What is a HIAB delivery and when do you need one?
A HIAB delivery is a shipping container delivery using a lorry fitted with a crane to lift the container off and position it on site. You need a HIAB delivery when you do not have your own lifting equipment, have limited access, or need the container placed precisely. It is the most common container delivery method in the UK.
What a HIAB Delivery Actually Is
HIAB is a brand name that has become the industry term for crane-equipped delivery vehicles. In simple terms, a HIAB lorry delivers your shipping container and lifts it off the vehicle using its onboard crane.
This allows the container to be:
- Offloaded without a forklift or site crane
- Positioned next to, behind, or away from the lorry
- Carefully placed in tight or restricted areas
For most buyers arranging container delivery UK-wide, a HIAB is the safest and most practical option.
When You Need a HIAB Delivery
You will almost certainly need a HIAB delivery if any of the following apply:
- You do not have lifting equipment on site
- The container needs positioning rather than simple drop-off
- Access is tight or space is restricted
- The container must be lifted over a fence or wall
- You want the doors facing a specific direction
This is why HIAB delivery is the default choice for customers buying shipping containers for sale UK-wide.
When You Might Not Need a HIAB
A HIAB delivery is not always required.
You may not need one if:
- You have a forklift, telehandler, or crane on site
- You are collecting the container yourself
- You are exporting or moving a loaded container (a sidelifter may be required instead)
Flatbed deliveries can be cheaper, but only if lifting is already available on site.
How a HIAB Delivery Works (Step by Step)
Understanding the process helps avoid failed deliveries.
- The HIAB lorry arrives and positions itself near the drop area
- Outriggers (stabilisers) are deployed on both sides of the vehicle
- Chains are attached to the container’s lifting points
- The crane lifts the container off the lorry
- The container is carefully manoeuvred into position
- The container is lowered onto prepared ground
The entire offload typically takes 30–60 minutes when the site is ready.
Common Problems With Difficult Container Deliveries
Difficult shipping container deliveries usually fail for the same reasons.
The most common issues are:
- Poor access or tight turning space
- Overhead cables or tree branches
- Soft or uneven ground
- Parked vehicles blocking access
- Last-minute changes to positioning
HIAB cranes will not operate under overhead power lines. This is a strict safety rule and cannot be overridden.
How to Prepare Your Site for a HIAB Delivery
Good preparation saves time and money.
Access & Space
- Ensure the lorry can get close to the drop point
- Allow space for crane swing and positioning
- Measure gate widths, driveways, and turning areas
Ground Conditions
- Hard standing only (concrete, tarmac, compacted hardcore)
- No grass, mud, or soft ground
- Level ground to prevent container racking
Overhead Obstacles
- No cables, wires, or branches above the lift area
- Remember the crane needs height and reach
Photos and measurements sent in advance often prevent failed drops.
HIAB vs Flatbed vs Sidelifter
Here is a clear comparison buyers often need:
| Delivery Type | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| HIAB delivery | Most storage deliveries | Limited reach, overhead restrictions |
| Flatbed delivery | Sites with lifting equipment | You must lift off yourself |
| Sidelifter | Loaded containers & exports | Requires excellent access |
For steel storage containers delivered empty, HIAB is usually the most cost-effective and safest option.
Why Bosh Boxes Gets HIAB Deliveries Right
At Bosh Boxes, delivery is treated as part of the product, not an afterthought.
Customers benefit from:
- Honest advice on whether a HIAB is suitable
- Advance checks to reduce failed deliveries
- Experienced HIAB drivers
- Clear communication before delivery day
- Nationwide container delivery UK-wide
- Support with difficult or restricted access sites
The goal is simple: get your container delivered right first time.
How to Avoid Failed Deliveries and Extra Charges
To avoid unnecessary costs:
- Finalise placement before booking delivery
- Clear access routes on the day
- Confirm ground conditions honestly
- Flag overhead obstacles early
- Follow driver instructions on site
Most failed deliveries are avoidable with good communication.
How to Get Started
If you are planning to buy shipping container UK-wide and are unsure about access or delivery type, a quick conversation can save a lot of hassle.
For expert advice, fast scheduling, and safe HIAB delivery, contact Bosh Boxes today — your trusted UK shipping container supplier, delivering containers the Bosh Way.
