How tilt-bed delivery works
The truck backs up to the spot, tilts its bed and drives forward while the container slides off. That is why it needs a long, straight run in front of the drop spot and plenty of height while the bed is raised.
The numbers used
- Straight length: about 80 ft for a 20 ft container and 120 ft for a 40 ft.
- Gates and entries: at least 12 ft wide with 14 ft of overhead clearance.
- Height: about 14 ft with the container on the truck, rising to about 21 ft while unloading.
- Weight: a loaded tilt-bed is around 30,000 lb, so the ground must be firm and dry.
Source: OnSite Storage container delivery guide (Sep 2026). Sellers use different trucks; smaller roll-bed or flatbed trucks can handle 20 ft and smaller units in tight spaces.
Before the truck arrives
- Clear low branches, wires and debris along the route
- Set railroad ties or blocks level at each end, if you are using them
- Mark which way the doors should face
- Have someone on site to guide the driver
- Reschedule if rain has softened the ground