Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical lifespan of a shipping container?

Shipping containers have a considerable lifespan, and can last around 20 years or more with proper maintenance. Our once-used containers will have only had one sea voyage into the country, and are typically around one or two years old, so will have plenty of life left in them! Our second hand containers are approximately 10 years old, so still have a good lifespan if you take care of them. With our second hand containers, we would recommend an exterior repaint in our rubberised marine paint to not only improve the aesthetic appearance of your container, but to also provide an additional layer of protection against the elements to prolong the lifespan even further. All of our used containers are sold with a free one year warranty.

What is the typical lifespan of a shipping container?

Shipping containers have a considerable lifespan, and can last around 20 years or more with proper maintenance. Our once-used containers will have only had one sea voyage into the country, and are typically around one or two years old, so will have plenty of life left in them! Our second hand containers are approximately 10 years old, so still have a good lifespan if you take care of them. With our second hand containers, we would recommend an exterior repaint in our rubberised marine paint to not only improve the aesthetic appearance of your container, but to also provide an additional layer of protection against the elements to prolong the lifespan even further. All of our used containers are sold with a free one year warranty.

How do you deliver a shipping container?

Delivery of a shipping container is unlike the delivery of your usual parcel! In order to provide a smooth delivery, we only use vehicles with hiab cranes to deliver our containers. As standard, we use Artic lorries (approx. 65ft long) or a Wagon and Drag (a 39ft long Rigid lorry with an additional 20ft long trailer behind), which enables us to pair up deliveries in order to keep your transport cost as effective as possible! We are able to provide dedicated deliveries on small vehicles upon request if your site can’t accommodate the standard vehicle. Ask one of our sales team for advice if you’re unsure of your site access!

For an easy delivery, we ask that your site has a suitable turning circle for the vehicle to turn around and drive back out head on after delivery, and a minimum entry width of 10ft. You will also need complete hard standing ground. These vehicles, especially when loaded, are extremely heavy. If they attempt to cross soft ground such as grass, gravel or shale, they are likely to get stuck and you would incur costs in dragging them back out!

Can I ship my container?

1. You can only purchase a 20ft or 40ft standard ISO container, as these are the only container lengths that can be shipped using traditional cargo vessels.
2. As we provide cut down shipping containers as standard, we must be informed of the intention for the container to be used for shipping, as our cut down containers are unsuitable for shipping. We will then make sure the container is a traditional ISO container and cargo worthy.
3. You will need a valid CSC plate to ship your container. All containers have this, but we will re-certify the CSC plate prior to dispatch for you.

What should I site my container on?

Like the delivery, your container is best suited to being placed on hard standing level ground. This will avoid the container “racking out”. Racking out is where one corner of the container becomes un-level, leaving the container doors difficult to open and close properly. This often happens if the container is placed on grass or gravel and then loaded with the weight un-evenly distributed, leading to the container sinking. Each corner must be well supported to avoid racking out. If a full concrete base isn’t an option, we recommend level concrete slabs at each of the four corners of the container, or railway sleepers under the door and end wall, to keep the container level.

How secure are shipping containers?

Shipping containers are made from strong CorTen Steel, providing ample security if you’re using your container for secure storage. On all of our standard containers under 40ft, we also provide a lockbox free of charge, which prevents your padlock from being tampered with!

How much does a shipping container weigh?

The weight of a shipping container varies depending on length. A standard ISO 20ft weighs approximately 2,230kgs, and a 40ft weighs approximately 3,950kgs. Our Container Dimensions Chart will give you more details on other sizes and weights.

What sizes are shipping containers?

Standard ISO shipping containers are either 20ft or 40ft in length, and all a uniform 8ft wide. Heights vary between 8ft6 high (known as a DV), or 9ft6 high (referred to as a High Cube or HC). At Containers Direct, you are not restricted to either a 40ft or a 20ft. We are one of the few container retailers who are also a working container depot and we specialise in cutting down containers to any length. Take a look at our Container Dimensions Chart for more details.

Do I need planning permission?

Shipping containers are technically fully portable, therefore they shouldn’t be subject to the ordinary planning permission requirements as they count as a temporary structure. However, if this is being used as a permanent structure, or if it’s being used in a residential area, the same planning permission rules may apply. Whatever you’re using your shipping container for, we would always recommend double checking with your local council first, as different councils have different rules and regulations to follow. We have found that improving the aesthetics of the container with either a repaint or wood cladding and a sloping roof can often help secure permission from the council.