Shipping policy

SHIPPING & DELIVERY POLICY

Last updated: July 12, 2026

At MERIDIAN CONTAINER DEPOT, we deliver heavy-duty shipping containers, modified containers, and container structures across South Africa. Because of the size and weight of our products, all deliveries are handled by specialized crane trucks (Hiab trucks) equipped to safely transport, offload, and position your container.

Please read this Shipping & Delivery Policy carefully to understand our process, timelines, costs, and your site preparation responsibilities.

1. Crane Truck Delivery & Offloading Process

Because containers cannot be unloaded by hand or standard tail-lifts, we use specialized crane trucks (Hiab vehicles) to deliver your order.

How Crane Delivery Works:

Offloading On-Site: The delivery truck features an integrated hydraulic crane arm that lifts the container off the truck bed and sets it down directly onto your designated spot.
Drop Radius: The crane arm typically places the container within 3 to 5 meters adjacent to the side or rear of the truck.
Placement Surface: Containers must be placed on firm, flat, and level ground (e.g., concrete, paving, packed gravel, or hard dry ground). Crane trucks cannot operate on soft mud, uncompacted soil, or steep inclines.

2. Customer Site Access & Preparation Responsibilities

To ensure a successful delivery, the customer is responsible for ensuring clear, safe access to the delivery site. Before placing your order, please verify the following requirements:

Clearance & Dimensions: Crane trucks require significant clearance to navigate safely.
- Width Clearance: Minimum of 3.5 meters wide along access roads, gates, and driveways.
- Height Clearance: Minimum of 4.5 meters overhead clearance (watch out for low-hanging tree branches, power lines, overhanging roofs, and cables).
- Turning Radius: Ensure there are no tight corners or obstacles preventing a long-wheelbase truck from maneuvering.
Ground Conditions: The combined weight of the truck, crane, and container is substantial. The driving and setup area must be capable of supporting heavy axles without sinking or causing damage.
Overhead Hazards: The crane arm cannot operate near high-voltage overhead power lines due to safety regulations.
On-Site Presence: A authorized representative (over 18 years of age) must be present at the delivery location to direct positioning and sign the delivery receipt.

Note on Failed Deliveries: If a delivery cannot be completed due to inadequate site access, unsafe ground conditions, overhead obstructions, or lack of an authorized recipient, the customer will be responsible for any re-delivery fees or dry-run charges assessed by the transport carrier.

3. Order Processing & Delivery Lead Times

Order Processing Time: Standard container orders are processed within 1 to 3 business days following payment confirmation. Custom container builds or modifications require additional lead time as specified in your quotation or order confirmation.
Transit & Delivery Timelines: Once dispatched from our depot, delivery within South Africa generally takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the delivery region and transport schedule.
Delivery Scheduling: Our logistics team will contact you at least 24 to 48 hours prior to delivery to confirm the date, estimated arrival window, and site accessibility.

4. Delivery Rates & Shipping Charges

Shipping costs are calculated based on the container size (e.g., 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft), weight, and the distance from our nearest depot to your delivery address.

Calculated at Checkout / Order Confirmation: Shipping rates are displayed at checkout or provided as a binding delivery quote prior to order finalization.
Offloading Included: All quoted delivery fees include standard crane offloading at your site provided access conditions are met.

5. Inspection, Damage, and Delivery Receipt

Mandatory Inspection: Upon arrival, you must inspect the container externally and internally (where applicable) before signing the delivery slip.
Reporting Transit Damage: In the rare event that your container suffers damage during transport or offloading, please note the damage clearly on the driver's delivery manifest and contact us immediately at Meridiancontainerdepot@gmail.com or call customer support.

6. Self-Collection / Customer-Arranged Transport

If you prefer to arrange your own crane truck or flatbed transport:

Collection from our depot is available by prior appointment only.
We will load your container onto your transport vehicle free of charge using our depot cranes.
Once loaded onto your vehicle, risk of loss and transport responsibility transfers to you.