Can a 40’ Shipping Container Fit on Your Property?

What to Know Before Delivery in TN, AR & MS

Thinking about getting a 40’ container? Read this first.

A lot of people want a 40’ container but don’t have the space required for delivery. It’s not always about the area where you want it placed—it’s whether the truck can safely access your property and set it down.

If you’re in Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi, here’s what you need to know before delivery day.

Real Delivery Example: Tight Road Access

This is a perfect example of what we’re talking about.

Even on what looks like a normal road, turning radius and space matter more than most people expect. If there isn’t enough room for the truck to swing wide and straighten out, a 40’ delivery becomes difficult very quickly.

How Much Space Does a 40’ Container Delivery Require?

A 40’ container is 40 feet long—but delivery requires much more space than that.

Here’s what you actually need:

1. 100–120 feet of straight clearance (truck, trailer, and tilt space)
2. 10–12 feet of width
3. 14–16 feet of height clearance

Potential obstacles include:

• Low tree branches
• Power lines
• Narrow driveways
• Sharp turns

Any of these can quickly make a 40’ delivery impossible.

Understanding the Delivery Setup

The delivery truck needs room to:

• Pull forward
• Tilt the trailer
• Safely slide the container off

This process requires significantly more space than most people anticipate.

The Biggest Issue: Tree Limbs and Overhead Clearance

In areas like Memphis, North Mississippi, and Eastern Arkansas, overhead clearance is the number one problem.

Even if your yard is open, the truck still needs to:

• Travel down your road
• Turn into your property
• Lift and place the container

We’ve seen many situations where:

• A 40’ container couldn’t be delivered due to access limitations
• Tree limbs had to be cut on-site
• Customers switched to a 20’ container instead

Every property is different, but access is always the deciding factor. Planning ahead helps avoid delays, extra costs, and frustration.

When a 20’ Container Makes More Sense

Many customers start out wanting a 40’ container, but a 20’ is often the better option.

A 20’ container is ideal if:

• Access is tight
• Trees or fences are close to the driveway
• The driveway has curves
• You’re located in a neighborhood
• A 20’ container can fit in places a 40’ simply cannot.

Ground Conditions Matter Too

Even if access is clear, the ground must be able to support the delivery.

You’ll want:

• Level ground
• A solid surface such as gravel, dirt, or concrete
• No soft or muddy areas

We recommend placing containers on:

• Railroad ties
• Concrete blocks
• Gravel pads

This helps with:

• Proper drainage
• Longer container lifespan
• Maintaining door alignment

If you’re unsure about access, there’s usually a reason.

The best thing you can do is:

• Send photos of your property
• Let us review the setup before delivery
• Ask questions ahead of time

It’s always better to plan properly than to run into issues on delivery day.

Serving Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi

MidSouth Container Sales & Rentals regularly delivers to:

1. Memphis, TN
2. Collierville, TN
3. Jackson, TN
4. Jonesboro, AR
5. West Memphis, AR
6. Southaven, MS
7. Olive Branch, MS
8. Tupelo, MS and surrounding areas

Need Help Deciding?

If you’re not sure whether a 40’ container will fit, we can help you figure it out before you order.

Send us photos of your property
Share your location
We’ll guide you to the best option

Call or Text: 901-461-3120 or Contact Us Today!