CONTAINER DELIVERY GUIDE
Prepare your South African site before delivery.
The container, route, vehicle and final placement must work together. Accurate access information protects the quotation and reduces delays on delivery day.
The information your transporter needs
A street address is not enough. A delivery assessment should cover the complete route from the public road to the placement point, including entrance width, corners, gradients, overhead restrictions, ground strength and space to deploy lifting equipment.
- 01Send the exact address and a dropped map pin
- 02Measure the narrowest gate and access road
- 03Confirm turning and reversing space for a heavy vehicle
- 04Photograph slopes, soft ground, trees, walls and overhead cables
- 05Mark the final container position and required door direction
- 06Prepare a firm, level and well-drained support area
- 07Confirm whether a crane truck, side-loader or separate crane is required
- 08Keep people and vehicles clear during off-loading
Crane truck
A crane truck lifts the container from the vehicle and can offer useful placement reach. Capacity decreases as reach increases, so wall height, obstacles, container weight and placement distance must be assessed.
Side-loader
A side-loader places the container beside the truck and is efficient where the surface is firm and level. It requires appropriate side clearance and positioning space.
Flatbed plus crane
Large or complex placements may use separate transport and lifting equipment. Coordination, permits, ground conditions and lifting plans can materially affect cost.
Foundation and drainage
A container should remain level and supported so doors operate correctly and the structure is not twisted. Water must drain away from the underside. The correct solution depends on the ground and intended use; permanent occupied conversions may require engineered foundations and approvals.
Ask the transporter to approve the access details and placement plan. A failed delivery attempt can create additional transport, standing-time and lifting charges.
DELIVERY QUESTIONS
Frequently asked.
Is shipping-container delivery included in the container price?
Not unless the written quotation specifically includes it. Distance, origin depot, truck type, off-loading method and site conditions affect the delivery charge.
What foundation does a container need?
A firm, level, well-drained support arrangement is required. The appropriate foundation depends on soil, container size, loading, duration and local requirements, so professional site advice may be necessary.
How much delivery access is required?
It depends on the vehicle and off-loading method. Provide gate width, road width, turning space, overhead clearance, ground condition and the intended placement point before transport is booked.