National Portable Storage Association

Leasing and finance

delivery fee

A delivery fee is a charge for bringing a container to the customer's site. Complete Container Services notes that delivery and pickup may be handled separately from the monthly rental. The fee often depends on distance, placement needs and site access.

Why it matters

Delivery cost reflects truck time, fuel, driver labor and equipment. A tight site or a long drive raises it. The Complete Container Services guide lists questions to ask: is delivery included, are there distance-based charges, is placement included, and are there extra charges for difficult access. A common mistake is to assume the fee covers placing the unit in any spot. Hard access, soft ground or a failed drop can lead to added fees. Customers should send site photos with the request. Operators should state the fee, the zone and the access rules on the quote.

Read: How much does portable storage cost? Monthly rent, fees and totals

Definition source: completecontainer.com

Related terms

pick-up charge

A pick-up charge is a fee for collecting a container. In container leasing, One Way Lease describes it as a one-time fee at the origin depot for releasing a container into the lessee's possession. In portable storage rentals, companies often charge a separate fee to pick up a unit from the customer.

rental rate

A rental rate is the price charged for keeping a container for a billing period, often a month. Complete Container Services says a monthly rental rate generally refers to the cost of keeping the container for the agreed rental period. Delivery and pickup may be billed separately.

delivery access

Delivery access is the space and route a truck needs to reach the drop spot. It includes the road, driveway, gates, turning room and overhead clearance. XCaliber Container gives a guide of about 10 feet of width on each side of the container and 13 feet of overhead clearance.

site preparation

Site preparation is the work done on a spot before a container arrives. It includes clearing the access path, checking overhead room, making the ground firm and fairly level, and sometimes adding a gravel or stone base. The goal is a safe drop and a unit that sits flat.

rental agreement

A rental agreement is the contract that sets the terms for renting a container or similar unit. RentalModo says it is usually two or three pages. It covers the rate, minimum term, damage rules, delivery and pickup, and fees. The fine print is often in clauses that renters skim.

minimum rental term

A minimum rental term is the shortest period a customer must pay for. RentalModo's sample agreement language says the minimum period is three months and that early termination requires payment of the remaining minimum balance. Other companies use one month or another length.

All 220 terms

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