How to level a shipping container
Last Updated on January 18, 2024
When you buy a shipping container for storage, you need to ensure it is sitting level.
Here are the exact dimensions for each container. Just to highlight a 20ft container is not actually 20ft long.
Checklist for how to level a shipping container
1. You need to ensure that the container is level, otherwise it will be difficult to open and shut the doors. It is just like hanging a window or door in a house, if the door or window frame is not straight then the door will not hang properly.
2. The container sits on its corners.
3. The floor or crossmembers on the underside do not touch the ground.
4. There are 4 corner castings and they are 7in square each.
5. Each corner casting must be level with the other 3 corner castings.
6. Ideal levelling materials are wood, concrete blocks, or metal.
7. Patio slabs will NOT be suitable as they can often break up when the container is positioned.
8. You will need to prepare the area before our driver arrives. However, the driver will ensure the container doors open and shut prior to his departure.
9. Sometimes, the container can lose its levelness after the driver has gone and this can be because the ground has moved, for example, if it is a grassy or muddy area. Tarmac can also prove a problem (as it is not as solid as concrete).
10. Another reason why the container can become un-level is because you have loaded your goods all at one end or to the side and perhaps your wood, metal or concrete blocks are not solid enough. You need to ensure that your goods/cargo are as evenly spread out as possible.
For more information on how to look after your container, visit our Container care guidelines.
This shows a 10ft container with a fabricated end panel, the corner being levelled with steel plate.
This shows a 7in square corner casting (for a new 10ft, second hand new 20ft and new 40ft containers) being levelled with a piece of wood.
If you need further information on how to level a shipping container, please do call Jane on 01473 557409 or Get a quote here.
About Jane Billing
Jane Billing has over 35 years’ experience in shipping container supply. During that time Jane has gained a very broad knowledge of the whole shipping container industry. From construction, to shipping, to adaption and conversions, if you have a question about any aspect of the shipping container industry Jane will likely have the answer for you. After many years working for some of the biggest names in the shipping container industry Jane set up her own company, Billie Box Ltd, in 2012. Since launching, Billie Box Ltd has sold well over 3000 new and used containers.
