How to level a shipping container using our shipping container levelling feet
Levelling a shipping container is very important as a container that’s out of level can cause problems with the opening and closing of the cargo doors and any other doors and windows fitted to the unit. When a container is out of level, the unit twists and this is called ‘racking’.
Up until now, levelling has been performed by placing padstones, slabs or railway sleepers under the corners of the unit. When the unit is delivered, you must check the levels of the shipping container before the haulier leaves your site. Level can be checked using a spirit level. If the unit is out of level, the haulier will have to lift the unit whilst you shim the low spot. Not a very exacting science and if you don’t have anything suitable shims to hand, the container could be left with you and you can lift the corner using a trolley jack (provided there is sufficient clearance to get the jack under by adding further shims to correct the problem at a later date.
However, we now have a flexible solution that allows you to adjust the height of the container using our levelling feet.
This easy-to-use product costs a little more than padstones but is far quicker and not as frustrating as messing about with additional shims.
When installing the levelling feet, you must ensure the container is raised off the ground to prevent the unit from sitting in a pool of water. The latter can accelerate corrosion of the cross rails.
Installing the feet
In advance of delivery of the unit(s), mark out the area where the levelling feet are being placed and note, they can only be used on a solid surface. The feet have 4 holes in the bottom plate that can be used to affix the feet into ground anchors should you wish. Please note, we do not provide bolts or ground anchors.
Top tip for installing the feet
The threaded stud is 300mm in length and if left without cutting down, will mean your container will sit some 150mm off the ground. To lower the container, you will need to cut the threaded stud down using a hacksaw or grinder. Please do this prior to container delivery.
Once the container is lowered on to the levelling feet, place a spirit level on the floor of the container and check level across the width and along the length. Adjust the foot that’s too low and re-check the level.
Specification
Load rating – 12,000kg per foot
Weight – 4.5kg per foot
Finish – galvanised
Features
Adjust the level of your container by up to 260mm off the ground
Designed to fit the lower standard corner castings of a shipping container.
Base plate can be anchored to the ground if required
Can be cut to length as required. The internal depth of the corner post is 110mm, so the lowest the container can go is 150mm off the ground. If you need it lower than this, you will need to cut the threaded stud to suit your requirements. Please ensure this is all done prior to the container(s) arriving at your site otherwise, you could be charged demurrage for the additional time the haulier has to spend on site. When haulier’s are busy, they may not be able to stay to assist; this is why we ask you to have the levelling foot ready for lowering the unit(s) on to the levelling feet.
Please visit our shipping container levelling feet page to order.