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Delivery & Shipping
How Pacific Containers Terminal arranges container delivery: offload methods, site access and space requirements, scheduling, timeframes, and what to check on arrival.
Offload methods
The method used depends on the container size, the final position and how much room the vehicle has to work in. We confirm the method with you before delivery is scheduled.
Tilt-bed / roll-off delivery
The most common method for 20ft and 40ft units. The trailer bed tilts and the container is winched off in a straight line onto the ground. It is quick and needs no crane, but requires a long, straight, firm run-off area behind the vehicle.
Flatbed with crane or forklift
Used where the container must be placed in a tight position, onto footings, or where run-off space is unavailable. Lifting equipment is arranged separately and priced with the delivery quote.
Depot collection
Where you have suitable transport, units can be collected from the release depot. We issue release paperwork and the collection window after payment is confirmed.
Site access & space requirements
Most delivery problems are access problems. Please measure the route and the final position before your delivery date. Guideline requirements:
| Scenario | Guideline requirement |
|---|---|
| 20ft container — tilt-bed delivery | Approx. 23m (75ft) straight length, 4m (13ft) width, 4.5m (15ft) overhead clearance |
| 40ft container — tilt-bed delivery | Approx. 34m (110ft) straight length, 4m (13ft) width, 4.5m (15ft) overhead clearance |
| Crane placement | Level standing area for the lifting vehicle plus clear airspace above the final position |
| Ground condition | Firm, level and well drained — compacted hardcore, concrete or asphalt. Soft ground, gravel over mud and slopes cause failed deliveries |
Figures are guidelines for planning. Exact requirements vary by vehicle and haulier and are confirmed for your delivery.
How delivery works, step by step
1. Order placed
You choose a container and complete checkout. Delivery is quoted separately from the container price because it depends on destination, access and offload method.
2. Delivery review
Our team reviews the delivery address, asks about access, gate widths, overhead cables, low branches and the intended final position, then confirms the delivery cost.
3. Payment confirmed
Once payment is confirmed by secure card link or bank transfer, the unit is allocated to your order and released to transport.
4. Scheduling
We agree a delivery date and an arrival window with you. Timeframes depend on the origin depot, distance, haulier availability and any lifting equipment required.
5. Delivery day
A responsible person should be on site to direct placement. Once positioned, a container is difficult and costly to move, so confirm the position and door orientation before the driver departs.
6. On arrival check
Check the container against the grade and specification ordered: doors open and close, seals are intact, floor is sound and there are no unrecorded holes. Report any discrepancy promptly with photographs.
Your responsibilities
- Provide safe, legal vehicle access to the delivery point.
- Obtain any permits, road closures or landlord permissions needed at the destination.
- Ensure the ground is firm, level and clear of vehicles, skips and materials.
- Have a responsible person present to direct placement and accept delivery.
- Tell us in advance about overhead cables, low bridges, weight limits or narrow turns.
Failed or aborted deliveries
If the vehicle arrives and the container cannot be offloaded because the site is inaccessible, the ground is unsuitable or nobody is present to accept delivery, the unit is returned to depot and a re-delivery charge may apply. Charges reflect the haulage cost already incurred. Telling us about access constraints beforehand is the simplest way to avoid this.
Get a delivery quote
Send us the delivery postcode or city, the container size and a short description of the site, and we will confirm the offload method, cost and realistic timeframe.