some storage containers may be supported on suitable pads or engineered bearing points. The correct arrangement depends on site conditions, loading, modifications and any building requirements.
How much clearance does a tilt-tray truck need?
The supplied guide suggests approximately 12 m of working space for some 20ft deliveries and 24 m for some 40ft deliveries, but these are only planning estimates. Confirm the exact clearance with the transport operator.
Can a shipping container be delivered over a fence?
It may be possible using suitable lifting equipment such as a crane or Hiab. Feasibility depends on lifting reach, load weight, ground conditions and overhead hazards. A specialist assessment is necessary.
Can a shipping container sit on gravel?
A compacted gravel base can improve drainage and provide a stable working surface, but the container may still require defined bearing supports. Ground strength and load distribution must be considered.
Can a container be delivered down a steep driveway?
It depends on the slope, transitions, road access and unloading method. Some steep driveways cannot safely accommodate a tilt-tray vehicle. Provide photographs and measurements for assessment before delivery.
Do I need council approval before placing a container?
Requirements depend on the location, zoning, intended use and installation. Check with the relevant authority before ordering. See our Council Approval Guide .
Should I be home when my container arrives?
It is advisable for an authorised person to be present to confirm the agreed placement location and orientation, while remaining outside the driver's unloading safety zone.
About This Delivery Guide
This page has been adapted for Palliat Pty Containers from the supplied shipping container site-preparation article, which covers ground conditions, tilt-tray access, alternative unloading, container supports, placement and delivery-day coordination.
The original article did not include an external technical source bibliography. Its suggested truck-clearance distances are therefore presented here only as preliminary guidance, not as verified industry-wide standards.
Specific delivery requirements must be confirmed with the appointed transport operator. Local planning requirements must be confirmed with the relevant authority.
Safety notice:
This guide is general preparation
information, not a vehicle-access,
lifting, structural or geotechnical
assessment. Follow the transport
operator's instructions and obtain
qualified professional advice
when site conditions require it.