How Much Access Do You Need for Shipping Container Delivery?
One of the most common questions we get is: "Will you be able to get a container onto my property?"
Most of the time the answer is yes. But how we deliver it depends on the size of the container, the space you have, and what's overhead and underfoot. Here's what we look at, so you can check your site before you call.
The three ways we deliver
Tilt tray. The most common option. The truck reverses up to the spot, the tray tilts down, and the container slides off the back. It needs a straight run in, room behind the truck, and clear space overhead, because the container rises as the tray tilts.
Side loader. The side loader lifts the container off the truck and sets it down beside it. It's the better choice when there's room alongside the truck but not much in front or behind, and it's how we usually deliver 40ft containers.
Crane truck. When a truck can't get close enough, a crane truck can lift the container over fences, gardens or retaining walls and place it where it needs to go. We used one recently to set a 20ft Cargo Worthy container in a tight spot in Unanderra.
How much room you need
| Container | Usual delivery | Approx. space needed (width × length) |
|---|---|---|
| 8ft / 10ft | Tilt tray or crane truck | Ask us, smaller units are flexible |
| 20ft | Tilt tray | About 3m × 18m |
| 40ft | Side loader | About 3m × 20m |
These figures include room for the truck, not just the container. Every site is different, so treat them as a starting point.
Five things to check before delivery day
Width of the entry. Gates, driveways and side paths need to fit a truck, not just a container. Measure the narrowest point.
Overhead clearance. Look up. Power lines, tree branches, carports and eaves are the most common problems on residential jobs, especially for tilt tray delivery.
Ground conditions. Trucks are heavy. Soft lawn, wet ground after rain, steep slopes and fresh concrete can all stop a delivery. Let us know if the ground is soft or sloped.
Where the doors should face. We load the container so the doors end up where you want them. Decide before delivery day, because turning a container around afterwards isn't simple.
What it will sit on. A container should sit on firm, level ground, ideally raised slightly on timber sleepers or concrete supports. That keeps it level, keeps the doors working smoothly and reduces moisture underneath.
Not sure? Send us a photo
The quickest way to find out is to send us a few photos of the access: the street entry, the path in, and the spot where you want the container. Our team delivers across the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Highlands, Nowra and Goulburn every week, and we can usually tell from photos which truck suits your site. Free site inspections are also available within the Illawarra.
