Most container deliveries are straightforward and completed without any issues. However, if you think access to your property or site could be a little tight or restricted, a site visit from Storage On Site can help make the process even smoother.
Whether you are a homeowner, school, contractor, or business customer, a site visit can determine if we are able to deliver successfully, and helps our team best prepare your delivery options.
What Is a Site Visit?
A site visit is when a member of the SOS team visits your property or site before delivery to assess access and placement for your container.
Our specialist lorries transport the container or site cabin and use an onboard crane to lift it into position. During a site visit, we simply check that there is enough access for the vehicle and that the container can be positioned where you need it.
For most customers, everything is perfectly fine. But if there are any potential access concerns, it is always better to identify them in advance rather than on delivery day.
Who Completes Your Site Visit?
Your site visit will be carried out by an experienced member of the Storage On Site team who understands exactly what is needed for a safe and successful container delivery.
In many cases, our site visitors are former lorry-mounted-crane operators and drivers themselves. That means they have first-hand experience delivering and positioning containers in all kinds of locations, from domestic driveways and schools to busy construction sites and limited access areas.
Because of their practical experience, they know what to look for immediately and can often spot simple solutions that others might miss. Whether it is identifying the best access route, recommending the safest placement area, or suggesting a different container size, their knowledge helps make the delivery process smoother and more efficient.
It also means customers receive practical, honest advice from people who genuinely understand container logistics, not just someone working from a checklist.
Purpose of a Site Visit
The main purpose of a site visit is to make sure we can:
- Safely access your site with our delivery vehicle
- Position the container where you would ideally like it
If the exact placement is not possible, we will work with you to find the next best solution. That could mean:
- Suggesting a slightly different position
- Using an alternative route into the site
- Recommending a different sized container better suited to the space available
This can be particularly useful for:
- Domestic properties with narrow driveways
- Schools with restricted access areas
- Construction sites with temporary routes or uneven ground
Our aim is always to make the delivery work as smoothly as possible.
What We Check During A Site Visit
During the visit, we check both the route to your site and the area where the container will be placed.
1. Access Checks
We may look at:
- Narrow roads or tight turns
- Width of gateways or driveways
- Height restrictions
- Overhead power lines or phone lines
- Overhanging branches or trees
- Weight-restricted or weak roads and bridges along the route
Customers often tell us: “Bin lorries get down here” or “Fire engines use this road.”
While that can absolutely be true, our delivery vehicles are often heavier than expected because they also carry specialist Fassi cranes used to safely lift and position containers.
2. Ground Conditions
We also assess the surface where the lorry will need to operate.
This could include checking for:
- Soft or boggy ground
- Fresh tarmac
- Uneven surfaces
- Areas that may not be suitable for a 23-tonne vehicle plus load
These checks help protect your property and help our drivers plan the delivery safely and efficiently.
What Are The Benefits Of A Site Visit?
A free site visit gives customers extra reassurance before delivery day.
1. Confidence and Peace of Mind
Knowing that an experienced SOS team member has already assessed your site can help you feel fully prepared for delivery.
2. Avoid Last-Minute Surprises
If there are any access concerns, they can usually be solved ahead of time. This gives customers the opportunity to make arrangements if needed and helps avoid disappointment on delivery day.
3. Reduce the Risk of Unsuccessful Deliveries
By checking the site in advance, we can help avoid situations where a delivery cannot be completed as planned, saving time and helping customers avoid aborted delivery charges.
4. A Smoother Delivery Experience
Good preparation helps our deliveries run safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.
What If Your Site Visit ‘Fails’?
In many cases, even if we spot a potential issue, there is still a practical solution.
The SOS team member carrying out the site visit will always do their best to find a “Plan B”, such as:
- Suggesting a different access route
- Recommending a smaller container
- Finding an alternative placement area
We are very used to working around tricky access situations and unusual sites.
Although we have a very experienced team, there’s always the chance that something could prevent successful delivery on the day. If we genuinely cannot complete the delivery safely, we will always be upfront and honest about it.
Site Visits From SOS
At Storage On Site, we believe storage container hire should be straightforward, reliable, and stress-free.
With over 55 years of experience as a family-run business, we have delivered containers to everything from homes and schools to farms, factories, and busy construction sites. Our own fleet and experienced drivers give customers confidence that deliveries will be handled professionally from start to finish.
We pride ourselves on being friendly, practical, and straight-talking, and we are always happy to help find solutions for even the trickiest jobs. From free site visits to on-site support vehicles for repairs and issues, our focus is always on convenience, reliability, and customer service.
If you think your property or site may have restricted access, get in touch with SOS today to arrange your free site visit and book your container delivery with confidence.
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