How to Prepare for Shipping Container Delivery in Salt Lake City
Now that you have purchased a storage container in Salt Lake City, it’s time to get prepared for delivery of the unit. What can you expect? What should you do before the truck driver gets there? We can give you some tips on how to prepare to make your shipping unit delivery process fast and smooth. Check out these tips.
1: Choose Your Delivery Site in Salt Lake City
Consider where on your property you want the container placed. Think carefully about this, as the location you choose will become the spot where they set down the container. This will more than likely become its temporary or permanent location.
Consider these three aspects when selecting a spot in your yard or business site:
- How convenient is it?
- How accessible is it?
- Do you need a foundation?
Make sure the delivery site in Salt Lake City is suitable for your needs, with convenient access from anywhere on your property. Can the delivery driver maneuver the truck to that spot? Is there enough room to drop off the container? Keep in mind, the chosen delivery site must be two-times the length of your shipping unit — in a straight line.
In regards to the weight of your storage container, this will determine the need for a foundation. If you chose a 20ft container, for instance, this size weighs about two tons; if you chose a 40 footer, this size weighs between 3 ½ and nearly 4 1/2 tons. In this case, you’ll need to select a location that has a firm and level foundation so it can easily support not only the container but the five-ton storage unit delivery truck. Common foundations include cement, pavement, gravel, hard-packed dirt and hard grass.
One place you shouldn’t place your container: in low-lying areas with not enough drainage. This can lead to sinking in the future.
2: Prepare the Foundation or Ground for Shipping Container Delivery in Salt Lake City
Take a look at your proposed location. Does it feature a flat, firm surface? Your job is easy. You’ll just have to clear the area of branches and other debris. If not, you’ll have to level the area and do more of a clearing job.
If you don’t have pavement, cement, gravel or hard grass around, you can place your container on blocks of concrete or wood to give enough support, especially at each corner. If you don’t like that option, you could always use a chassis to lift it off the ground in an evenly distributed manner while enhancing the possibility of future mobility.
Next up, you have to clear a path to make way for the delivery truck. Clear away anything that could become an obstacle for the truck while it makes its way to the drop-off site. This will involve removing or relocating any overhanging materials (think: power lines and tree branches), and making sure no drains, water pipes or water mains are obstructing the route.
3: Figure Out Where the Doors Will Go
The shipping container company will inquire beforehand if you would like to have the doors facing the cab or facing the truck’s rear. Give this plenty of thought, because it’ll determine the direction of your container when it’s offloaded.
- Doors to cab: In this situation, the container will slide off the truck with the doors landing last on the ground. In other words, your container will be facing the direction of the truck when it drives away.
- Doors to rear: In this situation, the opposite is true, with the doors landing on the ground first, facing away from the delivery truck.
4: Coordinate Schedule
Expect a call from your storage container company prior to the scheduled delivery to confirm the timeline. From the date of purchase, you can expect delivery between three to five days.
However, unexpected delays could put this off. Always ask at the time of purchase. When delivery day comes, your assigned driver will give you a call when they’re on the way. This will result in a relatively quick, seamless and efficient process for your shipping container delivery in Salt Lake City and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Container Delivery
How much does it cost to deliver a container?
The cost to deliver a shipping container depends on how far it needs to go and the size of the container. Generally, for a local delivery, you might pay between $100 to $500. If the container needs to be transported a long distance, the cost could be higher, sometimes over $1,000. It’s a good idea to get a quote from the delivery company for the exact cost.
How much room needed to deliver a 20ft shipping container?
To deliver a 20ft shipping container, you’ll need a space that’s at least twice the length of the container for the delivery truck to maneuver. So, you’re looking at needing around 40 to 60 feet of clear space in length. Plus, consider the width – you’ll need about 12 feet of space to accommodate the width of the truck and the container.
Do shipping containers need to be off the ground?
It’s usually a good idea to keep shipping containers off the ground. Elevating them slightly can help prevent moisture from getting under the container, which can lead to rust over time. You can use concrete blocks, railroad ties, or a gravel pad to lift the container a few inches off the ground. This also helps to keep it level, which is important, especially if you’re using it for storage or as a living space.
Contact DRY BOX in Salt Lake City
We can give you more detailed information on how to prepare for your specific storage container delivery in Salt Lake City when you contact us at 866-549-9823. We can also give you a free quote while we’re at it!
