Shipping Container Delivery in South Africa: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Buying a shipping container is one thing. Getting it delivered safely and set up on your property is another. At Tirwana Consulting, we’ve helped countless South African businesses — from big retailers to farmers — handle delivery without the usual stress or unexpected costs.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how container delivery works in South Africa, so you know what to expect before placing your order.

How Are Shipping Containers Delivered?

In South Africa, most container deliveries happen by truck-mounted crane (also called a "hiab") or a sideloader truck, depending on the container size and the location.

• Hiab (Crane truck):

  • Most common for 3m and 6m containers

  • Unloads and positions the container exactly where you need it

  • Can usually handle trickier sites with limited access

• Sideloader:

  • Used mostly for 12m (40ft) containers

  • Lifts the container off from the side of the trailer

  • Requires more space for offloading

Both options are safe and efficient — but you do need to plan properly before delivery day.

What Affects Container Delivery Costs in South Africa?

Delivery is not a flat price — there are several factors that will impact the cost:

• Distance from supplier to site

  • The further you are from major centres like Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town or Pretoria, the higher your transport cost.

• Container size & weight

  • 12m High Cube units are heavier and may require more specialised trucks.

• Access to your site

  • Narrow roads, low-hanging trees, or steep driveways can complicate delivery.

• Offloading equipment needed

  • Some remote or rural sites may require special offloading arrangements.

How to Prepare Your Site for Delivery

Before your container arrives, you’ll want to:

• Clear sufficient space

  • Allow at least 4-5 metres clearance in width and height for delivery vehicles.

• Ensure stable, level ground

  • Concrete slabs, compacted gravel or simple concrete blocks work well. Avoid placing directly on bare ground.

• Confirm access routes

  • Let us know about any potential obstacles: tight gates, trees, wires, or soft ground.

• Have someone on site

  • Always best to have someone available to guide placement on the day.

At Tirwana Consulting, we’ll always advise you beforehand on what prep is needed for your specific site.

Can You Move the Container Again Later?

Yes — containers are fully portable. Many of our South African clients relocate containers multiple times as their business grows or projects change. We can help arrange re-delivery when needed.

Why Work with Tirwana Consulting?

• ✅ Nationwide delivery across South Africa

• ✅ Trusted delivery partners with years of experience

• ✅ Pre-delivery planning so nothing goes wrong on the day

• ✅ Competitive delivery pricing with full transparency

Have questions about delivery?👉 Contact Tirwana Consulting today and we’ll talk you through the whole process, from purchase to final delivery — no stress, no surprises.