When having a storage unit delivered on your property, there are a few key things to consider to ensure the delivery goes smoothly. So, to help you prepare for it’s arrival, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know about having them delivered.
Space Required
Before scheduling a delivery to your site, you must consider how much space will be required. Bear in mind that units are typically delivered and lowered to the ground by the truck’s crane. You must, therefore, ensure that there is enough space to accommodate the width of the truck and the unit space ‐ approximately 20ft wide will be necessary. The length of space required to offload will depend but up to a single 20ft unit will require a space over 25ft long and a 30ft/40ft over 45ft of space. Make sure you calculate the amount of space required for delivery or contact your delivery company for advice.
Health and Safety Considerations
You must prepare your site before delivery. This will ensure that the product can be delivered safely while reducing the risk of accidents or injuries occurring during the delivery process. Firstly, there must be no overhead restrictions like cables or tree branches near the delivery site and the ground should be level and solid. If the delivery site has soft or unstable ground, then it is advisable to provide concrete footing or a bed of gravel to help support it and prevent movement. Make sure you remove any obstructions or debris from the entrance and accessway to your property.
We also suggest that you provide the driver with any useful information about your site to help the delivery run smoothly. For instance, if you want your storage box to face a certain direction, then be sure to tell the driver beforehand so they can load them appropriately. If you don’t, then it may prove difficult for the driver to move into a different position once it has been loaded onto the trailer.
Things to Consider Before Your Delivery
In addition to the above, there are several other important things to consider before your delivery, these include:
Delivery Fees
It is important to be aware that the delivery fee is often not included in the price of your storage unit. This is because the price of delivery varies due to several factors such as distance, access, and risk assessments. It is therefore important to contact your company to get an estimate of the delivery fee. This will help you get a realistic idea of the total cost after delivery.
Planning Permission
Planning permission is often not required as they are considered temporary structures. However, the rules vary around the country and you may require planning permission in some circumstances (i.e. if you’re planning on converting and living in a unit for a prolonged period). You may also require planning permission if your delivery site is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or falls under one of the other exceptions. For that reason, it is always best to contact your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to check whether planning permission is required on your particular site.
Site Survey
Most delivery companies can carry out a site survey to cover things like truck access, container placement, etc. Once you have a storage unit delivered, you won’t be able to move it on your own. This is why it’s so important to choose a suitable delivery site. Having the site surveyed will give you the reassurance that it will be located in the most suitable area and help ensure that you’re prepared for the delivery.
Summary
When you hire or purchase a container, it is important that you plan for your delivery and ensure that your site is properly prepared. You must choose a suitable site with adequate space, prepare the ground, and keep the area stable to prevent movement. Make sure that you also consider things like delivery fees and planning permission before scheduling a delivery. If you’re unsure about how to prepare for the delivery of your unit, then it’s advisable to have a site survey carried out to get advice and guidance on the delivery process. This will help ensure that the delivery goes as smoothly as possible.
