How to Take Site Photos

Ensuring the container is sited on hard standing and level ground is very important.

Uneven ground can lead to containers "racking out", which can cause issues with properly opening and closing the doors. Racking out occurs even if just one corner of the container isn't level, particularly if the contents of the container are then unevenly distributed; the container will twist slightly which places the doors out of alignment, making them difficult to close.

Pre-delivery preparation

Where you choose to place your shipping container is very important and we strongly recommend placing your container on ground which is both level and hard standing. An even, solid site is the ideal environment to position your shipping container on, as soft and un-even ground may cause the corners of the container to sink, and therefore 'rack out'. With all containers, we strongly recommend you do not place your container onto grass/soft ground as the containers are likely to sink. We understand, for some customers, siting containers in fields is the only option however please ensure the container is positioned on a full hard standing base if you do so, and remember that getting your container onto the field will be up to you, as our hauliers are unable to leave hard standing ground. Check out our container delivery page for more details.

Standard Shipping Containers

Standard Shipping Containers bear their weight entirely through the corners and so placing concrete slabs underneath the four corner posts, or using railway sleepers underneath the corners of your container, will typically prevent racking out and keep your container level and secure.

Modified Shipping Containers

Where you are having modifications made to your container e.g. personnel doors, S1 Side Doors, large apertures or windows etc., you will need to place supports underneath the bottom rails of your container. When installing such modifications the bottom rail can sometimes deflect slightly, particularly directly beneath the doors/windows/apertures, and so this additional support is crucial to ensure the container remains perfectly level and all features retain full functionality.

New Build Containers

If you have purchased a New Build Container, we recommend that you place your unit on a level hard standing platform supporting the entire base of the unit. This is because these containers are domestic units only and require full support to ensure they remain level.

Railway sleepers

Another solution is railway sleepers. These are laid on the floor underneath the corners, similar to concrete pads, to aid in levelling the container. We can provide sleepers if required - £180.00 plus VAT for a pair. These will be delivered with your container, and you can place them down prior to the haulier offloading your unit.

Post-delivery checks

When the container is delivered, before the haulier leaves site, an easy way to check the container is levelled properly is to full open and close all of the doors. If you're experiencing issues at this stage, the likelihood is that the container isn't 100% level. The haulier will stay on site for up to half an hour to ensure the container is fully level, and can lift the unit back up again while small corrections are made to make sure everything works. Pieces of flat timber can be inserted under the corners of the containers if you're experiencing issues to level the container out. We recommend you have a few pieces ready before the haulier arrives in case these are needed.

If You Have Any Questions

If you have any further questions about the delivery of your shipping container, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

Contact Details

Testimonials

As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.

But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.

Read All Testimonials Here!

"The overall experience of ordering and specifying the container was very good. The sales and transport staff kept me informed at all times."Cura-Terrae
11th February 2025
order - a 20ft DryBox Container

"Cory was very helpful, as was Hannah with the delivery details. The delivery driver also took time to ensure the container was in the correct position - very helpful!"Ben Halliday, 24-7 Electrical services
4th February 2025
order - a New 'Once-Used' 16ft Container

"Always great service from Containers Direct, especially from Cory. The delivery driver is very friendly and skilled at getting the containers in the tightest and most awkward positions."Susan Ryan, Highfields College
31st January 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container

"Everything from start to finish, first class!!!"Wentworth Garden Centre
21st January 2025
order - a New 'Once-Used' 20ft Container with S4 Roller Shutter Doors

"I am going to single out Hannah in transport as having an excellent phone manner and great communication skills. I messed up on the confirmed delivery date and she supported me with organising alternatives. Brilliant. Gary at D.Smith Specialist Transport was also first rate and very helpful on site. Great service and communications all round. By the way, the containers are spot on too. Thank you."Steve Millburn, FM Conway Ltd
17th January 2025
order - two 'Once-Used' 40ft Containers

"Excellent experience from start to finish."Arcadia Desiccant Technology Ltd
14th January 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container with S4 Roller Shutter Doors

Committed to Quality

We are ISOQAR Approved; certified to the ISO standard relating to Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our Company's commitment to quality. We are also members of MakeUK who champion and celebrate British manufacturing and manufacturers, and member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association; an international organisation representing the interests of Container Self-Storage Operators, Traders and Innovators.