How to Unload a 40ft Container of Wholesale Vietnamese Garden Pottery Without a Loading Dock

Table of Contents

• Tools and Equipment Checklist - H2
• Before Unloading: What to Expect
• Step-by-Step Unloading Instructions
• Space Requirements
• Pro Tips for Success
• Final Thoughts

Receiving a full container of wholesale garden pots is exciting—but if you don’t have a loading dock, it can also feel intimidating. Fortunately, with the right tools, teamwork, and plan, you can safely unload a 40ft container using basic equipment and minimal labor.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you unload your container smoothly and safely.

Tools and Equipment Checklist

• Make sure you have the following on-site before the container arrives:
  
• Crow bar – To remove the wood boards securing pallets inside the container
  
• Box cutter – To cut straps, stretch wrap, or plastic securing materials
  
• Pallet hook puller clamp – To grip and pull pallets from deep inside the container
  
• Pallet jack – As a backup tool in case any of the pallets are damaged during the unloading process
  
• 2x30ft straps – For pulling heavy pallets (up to 3,000 lbs) toward the entrance
  
• Forklift (4,000 lb.+ capacity) – To lift and transport pallets
  
• 2–3 people, including a skilled forklift operator
  
• A ladder or step ladder – For accessing pots stacked high on pallets (if needed)
  
• Camera or phone – To document pallet condition and damages
  
• Drinking water – Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather
  
• Trash can – To throw straps and cardboard in.
  

Before Unloading: What to Expect

• The truck driver will:
  
• Deliver the container to your location
  
• Use their own seal cutter to remove the container seal
  
• Open both container doors for you
  
• Wait up to 2 hours for free while you unload

After 2 hours, the driver may charge approximately $100 per hour for additional wait time. Efficiency is key but always put safety first!

Step-by-Step Unloading Instructions

1. Inspect and Document the First Row

Before touching anything:

• Take photos of the interior condition for your records
  
• Check if pallets have shifted or pots are visibly damaged
  
• Ensure the area is clear and safe to begin

2. Remove Wood Bracing and Straps

Use a crowbar to pry off any wooden planks nailed across the back of the container.
Then use a box cutter to carefully slice any plastic straps holding the first row of pallets in place.

3. Pull the Pallets Toward the Door

Without a loading dock, your forklift is still able to lift the first 2 pallets without pulling. Then you’ll need to pull each pallet close to the door using the:

• Pallet hook puller, clamped securely under the lead board (not just the pallet blocks!)
  
• The forklift pulls 30ft strap in reverse

Work in pairs: one person operates the hook/strap inside the container.  Another person drives the forklift in reverse to pull slowly and evenly to avoid tipping.

4. Lift and Move Pallets With the Forklift

Once the pallet reaches the edge of the container:

• Use the forklift to lift and remove it carefully
  
• Make sure your forklift is rated to handle at least 4,000 lbs
  
• Place pallets with walking space between each for inspection and inventory

5. Manually Remove Top Pots

If there are damaged or unsecured pots on the top of the pallet, use a ladder or step ladder to manually offload the top layer before pulling or lifting the pallet.

This reduces the risk of:

• Pots falling during forklift removal
  
• Pallet instability
  
• Breakage during movement

6. Lower the pallet about 6 inches above the ground and slightly tilt the pallet backward for safety before driving the forklift

Tilting the pallet backward (in other words, angling it slightly toward the forklift operator) helps secure the load of pots with a stable position as the forklift moves.

Space Requirements

A fully loaded 40ft container of Vietnamese pottery typically includes 22 full pallets. You’ll need:

• ~1,200 sq ft of clean, flat ground
  
• Enough space to walk around each pallet for inspection and sorting

Pro Tips for Success

• Start early in the day, when it's cooler and you're more likely to unload everything within the 2-hour deadline
  
• Hydrate often, especially during summer
  
• Assign roles: one person on camera/documentation and back up, one inside the container for hook and unhook the pallet puller clamp, and one operating the forklift
  
• Inspect each pallet for damage as it comes out
  
• Keep your path clear—avoid stacking too close to walkways

Final Thoughts

Unloading a 40ft container of garden pottery without a dock may seem like a heavy task, but it’s fully doable with three people, the right tools, and a bit of strategy. With handcrafted pots weighing up to 3,000 lbs per pallet, safety and teamwork are essential.

At TT Pottery, we regularly unload containers using this method and recommend it to wholesale buyers, garden centers, and retailers who import pottery through us but don’t have access to a dock.