

Length of Time and Number of ContainersĪnother thing you’ll need to think about is how many containers you’ll be working with and how long you’ll be keeping them in place. If, however, you’ll be situating your container somewhere with overly wet or clay soil, a strong foundation is a must to prevent sinking, shifting, and other stability issues, as well as rusting and moisture-related deterioration. Uneven terrain can also make it hard to open and close the heavy steel doors that come standard on most shipping containers. If the degree of incline is any greater, there’s a chance that your container could migrate over time. In this context, “level” means exhibiting a slope of less than about 2 degrees.


While there are no hard and fast rules for shipping container foundations, starting with a solid understanding of the where what, and why of your project will help you figure which type of foundation best suits your needs-if indeed you need one at all. One of the first things you should look into is whether or not to use an underlying foundation to support and stabilize your container. There’s a world of difference between shipping containers and conventional edifices, so if you’re thinking about turning one into a living space, mobile office, or portable storage unit, it’s essential to do your homework. Just ask the thousands of people who have begun converting them into customizable, readymade homes.

With a few simple modifications, they can also make significant standalone structures. Shipping containers are helpful for more than just transporting cargo. Plus, is it even necessary to have a foundation for your shipping container home or business? That’s what we’ll cover below. Many things come into play such as the soil type, temperature, cost, the ground’s natural movement, and much more. Choosing a foundation for container homes is no easy feat.
