How Container Delivery Works in Metro Vancouver (and Across BC)

Buying the container is the easy part. The question we hear most is "how does it actually get to my spot?" Here's how shipping container delivery in Metro Vancouver works, what we need from your site, and how to prep so delivery day goes smoothly.

The usual method: tilt-deck drop-off

Most deliveries in Metro Vancouver are done with a tilt-deck (roll-off) truck. The driver backs up to your spot, tilts the bed at an angle, and slowly slides the container off the back while pulling forward, so it sets down right where you want it. No crane, no extra equipment — for a typical 20ft unit on an open site, it's the simplest method and usually costs less than bringing in a crane.

A few things make this method work:

• The truck needs room to maneuver. As the container slides off, the truck creeps forward, so it needs a generous straight run to line up and pull through.
• The ground does the holding. The container ends up sitting directly on your surface, so a firm, level spot matters more than anything else.
• It's quick. Once the truck is positioned, the actual drop usually takes only a few minutes.

Site access for delivery in Metro Vancouver

Before you book, walk your site and check it against this list. Most delivery hiccups come down to access, not the container itself.

• Firm, level ground. Gravel, compacted dirt, asphalt, or concrete all work. Soft mud, soggy lawn, or a steep slope can stop a tilt-deck truck — or leave the container sitting crooked.
• Overhead clearance. The tilt bed rises high while unloading, so you need clear air above the drop zone — no low branches, power lines, eaves, or carport roofs in the way.
• A generous straight approach. Tilt-deck delivery works best with a long, fairly straight run in line with the final spot — think a clear, generous straight run rather than a tight turn at the last second. The exact length depends on the truck and your layout, so if your site is tight, tell us up front.
• Width and gate access. Make sure the truck can physically reach the spot — check narrow driveways, gate widths, fences, and parked vehicles.

Not sure your site qualifies? Send us a couple of photos with your quote request and we'll tell you straight whether a tilt-deck will work or whether you'll want the crane option below.

How to prep the spot

A little prep goes a long way, especially in BC's wet months when the ground gets soft.

• Level it first. A roughly level base keeps the doors swinging true and stops the frame from twisting. Even a slight slope can make the doors hard to latch.
• Consider blocks under the corners. Many BC owners set the container on railway ties, sleeper blocks, or pressure-treated timbers under the four corners. This lifts it off wet ground, improves airflow underneath, and helps with drainage — handy on the coast.
• Plan the door direction. Decide which way the doors should face before the truck arrives. Re-positioning after drop-off isn't always easy.
• Clear the path. Move cars, bins, and loose gear out of the approach and the drop zone.

What delivery day looks like

On the day, the driver arrives by tilt-deck, confirms the exact placement and door direction with you, then positions the truck and slides the unit into place. For a standard drop on a prepped site, the whole visit is usually short and straightforward. It helps to have someone on site who can make placement decisions, since small adjustments are much easier to sort out in person than after the truck has left.

Tight site? The crane option

Some spots just don't suit a tilt-deck — a backyard with no straight run, a unit that has to clear a fence or hedge, or a placement between two buildings. In those cases a crane (or a hiab/boom truck) can lift the container up and over obstacles and set it down precisely. It's an add-on and it's quoted per site, since the cost depends on access, reach, and the crane needed. If you suspect your site is tight, flag it early so we can price it properly the first time.

Conway's BC delivery zones and pricing

We deliver across British Columbia. Pricing depends on where you are:

Zone	Area	Delivery
Core	Metro Vancouver	from $250 CAD
Extended	North Shore, Tri-Cities, Ridge Meadows, Langley	from $350 CAD
Rest of BC	Fraser Valley, Interior, Vancouver Island	custom quote

These are starting points for a standard tilt-deck drop. Your final price depends on access and whether a crane is needed, so the cleanest way to get a real number is our postal-code estimator. Pop in your postal code on the delivery page for a zone estimate, then confirm it with a quote.

Plan ahead and you're set

Delivery is rarely the hard part once you've sorted access, a level spot, and door direction. If you're still choosing a unit, browse what's on the ground in Richmond on our catalog, then send your postal code and a couple of site photos with your quote and we'll line up the right delivery for you. You're also welcome to view any container by appointment in Richmond before you commit.