Shipping Container Delivery

Getting Your Container Where It Needs To Go

There are several options available when it comes to delivering your shipping container. The right choice depends on your property, your equipment, and your specific situation. Below we've outlined the most common delivery methods we offer throughout Minnesota.

Have questions about which option works best for you? Call us at (612) 324-5309 and we'll help you figure it out. You can also check out our FAQs and Buyer's Guide for more information.

Flat Bed Delivery

With this option, your container arrives on a flatbed trailer attached to a semi truck. The key difference here is that the customer is responsible for lifting the container off the trailer.

This method requires you to have access to lifting equipment such as a crane, forklift, or other heavy machinery. If you don't have your own equipment, we can connect you with local crane companies in Minnesota that can assist.

Flatbed delivery is often used for placements where roll off isn't possible, such as tight spaces or locations where the container needs to be lifted over obstacles.

Tilt Bed / Roll Off Delivery

This is the most common method for delivering shipping containers, and it's probably what you're picturing when you think about container delivery.
The container arrives on a specialized trailer that tilts upward. The driver backs into position, raises the bed, and the container slides off onto the ground. It's efficient and works well for most residential and commercial deliveries.

What you need to know:

Requires adequate straight line clearance (75 feet for 20 foot containers, 100 feet for 40 foot containers)
The area needs to be free of overhead obstructions like power lines and tree branches
Ground should be firm and level
Planning ahead is important to ensure the truck can access your property

Customer Assisted Drop Off

This option requires the customer to set up an anchor point at the delivery site. A chain attaches to the container on one end and to the anchor point on the other. As the trailer pulls away, the container slides off and stays in place.

This method can work in situations where traditional roll off isn't feasible, but it does require some preparation on your end.

Customer Pickup

If you have the proper equipment and want to handle things yourself, you may be able to arrange a date and time to pick up your container directly from a local depot.

Contact us before choosing this option to make sure you have what's needed to transport the container safely. This typically requires a flatbed truck and lifting equipment.

The upside? Customer pickup can sometimes get your container to you faster since you're not waiting for delivery scheduling.

Door Orientation: Which Way Should They Face?

Before delivery, you'll need to decide which direction you want the container doors to face. This matters more than you might think.

Doors Forward: The doors face the back of the truck and come off the trailer last. Choose this if you're placing the container against a fence, building, or other structure where you won't need access from that end.
Doors to the Rear: The doors face away from the truck and come off the trailer first. Choose this if you want the doors facing outward for easy access.