1.How tilt-bed delivery works
The driver backs into position and tilts the bed. As the truck slowly pulls forward, the container slides off the back and settles onto the ground.
Because the truck drives forward out from under the container, it needs a long, straight, clear path.
Once it's down, the container can't be moved without heavy equipment — so choose the spot carefully.
2.Space you'll need
| 20ft container | About 75 ft of straight-line clearance (truck + container) |
|---|---|
| 40ft / 40ft High Cube | About 125 ft of straight-line clearance (truck + container) |
| Width | At least 12 ft at the drop spot; access roads and gates ideally 14 ft or wider |
| Overhead | At least 16 ft clear at the drop spot (the bed tilts up), and about 14 ft along the route |
Overhead: watch for trees, power lines, eaves, carports and low bridges.
Tight site or not sure? Before ordering, email photos or video of the drop spot and the route in to sales@1stopcontainers.com so we can confirm. Our terms require this if you're in doubt.
3.The route in
The truck is long and heavy. Any of these can stop a delivery:
- Narrow roads
- Tight turns
- Steep grades
- Soft, unpaved or muddy roads
- Low-hanging branches
- Narrow or locked gates
- Weight-restricted bridges
Wet weather can delay delivery.
4.Prepare the ground
Pick a spot that's firm, level and dry, and clear it of debris, stumps, rocks and vehicles.
Good
Concrete, asphalt, compacted gravel
Usually OK if firm & dry
Packed dirt, short grass
Avoid
Mud, sand, soft or freshly dug soil
Level ground keeps the doors opening and closing smoothly — an unlevel container can bind the doors.
Supports: our drivers can set the container on blocks or railroad ties you provide. Have them in position at the corners before the driver arrives.
5.Choose your door direction
Door direction has to be chosen before the container is loaded on the truck — it can't be flipped on site.
Doors Facing Cab
Container doors will face the truck's cab; container will be offloaded with doors positioned opposite to the unloading area.
Doors Facing Rear
Container doors will face the rear of the truck; container will be offloaded with doors positioned toward the unloading area.
Tip: think about which way you'll want to walk in once it's placed.
6.Delivery day
- Our driver calls you on the day of delivery.
- Someone must be on site when the driver arrives.
- Keep the path and drop spot clear — move vehicles, open gates, and let neighbors know if access is shared.
- Once the container is placed, the driver will ask you to sign a delivery release.
- The driver may decline a spot that isn't safe to unload on.
7.Fees if the site isn't ready
A plain-language summary of our existing terms:
- Can't be delivered because of space limits, or refused on arrival for reasons not covered by our terms (such as color or appearance): a dry-run fee of up to twice the delivery fee plus a $200 cancellation fee. Any remaining balance is refunded within 5 business days.
- Cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled delivery: twice the delivery fee plus a $200 cancellation fee.
- Truck gets stuck at a spot you requested: you're responsible for towing or recovery, plus a $100/hour wait-time fee.
- 1 Stop Containers isn't responsible for damage to driveways, lawns or other property during delivery.
This is a summary only — our Terms & Conditions control.
8.Prefer to pick it up?
Port and depot pickup is available.
Inspect the container before you leave the yard — once you leave, the sale is final.
Pick up within 7 business days of receiving your release. After that, storage is $25/day.
Not sure your site will work?
Call us, or email photos of the spot and the route to sales@1stopcontainers.com.