Container Home Delivery, Start to Finish
See a 40ft home arrive and get set up on site.
View the Luxury 40ft Prefab Container House
Nationwide Delivery & Site Preparation
Container Delivery & Site Preparation Guide
We deliver shipping containers to all 50 states with professional placement. Learn about delivery options, timelines, site preparation requirements, and foundation choices to ensure a smooth, successful delivery.
Site preparation — who does what
Site Readiness: Prepared by You — or by Our Crew
To be clear: site preparation is done by you, the customer. Outback does not perform site work automatically — your delivery covers transporting and placing the container, not preparing the ground. In her on-site video, Donna Jean Graham explains exactly what you need to do to prepare your site, from clearing and leveling the placement area to confirming safe truck access before delivery day.
Prefer to leave it to us? You can pay Outback to prepare the site for you as an arranged service — we come out and do the work. The photo shows one of these arranged projects: Donald J. Graham reviewing the site with the client while our crew forms, levels, and finishes the concrete pad. Final foundation design, reinforcement, drainage, and permits remain subject to the project requirements and the appropriate local professionals.
- A level, compacted placement area, prepared by you
- Clear truck access and overhead clearance on delivery day
- Permits, drainage, and utilities arranged before delivery
Outback pool project · 60-second time-lapse
From Site Preparation to a Finished Container Pool
Watch this 60-second time-lapse of an Outback Shipping Containers pool project, from site preparation and placement through finishing and filling. Talk to our team about the pool and installation arrangements for your property.
Time-lapse footage; installation schedules, site requirements, and included services are confirmed for your project.
Container Home Delivery & Setup
A look at a 1-bedroom duplex being set up in a backyard.
View the 1-Bedroom DuplexSimple Process
How Delivery Works
Delivering a jobsite office? Review our shipping container office site-prep checklist before your delivery date.
01
Order
Place your order online or by phone. Confirm container type, size, and condition.
02
Coordinate
Our logistics team contacts you within 1 business day to arrange delivery details and schedule.
03
Transport
Container ships via tilt-bed or flatbed truck with a professional driver trained in container placement.
04
Placement
Professional placement at your desired location. Driver ensures level positioning before departure.
Delivery Methods
Delivery Options
Most Popular
Free Standard Delivery
FREE
Handling 1–3 business days · Transit 7–12 business days (about 8–15 business days). Free standard delivery to the continental U.S. (lower 48). Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico ship by Flatbed Delivery ($450 flat per order) plus ocean/barge transit, with ferry, barge and port costs quoted in advance. Remote or restricted-access sites may need an accessorial fee, which is always quoted and approved by you in writing before dispatch. Covers every container in a multi-unit order. No crane, forklift, or customer unloading equipment required.
Express
Tilt Bed Truck — Express
$350 per order
$350 flat per order (not per container); $1,000 flat per order for container homes. Handling 1–3 business days · Transit 4–7 business days (about 5–10 business days). Container is tilted off the truck directly onto the ground — no crane required.
Express
Flatbed Truck — Express
$450 per order
$450 flat per order (not per container); $1,500 flat per order for container homes. Handling 1–3 business days · Transit 4–7 business days (about 5–10 business days; Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico add quoted barge/port transit). Used for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and mainland sites where tilt-bed access is not available. Outback coordinates and provides all required offloading equipment.
Free Standard Delivery · $0
1–3 + 7–12 business days
about 8–15 business days
Tilt-Bed Delivery · $350 flat per order
1–3 + 4–7 business days
about 5–10 business days
Flatbed Delivery · $450 flat per order
1–3 + 4–7 business days
about 5–10 business days
Coast to Coast
Delivery Timelines by Region
We deliver to all 50 states. Timelines vary by region and site accessibility.
West Coast
CA, OR, WA, NV, AZ
Free 1–3 + 7–12 · Tilt-Bed 1–3 + 4–7 · Flatbed 1–3 + 4–7 days
Mountain
CO, UT, MT, ID, WY, NM
Free 1–3 + 7–12 · Tilt-Bed 1–3 + 4–7 · Flatbed 1–3 + 4–7 days
Midwest
IL, OH, MI, MN, WI, IN, IA, MO
Free 1–3 + 7–12 · Tilt-Bed 1–3 + 4–7 · Flatbed 1–3 + 4–7 days
South
TX, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, AL, LA
Free 1–3 + 7–12 · Tilt-Bed 1–3 + 4–7 · Flatbed 1–3 + 4–7 days
Northeast
NY, PA, NJ, MA, CT, ME
Free 1–3 + 7–12 · Tilt-Bed 1–3 + 4–7 · Flatbed 1–3 + 4–7 days
Plains
KS, NE, SD, ND, OK, AR
Free 1–3 + 7–12 · Tilt-Bed 1–3 + 4–7 · Flatbed 1–3 + 4–7 days
Prepare Your Site
Site Preparation Guide
Proper site preparation ensures safe delivery, level placement, and long-term structural integrity. Follow our comprehensive guide below.
Foundation Options
Choose the Right Foundation
A proper foundation prevents settling, moisture damage, and door misalignment. Choose based on your intended use and placement duration.
Concrete Pad
Most permanent and stable option. Best for long-term or permanent placement. Requires pouring concrete in advance.
Preparation
Pour 4–6" reinforced concrete pad, slightly larger than the container footprint.
Gravel Bed
Cost-effective with excellent drainage. Good for semi-permanent placement. Quick to prepare.
Preparation
Lay 4–6" of compacted 3/4" minus gravel on level ground.
Railroad Ties
Elevates container off the ground, preventing moisture damage. Durable and long-lasting.
Preparation
Place treated railroad ties at each corner and every 8ft along the length.
Concrete Blocks
Quick, adjustable, and budget-friendly. Ideal for temporary placement or leveling uneven ground.
Preparation
Place solid concrete blocks at corners and mid-points; level with shims.
Step by Step
Site Preparation Steps
01
Choose Location
Select a level area with adequate access for the delivery truck.
02
Clear Site
Remove debris, vegetation, rocks, and any overhead obstructions.
03
Level Ground
Ensure the surface is level using a spirit or laser level for accuracy.
04
Compact Soil
Compact the soil to prevent settling. Add gravel or pour concrete as needed.
05
Install Foundation
Place your chosen foundation — concrete pad, gravel, ties, or blocks.
06
Final Check
Verify access path, clearance, and overall site readiness for delivery.
Access Requirements
Minimum 12ft wide access path for truck entry
Minimum straight approach: 100ft for a 20ft container, 120ft for a 40ft (full table below)
Minimum 14ft overhead clearance (15ft for high cube); no power lines, branches or awnings over the drop zone
Adequate turning radius for truck and trailer (60ft min)
Firm, stable surface supporting 40,000+ lbs truck weight
No steep grades or ditches in the delivery path
Clear line of sight for the driver during placement
Gates or fences opened wide enough for truck passage
Site Clearance Guide
20ft Container
Footprint
20' × 8'
Clearance
Allow 25' × 13' total area
40ft Container
Footprint
40' × 8'
Clearance
Allow 45' × 13' total area
40ft High Cube
Footprint
40' × 8' (9'6" tall)
Clearance
45' × 13' drop zone; 15' overhead clearance for the truck
Always allow 3–5ft clearance on all sides for maintenance access and door swing.
Delivery Clearance by Product
| Product | Delivery method | Straight approach | Access width | Overhead clearance | Drop zone / setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft containers (8–12 ft) | Tilt-bed | 90 ft | 12 ft | 14 ft (15 ft high cube) | 17 x 13 ft |
| 16ft containers | Tilt-bed | 95 ft | 12 ft | 14 ft (15 ft high cube) | 21 x 13 ft |
| 20ft containers | Tilt-bed | 100 ft | 12 ft | 14 ft (15 ft high cube) | 25 x 13 ft |
| 30ft containers | Tilt-bed | 110 ft | 12 ft | 14 ft | 35 x 13 ft |
| 40ft containers | Tilt-bed | 120 ft | 12 ft | 14 ft (15 ft high cube) | 45 x 13 ft |
| 45ft high cube | Tilt-bed | 125 ft | 12 ft | 15 ft | 50 x 13 ft |
| 53ft high cube | Tilt-bed | 135 ft | 12 ft | 15 ft | 58 x 13 ft |
| Container homes, pools, portable cabins, modular buildings | Flatbed + crane | 80 ft straight truck access | 12 ft (13–16 ft for 9–12 ft-wide units) | 14 ft (15 ft for 9 ft 6 in modules) | 20 x 30 ft crane pad within 25 ft of the set point; no power lines within 20 ft of the lift path |
| Flat-pack units, compact cabins, flat racks | Flatbed + forklift | 80 ft | 12 ft | 14 ft | 20 ft forklift lane beside the trailer |
| Trailers, food trailers, towable units | Towed | 45–75 ft (trailer length + 34 ft) | 12 ft | 12 ft | straight, level back-in run |
| Food trucks | Drive-away | 40 ft (60 ft with trailer) | 12 ft | 12 ft | level parking area |
Every product page lists the exact requirements for that unit. Our dispatcher confirms your site before scheduling. Tighter sites can be served by crane or side-loader.
Permit & Compliance Checklist
Check local zoning requirements for container placement
Building permits may be required for permanent structures
Review HOA restrictions and CC&Rs if applicable
Verify setback requirements from property lines
Check for utility easements on your property
Some areas require engineering stamps for container structures
Contact your local building department for specific requirements
Questions & Answers
Delivery FAQ
Business Information
About Our Company
Outback Shipping Containers LLC is a registered, licensed, and insured business based in Houston, Texas. Every order ships from our Houston, Texas warehouse (10000 Wallisville Rd, Houston, TX 77013) to your location. We deliver nationwide with full compliance with all consumer protection and shipping policies.
Legal Entity
Outback Shipping Containers LLC
Headquarters
10000 Wallisville Rd, Houston, TX 77013
Phone
+1 (346) 503-5478Business Hours
Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT
Service Area
Nationwide delivery to all 50 states — every order ships from our Houston, Texas warehouse
Licensed & Insured
BBB A+ Accredited
USA Owned & Operated
All 50 States
Secure Card, ACH & Wire Payments
Ready to Schedule Your Delivery?
Get a free delivery quote or browse our nationwide inventory of ready-to-ship containers. Our logistics team is standing by.