Understanding the Delivery Requirements for a 20ft Container Delivery
A 20ft container is one of the easiest sizes to place—especially when your property has firm, dry ground and enough room for the truck to turn, back in, and line up properly. Even though the container is compact, the delivery still depends on having clear access and space for the driver to maneuver. With just a bit of preparation, the drop-off is quick, smooth, and hassle-free. Here is everything you need to know before we arrive.
Measurements
Measurements may vary depending on the container (used vs new, etc.)
Internal length
19 ft 4 in / 5.9 m
Internal width
7 ft 8.5 in / 2.35 m
Internal height
7 ft 10 in / 2.39 m
Tare weight (varies by container)
~4,800 lbs / 2,150 kg
Payload capacity
62,570 lbs / 28,380 kg
Cubic capacity
1,173 cu ft / 33.2 m³
Delivery of a 20ft Container
A 20 foot container is delivered using a 24 ft tilt-deck truck and needs a minimum of 75 feet (22.9 meters) of straight-line clearance for drop-off.
Depending on your delivery site, it may be more suitable to send your container on a particular truck and trailer.
If your location has tight access or may require a specific type of truck, simply let Supernova know when finalizing your delivery details. Clear communication helps them plan the safest and most efficient approach for your site.
Choosing Door Direction
When you order your container, you'll choose which direction the doors should face when they are loaded on the trailer.This decision affects how the container will be unloaded at your site. Pictured below: a 20 foot used Cargo Worthy container is loaded doors to cab.
Container Doors Loaded Doors to Cab
At the depot, the container will be loaded with the doors of the container facing the cab of the truck.
At the delivery site, the truck will back into the position where you want your container and tilt the container off. The container doors will come off last.
Container Doors Loaded Doors to Rear
At the depot, the container will be loaded with the doors of the container facing the rear of trailer.
At the delivery site, the truck will back into the position where you want your container and tilt the container off. The container doors will come off first.
From the Depot to Your Site: How a Container Gets Loaded
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Arriving at the Depot
Container depots are dynamic, fast-paced environments, and each yard operates a little differently. To help keep everything running smoothly, we stay in communication with the depot ahead of time and coordinate closely with our drivers throughout the pickup.
Our role is to bridge the gap between busy depots and the client’s expected timelines—providing clear updates, sharing realistic ETA’s, and keeping everyone aligned.
With strong communication and teamwork, we aim to make the pickup and loading process as smooth and efficient as possible.
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The Container is Loaded
Once the container is selected, the yard loads it onto the trailer with the proper door orientation as discussed pre-delivery. All paperwork and loading details have already been provided to the driver to support a smooth pickup and correct door placement. The driver completes another inspection before securing the load, ensuring everything is positioned safely. Throughout the process, our dedicated dispatch team stays in communication with the delivery company and the client to facilitate a smooth delivery. With coordinated teamwork, the container is loaded securely and prepared for transport.
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Delivery
With the container safely secured, the driver is now on the way—moving through traffic and heading toward your site as planned. Once the depot has worked through its lineup and the truck is rolling, we monitor progress closely and keep your ETA in sight.
While road and traffic conditions can vary, the goal is always the same: to arrive as close to the estimated time as possible. We'll do our best to provide real time updates so you know when to expect your delivery, keeping everything smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
