Buy or Rent Your Container for Your Next Project

Why is preparation necessary?

• A poorly prepared site can lead to a few problems, such as:
• Container sinks – if this occurs, it will cause the container to twist and flex.
• Damage to hinges – when the doors catch or stick and do not open or close properly.
• Caught doors happen when the containers flex, and the doors support the container. This leads to a significant strain on their ability to close properly. In this case, you may be able to get them open but not closed, increasing security risks.
• Misaligned lockbox – this makes it challenging to lock the container securely, presenting a security risk for the goods.
• Key factors in preparing a delivery site
  

1. Is the site you have in mind well-suited for container delivery?

Regardless of what the container will be used for, whether a workshop, a long-term onsite storage solution, or packing up your home when moving, make sure you consider all the points discussed below.

2. Does it have sufficient space?

The first and foremost thing to consider is whether the area is spacious enough to accommodate a container. Remember that containers come in various sizes, including 8ft, 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft.

3. Access for trucks

If your delivery site is positioned behind other infrastructure, you may have trouble getting the container to your site. Due to recent advancements in technology, it is possible to have your container dropped into place by a crane, but this is a very expensive affair.

4. Is the ground in order?

It’s essential to look at the ground where the container will lay and begin by assessing whether it’s level. A level container ensures the doors are free to open and close.

Next, ensure the soil is firm and compacted to support the frame of the container. If your site is slanted or rough, you can add a layer of small stones or gravel to keep the container secure and stable.

When it comes to soil areas, it’s typically necessary to drive piles into the ground to find a rigid footing to build a foundation for your shipping container. You don’t want it to be moving around, and you don’t want it to sink below the surface.

5. Footings

A container can sit on level ground or be placed on footings to keep the container off the ground. You can use wooden beams, concrete slabs, or poured concrete foundations for the latter.

The most accessible and affordable option available is wooden beam footings. When using wooden beam footings, a gravel bed should be made underneath the wood to aid drainage, which is essential in keeping the beams dry and preventing premature rotting of the wood.

Concrete footings are ideal when the container is going to be located in the same place for a prolonged period of time. You can form up the concrete and have the container loaded onto the footings. It is also advisable to use rubber between the container and the concrete.

6. Topography and drainage

Topography refers to the shape of a piece of land, and drainage is how water flows through it. While quick access to a stream or pond may sound pleasant, you must note the potential for flooding and the maximum height the water could reach. Setting the container down on concrete blocks may be worth the investment, as this will keep it at a higher elevation, free of moisture, and well-ventilated.

7. Weather conditions

It’s best to deliver your container on a day free of rain. Installing your container onto wet earth could lead to misalignment and sinkage. You may need to secure your shipping container to the ground, but in the majority of circumstances, the natural weight of the container will hold it firmly in place.

Whether you have decided to rent or buy your shipping container, before it is delivered to your location, you must consider the points above to ensure it sits securely for the duration of its stay.