Will 4" solid concrete blocks hold up 40' shipping container?

[04honda]

I was just wondering if I put a 4" solid concrete block down on packed gravel for each corner of the 40' container as they unload it off the trailer if the blocks would hold up or would they bust under the weight of the container? THANKS!!!

 

[Willl]

As long as they don't drop it on the block, it should do fine.

If it's going to drop, stick a piece of wood between block and container.

Can always jack it up once off the truck to set your blocks.

 

[CurlyDave]

Depending on what state you live in, you can buy used RR ties for about $10 each. I think I would rather put the container on these than concrete blocks.

I know in CA RR ties are considered toxic waste and can't be sold...

 

[2manyrocks]

I think they are going to sink in the ground over time due to the small footprint. In the past, I've gotten 12' block and filled the cores with concrete to make a larger pad area to put under sheds. RR ties would have the largest footprint, however, and probably wouldn't sink in the ground like blocks.

 

[sandman2234]

Mine is and has been sitting on old RR crossties for years. No problems. Prior to moving it to this location, it was sitting on blocks and one end sank, allowing it to rest on the ground. The wooden floor didn't like the ground humidity on that end and it showed in a couple of years by rotting out. Air flow is your friend.
David from jax

 

[winston1]

I'm wondering if your talking of a 4" x 12" x 12" block. Never seen a 4" X 4" block. If you are talking the 4" x 12" x 12" I can tell you there are many mobile homes setting on those. However, not on 40' spans. I would recommend some in between. They also need to have good ground contact across the whole block and be level so block is not only touching the container on one end.

 

[Willl]

I wouldn't put any blocks in the center.

It's only designed to carry the weight on the 4 corners.

 

[sandman2234]

Actually, I don't think that is quite true. I think they are designed to be held down, and lifted from the four corners (except on some of the longer ones such as 48 and 53) however when they are sitting on a chasis, the two rails which make up the frame of the chasis is holding up the entire box, as it runs under the box from end to end. Also, since he probably isn't going to load it to max load limits (20K to 24K for some forklift loads per foot) it is most likely that the extra blocks would be a help in keeping the box from sinking rather than adding extra support to the box. I would not hesitate to add several rows of the flat solid 4x12x12 blocks, if that is what your choice is, but in reality it would be cheaper and better to just use RR ties or other solid wood blocks. If you do use the concrete blocks, add a piece of treated wood between the container and the block to prevent cracking the concrete.
David from jax

 

[ray66v]

I prepared a bed of limestone for one, and it was fine.

 

[Stimw]

Containers are designed to be handled by the 4 corner pockets, top or bottom. The reason they sit on the chassis main rails is the bolsters at each corner with the twist locks can't handle the loads they haul.
I've seen 80,000lbs in a 20' container!!!!! It was loaded with boxes of staples for air staplers. Everyone has seen how tight those staples are put in packages.