When you rent a mobile office or storage trailer from Dear John Trailer Rental, you’re not just receiving a structure—you’re gaining a partner who ensures your unit is delivered, set up, and removed smoothly. Many customers are curious about what actually happens behind the scenes: How does a 40-foot trailer make its way safely onto your site? What steps are taken to secure it? What should you do in advance to ensure everything goes as planned?

This guide provides a closer look at the process—from site preparation to delivery, setup, and pickup—so you know exactly what to expect and can feel confident on installation day.

Preparing Your Site for Delivery

The success of your trailer installation starts before the truck even arrives. Proper site preparation enables faster, safer, and more efficient delivery.

Key Questions to Ask Before Delivery

When choosing your site, it helps to run through a short checklist:

  • Is the ground level? Uneven surfaces can cause instability, making it more difficult to block and level the trailer once it is in place.
  • Is the area clear of obstacles? Branches, wires, fencing, and debris should be removed so the truck can maneuver.
  • Is the site prone to flooding? Low-lying areas may cause shifting or damage if water collects.
  • Is there enough space for delivery? Both the trailer and truck require clearance, not only for placement but also for unloading.
    How accessible is the site? Narrow gates, steep inclines, or soft ground can complicate delivery.

Which way should the entrance face? This affects how the trailer is loaded at our facility and positioned on your property.

Surfaces That Work Best

Because a truck and mobile office together weigh more than 30,000 pounds, choosing the right surface is essential. The best options are:

  • Stone-paved areas (preferred)
  • Cement
  • Gravel
  • Asphalt

If your site has softer terrain, like grass or dirt, we recommend laying a foundation to provide stability and prevent the trailer from sinking into the ground. Common solutions include:

  • Railroad ties
  • A gravel or concrete bed
  • Hardwood piles
  • Asphalt paving

These options provide a firm base, extending the life of your trailer rental and ensuring safer daily use.

The Logistics of Delivery

On delivery day, our staff follows a step-by-step process to ensure your trailer is delivered safely and positioned exactly where you need it.

Transportation and Arrival

Depending on the trailer’s size, delivery requires a large flatbed truck—sometimes up to 100 feet in length. For a 40-foot mobile office, for example, you’ll want to plan for at least 120 feet of ground clearance so the truck can unload. Having an additional 5–6 feet of space beyond the trailer’s length helps our drivers position the unit without issue.

The Role of Our Team

  • Drivers: Highly trained to handle tight spaces, gravel roads, and steep inclines, our drivers navigate your property with care to minimize damage.
  • Delivery crew: Once the unit is in position, the crew takes over, using equipment to roll the trailer off the back of the truck and into place.
  • Setup specialists: These team members block and level the unit, anchor it for stability, and install any requested add-ons.

Each role ensures that your trailer arrives safely and is functional before we leave your site.

Setup: Blocking, Leveling, and Anchoring

Once your trailer is rolled into place, setup begins. This part of the process is crucial to ensure both safety and usability.

  • Blocking and leveling: The crew uses blocks and tools to ensure the trailer is level. A level surface prevents doors from sticking, windows from jamming, and the structure from shifting.
  • Anchoring: Anchors secure the trailer to the ground, keeping it stable in high winds or on uneven terrain.
  • Installing add-ons: Many customers request features like steps, ramps, or skirting. These are installed during setup, so your trailer is ready to use right away.

Safety Measures at Every Stage

Behind the scenes, safety is always the priority. Our staff is highly trained to follow industry standards, and we build safety checks into every step:

  • Site access checks: Before delivery, we verify that the route to your property is suitable for the truck and trailer.
  • Stability checks: During setup, the unit is inspected to ensure it is properly leveled and anchored.
  • Customer walkthrough: We encourage you to inspect the unit with our crew before they leave. This ensures any issues are addressed immediately.

By combining professional training with detailed procedures, we reduce risks for both our team and your property.

Customer Preparation Tips

While our staff handles the delivery, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to make the process smoother:

  • Plan for access: Ensure gates, driveways, and paths are wide enough to accommodate a flatbed truck.
  • Choose orientation in advance: Decide how you want the trailer positioned so our team can load it correctly for transport.
  • Clear the site: Remove low-hanging branches, debris, or obstacles that could block delivery.
  • Prepare your budget: Delivery and setup fees typically range between $1,000 – $1,500, based on the distance and site conditions. Local suppliers can help keep costs lower.

Factors That Can Affect Delivery Timing

Customers often ask, “How long will it take to get my trailer delivered?” The answer depends on a few factors:

  • Distance from the supplier: Longer distances may add time to the schedule.
  • Supplier availability: Delivery slots can fill quickly during busy seasons.
  • Unit availability: If your chosen trailer type is in high demand, lead times may be longer.
  • Customization requests: Add-ons or special features may extend preparation time.

Some deliveries can be arranged the same day, while others can take a few days or weeks, depending on these factors.

Pickup and Return

When your project is complete or your rental period ends, pickup is straightforward. Our team returns to your site, unanchors the trailer, removes any add-ons, and carefully loads the unit back onto the flatbed. We take care to minimize disruption, leaving your site in its original condition as much as possible.

Choosing the Right Trailer for Your Jobsite Needs

Selecting the right trailer begins with understanding your project’s requirements:

  • Purpose: Will the trailer serve as office space, a classroom, or simple storage?
  • Number of users: Consider how many people will regularly use the trailer. Larger teams may require multiple units.
  • Duration: Short-term rentals may need fewer amenities, while long-term setups often benefit from heating, cooling, and power options.

We also offer a variety of trailers beyond office units, including storage containers, change trailers, and shower facilities—so you can find the right fit for your project.

The Dear John Difference

What sets Dear John Trailer Rental apart is the care and planning that go into every step of the rental process. From the first phone call to the final pickup, our team works closely with you to ensure the trailer not only arrives on time but is also safe, secure, and tailored to your specific needs.

Ready to Get Started? Call Dear John Trailer Rental

If you’re planning a project and need a mobile office, storage trailer, or other temporary facility, Dear John Trailer Rental makes the process straightforward. Our staff handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on your work, knowing your trailer is in good hands.

Contact Dear John Trailer Rental today to learn more about our rental options, delivery process, and how we can support your next project.

Author; Dear John Trailer Rentals 2025-10-06
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