Siting a Shipping Container or Accommodation Unit with a Hi-Ab Vehicle

​The size of the container delivery vehicles can be up to 65ft long, 10ft wide and 14ft high. The space needed to off-load the container is much larger. Hi-ab vehicles have to use “legs” at each side of the vehicle, front and back to provide balance whilst moving the large weight of the container. The legs can extend up to 6ft on each side bringing the overall width of the unit up to 26ft maximum.  Should your site not have this much space to play with, let us know and we will take a look for you. 

The vehicle, loaded with the container, would usually drive into site and off-load the container parallel to the vehicle bed. The haulier will then turn the vehicle around and drive out. We understand that not many sites will have the space to accommodate a 65ft vehicle turning around, so we do ask that you check with us and send some site photos.

Shipping containers, secure stores, accommodation units and converted containers should always be sited onto hard standing, level ground. If the container is going to be sited permanently it may be worth the investment of a full concrete pad, otherwise the more cost-effective alternative would be to put concrete slabs down to meet the four corners of the container. What we are trying to avoid by doing this is the container sinking into the ground or twisting/becoming uneven. If the container isn’t on a solid, level base, the unit may have problems with opening and closing the doors. This is known as “racking” and can be easily avoided if the grounds are checked and properly prepared before delivery. 

Timber railway sleepers are also commonly used to provide a level ground for the units to sit on.

We are more than happy to give you some guidance of how to prepare the grounds for your container so if you have any concerns please ask.