20ft and 40ft · Purchase or hire
Compare the full cost of a shipping container delivered and offloaded where you need it. Describe the access and final position, then ask for the container, road transport and offloading to be priced separately.
Three items to compare
Type, condition and quantity. For hire, duration, rental and invoiced dates.
Departure from the depot, arrival address, route and vehicle access conditions.
Lifting method, drop-off position and placement services.
Shipping container transport cost depends on the departure depot, delivery postcode, container and offloading method. Request a quote for those details; this guide does not publish a UK delivery tariff.
Ask for an itemised delivered quotation.
State the number, size and loaded or empty weight of the containers. Ask the supplier to identify transport, lifting, positioning, VAT and any waiting, access or return charges separately.
The route, access and lift plan affect the price. Do not infer a delivery charge from a container’s advertised purchase or hire price, or assume offloading is included.
State from the outset whether you have on-site handling equipment. The professional must confirm the vehicle and equipment suited to the weight, access and final position.
To be arranged with the supplier
The vehicle transports the container and lifting equipment handles the offloading. Ask for clarification on the possible position of the lorry and the reach required.
To be confirmed: working space and final position.
Services to coordinate
The haulier brings the container; an equipped contractor handles the lifting. Have the requirements validated and the schedules of the two services coordinated.
To be confirmed: who books and invoices the lifting.
You take care of the offloading
Describe the available equipment and its operator. Its presence is not enough: its suitability for the container and the operation must be confirmed.
To be confirmed: capacity and handling method.
Delivery to the gate and placement at the chosen location do not cover the same service. Have the expected drop-off point written into the quote.
For lifting at work, agree who plans and supervises the operation. A competent person must plan the lift, with appropriate supervision and safe execution. Check the chosen equipment, load, ground support, exclusion area and required examination records before delivery.
HSE explains LOLER 1998 for Great Britain. Northern Ireland has separate LOLER 1999 and work-equipment requirements. The haulier and lifting provider must also confirm any route, highway or site permissions needed for the operation.
Equipment used at work must also be suitable, maintained and used by people with appropriate information, instruction and training: see PUWER 1998 in Great Britain and PUWER 1999 in Northern Ireland. Agree the duties of the equipment provider, operator and site team. A hired crane or forklift is not automatically suitable for every loaded container; establish the actual load and lifting method before work starts.
Prepare this information before contacting the supplier. A few photos and measured dimensions will help them assess the delivery; access and support conditions still need to be confirmed by those involved.
Photograph the gate and note its usable dimensions. Indicate access times and any known restrictions.
Show bends, slopes, narrow passages and overhead obstacles between the street and the drop-off point.
Identify the possible vehicle position, the space available around it and the distance to the desired location.
Show the ground and the planned supports. Indicate the direction the doors open and the space to keep clear for using them.
Also allow for vehicle arrival and exit, the lifting work area and door opening. The required width depends on the lorry and handling method chosen: have your case checked before scheduling the delivery.
To compare two offers, provide the same size, same condition and same address. Then ask for a breakdown of the items below.
| Item | What you should be able to compare |
|---|---|
| Container | Size, condition, quantity and included equipment. |
| Transport | Departure depot, delivery address, time slot and transport costs. |
| Offloading and positioning | Service provider, planned equipment and agreed final position. |
| Waiting or access difficulties | Billing conditions in the event of waiting, postponement or re-delivery. |
| Hire | Duration, return costs, collection and return conditions. |
| Total | Ex VAT and inc VAT amounts, included services and items remaining your responsibility. |
A single request to specify the equipment, location and offloading. You can then compare proposals on the same basis.
Check these details before comparing equipment, delivery and services.