Site Access & Delivery Requirements
What your site needs before a container truck arrives — ground, access, clearance and permits.
A container delivery fails for one reason more than any other: the site was not ready. Work through this before your delivery date. If anything is uncertain, send us photographs and we will tell you whether it will work before a truck is booked.
Ground Conditions
- Firm and level — compacted gravel, concrete or asphalt
- Able to carry the unit’s weight without sinking; soft ground, fresh fill and saturated soil are the usual failures
- Level enough that the doors will open and close freely once the unit is down
- Consider timber or concrete bearers under the corner castings to keep the unit off wet ground
Vehicle Access
- A tilt-tray needs roughly twice the container’s length of straight clearance behind the final position to slide the unit off
- Enough width and turning room for a rigid truck, or a semi-trailer for 40ft units
- A driveway or surface that will carry a loaded truck — not just the container
- Gates, bollards and low walls unlocked or removed in advance
Overhead Clearance
- No powerlines, phone lines, tree branches, awnings or verandah roofs over the placement path
- A crane truck (HIAB) needs substantially more overhead room than a tilt-tray
- If powerlines cross the site, tell us at quote stage — it changes the truck required
Permits and Approvals
Placement on or near a road reserve, nature strip or footpath generally requires a permit from your local council. Obtaining it is your responsibility. Planning approval may also apply for long-term placement on residential land — check with your council before ordering.
On the Day
- Someone should be on site who can direct placement
- Keep the area clear of vehicles, people and pets
- Inspect the unit before the driver leaves, where safe to do so, and note any visible damage at the time
If the Site Is Not Ready
If the driver arrives and the site is not accessible or not ready, a failed-delivery fee and a redelivery charge apply. This is avoidable in almost every case by sending us photographs first. See our Shipping & Delivery Policy.
Not sure your site will work?
Phone 0420 128 358 or email info@bordershippingcontainers.com.au
Border Shipping Containers Pty Ltd · ABN 52 634 127 950 · 150 Colemans Rd, Dandenong South VIC 3175