“You know exactly where you want your shipping container to go—but there’s just one problem: a fence, a building, or tight space is blocking the way.”
Whether you’re placing a container in a backyard, behind a building, or on top of a parking structure, traditional
Table of Contents
Why Choose Crane Delivery for Shipping Containers?
Most shipping containers are delivered using tilt-bed trucks, which slide the container off the back onto the ground. However, in tight or elevated spaces, a crane is the only way to get the container exactly where you need it. Crane delivery provides the precision and flexibility needed to lift a container over obstacles and safely set it in place. The most common reasons include:
- Backyard Access: When a delivery truck can’t drive behind a house, a crane can lift the container over obstacles like fences or landscaping.
- Behind a Building: Some businesses or properties have tight spaces where a truck can’t maneuver, but a crane can place the container exactly where needed.
- Downtown and High-Rise Construction: On large-scale projects, containers often need to be placed on top of parking garages, rooftops, or other elevated structures.
- Jobsite Mobility: In some cases, cranes on construction sites relocate containers from one section of a jobsite to another, making them a flexible storage solution.
The Strength of Shipping Containers: Why Corner Castings Matter for Crane Delivery
One of the biggest advantages of shipping containers is their built-in lifting points—the four corner castings. These allow for secure crane attachment, making placement safer and more efficient than other lifting methods like forklifts.
- How It Works: A shackle fits directly into the corner casting, connecting to the strap, which then attaches to the crane’s hook.
- Lower vs. Upper Corner Castings: Crane operators have personal preferences on whether to lift from the lower or upper corner castings, depending on the setup.
- Access Considerations: If placing a container alongside a building, ensure you have access to all four corners to detach the shackles once the container is set.
- Bring a Ladder: If the top corner castings are being used, having a tall ladder on hand is essential for safely reaching the shackles.
Site Considerations for Crane Delivery: Clearance, Ground Stability, and Maneuvering Space
Before scheduling crane delivery for a shipping container, it’s essential to prepare the site to avoid unexpected delays or issues. The two biggest challenges are overhead clearance and ground stability, but obstacles on the ground can also cause problems.
Overhead Clearance & Swing Space
- Check for power lines and nearby buildings—the crane needs room to swing and maneuver the container safely.
- Truck-mounted cranes have limited reach—they typically cannot lift over power lines, so the placement must be carefully planned.
Ground Stability & Leveling
- Crane stabilizers must sit on a firm surface—soft or uneven ground can cause them to sink or shift, which is a serious safety concern.
- Minor unevenness is okay—most cranes have stabilizer plates to help them level, but the ground should still be compacted or reinforced if needed.
Remove Ground-Level Obstacles
- Clear the area as much as possible—move vehicles, equipment, patio furniture, or other obstructions out of the way.
- Remember the crane itself needs space—it requires a large area to back into position and to extend its stabilizers (outriggers) for a safe lift.
Weather Conditions: Why Timing Matters for a Safe Crane Delivery
Weather can play a big role in whether a crane delivery can go forward as planned. Stay flexible with your delivery dates, as a lift will most likely be canceled if there is any risk of lightning in the area—safety always comes first.
Using Guide Ropes for Stability
- Attach a safety rope (or guide rope) to at least one, preferably two, corner castings.
- The rope should not have loops or knots that could snag on anything.
Purpose: This allows personnel to gently direct the container into place and prevents it from swinging excessively in the wind.
The Crane Delivery Process: Step-by-Step
A crane delivery for a shipping container involves careful planning and coordination. Here’s what to expect:
1. Determine If a Crane Is Needed
- If space is limited, a crane may be required for precise placement.
- Customers can choose any crane service, though we can provide recommendations.
- Key details to confirm: container size, placement location, and delivery timing.
2. Customer Arranges the Crane
- The customer schedules and pays for the crane separately.
- Two options:
- Crane meets us at the site for direct placement.
- We drop the container at an accessible location, and the crane moves it later.
- Customers should ensure the crane is large enough and the site is safe and accessible.
3. Day of Delivery
- Our delivery truck backs into place at the site.
- If there is enough room for the truck and crane to be side by side, the container will stay on our truck while the crane rigging is attached.
- The crane operator will inspect the surroundings and confirm the route of the lift between the crane and the final placement.
- The crane’s stabilizers will be extended, and the crane will extend upward.
- Guide ropes will be attached to help direct the container’s movement.
- The container will be lifted straight up to clear all obstacles, then slowly rotated toward its final position.
- The container is lowered gradually, with guide ropes keeping it straight.
- At about four feet off the ground, at least one person will steady the container, ensuring alignment.
- The container is gently placed, and a quick check is done to confirm:
- Placement is correct
- The container is level
- Doors open and close properly
- Once confirmed, the crane is detached, equipment packed up, and both vehicles drive away.
What to Expect During Crane Delivery Costs
When using a crane for shipping container delivery, customers should expect two separate delivery fees:
- Container Transportation Fee (Our Delivery Charge)
- Covers the cost of transporting the container to the site.
- Typically $100–$150 per hour, depending on the distance.
- Crane Service Fee (Paid to the Crane Company)
- Covers the cost of lifting and setting the container in place.
- Typically $250–$350 per hour, with most cranes requiring a 1- to 2-hour minimum charge.
Since crane services are billed separately, it’s important for customers to coordinate both the truck and crane timing efficiently to avoid paying for extra standby time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Crane for Container Delivery
Crane deliveries require careful planning, and two of the most common mistakes customers make are underestimating scheduling time and not providing enough space for the crane to operate.
1. Not Allowing Enough Time to Schedule the Crane
- While we can often deliver a container on short notice, many crane companies are booked out several weeks in advance.
- It’s best to schedule both the container delivery and crane service early to avoid last-minute delays.
2. Not Providing Enough Room for the Crane to Back Into Place
- Yes, space is limited—that’s often why a crane is needed in the first place! But the crane still requires room to operate safely.
- In most cases, plan for at least:
- 30 feet of width for the crane and truck to be side by side.
- 100 feet or more in a straight line for the truck to back into position.
- If space is extra tight, customers should work with the crane company ahead of time to determine if a larger or smaller crane is needed for the job.
Can Cranes Move Loaded Containers? Understanding Weight Limits and Safety
Yes, cranes can lift loaded shipping containers, but weight limits must always be confirmed to ensure a safe and legal lift.
Key Weight Guidelines for Loaded Containers:
- We only move 20-foot containers when they are loaded—40-foot containers must be empty for transport.
- Max weight limit: 9,000 lbs. of contents inside the container.
- For reference, the average contents of a 3-bedroom home weigh about 6,500 lbs.
- If a container exceeds the weight limit, additional fees will apply, and the customer will likely need to remove excess weight before proceeding.
Customers should always communicate load details ahead of time so the right equipment is used, and no last-minute adjustments are required.
Questions and Answers: Crane Delivery for Shipping Containers
- Who is responsible for scheduling the crane for container delivery?
- The customer is responsible for scheduling and paying for the crane service separately. Get Simple Box handles container transportation, but the crane company must be arranged in advance to ensure proper timing.
- What size crane do I need to lift a shipping container?
- The crane size depends on the container weight, distance from the truck to the final location, and height of the lift. The crane company will determine the right equipment based on these factors.
- Where can a crane place a shipping container?
- A crane can place a container in backyards, behind buildings, on rooftops, or inside fenced areas—anywhere that a tilt-bed truck cannot reach, as long as there is enough clearance and stable ground for the crane’s outriggers.
- Why would I need a crane instead of a standard delivery truck?
- A crane is needed when the container must be lifted over obstacles, placed in tight spaces, or positioned in areas where a truck cannot safely maneuver.
- How much does it cost to have a container delivered and set by a crane?
- Expect two separate charges:
- $100–$150 per hour for Get Simple Box to deliver the container.
- $250–$350 per hour for the crane service, usually with a 1- or 2-hour minimum.
- Expect two separate charges:
- Will Get Simple Box stay on-site to assist during the crane lift?
- Yes, our driver will typically remain on-site for up to 30 minutes to assist with positioning and ensure a smooth transfer from the truck to the crane.
- Who ensures the container is level after placement?
- The customer should check the container’s levelness once it is set in place. We recommend using wood blocks or shims under the corners if adjustments are needed.
- What should I do to prepare my site for crane delivery?
- Clear all vehicles, equipment, and obstacles from the area. Ensure there is at least 30 feet of width for the crane and truck and 100 feet or more in a straight line for maneuvering.
- Where do I attach guide ropes during a crane lift?
- Attach guide ropes to at least one (preferably two) corner castings to help control container movement and prevent excessive swinging.
- How heavy can a shipping container be for crane delivery?
- Get Simple Box only moves loaded 20-foot containers, with a 9,000-pound max weight limit for contents. Overloaded containers may require the customer to remove excess weight before lifting.
Is Crane Delivery Right for Your Shipping Container?
Crane delivery is a great option when a shipping container needs to be placed in hard-to-reach locations, such as backyards, rooftops, or behind buildings where trucks can’t maneuver. While it requires extra planning and coordination, it allows for precise placement and avoids damage to surrounding structures.
Key Takeaways for a Smooth Crane Delivery:
✅ Plan ahead—cranes often need to be scheduled weeks in advance.
✅ Clear the area—make sure there’s enough space for both the truck and crane.
✅ Watch for overhead obstacles—power lines and buildings can limit lift options.
✅ Confirm weight limits—loaded containers must stay within 9,000 lbs.
✅ Use guide ropes—these help control movement and prevent excessive swinging.
By understanding the process and avoiding common mistakes, customers can ensure a safe, efficient, and hassle-free crane delivery for their shipping container.
Need Help Scheduling a Crane Delivery?
If you’re ready to rent, move, or buy a container, check out our additional resources below:
If you’re considering a crane delivery for your container, our team at Get Simple Box can help. Choose a location today for recommendations and to schedule your container delivery!
Ready to Learn More About Container Deliveries?
At Get Simple Box, we ensure on-time, hassle-free delivery, so your container arrives ready for use—letting you focus on what matters most.
Share this Post:
Related Posts
When it comes to storing your things or moving from place to place, container insurance might not be the first
At Get Simple Box, we believe that our greatest strength isn’t our containers—it’s our people. Every day, our team shows
When it comes to selling a home, presentation is everything. Successful realtors know that the more appealing a home looks,
Wildfires in Southern California have caused devastating damage, displacing thousands and creating an urgent need for relief and recovery resources.
Imagine owning a business that not only thrives during economic uncertainty but also allows you to balance meaningful work with
Imagine this: You’re starting a long-awaited home renovation project. Your living room is piled high with furniture, your kitchen counters