How to Level a Shipping Container: Tips & Tricks for Secure Container Levelling

Shipping containers are tough and versatile. Used for everything from home offices to holiday lets, workshops, and storage, they can be used almost anywhere. However, the placement of the container matters. Making sure it’s properly levelled will help your container last longer, work better, and stay secure against theft and damage. 

The importance of levelling your shipping container

Levelling your storage container can prevent a lot of problems down the road. Not only does it enhance safety, but it also ensures your container operates efficiently throughout its lifespan. With so many benefits, investing time in levelling your container is definitely worthwhile.

Structural integrity

Shipping containers have a strong, rectangular design. When they’re full of cargo, most of the weight rests on their four corners – so if the corners aren’t level, the container can twist or warp. Cracked walls and doors that won’t close are the most common warning signs of structural damage. 

Proper door function

The door is one of the most important parts of a shipping container. As well as giving you access, a strong door also protects the container’s contents from theft, pests, and water damage. If the container isn’t level, then the door might shift out of alignment. You won’t be able to open, close, or lock it easily. 

Water drainage and prevention of water damage

There’s a higher risk that water could pool under or around it when your container is unlevel. Water around the container leads to rust, corrosion, dampness and flooding. That shortens the shipping container’s lifespan – and can damage the contents inside.

Prevent foundation problems

Another common problem for unlevelled containers is settling. Over time, the container will settle into the ground, becoming even more uneven. You might end up paying a lot to re-level or reinforce your container’s foundations, as well as treating any warping to the container itself.

Long-term stability

As well as settling, containers can move around over time if they’re not correctly levelled. Shifting around can cause damage not only to the foundations but also the container’s structure. It can also make the container dangerous: if it shifts suddenly, someone could get hurt.

Ease of modification and usability

Levelling makes it easier to modify the container to suit your needs. For example, if you want to add extra windows or doors, it’s easier to install them on a straight, levelled structure. Not to mention how annoying it would be to move around or work in a container with a slanted floor!

Safety

Unlevelled containers are more likely to tip, shift, or slide, especially if there are heavy items inside. The contents of the container could also shift around and cause damage or injuries. Off-balance containers are particularly dangerous during bad weather conditions and seismic activity. 

Protects your investment

Every shipping container is an investment – even if you buy a second-hand container. They can last for decades as extra storage, transportation, or even living spaces. Levelling your container will make sure it lasts for as long as possible. 

It will be protected from structural damage, rust, and unexpected movements, so you’ll avoid future repair bills too. If you skip levelling now, you’ll probably pay a lot more to correct the problem later.

10 tips for levelling your shipping container

By following these practical tips, you can level your container securely and effectively, helping your container perform at its best for years to come.

1. Ensure the ground is level

The levelling process starts with making sure the ground is completely even. Any slope or loose earth could cause problems later. You should also keep a few container levelling slabs or packers on hand in case they’re needed when the container is placed.

2. Clear the area

Once you’ve identified a level plot, clear away any rocks, roots, or debris that might throw the container off-balance. Then mark out the container’s placement with stakes or spray paint, and double-check that the measurements are correct.

3. Choose the right foundation

Next, you’ll need to lay the shipping container foundations. You have a few different options depending on how permanent and heavy the container is going to be. 

For example, concrete slabs are mostly used for permanent installations. You can pour a level concrete pad that will hold up the container’s weight for years to come.

Alternatively, you can use concrete blocks, piers, or pads. These are positioned under each corner of the container, plus a few extras along the sides. They’re faster and cheaper to install than a full concrete pad, but they won’t hold quite as much weight.

Finally, if you’re just installing a temporary container, you can get away with laying down a compacted gravel bed. The gravel will prevent the container from sinking into the earth, as well as providing drainage around its base.

4. Prepare the support blocks

You can skip this step if you’re using a poured concrete slab. Otherwise, you’ll need to place support blocks at each corner of the container, plus every 6-8 feet along the sides.

The support blocks can be made of concrete, wood, or steel – they just have to be level and strong enough to hold up the container’s weight. You’ll also need wooden or steel shims handy so that you can make adjustments to the container’s level once it’s been placed.

5. Lift the container

Once the container arrives, you’ll need to place it on the foundations and then level it. Most containers will need a crane, forklift, or hydraulic jack to lift them, but you might be able to use a jack for smaller adjustments. 

To avoid damaging the container, only lift one corner or side at a time during the levelling process. As you lift each one, push the support blocks or shims underneath to level it. Keep going around the container, adjusting each corner little by little, until it’s evenly supported at every point.

6. Level the container

Use a level to check that the container is perfectly balanced. Laser levels are the most accurate, but if you’re on a budget or working with a smaller container, a long spirit level or water level should be OK.

Make sure you check at multiple points around the container. Measure the level at each corner, as well as different points along the container’s length and width. Keep making adjustments with shims until it’s exact. 

7. Ensure good drainage

Water can cause serious problems for containers over time, so you need a way to drain it away from the placement site. There are two common ways to do this. 

First, you could create a slight slope to direct water away from the container. A gradient of just 1-2% should be enough. Alternatively, you can install a drainage system such as a French drain or perforated pipe around the foundations.

8. Ensure additional weight is supported

Next, you’ll need to make adjustments to compensate for any extra changes you plan to make the container. For example, if you install doors or windows, they’ll put extra pressure on the foundations at those points. 

Use ground rails to spread the load at key points on the container. This will protect it from sinking into the ground and make the container last longer.

9. Check regularly

If you’ve done a good job of levelling the container, it should be stable after an initial settling-in period. However, it’s still a good idea to check the levels again every few months and after heavy rain. You’ll be able to spot and resolve problems before they take hold.

10. Anchor the container

In some environments, you’ll need to anchor the container in place for extra stability. Permanent installations, or any containers in windy areas, should be anchored so that they don’t move unexpectedly.

Common levelling issues and how to avoid them

Some of the most common levelling issues include poor ground, poor supports, and poor drainage. Fortunately, you can take steps to avoid these problems before they start.

To start with, choose the right ground for your container. Uneven, soft, or unprepared ground can cause tilting and shifting. The ground can also be affected by seasonal changes, such as freezing and thawing, so you’ll need to check the levels again throughout the year. Even in perfect conditions, your container will settle over time and might need level adjustments. 

The supports you choose will also make a big difference. You’ll need to use the correct tools, in the correct way, to make sure that the supports are properly installed.

If you fail to use enough support points, or choose fragile materials like untreated wood, then they won’t be able to hold the container’s weight up over time. They could split, shift position, or sink into the ground—tipping the container off-balance and making it sag or warp. 

Water that pools around the container will affect the ground too. It can make the container shift, sink, warp, or rust. The problem can get even worse if the container isn’t watertight, so it’s particularly important to make sure that doors and windows are correctly installed and supported.

The bottom line

Shipping containers can last for decades in the right conditions. They’re strong, secure, portable, and versatile enough for almost any home and business use. To get the most from your container, you’ll need to place and level it on strong foundations. Proper levelling ensures not only long-term durability but also safe and reliable use across all your projects.