A smooth container delivery comes down to one thing: preparation. Tilt-bed trucks need room to maneuver and a firm, level spot to set the unit. Get the site ready before delivery day and placement takes minutes; skip it and you risk redelivery fees or a poorly seated container. Here is the complete checklist.

1. Prepare the Ground (Foundation)

Your container must sit level on a firm, well-draining surface so the doors stay aligned and the steel stays off wet ground. Good options, from simplest to most permanent:

Concrete blocks or railroad ties under the four corners (and midpoints for a 40ft).
A compacted gravel pad — excellent drainage and the most popular choice.
A concrete slab for permanent, high-traffic installations.

Avoid setting a container directly on bare soil or grass, which traps moisture and invites rust.

2. Clear the Delivery Path

A tilt-bed truck is large and needs a straight, mostly level approach. Confirm:

Run length: roughly 60 ft of clear straight space for a 20ft container and about 100 ft for a 40ft, in line with the placement spot.
Width: at least 12 ft of clear lane (check gates and fence openings).
Surface: firm enough for a loaded truck — soft mud, sand, or steep slopes can bog it down.

3. Check Overhead and Side Clearances

Tilt-bed delivery raises the bed high in the air. Watch for and clear:

Low power lines, phone lines, and tree branches.
Roof overhangs, awnings, and carports.
Fences or posts that narrow the approach.

As a rule, allow generous overhead room directly above and behind the placement point.

4. Mark the Exact Spot

Use stakes, spray paint, or cones to mark precisely where you want the container and which end the doors should face. The driver sets the unit as the truck pulls forward, so plan the orientation in advance — repositioning a placed container is difficult.

5. Delivery-Day Tips

Have an adult on site to direct placement and sign for the unit.
Keep vehicles, equipment, and people clear of the truck and bed.
Inspect the container on arrival and note its condition.
Know your delivery window — you can follow status anytime on our order tracking page.

Quick Pre-Delivery Checklist

✓ Level, firm pad ready (blocks, gravel, or slab)
✓ Straight approach cleared and wide enough
✓ Overhead lines and branches clear
✓ Placement spot and door direction marked
✓ Someone on site to receive delivery

Prepared and ready to order? Browse the Atlas catalog or reach out with any delivery-access questions — our team will help you plan a flawless drop.