How to Level a Shipping Container: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shipping containers are incredibly versatile and can be used for storage, mobile offices, workshops, and more. However, to ensure that your container is stable and secure, it must be levelled properly. Uneven ground can cause issues such as door alignment problems, structural strain, and even water pooling inside the container. In this article, we’ll explain the importance of levelling a shipping container and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to achieve it using the right tools, including Shipping Container Levelling Products.
Why Leveling Your Shipping Container Is Essential
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why levelling your shipping container is necessary. Here are a few reasons:
- Structural Integrity: An uneven surface can put stress on the container’s structure, potentially leading to warping or damage over time.
- Proper Door Function: If the container is tilted, the doors may not open or close properly, leading to issues with access.
- Water Drainage: A level container ensures that water drains away from the structure, preventing pooling or leaks inside.
- Safe Storage: Proper levelling ensures that the contents of your container remain safe and undisturbed, especially if the items inside are sensitive to moisture or environmental factors.
Now that we’ve established the importance of levelling a shipping container, let’s walk through the process.
Step 1: Assess the Ground
The first step in levelling a shipping container is to assess the ground where the container will sit. Ideally, the surface should be firm, stable, and dry. The following types of surfaces are best for shipping containers:
- Gravel: Gravel provides good drainage and is relatively easy to level.
- Concrete: A solid concrete slab is the most stable and level surface for shipping containers.
- Wooden Decking: If you’re placing the container on wooden decking, ensure that the beams are solid and evenly spaced.
If the ground is soft or uneven, you may need to prepare it further by adding a layer of gravel or compacting the soil. If you don’t have access to a perfectly level surface, there are solutions such as Shipping Container Levelling Products that can help correct small discrepancies.
Step 2: Place Levelling Pads or Slabs
Once the ground is prepared, the next step is to place levelling pads or slabs under the corners of your shipping container. Levelling pads help distribute the weight of the container evenly, preventing it from sinking into soft ground and ensuring stability.
For the best results, use high-quality levelling products designed for shipping containers. Here are some of the most effective options:
- Shipping Container Levelling Slab: These slabs provide a solid foundation for your shipping container. They are designed to be placed under each corner of the container to distribute the weight evenly and keep the container level.
- Levelling Twistlock Leg: Twistlock legs are an adjustable option that allows you to fine-tune the level of your container with ease. These are ideal for containers that may need frequent adjustments or are located on uneven surfaces.
- Shipping Container Levelling Pad: These pads are a convenient option for levelling your container quickly. They are durable, easy to use, and can be adjusted to ensure your container stays perfectly level.
Step 3: Use a Spirit Level
Once your levelling pads or slabs are in place, it’s time to check the container’s alignment. Use a spirit level to measure the flatness of the container. Start by placing the spirit level on the base of the container along the length and width. Check that the bubble is centred, indicating that the container is level.
If the bubble is off-center, it means the container is not level. Adjust the levelling pads or slabs accordingly to bring the container into alignment. You may need to raise or lower one or more of the corners to achieve the perfect level.
Step 4: Adjust for Fine Tuning
In some cases, the container may need fine adjustments after the initial levelling. If the container is slightly tilted or off by a small margin, you can make adjustments using your levelling products. Twistlock legs, for example, can be easily rotated to raise or lower the container, allowing you to achieve precise levelling.
Make sure that the container is stable and secure before moving on. Any slight tilt can lead to problems down the line, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
Step 5: Check the Doors
Once the container is level, check that the doors are functioning properly. Open and close the doors to ensure that they align correctly and don’t stick or catch. If the doors don’t close smoothly, it may indicate that the container is still slightly tilted.
If you’re still experiencing issues with door alignment, you may need to make minor adjustments to the levelling pads or slabs.
Additional Tips for Levelling Your Shipping Container
- Use Multiple Levelling Products: For maximum stability, consider using a combination of levelling pads, slabs, and twistlock legs. This will provide enhanced support and help level the container more accurately.
- Regular Maintenance: Even once your container is level, it’s important to periodically check that the levelling pads remain in place. Over time, ground conditions can change, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or shifting soil.
- Consider Temporary Adjustments: If you need to move the container temporarily, such as for transportation, you can adjust the levelling pads to accommodate the move. Be sure to readjust them once the container is back in its intended location.
Why Choose Our Shipping Container Levelling Products?
At QuickFit Container Accessories, we offer a wide range of high-quality levelling products designed specifically for shipping containers. Whether you’re looking for a durable levelling slab or an adjustable twistlock leg, our products are built to last and provide the stability you need.
By using the right levelling tools, you can ensure that your shipping container stays stable, secure, and level for years to come.