Prepare a container site in Australia: access, support and drainage

Walk the complete delivery route

Give the carrier photographs and measurements of the entrance, bends, gradient, overhead obstructions and final position. Include gates, utility lines, parked vehicles and culverts. The space needed depends on the truck and unloading method; a generic clearance figure is not approval.

Confirm any ferry booking, remote access, wet-season or seasonal road limits, and alpine snow clearance where relevant. The route and ground must remain usable on delivery day, not just when the quote is prepared.

Have the ground and supports assessed

A level-looking pad may conceal weak fill, drainage problems or underground services. Ask the supplier and an appropriately qualified designer to establish support locations, ground bearing and foundations for the actual container, load and use.

Have a qualified designer assess ground bearing, settlement, foundations and anchoring for the actual unit and use. Include local wind or cyclone exposure, flooding, bushfire constraints and corrosion near the coast. Alpine snow or frost matters where relevant. Council overlays and the applicable NCC provisions need site-specific review; four blocks in a sketch are not a foundation design.

ABCB: National Construction Code and state/territory adoption →

Agree readiness and handover

Identify who prepares the site, checks services, establishes the work area and signs off the position. Inspect door operation after placement and record delivery damage. Retain required permit and inspection records.

• Confirm the lifting method, qualified operator and exclusion area.
• Record weather-related cancellation and unsuccessful-delivery charges.
• Keep doors, ventilation openings and walking routes usable.

Safe Work Australia: model codes — check local approval →