April 15th, 2025 • Intermodal Containers
All You Need to Know About Transporting Your Container with Container Chiq
Shipping Container Delivery Guide: How It Works
So you’ve ordered your dream container from Container Chiq—awesome! Now you might be wondering, “How do I actually get this thing delivered?” This guide breaks down the shipping container delivery process so you know exactly what to expect. Let’s dive in!
What’s the Shipping Container Delivery Timeline
Your container transport timeline depends on a few key factors:
- Your location
- When payment is received
- Weather or road conditions
- Our delivery schedule
Generally, we’re about a week out from delivery once everything’s confirmed. Our Logistics team will contact you to schedule your date and time.
Tip: Please make sure your email and phone number are correct when ordering!
How Are Shipping Containers Delivered
Depending on the size of your container and your site access, we offer two main delivery options:
1. Roll-Off Delivery
The most popular option. The container arrives on a tilt-bed trailer. The back of the trailer lowers, and the container gently rolls off onto your property. Watch how easy a roll-off container delivery is!
2. Flatbed or Hotshot Delivery
Perfect for 20ft and 40ft shipping containers. The container arrives on a flatbed trailer. You’ll need to provide on-site unloading equipment like a crane or heavy-duty forklift.
Door Orientation: Where Will the Container Doors Face
When scheduling your delivery, tell us which direction you want the cargo doors to face. This is called door orientation.
Doors to Cab
Doors face the front of the truck. They’ll be the last part off the trailer. Best if you want the doors facing the back of your lot or away from the road.
Doors to Rear
Doors face the back of the truck. They’ll be the first thing off. Best if you want easy access to the doors right away.
What Time Will My Container Be Delivered
Our Transporters deliver Monday–Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. We’ll give you a 3-hour delivery window and call you 30 minutes before arrival.
Need a special time? Let us know—we’ll do our best to accommodate!
Shipping Container Delivery Requirements
20-Foot Container
- Vehicle: Tilt-bed or rollback truck
- Space Needed: At least 60 feet of straight, clear space
- Width Clearance: Minimum 10 feet
- Height Clearance: Minimum 14 feet
- Surface: Flat, firm ground (gravel, pavement, or compacted dirt)
40-Foot Container
- Vehicle: Tilt-bed or flatbed truck (with customer-provided equipment for unloading)
- Space Needed: At least 100 feet of clear space
- Width Clearance: Minimum 12 feet
- Height Clearance: Minimum 14+ feet
- Surface: Firm and level ground
Note: If you're in a remote or tight-access area, let us know in advance. We can make special arrangements if needed!
How to Prepare Your Site for Delivery
- Clear the space – Remove cars, branches, or low wires
- Measure carefully – Ensure the truck has enough room to maneuver
- Prep the ground – Flat, compact surfaces are best
- Check for access – No tight turns or blockages
- Be there (if possible) – Someone onsite can guide the driver
Would you rather talk it through? We would love to talk to you about the process and how to purchase.
What Will My Container Look Like Upon Delivery
- Delivered 20ft shipping container on gravel pad
- Roll-off container being delivered to residential site
- Flatbed container delivery with forklift unloading
Got Questions? Let’s Talk!
If you’re not sure which delivery option is right for you or have a unique situation, our team is always here to help. We’ll walk you through the process and make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
Container Chiq – Chic Containers. Delivered Right.
