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How to Prepare Your Site for Container Delivery in Pennsylvania
Oct
Buying a shipping container is easy, but getting it delivered safely takes a little planning.
Whether you’re in Dunmore, Philadelphia, or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, preparing your site before delivery ensures your container arrives quickly and safely without costly surprises.
At Titan Container Supply, we deliver containers every day across the state, and our team has learned exactly what works best.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before your container reaches your property.
1. Check Ground Conditions
Before your container arrives, make sure the ground where it will sit is level, solid, and dry.
The best surfaces are concrete, asphalt, or compact gravel.
Soft or uneven ground can cause the container to lean or doors to jam over time.
If your site is on grass or dirt, consider placing concrete blocks or railroad ties under each corner for stability.
2. Measure Your Space
A 20ft shipping container needs about 60 feet of straight clearance, while a 40ft container requires at least 100 feet of open space for delivery.
This gives the truck room to tilt and unload safely.
Make sure there are no low branches, overhead wires, or tight turns leading to your site.
If you’re unsure, our delivery team can review site photos before dispatch.
Get help from our Get a Quote page. You can attach a quick photo of your site for review.
3. Choose the Right Delivery Method
We use different trucks depending on access and terrain:
- Tilt-Bed Truck: Best for open lots and straightforward drop-offs
- Hiab Truck (Crane Arm): Ideal when containers need to be placed behind walls or fences
- Flatbed Truck: Used for bulk or long-distance transport
If your site has limited space, mention it when requesting your quote so we can assign the right vehicle.
Check out our Shipping Policy for more details.
4. Plan for Offloading
If you request offloading service, our team handles the full placement.
If you’re arranging your own, make sure equipment like a crane or forklift is rated for at least 10,000 lbs for a 20ft container or 17,000 lbs for a 40ft container.
Safety should always come first. A stable base and experienced operators prevent damage to both the container and your property.
5. Clear Access Routes
Inspect your entrance route before delivery day.
Trucks are usually 8 to 10 feet wide and may need turning space on driveways or rural paths.
Remove any obstacles such as gates, debris, or parked vehicles.
If your access looks tight, send our team measurements or photos ahead of time.
We’ll confirm whether we can safely deliver or if a different drop-off plan is needed.
6. Be Present on Delivery Day
Having someone on-site helps the process go faster and ensures the container is placed exactly where you want it.
Our driver will coordinate with you to check the ground level, position, and door orientation before unloading.
You can also ask questions about locking, ventilation, or maintenance at that time.
7. After Delivery: Simple Maintenance Tips
Once your container is placed, keep it level and inspect it every few months.
Make sure:
- The base stays even and dry
- Drainage around the site is clear
- Doors and seals remain clean
These small steps extend the container’s lifespan and prevent moisture issues.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Good site prep protects your investment, avoids delivery delays, and ensures a smooth handover.
Our customers across Pennsylvania consistently get better results — and fewer surprises — when they follow these simple checks.
For fast, safe delivery across Dunmore, Scranton, Allentown, and Philadelphia, trust Titan Container Supply.
We make every delivery straightforward and stress-free.
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