Preparing the Ground for Your Container

Ensuring the container is sited on hard standing and level ground is very important.

Uneven ground can lead to containers "racking out", which can cause issues with properly opening and closing the doors. Racking out occurs even if just one corner of the container isn't level, particularly if the contents of the container are then unevenly distributed; the container will twist slightly which places the doors out of alignment, making them difficult to close.

Pre-delivery preparation

Where you choose to place your shipping container is very important and we strongly recommend placing your container on ground which is both level and hard standing. An even, solid site is the ideal environment to position your shipping container on, as soft and un-even ground may cause the corners of the container to sink, and therefore 'rack out'. With all containers, we strongly recommend you do not place your container onto grass/soft ground as the containers are likely to sink. We understand, for some customers, siting containers in fields is the only option however please ensure the container is positioned on a full hard standing base if you do so, and remember that getting your container onto the field will be up to you, as our hauliers are unable to leave hard standing ground. Check out our container delivery page for more details.

Standard Shipping Containers

Standard Shipping Containers bear their weight entirely through the corners and so placing concrete slabs underneath the four corner posts, or using railway sleepers underneath the corners of your container, will typically prevent racking out and keep your container level and secure.

Modified Shipping Containers

Where you are having modifications made to your container e.g. personnel doors, S1 Side Doors, large apertures or windows etc., you will need to place supports underneath the bottom rails of your container. When installing such modifications the bottom rail can sometimes deflect slightly, particularly directly beneath the doors/windows/apertures, and so this additional support is crucial to ensure the container remains perfectly level and all features retain full functionality.

New Build Containers

If you have purchased a New Build Container, we recommend that you place your unit on a level hard standing platform supporting the entire base of the unit. This is because these containers are domestic units only and require full support to ensure they remain level.

Railway sleepers

Another solution is railway sleepers. These are laid on the floor underneath the corners, similar to concrete pads, to aid in levelling the container. We can provide sleepers if required - £180.00 plus VAT for a pair. These will be delivered with your container, and you can place them down prior to the haulier offloading your unit.

Post-delivery checks

When the container is delivered, before the haulier leaves site, an easy way to check the container is levelled properly is to full open and close all of the doors. If you're experiencing issues at this stage, the likelihood is that the container isn't 100% level. The haulier will stay on site for up to half an hour to ensure the container is fully level, and can lift the unit back up again while small corrections are made to make sure everything works. Pieces of flat timber can be inserted under the corners of the containers if you're experiencing issues to level the container out. We recommend you have a few pieces ready before the haulier arrives in case these are needed.

If You Have Any Questions

If you have any further questions about the delivery of your shipping container, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

Contact Details

Testimonials

As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.

But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.

Read All Testimonials Here

"This is our 2nd container ordered from you guys. Cory has always been very helpul, quick at getting us the information we need and getting the order over the line and delivered."Scitek Consultants Ltd
15th August 2025
order - a New 'Once-Used' 20ft Container

"Cory (Sales) was very helpful, friendly and prompt with responses to my questions about the container. Steve (Delivery driver) contacted us on the delivery day with an estimated arrival time and was equally friendly and helpful during the delivery. Excellent service throughout."Sue
14th August 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

"Communication with Cory from the off was great! I was made aware at every stage of the process what was happening and when. We paid extra for a AM delivery which came on time and was a smooth and simple process. Thanks for all your help!"Kayleigh - Best Day Ever Venues
13th August 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container

"Communication was excellent from start to finish and the transport company that you used were brilliant. The two drivers who came were really helpful and very good at what they do."Stephen Tweddall
12th August 2025
order - a CarTainer 2016 (20ft x 16ft Double Container Garage)

"Cory was great. We ordered 2 containers within a week of each other and he managed to get the second loaded with the first delivery which means that these will be ready for use wen school returns. The delivery driver is lovely, very friendly and polite. I have recommended you to other services within our group should they need a container."Nicola Toole - Aurora Woodlands School
12th August 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

"Neil and the team are great we have over 10 flat pack containers on site now and will definitely get more. I always recommend to other schools. Steve the delivery driver has delivered to us many times always very friendly and polite, nothing is ever to much of a ask."Samuel Cody School
11th August 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

Committed to Quality

We are ISOQAR Approved; certified to the ISO standard relating to Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our Company's commitment to quality. We are also members of MakeUK who champion and celebrate British manufacturing and manufacturers, and member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association; an international organisation representing the interests of Container Self-Storage Operators, Traders and Innovators.