The most common question we are asked at Portables 360 is if a shipping container needs a concrete foundation before being put into place. In most cases, no. However, some situations may be more beneficial to have a slab poured before placing the container in place. 

Consider the following for your container foundation:

Your Soil Type 

In areas of the country, there is a higher concentration of clay in the soil. In these areas it is beneficial to have a gravel bed under the container.  Next, a foundation slab of concrete is poured.  Do these before placing your container on the ground.  This is very important for clay soil.  For instance, clay can shift with time.  You don’t want the container to sink in places and begin to sit unevenly. 

Long-Term Placement 

When a container stays in one spot for over a month, it will be best to have a gravel bed or concrete slab placed under the unit. This will keep the earth from shifting or from excessive moisture touching the bottom of the container. 

Multi-Container Units 

Shipping container foundations are necessary for all multi-container structures. You want to make sure that these structures are on solid, even ground to protect the building’s overall structural integrity. 

Graded Bare Earth Placement 

In most cases, it is fine to put the container straight on the ground if the area does not have a grade of over 2 percent. Since most of these containers move frequently, having it on the bare ground does not impact the container. Additionally, if you are in an area where the ground is very solid, placing the container on the ground will be very similar to placing it on a concrete slab. 

The Most Important Thing to Remember 

Whether you place your container on the ground, on a gravel pad, or a concrete slab, the most important factor is to keep the container even. Shipping container foundations are meant to keep the container flat so that everything inside the structure can function properly.  

If you have any questions about the area you want to place your shipping container, speak with one of the knowledgeable staff members at Portables 360. They will help you decide if you need to create a pad for your container to sit on or if it can be placed on the ground.