Useful articlesReading time ~5 minPublished 09.10.2026

Shipping container foundation

What to place a container on, how high to raise it and what to prepare before delivery — so the doors open easily and the underside does not rust.

In short

Do not put a container straight on the ground — raise it 5–10 cm on concrete blocks or slabs so air can circulate underneath.
The weight rests on the corners: a 20ft container needs 4 supports, a 40ft container ideally 6.
The site must be level and firm — if the container is not level, the doors can start to stick.
Before delivery, make sure the crane truck has clear access.

Why not put a container straight on the ground

The walls and frame of a shipping container are steel, but the floor is thick plywood with cross members underneath. If the container sits directly on the ground, water and snow collect under it, the underside never dries, the cross members start to rust and the floor absorbs moisture from below.

The second problem is settling. On soft ground one corner slowly sinks deeper, the container twists and the doors stop closing or need a lot of force. A simple but level and firm base is enough to avoid this.

Types of foundation

From the simplest to a long-term solution

Concrete blocks or slabs under the cornersThe cheapest and fastest option for storage. The blocks sit on a compacted layer of gravel so they do not sink.

Compacted gravel padGravel across the whole footprint drains water well and makes it easier to level the supports.

Screw pilesSuit soft ground, uneven sites or slopes — the height of each support can be adjusted precisely.

Concrete slab or footingA long-term solution if the container is converted into a workshop or office. More expensive and may need approval.

Wooden sleepers or beamsTemporary only — wood settles and rots over time.

For storage, most customers only need concrete blocks on compacted gravel. A slab or screw piles make sense if the container will stay for a long time or be converted. Whether you need approval is explained in the article do you need a permit for a shipping container.

How to prepare the site, step by step

Choose the spot. Level and dry, not in a hollow where water stands in spring. Leave room in front for the doors — both open outwards.
Mark the supports. A 20ft container is ~6.06 × 2.44 m, a 40ft ~12.19 × 2.44 m. Supports go under the four corners; a 40ft container needs two more in the middle of the long sides.
Remove the topsoil. Under the supports, remove the turf and soft soil down to firm ground.
Add and compact gravel. A gravel layer drains water and stops the supports from sinking.
Place the supports. Concrete blocks, slabs or screw piles — so the container corners rest fully on them.
Level them. Check the support heights with a spirit level or laser, including diagonally. A twisted container has sticking doors.
Leave an air gap. 5–10 cm between the ground and the container lets air circulate and the underside dry out.

Exact dimensions for every container are in the shipping container size table.

Access for the crane truck

We deliver with a truck-mounted crane that lifts the container and places it directly on the prepared supports. For this to work:

the route to the site must carry a heavy truck — on a soft lawn or after rain it can get stuck;
there must be no power lines or low branches above the unloading spot;
a 40ft container needs a bigger vehicle and more space to manoeuvre than a 20ft one.

If you are unsure about access, call 26764096 and we will assess it together. Prices and lead times are on the container delivery page.

Common mistakes

Putting the container straight on the ground or grass.
Supporting only the middle of the long sides instead of the corners.
Choosing a hollow where water stands in spring.
Not checking the level — then the doors will not close.
Forgetting space for opening the doors and for truck access.

Delivery from Kontiks.lv

All our containers are in Riga, and we deliver anywhere in Latvia, usually within 1–3 days. The crane places the container exactly where you want it — including on supports you have prepared. Before delivery we confirm the address and access, and tell you the delivery price straight away.

Frequently asked questions

Can a container be placed directly on the ground?

It can, but it is not recommended: the underside does not dry, the cross members rust and on soft ground the container can twist. Raise it 5–10 cm on concrete blocks or slabs instead.

How many supports does a container need?

A 20ft container needs four, one under each corner. A 40ft container ideally six: four at the corners and two in the middle of the long sides.

Does a shipping container need a concrete foundation?

Not for storage — concrete blocks on compacted gravel are enough. A slab or screw piles make sense if the container will stay long term or be converted into a workshop or office.