How much room does a tilt-bed delivery need?

A tilt-bed truck backs into position, tilts its bed, and slides the container off as it pulls forward. That unload sequence — truck length plus container travel — is why the straight-line clearance number is bigger than the container itself.

Typical requirements

  • 20 ft container: ~60 ft of straight-line run
  • 40 ft container: ~100 ft of straight-line run
  • Width: ~12 ft clear along the route
  • Overhead: ~14 ft — watch wires, branches, and eaves
  • Ground: firm and reasonably level; trucks sink in soft soil

These are planning values. The assigned equipment and your actual site control the final answer, which is why we confirm access before dispatch.

Route hazards that stop deliveries

Tight gates, sharp turns, steep grades, septic fields, weight-limited surfaces, low service drops, and soft shoulders. Photograph these and send them with your ZIP through the quote form.

Door orientation

Decide which way the doors should face before the truck arrives — the container comes off the bed in one orientation, and repositioning afterward is not part of standard delivery.

Check your site now

Run the interactive checker on the delivery and site preparation page. The result is guidance, not final approval — we verify before dispatch, and failed placements can carry redelivery charges per the shipping policy.