A little planning before delivery day makes a big difference. Here's what to know about access, working room, overhead clearance, ground conditions, placement and door orientation before your container arrives.
Straight-line working room for the truck and trailer.
Straight-line working room for the truck and trailer.
Approximate overhead clearance along the route.
The container arrives on a tilt-deck trailer pulled behind a pickup. The driver backs into position, tilts the trailer, and carefully unloads the container as the truck moves forward.
The driver backs the trailer into position at the placement spot.
The deck tilts, bringing the back of the container down to the ground.
The truck pulls forward and the container comes off onto the ground.
The trailer lowers and the truck pulls clear of the container.
The truck and trailer need enough room to approach, back into position, tilt the trailer, unload the container, and safely pull away.
We work around plenty of these every week. Knowing about them ahead of time is what lets us plan the approach instead of improvising in your driveway.
If anything on that list is in play, text us photos and we'll tell you how we'd handle it: (804) 822-4610
We need about 13.5 ft of overhead clearance along the delivery route. Check for tree limbs, power lines, utility cables, overhangs, carports and other overhead obstacles.
A loaded truck and trailer are heavy. Firm, reasonably level ground gives the driver the best opportunity to safely reach the placement area.
Simple test: if you wouldn't feel comfortable driving a heavy truck across it, talk with us before delivery day.
Ground that's accessible when dry may become difficult or unsafe after significant rain. If conditions change before delivery, get in touch and we'll work out the timing.
Decide this before delivery day. Door direction is set by the way the container is loaded at the yard, so once the truck arrives it's too late to turn them around. Think of it in terms of the truck: doors toward the truck, or doors toward the rear. Then tell us what the doors need to open onto — the driveway, your house, a barn or shop, equipment access, or another container.
Depending on the site, a container may be supported with railroad ties, wooden blocks or solid concrete blocks. Raising the container can help with airflow underneath and reduce moisture, humidity and condensation buildup. It may also be placed directly on suitable existing ground, but is not recommended.
Support and leveling are the customer's to arrange — we set the container down, we don't level it. It's worth doing well: a container sitting square keeps its cargo doors easy to operate. If the doors start binding, the base is usually the place to look.
Containers can often be placed directly on firm, level ground. Some customers choose railroad ties, heavy wooden blocks, or solid concrete supports to raise the container for added airflow and reduced ground contact. Gravel is optional, not required.
The best setup depends on the ground conditions, container use, and expected weight. For permanent installations, unusual site conditions, or heavy loads, consult a qualified contractor.
Not sure about your location? Send us a few photos, and we’ll help you prepare for delivery.
Common support locations shown for general reference only.
This information is provided as general guidance and is not engineering, construction, or site-specific foundation advice. Site preparation and the selection, placement, and maintenance of any foundation or supports are the property owner’s responsibility. Central Virginia Containers is not responsible for settling, shifting, instability, damage, or injury resulting from ground conditions or customer-provided site preparation and supports. Consult a qualified contractor or engineer if you are uncertain about your site.
Have a Plan A and a Plan B for placement. The driver walks the route first — if Plan A isn't safe to reach, we go with Plan B. That call is the driver's on the day.
We confirm the placement spot with you. Door direction was set when the container was loaded, so that part is already settled.
The trailer tilts and the container is carefully placed.
Before we leave, we’ll confirm that you’re happy with the placement and show you how to properly open, close, secure, and care for your container doors. We’ll also answer any questions so you feel comfortable using your container from day one.
Check these off before delivery day! 0 of 10 done.
Print the Delivery-Day ChecklistSend a few photos or video before delivery and we'll tell you what we think. The most helpful images and videos are the entrance from the road, the driveway or access route, any tight turns, the final placement spot, and anything overhead.
(804) 822-4610
Walk the site the morning of delivery and tick these off. Call us at (804) 822-4610 if anything looks tight.
Room for the truck. 70 ft of straight, level working room for a 20 ft container; about 120 ft for a 40 ft container, plus room to pull forward.
Overhead clearance. Roughly 13.5 ft clear above the placement spot and along the route — limbs, wires, eaves, gutters.
Firm, drained ground. Avoid saturated ground, mud, and recently disturbed soil. A loaded truck and trailer are heavy.
Door direction decided. Decide before delivery which way the cargo doors should face — door direction is set by how the container is loaded.
Supports on site. If you are using blocks, pavers or timbers, have them on site before we arrive (supplied by the customer).