A shipping container is big. It is heavy. And once it is placed, it is not easy to move again. That is why getting your site ready before delivery is so important.

Many people do not think about this part when they buy a shipping container. But site problems are one of the most common reasons for delivery delays. Sometimes drivers cannot get close enough. Sometimes the ground is too soft. And sometimes there is not enough room to unload the container.

This guide will help you get your site ready the right way. It will save you time, money, and stress. If you are getting a shipping container delivered in Canada, here is everything you need to know.

Measure the Space (Length, Width, Height)

Before you order your shipping container, you need to measure your site. You want to make sure the container will fit. And you also need space for the delivery truck to back in and unload safely.

A standard 20-foot shipping container needs a flat space that is at least 60 feet long. This gives room for the truck to pull in, tilt the bed, and slide the container down.

A 40-foot shipping container needs even more space. You should plan for at least 100 feet of clear, straight space for delivery.

But it is not just about length. You also need to check the width of your site. Most containers are 8 feet wide. But the delivery truck is wider. The truck may need 10 to 12 feet of clear space to drive in.

And do not forget about height. Look up and check for trees, powerlines, or low-hanging branches. The truck needs clear space above the container to lift and tilt it.

If you are not sure about the exact size of your container, read our full guide on shipping container dimensions. It has charts and measurements for all common container sizes.

Getting your space ready before delivery makes the whole process faster and easier. And it helps avoid damage to your container or your property.

Ground Conditions Matter For Shipping Container Delivery

Your shipping container needs to sit on flat, solid ground. If the ground is soft, wet, or uneven, it can cause big problems.

When the ground is not solid, the container can sink or tilt over time. If one side is lower than the other, the doors may stop working. The frame can also bend. And if water collects underneath, it can lead to rust on the floor and corners.

In Canada, especially during spring or after heavy rain, the soil can get very soft. This is why it’s so important to check your ground before delivery. You want it to be dry, level, and packed down.

Also think about drainage. Water should not pool under your container. Standing water can shorten the life of your container fast. If you want yours to last 20 years or more, keep it off the wet ground.

To learn more about how water and bad ground can damage a container, check out our guide on how long shipping containers last. It shows why rust is the number one reason people replace containers early.

Choose a Base: Gravel, Concrete Pads, or Steel Rails

Never place a shipping container directly on grass or bare dirt. It may look fine at first, but over time, that soft ground can shift. And when it rains or snows, moisture will build up underneath. That leads to rust and weak floors.

There are better options. Let’s go over the most common bases you can use.

Gravel is a great choice. It is easy to spread, helps with drainage, and keeps water away from the bottom of your container. It’s affordable and works well in rural areas.

Concrete pads give you the strongest base. They stay level and keep your container off the ground. This is a smart pick in cities or places where the container will stay long-term.

Steel rails or wooden beams also work if you just need to lift the container off the ground a little. They are fast to install and good for temporary sites.

The right base depends on your location. In rural Alberta, gravel or rails are great because the ground may shift or freeze. In cities like Calgary or Edmonton, concrete is better for long-term use.

If you’re not sure what works best for your area, read our post on shipping container delivery in Alberta. It covers weather and terrain tips that apply across Canada too.

Make Sure the Site is Accessible for Shipping Container Delivery

Getting your site ready for a shipping container is not just about the ground. The delivery truck also needs space to get in, turn, and unload safely.

Most shipping containers in Canada are delivered using a tilt-bed truck. This is a long truck that slides the container off the back. In some cases, if the space is too tight, a crane truck may be needed to lift and place the container.

But trucks need room to move. Check for sharp turns, fences, trees, or narrow driveways. The truck driver will need a clear path to your site. They may need up to 12 feet of width and 14 feet of height just to drive in.

Also, look around for powerlines or tree branches that could block the truck or hang over your container. It’s easier to trim trees or move obstacles before the delivery day.

StoreCan always recommends sending us photos of your site. Photos help us see any problems before we arrive. It saves time and helps us plan for a safe and smooth delivery.

If you are unsure about space, call us. Our team at StoreCan helps customers across Canada prepare for shipping container delivery the right way.

Consider the Shipping Container's Final Use

Before placing your shipping container, think about how you plan to use it. Once the container is on the ground, it is not easy to move again.

If you are using the container for storage, make sure the doors face the direction you need for easy access. Leave enough space around the doors so they can open fully.

If you plan to turn your shipping container into a home, office, or workspace, you need to think ahead. Will you add windows or doors? Will you need insulation inside? Will you install electrical wiring or plumbing?

Leave extra room around the container for future changes. It is easier to add a deck, steps, or utility connections if you plan for them now.

If you are building a shipping container home, placement is even more important. You will want to allow for sunlight, wind protection, and privacy.

For more ideas and expert tips, read our full guide on shipping container homes. It covers design tips, pros and cons, and real-life examples from Canada.

Why StoreCan Makes Site Prep Easier

At StoreCan, we help you get your site ready before your shipping container ever leaves the yard.

Our team walks you through the whole delivery process. We answer your questions and help you check your site for space, access, and ground conditions.

Before we ship anything, we confirm your location, driveway width, and unloading space. If needed, we ask for site photos so our drivers know what to expect.

And when it’s delivery day, our driver calls ahead. They give you an exact arrival time and talk you through where the container will be placed. If something needs to be moved or adjusted, they’ll let you know.

We deliver containers across Canada, and we’ve seen it all. So whether you live in a city or on a rural road, we help make your delivery simple and stress-free. You can also arrange your own transportation if that's easy for you.

Need help preparing your site? Contact StoreCan for a free delivery consultation. We’ll help you pick the right container and get your space ready for a smooth, safe delivery.