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Containers Direct logoQuality you can see, experience you can trust.
Quality you can see, experience you can trust.

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..
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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

17th Oct, 2024

CS103787 - 10ft air compressor housing unit

This case study highlights our new, upgraded style S3 doors. It's a simple conversion of a 10ft shipping container that we fitted with new doors, repainted and added decals. Our client provides industrial air compressors, and a 10ft security enhanced, weatherproof shipping container is the perfect vessel for housing specialist industrial equipment.

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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...

Mercedes Benz
ITV
Ministry of Defense
Environment Agency
National Trust
superdry
Balfour Beatty
British Gas
Network Rail
Harley Davidson
Hilti
Audi
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Recent News

Coming Soon! Littlehampton Seafront Regeneration Project

November 2024 - blog post 1 by Sally Shipp

We're excited to announce our next big contract, to supply a total of four retail units, based on our MenuBox® design, as part of the marketplace area in the seven point regeneration of this seaside town in West Sussex. With an emphasis on buildings that reduce the carbon footprint of the project, our upcycled shipping container conversions are ideal for providing "pop-up" food and drink units for visitors. See our preview of the work we are starting, to be completed and delivered to Littlehampton seafront early next spring.
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How To Secure Your Shipping Container

October 2024 - blog post 4 by Sally Shipp

Steel shipping containers are by nature incredibly tough and provide good security compared to other forms of storage space. When locked up they will prevent opportunist break-ins, but determined thieves with the right tools will still try and find away to prise it open. Read our tips to find out ways to prevent this.
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Tips on How to Buy a Used Shipping Container

Updated October 2024 - Blog post 3 by Jenni Lui
Thinking of buying a used shipping container but are concerned about the pitfalls? This article walks you through the things to look out for, what to avoid, and how to know if you're getting value for money. In 6 tops tips we'll tell you everything you need to know about buying second hand containers.

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Why A Storage Container Is Perfect For Football Clubs

October 2024 - blog post 2 by Sally Shipp

Shipping containers are a common sight on football club grounds. Strong, secure and versatile they can be used for general storage of club equipment, or converted to provide a clubhouse or other facillities. There's good news if you're a looking for a secure storage container for your grass roots club or organisation, as you may be eligible for a grant of up to £25,000 from The Football Foundation.
READ MORE...
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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.
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"Just wanted to say a big thank you for your seamless and professional customer service when looking after me when purchasing my container."Kerry, Salon On The Hill
13th November 2024
order - a Used 20ft Container
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"Thank for a seamless supply of our container. Great communication from the office and fantastic helpful delivery chap."Andover Bathroom Collection Ltd
7th November 2024
order - a Used 12ft Container
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"Excellent, friendly staff & very easy ordering process. EXCELLENT, thank you!"StairBox
22nd October 2024
order - a Used 40ft Container
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"All excellent for me, thanks."Nicholas B Poskitt, Osprey Caravan Park
17th October 2024
order - six Flat Pack Containers
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"The container is in situ and it is as new, just perfect. Your driver was amazing and made sure everything was spot on before he left. A company opposite us has four on site and ours makes them look very secondhand indeed. Thanks again. We have already had so really good comments and without doubt, if asked, we will give them your details."Alligator Dynamic Drapes
9th October 2024
order - a New 'once used' 16ft Container
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"Friendly, supporting, knowledgeable and kept us up to date."Aurora Severnside
6th September 2024
order - a 4m Flat Pack Containers
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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.
ISOQAR Approved
ISO Cert No. 13586-QNS-001
ISO 9001:2015
Member of MakeUK
Member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association
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