How is a shipping container delivered and offloaded? A step-by-step guide

Jane on September 5, 2024

How Does Shipping Container Delivery Work?

Having a shipping container delivered safely and efficiently is paramount. The delivery process is simple and straightforward for professional and experienced drivers like ours.

We have been selling and renting shipping containers with delivery to your door for over 12 years. We are proud to have found a number of experienced drivers that take care in the delivery process.  We and our drivers have the experience and professionalism to cater for your delivery needs.

Preparing your site for delivery

You will need to be sure that your site is suitable for our vehicles. The ground must be stable and there should be clear access.

Please see our checklist for safe delivery.

If you are unsure of your site being suitable for our vehicles, then please do call us and we can discuss with our transport provider to ensure we save you time and money for any wasted delivery trips.

We are here to help you, wherever we can.

What vehicles are used for delivery?

Our vehicles are called HIABs. HIAB is a brand name and means that the vehicles are fitted with a crane so that the shipping containers can be lifted off and positioned on the ground.

For a 40ft shipping container, we use a 60ft long x 10ft wide articulated vehicle fitted with a HIAB. A 20ft shipping container is delivered on an 8-wheeler 36ft or 40ft long x 10ft wide rigid (rigid means the cab of the vehicle does not break away from the trailer, like the artic) vehicle fitted with a HIAB.

The drivers we use are highly professional and bring a wealth of experience to every delivery, ensuring that the process is handled smoothly and efficiently. Their expertise reinforces the reliability of our service, giving you confidence that your shipping container will be delivered safely and on time.

How shipping containers are offloaded safely

All vehicles are fitted with stabilisers, which must be put into position before the offload.

The stabilisers or outriggers are placed approximately 10ft to the side of the vehicle. There are 4 outriggers in total (2 near the back and 2 near the front of the vehicle) 

The HIAB vehicle lifts the container off to the side of the vehicle. The shipping container corners are chained up in order to lift the container into position. Some vehicles can lift further than others. 

The site and the surrounding area must be clear of personnel and any obstructions, in order to fulfil the safety requirements. 

Our drivers use a remote control in order to move the crane into a position suitable for positioning the container.

The offload procedure is a precise movement and must be handled by a fully qualified HIAB driver. 

Our driver will offload the shipping container to your designated location. However, if this is not possible then he will land the container as close as he possibly can. Safety is paramount and we ask that you take instruction from our driver. He knows what his vehicle is capable of and he is qualified to make safe offloading decisions.

Common Challenges during delivery

There can be many challenges that present themselves at the time of delivery and offload. Some include overhead cables, bad weather, uneven ground, parked cars in the way, things that have not been considered beforehand and tight spaces (this list is not exhaustive).

Offloading underneath overhead cables is extremely dangerous, so we will NOT attempt this. Please refer to these HSE instructions.

We have encountered most challenges and we endeavour to assist with problem solving. 

You can rely on us and our driver to do our best in order to rectify any problems.

Reading our delivery checklist and highlighting any possible issues beforehand is highly recommended. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

We always agree on a mutual delivery date with a window of 7am til 6.30pm. The reason behind this is that transport schedules are planned the day before. We do try to find out the day before whether the delivery time will be in the morning or afternoon and let you know. The driver is under instruction to call you 1 hour prior to his ETA. 

There can be delays that are out of our control eg. bad weather, road accidents and previous site delays. We do try to keep you informed if we know, but of course, you can call us and we will find out more information for you.

All the while we are a phone call away to assist you with your delivery.

What to expect on Delivery Day

As we said before we try to let you know whether the delivery will be in the morning or afternoon. Our driver will also call you 1 hour prior to his delivery time.

Billie Box factors in 1 hour for delivery and offload; however, it often only takes 30 minutes, as long as there are no obstructions.

We do ask that your site is clear for access and the offload, in plenty of time before our driver arrives on site. This will avoid delays and stresses for all parties.

Billie Box always try to keep you informed at all times, giving you peace of mind.

Why our delivery service stands out

We at Billie Box pride ourselves on offering a professional and reliable shipping container sale, rental and delivery service.  

Our customer service is excellent. Don’t just listen to us; why not see our testimonials? We have been privileged to have received many Google and website testimonials from our customers who have used our services over many years. Here is one for your perusal.

For more testimonials please click on the image above.

Call us on T: 0800 121 7388 or complete our GET a Quote form today.

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

Jane on April 17, 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.

From Factory to Property: Managing Scratches on Delivered New Shipping Containers

Jane on April 5, 2024

New (One Trip – used once) shipping containers can often have scratched paintwork due to the following reasons:

  1. Handling of the container from the Factory to the port in China
  2. Lifting from the Port to Ship
  3. Lifting from the Ship to Port
  4. Lifting within the container depots
  5. Lifting on and off trucks at site

The Reality of Handling 

Normally, it can take anything up to 6 months for a new container to be built and delivered to our UK container depots.

Sadly, containers are not wrapped up in cotton wool (we would love that, but that would cost loads extra 🙂)! Scratches are unavoidable.

Container ports, depots and truck operators simply do not treat the containers with the care we would hope. They all have time constraints that they have to deal with. As you can appreciate, time is money!

Containers are lifted from either the top or bottom corners with cranes or HIAB vehicles fitted with chains, or forklift trucks. 

The photo below shows the container being lifted by a telehandler (in our container depot) which can cause scratches to the cornerposts. Sadly there is no other depot lifting option.

Impact on Quality

Having scratches on a shipping container does not impact the quality of the container. These containers are built from 1.6mm Corten steel which has a high tensile strength.

We do ask our depots to check these containers for scratches and try to rectify them before the container leaves the depot; however, the telehandler can still cause more scratches.

The only thing is that they will not be aesthetically pleasing and the only way to rectify this is to touch up the paintwork at the container’s final destination – your site. 

We recommend you touch up the paintwork on the scratched areas sooner rather than later. We can supply container paint at an extra cost.

Conclusion

We always try to offer the best condition container for our customers. However, there are times when things are simply out of our control.

For more information about how to look after your container please click here.

For information about the specifications please click here.

We always aim to ensure your experience with us will be the best that we can make it. 

However, if you have any concerns during delivery, then please do contact us immediately, before the driver leaves your site. 

Call us today on 0800 121 7388 for a quote or complete the Get a Quick quote form to the right of this page.

Your Guide to Using Shipping Containers on Your Property

Jane on March 18, 2024

Are you considering a shipping container for your property? 

Here is a list of things to consider when deciding on your shipping container for storage or a facility – for example, a portable office.

  • Planning permission: Containers are temporary structures and can be moved at any time with the correct equipment. However, some councils have their own definition of a shipping container; for example, it could be considered a building and therefore a permanent fixture requiring planning permission.
  • Neighbours: Sometimes the neighbours feel a shipping container isn’t aesthetically pleasing and can be an eyesore. 
  • Vehicular access via A and B roads: Many smaller roads can be too small to take the HIAB vehicles we use to deliver the containers. A 20ft container is delivered on an 8-wheeler HIAB vehicle (approx. 40 ft long x 10ft wide) and a 40ft container is delivered on a 60 ft long x 10ft wide articulated HIAB vehicle. The 8-wheeler vehicles are what’s known as “rigid“ (which means the cab does not break away from the rest of the vehicle) and they need a large turning circle. The articulated vehicles do not need as much of a turning circle but the trailer is long and can cause issues on turning. HIAB means the vehicle is fitted with a crane so that the container can be offloaded. See our Delivery and collection details here.
  • Overhanging trees: Our HIABs cannot offload underneath trees.
  • Overhead cables: HSE legislation states that it is not safe to offload underneath overhead cables. It could be fatal if the crane touches or comes extremely close to a cable. 
  • Underground cables: The same rules apply as for the overhead cables.
  • Manhole covers/Drains: Our vehicles are too heavy to park on manhole covers/drains. If the outriggers are positioned on drains, this will cause the vehicle to topple over.
  • Pathways: The HIAB vehicles require outriggers off to the side for stability when offloading the container. These outriggers can damage the surface of the pathway.
  • Perimeter walls: The crane on the vehicles can only lift over and away from the vehicle so far.
  • Ground surface: You need to ensure that the ground where the container is to be placed is absolutely level prior to delivery (read here for more details). The HIAB vehicles need a hardcore surface to drive over and offload from. They simply do not have the traction to drive out if they get stuck.
  • Road offload: The HIAB vehicles are not allowed to be on any highway when we are offloading a container. 
  • Adequate space: Your container needs sufficient space for the doors to open. The vehicle needs plenty of room for access and offloading. The vehicle needs at least 10ft of space on each side for the outriggers, which ensure stability at the point of offload.

The Versatility of Shipping Containers

  • Access your belongings with ease.
  • Containers are so versatile when it comes to storage and office space.
  • Containers are secure and durable, giving you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your goods.
  • They are watertight to keep the weather out and ventilated to reduce the chance of condensation, ensuring your goods are protected. We sell Absorpoles that will also reduce excess moisture in the container.
  • They are cost effective, because you don’t have to spend time and fuel to take goods offsite and then back onsite. 
  • You can hire or buy new (one trip) and second-hand containers, giving you flexibility.
  • If you move premises then you can take the container with you; however, we can only move empty containers.

Navigating Legal Requirements

Containers are “a temporary structure and as such can be moved with the right vehicles”. However, some councils feel that planning permission is necessary. 

Even if the council initially say you don’t need planning permission, sometimes they can then ask you to apply for retrospective planning permission, for example, if a neighbour starts to complain to the council.

We recommend you call your council to see what their view is on whether you need planning permission or not.

With regards to the offloading of a container, legally our vehicles are not allowed to offload from a highway. If you are requesting this, then you will need to obtain the necessary permission from your local highways department. It will be your responsibility to obtain this permission.

HSE legislation stipulates that our vehicles must have a clearance of 18m from the top of the crane height which equates to 28m from the ground. This applies to any angles away from the cables. The vehicle will certainly need to lift to this height at the time of offload, therefore, we will not offload underneath any cables.

Please ensure that these legal restrictions are adhered to, to avoid any potential issues and fines.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

When using shipping containers you have a choice of buying new (one trip) or second hand. The second-hand containers are approx. 15 years old and have come to the end of their shipping life, but are perfect as a site store. This can extend their life by around another 15 years, which means they have been repurposed.

The new (one trip) containers are used for 1 shipment from China and they are sold as ‘New’ site stores. They will last in the region of 40 years for site storage.

All containers (new and used) are refurbished into many different facilities; for example, chemical stores for farms, storage for schools and councils, portable offices and snack shacks. This extends their life by adding new paint, insulation and other parts.

Keeping Your Container in Top Shape

We have prepared a list of jobs and care instructions that will keep your container lasting longer.

It’s always good to keep an eye on your container from time to time, ensuring that you keep up with the maintenance as and when required. This will ensure the life of the container is as long as possible.

Protecting Your Investment: Insurance and Liability

It is important to insure your container against any liabilities, accidents or theft. Although containers are secure, there can always be another way of illegal access.

We recommend you discuss your requirements with your insurers.

In conclusion, we recommend you do your research regarding the space you have, the legal issues and your storage/facility requirements.

Please call Jane, Matt and Clare with your questions and requirements on 0800 121 7388. We are here to assist you with your storage and facility solutions.

Rough guide to container transportation

Jane on April 28, 2014

There are many types of container transportation available in the UK.

We always use an 8-wheeler HIAB rigid lorry to deliver and offload our 20ft containers or this type of vehicle with a trailer (also known as a ‘Drag’) for a pair of 20ft containers to our customers’ sites.

We are often told that an 8-wheeler lorry has been on our customers’ sites and that our HIAB lorries should be fine to deliver their container(s).

The 8-wheeler HIAB lorry (road lorry) that we use is quite different to the 8-wheeler Tipper truck (construction lorry). So here are some of the differences:

  1. The 8-wheeler Tipper trucks are fitted with ‘Double Drive’, ‘Diff locks’ and ‘Cross locks’ – these enable the vehicle to drive over rough terrain. They could even drive over ploughed fields.
  2. The 8-wheeler Tipper truck also has a different wheel base; again for a better drive over rough terrain and this also gives a smaller overhang. So some road ramps and steep areas are more accessible for the Tipper truck.
  3. The 8-wheeler HIAB lorry does not have ‘Double drive’ or ‘Cross locks’; this is the reason we say that we are unable to drive over grass, mud and unmade roads.
  4. The 8-wheeler HIAB lorry also has a longer wheel base, which gives an 8ft overhang behind the last axle. Hence, steep slopes or ramps can often cause us problems.
  5. When deciding whether an 8-wheeler HIAB lorry can drive up a ramp or steep hill, imagine a 50 seater coach. If you think a coach can drive up your ramp or steep hill, then an 8-wheeler HIAB lorry should be able to.
  6. HIAB vehicles have an unbalanced weight distribution. The front axle carries the weight of the cab, engine and the crane. This therefore means that it ploughs into the ground rather than over the ground.

Hi ab offloading a 20ft sea container

This is what happens when a vehicle gets stuck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY8Y82XdKEo&t=4s 

Overhead cables

We are often asked to offload a container(s) or drive underneath overhead cables. We generally say that this is not possible; the HSE stipulates that we must have a clearance of 18m from the top of the crane height which equates to 28m from the ground. This is subject to the strength of the power cables. Please see the HSE information about overhead cables and guidance on avoiding danger from power lines for more information.

Offloading from the road

We are not allowed to offload a container from a public highway. You, as the client, would have to ask your local highways department to see if a permit is required prior to the delivery date. If a permit is required, then our driver will need to see it before offloading.

Please remember that our vehicles use outriggers off the side of the vehicle, which require at least another 5ft on each side of the vehicle. Many small lanes just do not have the space for our outriggers. Please call us to discuss.

For more details about our delivery/offload and collection/lift on please refer to our Delivery and Collection page.

Please call us to discuss your delivery requirements on 0800 121 7388 or 01473 557409.

About Jane Billing
Jane Billing has over 30 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 1500 new and used containers.

Shipping Container transportation FAQs
Can I have a container offloaded underneath power cables?

Well yes, as long as the working height restrictions are adhered to.

Can I have my container offloaded inside a building?

Yes, however, this is dependent on the building interior height, overhead cables, the door sizes and type of interior flooring. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Can my container be offloaded from a public highway?

This is not usually a problem, but we recommend you contact your local highways department to request permission.

How do I get a shipping container or storage container delivered?

We use HIAB lorries (crane-mounted vehicles) to deliver the containers to your site. When on site, the vehicle will be able to offload the container to the side of the vehicle. Please see our Delivery and Collections page and our Rough guide to transport. If you are unsure of your site, we can carry out a site survey for a small fee.

How soon can I have delivery?

We offer 3-5 working days delivery, subject to availability of the equipment and transport operators. However, if you require delivery sooner, then we will endeavour to service your requirements.

Is the 8-Wheeler tipper truck the same as an 8-Wheeler HIAB lorry?

No, a tipper truck and HIAB lorry are different vehicles. We will advise on transport options in your quote.

Who can move a shipping container?

A shipping container can only be moved by professionals who have the experience and equipment necessary for such a task. When you order with Billie Box, our team will be happy to safely deliver and offload your shipping container to your chosen destination.

Will the delivery lorry be able to drive over grass?

This is weather dependent. If it has been particularly wet, then generally the answer is no. Some of our transport companies are willing to attempt this, however you may be requested to sign a disclaimer, to say that you will repair any damage caused to the vehicle and/or any costs associated with the retrieval of the vehicle, if it gets stuck. However, the driver will make the final decision.

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