Preparation of Ground for Shipping Container Delivery
Shipping containers offer a cost effective solution to are a great option for storage as well housing needs. They are cheaper to set up with a lower cost of maintenance, alluring buyers to opt for this alternative. These benefits come at the cost of some effort though, so that you don’t run into any issues later on. After purchasing a shipping container the site where the shipping container will be put needs to be prepared well enough before delivery. Not doing so often leads to major issues in the future such as ground unleveling, rusting of the base and connection failures. Compliance with the local authorities is another major component of this use. This blog discusses the major points to keep in mind before preparing the site where the shipping container will be put to use.
How Big is Your Land?
The knowledge of the correct dimensions of the container and the size of the land is very important for planning. Only on the basis of these dimensions will you be able to plan the usage of your land. Accurate site measurements are crucial to ensure the shipping container fits perfectly within the designated area specially in case it is being used solely for storage purposes. Repeated measurements help identify potential issues such as uneven ground, space constraints, or obstacles, reducing the risk of costly adjustments and ensuring a smooth installation process. In case of housing and shop purposes, you need an extra piece of land otherwise it might feel congested.
Buy shipping containers either a 20 feet or 40 feet container, depends on the intended use and available space. The surrounding area should also be evaluated for accessibility, ventilation, and ease of movement. Proper planning ensures the container’s size meets your needs without compromising functionality or site usability. Houses and shops often require modifications in the future for which it is important to have that extra space. This forward-thinking approach allows for seamless expansion, whether for additional storage, living space, or other uses, without needing significant modifications to the existing setup.
Maintain a horizontal level
The ground on which the storage container will stand ought to be completely horizontal. Even a slight tilt can avalanche into a serious problem over the years. Secondly, a thorough levelling of the field making sure that the doors move easily. Uneven ground can also result in bad grip of the container to the ground. Eventually, it can even start slipping as a result. Uneven ground also allows for gaps between the container and the base in which moisture can develop. This will result in the corrosion of the metal beneath even though slowly. Proper leveling of ground usually costs between $100-$500 depending on the ground condition.
Paving vs. Compacting: Best Ground Preparation Methods
Leveling of the ground is usually done by paving or compacting. Paving means building a base mostly using concrete. Although costlier and a little time-consuming, it has proven effective for a longer period of time.
Compacting means leveling the ground using a roller machine. This is why it is cheaper and easier, however it is less reliable as the soil integrity can change with changing seasons. Under the heavy weight of the container, the soil is also subjected to a lot of constant pressure. Both are good options, it all depends on your budget, period of usage, soil type of your land and the weather conditions in your area. To give an estimate, compacting costs $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot while paving can cost between $3.00 to $15.00 depending on the material used.
Ensure ease of delivery
A good amount of space is required for two reasons, one being the obvious that the container needs to fit easily. The second reason is that the truck delivering the container also needs space to maneuver. Extra space allows room for the movement of the container without the risk of denting it or the surrounding. Proper planning facilitates a smoother installation process. People tend to neglect this, creating a problem during the delivery. For example, allocating 60’-100’ of space is good enough for safely positioning a shipping container, allowing for smooth delivery and installation. Ensuring a height clearance of 13’ to 16’ is critical for the safe delivery of shipping containers. This clearance accounts for the height of the truck, container, and any lifting equipment.
Possible obstacles to avoid
Clearing overhead obstacles like power lines, tree branches, and cables is essential for safe container delivery. These obstructions can interfere with truck movements, posing safety hazards and risking damage to both the container and infrastructure. Ensuring a clear overhead path facilitates smooth and uninterrupted installation. A clean site free from debris, clutter, and active construction ensures unobstructed access for delivery trucks. A clear path will allow for an efficient delivery both in terms of time and money. This is because suppliers can ask for extra charges if the delivery takes more time. Verifying that gates and access paths are clear and sufficiently wide is crucial for the seamless entry and maneuvering of delivery trucks. Adequate space prevents bottlenecks and potential damage to property. Properly sized access routes facilitate the precise placement of the shipping container, streamlining the overall setup.
Environmental concerns
Selecting a site with proper drainage is vital to prevent water from pooling around the shipping container. Poor drainage can lead to ground softening, which compromises the stability and foundation of the container, potentially causing it to shift or sink over time. Ensuring effective water runoff through natural slopes or added drainage solutions helps maintain the integrity and longevity of the container setup. Containers sitting on a slope will eventually collect water in that area leading to erosion, corrosion and other foundation issues. So you either need to choose a levelled site, or put proper drainage solutions in place to make sure the water does not become stagnant, compromising structural integrity.
Be in continuous contact with the Delivery Team
Open communication with the delivery team empowers them to tailor the delivery process to your specific circumstances, resulting in a smoother and more efficient experience. By sharing relevant information about your location, access points, and any special requirements, you enable the team to optimize the delivery route, anticipate potential challenges, and proactively address any concerns, ultimately minimizing delays and enhancing overall customer satisfaction. It helps in being up to date with immediate changes such as unexpected weather conditions, site accessibility issues, or the need for adjustments to the delivery path. In summary, keeping an open line of communication with the delivery team helps avoid logistical issues, ensures the container is delivered and installed as planned, and provides peace of mind that the project is progressing smoothly.
Is it better to prop the Container Off the Ground?
Definitely yes, It is highly beneficial for several reasons. Elevating the container using blocks or beams, such as railroad ties or 6 ft wooden square beams, prevents direct contact with the soil, reducing the risk of moisture absorption. This is crucial as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rust, corrosion, and weakened structural integrity. Keeping the container off the ground also improves air circulation beneath it, which helps keep the base dry and further prevents rust. Additionally, it aids in maintaining proper door functionality.
Please note that it is different from leveling the ground. levelling the ground prepares the foundation, while propping the container off the ground ensures proper placement and protection after the ground is level. Such containers are less susceptible to shifts in the ground caused by weather conditions, making these containers live much longer. Moreover, raising the container facilitates easier inspection and maintenance of the underside, allowing for early detection of any potential issues. Overall, elevating a container enhances its durability, longevity, and overall usability, making it a wise investment in the container’s long-term performance.
Key Takeaways
To prepare the site for a shipping container delivery, precise measurements are essential to accommodate its dimensions and potential future expansions. Proper drainage and avoiding slopes prevent water damage and ground instability. The site should be cleared of debris, with adequate height clearance and space for truck maneuvers to ensure smooth delivery. Maintaining open communication with the delivery team helps prevent logistical problems and guarantees correct container placement. Elevating the container off the ground using blocks or beams safeguards it from moisture, improves door function, deters pests, and facilitates maintenance. If you follow these guidelines, you will ensure a healthy life of your shipping container without heavy maintenance activities.