The short version. Containers travel by truck as freight, not by parcel carrier, so there is no flat rate to publish. We quote haulage for your exact address once we know the site, and typically it lands in the range $350–$1,800. Expect2–5 business days at the depot and3–10 business days in transit. Nothing is charged until you have the full figure in writing.
1. Why delivery is quoted, not flat-rated
A 20ft container weighs around 5,000 lb empty and a 40ft high cube closer to 8,500 lb. Moving one means a flatbed, tilt-bed or roll-off truck and, on constrained sites, a crane or forklift. What that costs depends on three things we cannot know until you tell us: how far your site is from the depot holding the unit, what the access is like when the driver gets there, and whether the truck can tip the box off under its own power or needs lifting equipment.
We would rather quote that accurately than advertise a single number and then ask you for more. So the price on each listing is the unit itself, and haulage is added as a separate line once we have your address.
2. What it typically costs
As a guide only, most deliveries fall in the range $350–$1,800. Short runs from a nearby depot to an open lot sit at the bottom of that range. Long-distance moves, tight urban sites, or anything needing a crane sit above it. Your written quote is the number that counts; these figures are not an offer.
| What drives the price | Effect |
|---|---|
| Distance from the depot holding the unit | The largest single factor, charged by the mile |
| Tilt-bed delivery onto open ground | Cheapest option, no lifting equipment needed |
| Crane or forklift placement | Adds significantly; needed for tight or raised sites |
| Multiple units on one trip | Reduces the per-unit cost, worth asking about |
| Waiting time or a failed delivery | Charged at cost if the site is not ready on the day |
3. How long it takes
Once your invoice is paid we take 2–5 business days to confirm the unit, inspect it and book the haulage, then 3–10 business days in transit depending on distance. Modified units take longer: doors, insulation, flooring and electrical work are done after the unit is allocated, and we will give you a date for that work when you order.
The carrier contacts you to agree a delivery window. Somebody needs to be on site to show the driver exactly where the box goes and to sign for it.
4. What the truck needs at your end
This is the part that most often goes wrong, so please check it before you order:
- Straight clear run. A tilt-bed needs roughly twice the container length of straight, clear space to slide the box off — about 60ft for a 20ft unit and 100ft for a 40ft unit.
- Width. Around 14ft of clear width for the truck and the box.
- Overhead clearance. At least 16ft, with no low branches, cables, gutters or wires along the approach or over the drop point.
- Firm ground. A loaded truck sinks into soft ground, wet grass and fresh gravel. If in doubt, tell us and we will advise rather than risk a stuck truck and a failed delivery charge.
- Level base. Have your blocks, piers or railroad ties in position before the delivery. Setting a container down level keeps the doors swinging true and the floor dry.
Not sure? Send photos of the approach and the drop point to hello@containerden.com and we will tell you what will fit before you spend anything.
5. On the day
Inspect the unit as it comes off the truck, before you sign. Walk the outside, open the doors, and stand inside with the doors closed to look for daylight through the roof or walls. Note anything that does not match the grade you bought on the delivery paperwork, and photograph it.
If the unit is clearly not what you ordered you may refuse it at the point of delivery. Otherwise, you have7 days from delivery to report a condition problem under our returns and refunds policy.
6. Where we deliver
We deliver throughout the continental United States, from whichever depot holds the unit you have bought. Because stock sits at depots rather than in one central warehouse, the nearest available unit of a given grade and size may not be the nearest depot overall — the quote will make clear where it is coming from.
Deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii and offshore locations are possible but are priced individually; please contact us before ordering.
7. Rentals
Rental units are quoted with delivery and collection as separate one-off charges on top of the monthly rate, so you can see what the first month really costs. Collection is arranged when you tell us you are finished; the site needs the same access on the way out as it did on the way in.
8. Questions
Call +1 (555) 014-2667 or email hello@containerden.com. Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm Pacific. Closed weekends and public holidays.
Our address for correspondence is 1 Depot Way, Portland, OR, 97203, United States.
Container Den LLC, 1 Depot Way, Portland, OR, 97203, United States. Contact hello@containerden.com or +1 (555) 014-2667.
Nothing in this policy limits any right you have under applicable federal or state consumer protection law, including any implied warranty that your state does not permit us to disclaim.
Siting a container is the buyer's responsibility. Check local zoning, permit, setback and foundation requirements, and any HOA restrictions, before you order.