Shipping Container Questions

Shipping Container Questions

Click on the question below to view the response.
1. Will one of your storage containers be large enough to take my goods?
To enable you to assess the available space in one of our storage containers the internal dimensions, floor area, cubic capacity and end door aperture sizes of 8ft, 10ft, 20ft, 30ft and 40ft containers are listed on our standard container dimensions page.

 

2. Do I need planning permission for a storage container?
Storage containers are considered to be temporary structures and so would not normally need planning permission. However, we advise being sensitive to the local environment, for instance we can supply green containers for countryside areas. If you are in doubt it may be prudent to check with your local authority.

 

3. What are the space restrictions where a storage container can be delivered?
Storage containers are usually delivered and lifted to the ground by the lorry’s own crane, parallel to the side of the lorry. To accommodate the width of the truck and the container a space approx 20ft wide will be necessary.
The length of space required to offload will depend on the length of the container but up to a single 20ft container will require a space over 25ft long and a 30ft/40ft container over 45ft of space. There must be no overhead restrictions such as cables, or tree branches below 25ft high.
The delivery lorry must be able to drive from the highway to the off loading point which must be accessible and over solid ground with no restrictions such as drains. It is sometimes possible to offload over a low hedge or wall but this must be discussed and agreed with us in advance of the delivery.

4. Can the storage container be positioned on any surface?
Care must be taken with this. All surfaces where the container is to be sited must be flat hard standing. The loaded weight of a storage/ shipping container is designed to be supported on its 4 bottom corners which need to be level with each other to ensure the container remains square so the doors open and shut easily. The ground at each corner or the whole area must be solid enough to take the required weight and can be concrete, concrete paving slabs, railway sleepers, a firm stone surface or similar.


5. How much will I have to pay for a container?
The price of containers depends on many factors such as their age and size, whether any accessories have been fitted or modifications made and the delivery charge. It is not possible to publish a price list as costs vary with changes in the container market and delivery. Click here to read our guide on shipping container prices

6. Can condensation be a problem with steel containers?
Container condensation can sometimes be an issue depending what is stored, the atmospheric humidity and temperature changes. All containers have a degree of ventilation which is usually sufficient but if considered necessary we can supply an anti-condensation coating to the inside roof of the container that prevents droplets of condensation forming, we can also supply moisture traps and drying crystals. Containers can also be fitted with a lining.

7. Can you make storage container doors more secure?
Yes with additional strengthening of door locks.

8. Can we purchase containers we have either rented or hired?
Yes, we are always happy to discuss the sale of containers rented or hired, all prices will be subject to the used container market at that time, the condition of the container and transport cost implications.

9. Will you buy back containers previously purchased from you?
Yes, we are always happy to discuss the buy back of containers previously purchased. All prices will be subject to the second hand container market at that time, the condition of the container and transport cost implications.

10. Can our container be a specific colour of our choice?
The new and used containers we have in stock will be a variety of colours. If the colour you require is not available we can spray paint the container whatever RAL or BS colour you need. Unless otherwise specified we use a high specification marine paint system on all re-sprays.

11. What is the expected life of a container?
This depends on the use of the container. However, shipping containers are designed and manufactured to cope with a long and arduous life moving goods around the world. As such, they are very sturdy and secure. A used container will usually have been in international operation for in excess of 10 years and sometimes longer but depending on your use, depending on its location and reasonable maintenance it is not unreasonable to expect a further 10 plus years of use.
New containers will have completed one journey from their country of manufacture and with reasonable use and maintenance can be expected to complete over 30 years as a storage container.

12. Can you create a custom shipping container?
Yes, a standard shipping container has such a good basic design that it can be converted into many custom uses.
It can be lined, insulated, fitted with additional doors, windows and electrics. It can also be shortened to fit a specific space or use and can be modified/ converted to a host of modular uses.
See our container conversion page for some interesting ideas.

13. Can you create a custom storage container?
Yes, a standard storage container has such a good basic design that it can be converted into many custom uses.
It can be lined, insulated, fitted with additional doors, windows and electrics. It can also be shortened to fit a specific space or use and can be modified/ converted to a host of modular uses.
See our container conversion page for some interesting ideas.


14. Difference between differently described containers ie. Cargo, Freight & ISO containers?
Basically there is no difference. All of our containers, unless they have been modified, are new or used ISO shipping containers originally designed and manufactured to specific international ISO standards. These design and manufacturing standards ensure the containers can safely withstand the rigours of international trade for many years whilst keeping their contents safe, dry and secure on land, sea, truck and train. The different prefixes sometimes used are just different ways to describe the same thing. For a container to be used for international shipping it is required to have a current CSC certificate which we can provide for this purpose. When purchasing a container for any purpose today caution should be exercised as many ‘containers’ in the market are not true ISO shipping containers.

15. Do you provide container shipping abroad?
No, but we can put you in touch with international shipping agents who can arrange for your container to be shipped abroad.

16. Can containers we hire or purchase from you be moved when loaded?
Not normally as a storage container, but please talk to us if you need to do this.

17. What materials are your containers manufactured from?
Our containers are manufactured from steel and  ply-wood flooring.

18. Are your containers fireproof?
No, containers are not 100% fireproof.
However, our containers are manufactured from steel and marine ply-wood so they are very resistant to fire but as we all know with enough extreme heat anything will burn.

19. Can we visit your depot to view and pick our containers?
Yes, we welcome visitors to our premises for this purpose. See our location/map to see where we are.

20. Do you arrange site surveys to cover lorry access, container siting, etc?
Yes, this can be arranged for a small charge.

21. Looking for container hire?
We provide you with all your container needs. Whether you require the hire of storage or shipping containers. We have them in stock and ready to transport out to you. We pride ourselves on our unparalleled service to supply only the finest used and new containers at competitive prices. You can hire a 10ft, 20ft, 30ft, and/or 40ft container that comes as standard, insulated or refrigerated.
We are always happy to sell containers that have been on hire and are even prepared to buy back a container that was previously purchased by you.

22. Do you have Shipping Containers for Sale?
We supply shipping containers for sale that range from 10ft to 40ft containers. We pride ourselves in our unparalleled service to supply only the finest used and new shipping containers at competitive prices. In addition to the sale of shipping containers we provide a wide range of accessories and services, such as:

• Container Conversions
• Varied container options: standard, insulated or refrigerated
• Self Storage
• Complete transport and delivery service
• Mobile Workshop
• View our containers for sale and hire page for more details

23. Looking for Container Storage?
Yes we provide the same in India.

24. ISO Container
Yes, we can supply you an ISO container for sale and / or hire. Sizes range from 10ft, 20ft, 30ft and 40ft containers. We pride ourselves in our unparalleled service to supply only the finest used and new ISO containers at competitive prices. In addition to the sale and hire of an ISO container we provide a wide range of accessories and services, such as:

ISO Container Conversions
Varied container options: standard, insulated or refrigerated
Secure Padlock Protectors
Self Storage
Container Dimensions
Complete transport and delivery service

All our ISO containers are designed and manufactured to specific international ISO standards. These design and manufacturing standards ensure the containers can safely withstand the rigours of international trade for many years whilst keeping their contents safe, dry and secure on land, sea, truck and train. For a container to be used for international shipping it is required to have a current CSC certificate which we can provide for this purpose. When purchasing a container for any purpose today caution should be exercised as many ‘containers’ in the market are not true ISO shipping containers.



25. Sea Containers
Yes, we can supply you Sea Containers for sale, hire and storage. Sizes range from 10ft, 20ft, 30ft and 40ft containers. We pride ourselves in our unparalleled service to supply only the finest second hand and new Sea containers at competitive prices. In addition to the sale, hire and storage of a Sea Container we provide a wide range of accessories and services, such as:
Container Conversions

Varied container options: standard, insulated or refrigerated
Sea Container Locking Device
Self Storage
Container Dimensions
Complete transport and delivery service

All our Sea containers are designed and manufactured to specific international ISO standards. These design and manufacturing standards ensure the containers can safely withstand the rigours of international trade for many years whilst keeping their contents safe, dry and secure on land, sea, truck and train.
For a freight sea container to be used for international shipping it is required to have a current CSC certificate which we can provide for this purpose. When purchasing a container for any purpose today caution should be exercised as many containers in the market are not true sea shipping containers.
We personally do not ship containers abroad, but we can put you in touch with international shipping agents who can arrange this for you.

26. What is a sea container?
A sea container is a standard-sized rectangular box used to transport freight by ship, rail and highway. International shipping containers can range from 10ft to 40ft long and must conform to the international Standards Organisation (ISO) standards. Plus are specifically designed to fit in a ships’ hold. For a sea container to be used for international shipping it is required to have a current CSC certificate which should be provided by the supplier for this purpose. When purchasing a container for any purpose today caution should be exercised as many containers in the market are not true sea shipping containers.We personally do not ship containers abroad, but we are CSC certified and we can put you in touch with international shipping agents who can arrange this for you.

27. Do you provide second hand containers?
Yes, we supply you second hand containers for sale, hire and storage. Sizes range from 10ft, 20ft, 30ft and 40ft containers. We pride ourselves in our unparalleled service to supply only the finest second hand containers at competitive prices.
We are always happy to sell used containers that have been on hire and are even prepared to buy back second hand shipping containers that were previously purchased by you. In addition to the sale, hire and storage of our second hand steel containers we provide a wide range of accessories and services:

Container Conversions
Varied container options: standard, insulated or refrigerated
Container Lock Protectors
Self Storage
Container Dimensions
Complete transport and delivery service

All our used containers were designed and manufactured to specific international ISO standards. These design and manufacturing standards ensure the containers can safely withstand the rigours of international trade for many years whilst keeping their contents safe, dry and secure on land, sea, truck and train.

28. What are Freight Containers?
Freight containers are standard-sized rectangular boxes used to transport freight by ship, rail and highway. International shipping containers can range from 10ft to 40ft long and must conform to the international Standards Organisation (ISO) standards. Plus are specifically designed to fit in a ship hold. For a freight container to be used for international shipping it is required to have a current CSC certificate which should be provided by the supplier for this purpose. When purchasing a container for any purpose today caution should be exercised as many containers in the market are not true freight shipping containers. We personally do not ship containers abroad, but we are CSC certified and we can put you in touch with international shipping agents who can arrange this for you.

29. Do you offer Site Storage?
We sell and hire storage containers used for site storage on your site