Shipping Container Delivery & Placement Guide

Nano Containers LLC delivers to all 50 states using professional tilt-bed (roll-off) trucks. This page covers everything you need to know to prepare your site, understand the delivery process, and get your container placed correctly the first time.

How Container Delivery Works

All containers are delivered on a tilt-bed truck (also called a roll-off or sliding axle trailer). The truck backs up to your chosen spot, tilts the bed, and slides the container off onto the ground — no crane required. This method works for the vast majority of residential, commercial, farm, and construction site deliveries.

• Driver backs truck to the placement area and positions for the drop
• The trailer bed tilts and the container slides off under its own weight
• Driver adjusts placement as needed within a few feet
• Entire drop takes approximately 15–30 minutes

Site Requirements — What You Need to Prepare

Ground Conditions

• Level surface: The ground must be reasonably flat. Containers placed on uneven ground may have doors that are difficult to open and close.
• Firm ground: Gravel, concrete, asphalt, or well-compacted soil all work well. Soft, muddy, or waterlogged ground can cause the truck to get stuck and the container to sink over time.
• Weight capacity: A loaded tilt-bed truck can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Ensure any driveway, bridge, or surface the truck crosses can handle this load.

Access & Clearance

• Run-up length: The truck needs at least 60ft of straight, clear run-up behind the container placement spot to tilt and slide the container off safely. For a 40ft container, allow 80–100ft of total clearance.
• Width: The truck is approximately 8–9ft wide. Gates, driveways, and access roads must be at least 10ft wide to allow safe passage.
• Overhead clearance: Check for low power lines, tree branches, or overhangs along the delivery route and at the drop site. Minimum 14ft of vertical clearance is required.
• Turning radius: Tilt-bed trucks are long vehicles. Tight turns, sharp bends, or narrow lanes may prevent access. If in doubt, contact us before ordering and we can advise on your specific site.

Permits & Zoning

• Many municipalities allow temporary container placement without a permit
• Permanent placement, use as a dwelling, or placement in a front yard often requires a permit
• Some HOAs restrict container storage — check your HOA rules before ordering
• We can provide a Certificate of Origin and spec sheet if required for your permit application

Best Foundations for Your Container

Containers are designed to be supported at their four corner castings. Placing them on a proper foundation prevents sinking, keeps the floor dry, and makes the doors easier to operate. Here are the most common options:

• Railway sleepers (railroad ties): The most popular and cost-effective option. Place two or three sleepers perpendicular to the container at each end and in the middle for 40ft units. Keeps the container off the ground and allows air circulation under the floor.
• Concrete blocks or piers: Solid concrete blocks (typically 4″x8″x16″) placed at the four corners provide excellent support. Use a level to ensure they are at equal height before the container arrives.
• Concrete pad or slab: The most permanent and stable option. A 4″ reinforced concrete slab is ideal for long-term placement and heavy use.
• Gravel pad: A compacted gravel pad (4–6″ deep) improves drainage and provides a stable surface. Suitable for most storage applications.
• Bare compacted soil: Acceptable for short-term placement on firm ground. Not recommended long-term as the container may settle unevenly over time.

Delivery Timeline

• Standard containers (in stock): 3–10 business days from confirmed payment, depending on your location and distance from the nearest depot
• Modified or custom containers: 2–4 weeks depending on the scope of modifications required
• Remote or rural locations: May require an additional 1–3 business days

Once your order is confirmed, our logistics team will contact you to schedule delivery and give you a delivery window. We will keep you updated throughout the process and confirm the day before delivery.

On Delivery Day — What to Expect

• The driver will call ahead to confirm arrival time
• Make sure the delivery area is clear of vehicles, equipment, and obstructions
• You or a representative should be on site to direct placement
• Inspect the container upon delivery — check for any damage before signing off
• The driver will need a signature confirming delivery and condition

Tips for Long-Term Container Placement

• Ventilation: If storing goods that are sensitive to condensation, consider adding roof vents or keeping a small gap at the door to allow air circulation
• Security: Add a lock box over the door handles — a lock box prevents access to the padlock itself and is far more secure than a padlock alone
• Pest prevention: Inspect door seals on arrival and replace any that are worn. Containers are rodent-resistant when seals are intact.
• Condensation: Steel containers can experience condensation (“container rain”) in humid climates. Anti-condensation paint, desiccant bags, or insulation all help manage this.
• Orientation: Where possible, position doors away from prevailing wind and rain to reduce weathering of door seals and hardware

Delivery Service Area

We deliver to all 50 states. Our tilt-bed delivery network covers the entire contiguous United States, with extended service available to Alaska and Hawaii via flat-rack freight. Delivery costs depend on your distance from the nearest container depot — contact us for a free delivered price quote to your exact zip code.

Can My Site Receive a Container?

If you are unsure whether your site can accommodate a tilt-bed delivery, call us at +1 (435) 229-9359 before ordering. Our team will ask a few quick questions about your access road, gate width, and placement area, and advise you on the best delivery method for your site. We have delivered to farms, construction sites, mountain properties, residential driveways, and tight urban lots — we will find a way to get your container placed.

Ready to Order?

Browse our full container inventory or call +1 (435) 229-9359 for a free quote including delivery to your location. Our team is available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.