Shipping & Delivery

Last updated: 27 August 2026

Ocean Shipping delivers shipping containers, portable cabins and container-based buildings across Australia. A container is large, heavy and travels on specialised transport, so delivery is a planned operation rather than a parcel drop — this page explains exactly how orders are processed, what delivery costs, how dispatch is arranged, and what you should expect before, during and after your unit arrives.

Flat-rate delivery Australia-wide — one fixed fee per order, confirmed at checkout. Orders placed before 3:00 PM AEST begin processing the same business day. Estimated delivery: 5–11 business days.

At a glance

Delivery costs

Delivery is a single flat rate per order, Australia-wide. The exact fee is confirmed at checkout — it appears with your order total as soon as you enter your delivery postcode, before you place the order, never after. It covers standard transport and offloading at an accessible site, whether you are in a capital city or a regional area, and it does not increase with the number of units on the order.

The only situations that can attract an additional charge are the avoidable ones described under failed delivery or redelivery — for example a site that cannot be accessed on the day, or specialist lifting equipment requested after dispatch. Tell us about difficult access when you order and we will plan around it at no surprise cost.

Order processing

Orders placed before 3:00 PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time (Sydney)) begin processing the same business day once payment is confirmed. Handling takes 0–4 days before dispatch. During processing our team:

• confirms unit availability and reserves your exact container or cabin;
• verifies order and payment details against your invoice;
• reviews the delivery address and any access notes from your order;
• prepares dispatch documentation and books suitable transport;
• contacts you if anything about the site or schedule needs confirming.

Processing time can vary with product availability, payment verification and order volume. If anything moves your dates, we tell you — you are never left guessing where your order is.

Dispatch & delivery timeline

After processing, your unit is scheduled for dispatch with transit of 5–7 days, giving the estimated total of 5–11 business days from confirmed payment to arrival. Fulfilment and shipping run Monday–Saturday. Timelines depend on practical factors, including:

• distance between the dispatch depot and your delivery address;
• your state, city or region, and carrier scheduling on that corridor;
• road accessibility and site conditions at the destination;
• the type, size and weight of the unit purchased;
• availability of the right transport equipment for your site.

Delivery by distance & location

Metropolitan and major regional deliveries generally land at the earlier end of the estimate; long-distance and remote deliveries may need extra scheduling time even though the price stays the same flat rate. Locations that can require extra coordination include rural properties, narrow residential streets, construction sites, farms, mining and restricted-access commercial sites, and areas affected by seasonal road conditions. If your address falls into one of these, we will give you realistic delivery guidance for your specific site before dispatch.

Weather & road condition delays

Container transport is exposed to weather in a way parcels are not. Heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, road closures and construction restrictions can all make a scheduled delivery unsafe for the driver, the equipment or your property. When that happens we reschedule to the earliest practical date and keep you informed — safety takes priority over the calendar.

Delivery conditions & site access

Container and cabin deliveries need suitable vehicle access and space for offloading. Most units are delivered by tilt-tray truck, which slides the container off the rear of the vehicle — and that sets the practical requirements for your site:

• Overhead clearance: roughly 4.5–5 m minimum along the route and above the drop zone — the unit sits much higher while the tray is tilted. Overhead power lines, tree limbs and eaves are the most common obstruction.
• Width: about 3 m of clear width for the truck along the full approach, including gates.
• Straight run: an approximately straight, level run of around 18–20 m for a 20 ft unit and up to 30 m for a 40 ft unit, so the truck can pull forward as the container slides off.
• Ground: firm, level and stable — soft sand, wet clay or steep slopes can bog a loaded truck and damage your property.
• Placement: the container is set down in line with the truck. If you need it rotated or positioned precisely, tell us in advance.

When you order or request a quote, tell us about tight streets, overhead lines, soft or sloping ground and anything else unusual so we can plan the right vehicle. Where specialist offloading (side-loader, crane or HIAB) is required, we confirm arrangements with you before dispatch. If you intend to place the unit on council land, a road reserve or a verge, any required permits are your responsibility and should be arranged before the delivery date.

Delivery methods

The right equipment depends on unit size, destination and site conditions. Common methods include:

• Tilt-tray truck — the standard method: the tray tilts and the unit slides off at ground level;
• Side-loader — lifts the unit off the side of the trailer, useful where there is no straight run;
• Crane or HIAB-assisted delivery — for placement over fences, onto slabs or into tight positions;
• Flatbed with on-site unloading — where the customer has suitable lifting equipment (forklift or crane) at the destination.

Customer responsibilities

To keep your delivery smooth (and your flat rate flat), please make sure that:

• the delivery address and contact phone number on the order are accurate;
• access limitations are shared with us before dispatch;
• the delivery area is clear, firm and level with adequate space on the day;
• required permits or property approvals have been obtained where applicable;
• a responsible adult is available on site (or reachable by phone) during the delivery window;
• the unit is inspected on arrival as described below.

Ocean Shipping is not responsible for delays caused by inaccurate delivery information, restricted access, unsafe ground, missing permits or customer scheduling changes.

Inspection on delivery

Please inspect the unit at the time of delivery: confirm the type and size against your order, check the exterior condition, test the doors and locking bars, and note the placement. Any transit damage or discrepancy should be noted on the delivery documentation and photographed before the driver leaves — that record makes any claim quick and simple. See our Warranty & Product Condition policy for how condition grades and claims work.

Failed delivery or redelivery

A delivery attempt may be unsuccessful if, on arrival:

• the address provided is incorrect or the site cannot be accessed;
• the ground is unsafe or there is not enough clear space for the equipment;
• required permits have not been obtained;
• no authorised person is available where their presence was required.

In those cases, reasonable additional charges may apply for waiting time, storage, redelivery or specialist equipment — these are always discussed with you first and invoiced transparently, never added silently. This is the only exception to the flat rate.

Delivery coordination

Our team confirms the delivery window with you by email or phone before the unit ships, and the driver or our office can call ahead on the day where requested. Someone should be available to receive the delivery and note its condition on the delivery documentation. If your availability changes after dispatch is booked, call us as early as possible so we can reschedule without a failed-delivery charge.

Important notes

• Delivery timelines are careful estimates made in good faith, not absolute guarantees — distance, weather, transport availability and site conditions can move them.
• Delivery costs are shown before checkout; there are no surprise surcharges at the door.
• Transit damage should be noted on delivery documents and photographed — see our Warranty & Condition policy.
• Our commitment is clear communication and organised delivery coordination from payment confirmation to placement.

Contact us

For questions about shipping, dispatch or delivery, contact our team directly:

Ocean Shipping Pty
Phone: +61 489 989 670
Email: info@oceanshippingpty.com
Website: oceanshippingpty.com