Shipping Containers for Sale
Containers Direct is an award winning, nationwide supplier of shipping containers.
Containers Direct are one of the leading suppliers of new shipping containers, used containers and converted containers. One of the few British manufacturers of new build containers and specialists in container conversions, from container offices to storage containers of all shapes and sizes including a wide range of flat pack containers. Founded in 2008 the company rapidly gained a reputation for innovation, leading the way in supplying cut price containers straight from the docks. The opening of the fabrication depot in 2010 allowed new research and development of ways to re-purpose ISO containers, bringing to the market a range of standard branded offices, gyms, classrooms and much more. We pride ourselves on being one of the first container resellers to realise the full potential of a container structure.
The shipping container itself has an interesting history. Invented by Malcom McClean in 1956, it was a concept that massively reduced the costs of both shipping and transport, allowing Asia to become the new workshop of the world. A key feature of the shipping container is that it's intermodal, i.e. suitable for safe transportation on a wide variety of modes of transport. A container can be loaded with goods on the back of a lorry in the Far East, lifted onto a train, moved onto a container ship and arrive in a port in the UK to be trucked to a factory. Throughout this journey the doors are only opened twice, once for loading and once for emptying. To endure shipment in harsh marine environments, heavy handling in ports, depots and factories, shipping containers must be incredibly strong. Containers are also reusable, so they must be durable enough to withstand this sort of rough handling as they travel around the world for over a decade or more. Extreme resilience is needed for loading with up to 27 tons of cargo and withstand stacking up to 9 containers high!
This enormous strength and durability makes them ideal for use as storage containers AND the perfect structures for converting to suit a wide range of uses. The production of a shipping container is carbon intensive so Containers Direct specialise in working with second-hand shipping containers after they've been released from their working life on shipping fleets. They are given a new lease of life by repurposing them with a low carbon footprint in our in-house depot.
We are well known for our container offices, safe chemical stores and pop up shops for a variety of applications, including burger and coffee bars and retail outlets. We create joined-up containers to make larger spaces for use as classrooms, festival exhibition stands and garage containers. We pioneered the shipping container living roof, a valuable part of a conversion project in capturing carbon and increasing bio-diversity. This is now available as a stand-alone product..
We are well known for our container offices, safe chemical stores and pop up shops for a variety of applications, including burger and coffee bars and retail outlets. We create joined-up containers to make larger spaces for use as classrooms, festival exhibition stands and garage containers. We pioneered the shipping container living roof, a valuable part of a conversion project in capturing carbon and increasing bio-diversity. This is now available as a stand-alone product..
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Quality you can see, experience you can trust
We regularly showcase our work as we believe it's much easier to capture in pictures than try to visualise it. Over the years we have built up a vast library of pictures, displaying a wide variety of applications, so why not explore our case studies as there is every chance you will see finished pictures of something very similar to your project.As Albert Einstein was fond of saying, "the only source of knowledge is experience" and at Containers Direct, we agree with this. The cornerstone of our company is our team of experienced tradesman. Our welders were raised in the docks of Liverpool and Bootle, so there's very little about shipping containers they don't know! Along with our welders we have a highly skilled team of time served joiners, painters, plumbers and electricians on hand, ready to bring your ideas to life.
Tell us your requirements and your delivery postcode using our Quick Quote form to get the ball rolling. Alternatively call us direct to speak to one of team to discuss what we can offer.
Container Conversion Specialists
Take a look at our award winning container conversions service for shipping container modifications and bespoke buildings. From chemical stores, site offices and pop up shops to portable toilets and food outlets, contact us today free on 0800 0612 575 to tell us what you need.Our Online Brochure
You can view our Container Conversions brochure here, or why not take a look at some of our amazing work?
Case Study of the Month
February 2025CS91499 - 20ft x 24ft StudyBox® classroom
This shipping container classroom for Marple Hall School in Stockport, was constructed from our StudyBox® design. In order to create enough space for a classroom we take standard sized 20ft x 8ft shipping containers, remove the long sides to create a wider space, and then join the completed containers together on site to make a whole unit. This case study uses three containers to create the 20ft x 24ft StudyBox®
Take a look at some of the most engaging work we have undertaken in
recent years. With detailed pictures, a step by step guide and a deep
insight to many projects, our case studies cover a range of applications.
Just some of the clients we've worked with...
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Shipping Container Blog
Tuesday 4 February 2025
If you're looking for the ideal storage solution for your home or business, you may be weighing up a self-storage facility against buying your own shipping container. Find out which option can work best for your needs.
READ MORE...
Monday 27 January 2025
January 2025
How secure is your site office? Don't become a victim of construction site crime! Find out ways to make sure your office is not an easy target for thieves and vandals and keep your business safe.
Friday 24 January 2025
January 2025
Of all shipping containers sizes, the 20ft length container is the most common, versatile and best value for money per sq ft. Great as a cheap, secure storage unit, easily modifed with user-friendly optional extras, or perfect as the foundation for a conversion project.
Thursday 23 January 2025
January 2025
The answer is - yes of course! We offer a wide range of door types to fit into your container, designed to be the best match for your usage requirements. Side doors are popular for the easiest and most convenient access to the inside of your container.Testimonials
As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.
"The overall experience of ordering and specifying the container was very good. The sales and transport staff kept me informed at all times."Cura-Terrae
11th February 2025
order - a 20ft DryBox Container
"Cory was very helpful, as was Hannah with the delivery details. The delivery driver also took time to ensure the container was in the correct position - very helpful!"Ben Halliday, 24-7 Electrical services
4th February 2025
order - a New 'Once-Used' 16ft Container
"Always great service from Containers Direct, especially from Cory. The delivery driver is very friendly and skilled at getting the containers in the tightest and most awkward positions."Susan Ryan, Highfields College
31st January 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container
"Everything from start to finish, first class!!!"Wentworth Garden Centre
21st January 2025
order - a New 'Once-Used' 20ft Container with S4 Roller Shutter Doors
"I am going to single out Hannah in transport as having an excellent phone manner and great communication skills. I messed up on the confirmed delivery date and she supported me with organising alternatives. Brilliant. Gary at D.Smith Specialist Transport was also first rate and very helpful on site. Great service and communications all round. By the way, the containers are spot on too. Thank you."Steve Millburn, FM Conway Ltd
17th January 2025
order - two 'Once-Used' 40ft Containers
"Excellent experience from start to finish."Arcadia Desiccant Technology Ltd
14th January 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container with S4 Roller Shutter Doors
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Subscribe to our Newsletter
Why not sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest products and special offers? Click here to subscribe and be the first to hear about our exclusive offers and deals.Committed to Quality
We are ISOQAR Approved; certified to the ISO standard relating to Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our Company's commitment to quality. We are also members of MakeUK who champion and celebrate British manufacturing and manufacturers, and member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association; an international organisation representing the interests of Container Self-Storage Operators, Traders and Innovators.
ISO Cert No. 13586-QNS-001
ISO 9001:2015
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