How We Deliver Your Container
Delivering a shipping container is a lifting operation, not a parcel drop. The unit must arrive on a suitable vehicle, be offloaded safely and be placed accurately in a position you have prepared. Every quotation states the delivery method and vehicle type. If you have any doubt about access, call +44 7882 748643 or email sales@atc-shippingcontainers.com before ordering so we can assess it with you.
Trading address: ATC Shipping Containers Ltd, Europa Trading Centre, Magnet Road (off London Road), Grays, Essex, RM20 4DB.
Delivery Vehicles
HIAB (crane-equipped) lorry
A HIAB carries a hydraulic crane behind the cab and lifts the container from the bed into position. It is the most flexible method and is standard for most UK sites.
Tilt-bed trailer
A tilt-bed trailer raises its bed hydraulically and slides the container off the back while the lorry pulls forward. It needs a long, straight, firm run-off directly behind the vehicle.
Flat-bed with customer offload
On established construction sites and depots you may prefer flat-bed delivery, offloading with your own forklift, telehandler or crane. Where agreed, the lifting equipment, trained operators and lift plan are your responsibility.
Site Access Requirements
Assess the whole route, not just the delivery point. Vehicles are up to around 3m wide including mirrors, are heavy when loaded, and cannot cross soft ground, weak drain covers or weight-restricted bridges.
- 20ft container: clear straight approach of at least 18m by 3.5m wide, plus crane swing room for HIAB delivery.
- 40ft container: clear straight approach of at least 27–30m by 3.5m wide.
- Tilt-bed: roughly 25m for a 20ft unit and 35m for a 40ft unit.
- Overhead clearance: roughly 6m for HIAB operations.
The vehicle needs firm, load-bearing ground. Clear the approach, unlock gates and ensure a responsible adult is present. If delivery cannot be completed safely because disclosed access requirements were not met, failed-delivery and redelivery charges may apply and will be communicated before redelivery.
UK Delivery Charges
Standard delivery and offload are included in the displayed product price for eligible UK addresses accepted at checkout. There is no separate standard-delivery charge added after purchase. Unusual access requirements, customer-requested specialist lifting, failed delivery, or destinations that cannot be serviced by the standard network may require a separate quotation. Any additional charge will be disclosed and agreed before the order is confirmed or dispatch is booked.
Deliveries outside the UK are quoted separately. International freight, duties, taxes, customs clearance and local destination charges are confirmed in writing before purchase.
Lead Times
Typical delivery is 7–14 working days from cleared payment. Modified or bespoke units are timed from written approval of the specification. Island routes, ferry schedules, severe weather and unusual site requirements can affect timing; we will disclose known delays before dispatch and contact you if circumstances change.
Deliveries are normally Monday to Friday during working hours. We agree a date and provide a time window, but exact arrival times cannot be guaranteed because of traffic, weather and preceding jobs.
Offloading Responsibilities
For HIAB and tilt-bed deliveries our driver carries out the offload and places the container in the agreed position where safe. The driver has final authority on whether a lift can be performed safely. You must confirm that the ground and any underground services can bear the load.
International Shipping
We can arrange port-to-port and door-to-door shipping, loading and export documentation. Containers shipped internationally must be cargo-worthy with a valid CSC plate. Send us your destination for a written quotation before ordering.