3 Different Shipping Container Delivery Truck Options

Buying a shipping container is only one step in the process—you also have to figure out how to deliver it to your site! Depending on the dimensions and limitations of the delivery location, you can choose from three different shipping container delivery options: a flatbed, a tilt bed, and a truck-mounted crane.

We’ll walk you through each container delivery option and explain the benefits of each to help you figure out which is ideal for your situation.

Flatbed Truck Container Delivery

The most common delivery method for shipping containers is using a simple flatbed semi-truck. Flatbed trucks are typically the most available and affordable transportation methods.

The container goes on the flatbed, is tightly secured, and driven to the delivery site. The only downside to a flatbed is it requires a forklift or crane operator to remove the container from the truck at the delivery site.

Tilt Bed Truck (Rollback) Delivery

The tilt bed truck, also known as a rollback or roll-off, is another popular method for delivering shipping containers. A tilt bed truck is a modified version of the flatbed. The bed is equipped with hydraulics to let the container slide to the ground.

The tilt bed is ideal for situations without a forklift or crane to move the shipping container off a flatbed. The truck has to set the container down and drive forward, requiring unobstructed space to release the container without turning or maneuvering.

Pro Tip: To deliver a 20-foot container, a tilt bed truck needs about 75 feet of space. A 40-foot container needs 110 feet of space.

Side Loader for Shipping Container Delivery

Another shipping container delivery option is renting or utilizing a truck called a side-loader that comes with a mounted crane. A truck-mounted crane obviously eliminates the need for a forklift or separate crane.

As you may expect, this special truck is more costly than a simple flatbed or tilt bed semi-truck. Still, it is less expensive than renting an entire crane to move a container. This delivery method is best for moving a container over an obstruction like a wall or fence.

Now that you’re familiar with the delivery methods, you’re ready to order a shipping container! At Container Management Inc., we have plenty of shipping containers for sale in Chicago and many other locations around the country.

What Is the Best Delivery Truck Option for Your Shipping Container?

Contact our team and ask about our ground-level delivery service, and we’ll walk you through the steps of delivering a shipping container. We’ll even offer a free quote for our services!