Logistics Guide
Container Delivery Across BC: What You Need to Know
A smooth delivery day starts with good preparation. This guide covers everything from site access to final placement to ensure your container arrives without a hitch.
You've chosen your container, and you're ready for it to arrive. But getting a 2.5-ton steel box to your property—whether it's in downtown Kelowna or a remote site near Prince George—requires careful planning. At Valleyview Containers, we pride ourselves on our reliable delivery service across British Columbia. Here’s what you need to do to ensure a seamless delivery experience.
The Delivery Vehicle: Understanding the Tilt Deck Truck
We primarily use tilt deck (also known as tilt bed) trucks for our deliveries. These trucks have a flatbed that hydraulically tilts down to the ground, allowing the container to slide off smoothly. This method is efficient and requires minimal equipment.
Here are the key space requirements for our trucks:
- Straight Line Clearance: For a 20ft container, we need about 60 feet of straight, unobstructed space. For a 40ft container, this increases to about 120 feet.
- Width Clearance: The truck needs at least 10-12 feet of width to maneuver safely. This includes gates, driveways, and paths.
- Overhead Clearance: We require a minimum of 16 feet of vertical clearance, free from any power lines, tree branches, or building overhangs.
Crucial Pre-Delivery Check
Before scheduling, walk the entire delivery path from the main road to your desired drop spot. Look for tight turns, low-hanging branches, soft ground, and any other potential obstacles. Taking photos or a video of the path can be extremely helpful for our logistics team.
Site Preparation Checklist
Your container needs a solid, level foundation to ensure the doors operate correctly and to prevent sinking or warping over time. An improperly prepared site is the #1 cause of delivery issues.
Your 4-Step Preparation Plan:
- Choose a Level Spot: The ground must be as level as possible. A container placed on uneven ground will twist, making the doors extremely difficult to open and close.
- Ensure a Solid Foundation: The site must be firm and dry. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or have soft soil. Compacted gravel, asphalt, or concrete pads are ideal.
- Use Blocks for Support (Recommended): We strongly recommend placing the container on supports like pressure-treated wood blocks, concrete blocks, or railway ties. This elevates the container, preventing moisture from accumulating underneath and ensuring airflow, which significantly reduces the risk of rust.
- Clear the Area: Make sure the drop location and the surrounding area are completely clear of debris, vehicles, and other obstructions.
On Delivery Day
Our driver will call you when they are on their way. It's important that you or a designated representative is on-site to meet them.
- Final Placement Discussion: You'll confirm the exact placement and orientation with the driver. Do you want the doors facing the house or away from it? This is the time to decide.
- Safety First: For everyone's safety, please keep a clear distance while the driver is unloading the container. Our drivers are professionals, but this is a heavy piece of equipment.
- Inspect the Container: Once the container is placed, take a moment to inspect it and ensure it meets your expectations. Check the doors, floor, and overall condition.
By following this guide, you can ensure your container delivery is fast, safe, and stress-free. Our goal is to get you your storage solution as efficiently as possible, so you can start using it right away.