Mastering Container Logistics: Expert Tips for Delivery, Ground Work and Stacking

Jane on April 17, 2024

Last Updated on July 5, 2024

Safety is essential when taking delivery of a container (or containers) on your site. Here is how to master container logistics with expert tips for delivery, groundwork and stacking.

There are many questions to consider:

  1. Do you have overhead cables above the area you wish to take delivery of your containers?
  2. What is the ground like where the driver has to drive and the final resting place for the containers?
  3. Are there any manhole covers where the vehicle and/or container has to be positioned?
  4. Are you expecting the containers to be stacked?

Delivery Overhead: Safety First

Our HIAB vehicles and operators WILL NOT offload anything underneath or over any overhead cables. This is very risky and could result in death. I know it sounds dramatic, but it is that dangerous. Lives could be at risk and damage to the vehicle itself is also a possibility.

If there are any cables anywhere near the area you wish us to offload a container, then you MUST tell us beforehand. For more information please refer to the HSE advice. 

Groundwork Preparation: A Crucial Step

Groundwork preparation is very important to the safe placement of a shipping container for storage. The ground must be solid (NOT TARMAC) and each corner of the container must be level with the rest. If the container is not level, then the container will twist and cause difficulty when opening and shutting the doors.

For more information about levelling please refer to our How to Level a container page.

Please ensure the drainage is good around the container. Many people think that if a container is waterproof it means that it can sit in a puddle. We do not recommend you allow this to happen. Water can, over many years, cause the container to deteriorate and therefore not last as long.

If you are unsure of your land condition, then we recommend you contact a local builder or construction company to offer advice about your groundwork.

Container Stacking Techniques

Shipping containers can be stacked, but you must be aware that safety is paramount and there are various precautions that must be followed:

  1. We recommend the ground is absolutely solid (preferably hard core – NO tarmac) to ensure the stack does not move when the containers are loaded.
  2. When stacking containers remember the top container still has the double doors and it can be very difficult to open them by just being on a ladder or even a mobile staircase.
  3. You must have adequate staircases, landings and fitments in order for the user to be able to open and shut the double doors on the top container safely.
  4. The landing/staircases must be away from the bottom container, again to ensure the double doors can be opened and closed easily.
  5. We always recommend using locking stacking cones in between the top and bottom containers. This will ensure that the 2 containers stay in position.  

The photo above is similar to a locking stacking cone. Each cone sits on the top of each corner casting on the bottom container, the top container is placed on top of the cones and the cones are locked into place.

Summary: Trust Our Expertise

Preparation is key.

We ask that you look out for these particular hazards above, so we can give you the benefit of our experience. 

If you are unsure about your site in any way, then we would recommend you send us photos and perhaps a drawing and a video of your site so we can check things out with our transport guys before you order.

For more delivery details please click here.

We want to save you time and money by offering you our best and reliable service.

Please contact us for our expert knowledge today on 0800 121 7388 or Get a Quote here.