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..

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.

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

Discover our award-winning container conversions service for bespoke shipping container modifications and custom builds. From chemical stores, site offices, and pop-up shops to portable toilets and food outlets, we can design and build to your specification.

Call us free on 0800 0612 575

View Conversions Contact Us

Our Online Brochure

You can view our Container Conversions brochure here, or why not take a look at some of our amazing work?

Our Brochure

packaged plant room new build container Welburn school - CS98937

Case study of the month

December 2025

16ft x 10ft packaged plant room - CS98937

This bespoke new build unit was designed as a packaged plant room for Welburn Hall School in North Yorkshire, a county council maintained special school. The beautiful building that's now home to the school dates back to the 17th century and is set in 14 acres of landscaped gardens. As a Grade 11 listed building any alterations require consent to maintain the historical and architectural value. In this context the replacement to the building's existing systems to provide light, power, hot water and heating to the building is best served by an external, plant room in the school grounds.

Discover more of our shipping container conversions or explore the full project details below.

Read full case study

Take a look at some of the most engaging work we have undertaken in recent years. With detailed pictures, step-by-step guides, and in-depth insights into many projects, our case studies cover a wide range of applications.

Our Case Studies

Just some of the clients we've worked with...

Shipping Container Blog

How Big Does a Motorcycle Shed Need To Be? Sizing and Buyer's Guide

Tuesday 2 December 2025

There are all kinds of options for those who want to keep their motorcycle secure in a heavy duty shed, A good motorcycle store can extend the life of your bike by protecting it from the elements and theft. Choosing the right size to suit your needs is an important part of this.

Why are Shipping Containers Becoming Popular to Build Homes, Offices and Shops

Tuesday 2 December 2025

The shipping container conversion boom has given rise to containerised buildings being a common site in the wild nowadays. From pop-up shops and food stalls, to portable offices, and even small homes, you may be curious as to why a recycled metal box is rapidly finding its way into our landscape.

Is There a 45 foot Shipping Container?

Tuesday 2 December 2025

Yes, the 45ft shipping container is indeed real! The rumours you may have heard of a container even bigger than the 40ft are true and these beasts are not only longer than all the rest, but in most cases extra high and wide too. Standing at 45ft long, 9ft 6in high and 8ft wide inside, they offer the largest volume of space inside single shipping container.

How Much Should I Pay For a 20-foot Container?

Tuesday 2 December 2025

Like most product ranges in any sector, there's a marked variation in price for a 20-foot shipping container which is reflected by a number of factors - where you buy from, how much you're willing to pay and do you have any specific requirements. This guide will help you decide what is reasonable price for your purse.

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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.

Read All Testimonials Here

"Really good process from start to finish." Soldado Limited
1st December 2025
order - a 4x Used 20ft Containers

"Our delivery was great and a big thank you to the wonderful delivery driver who was excellent at getting the lorry onto site and delivering the container quickly, efficiently and with a sense of humour! We will be needing another smaller container shortly and will be back in touch with you." West Byfleet Infant School
28th November 2025
order - a New 'Once-Used' 40ft Container

"The purchase of the flat pack container was very easy from start to delivery." Tom Passmore
27th Novemeber 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

"From start to finish Neil was excellent; his advice and patience were first class, returning all calls and contacting us when promised. This resulted in us getting exactly what we required, even down to cutting the lead time to suit our schedule. Many thanks to Neil and all the other staff members we dealt with, who were polite and helpful at all times." A J Roofing Limited
20th November 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container

"We are very pleased with our container. The guy who delivered it was brilliant, very skillful and professional. Many thanks" Mick
17th November 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container

"The product (flat pack container 4m) is excellent. I already have one that I bought 18 months ago which has been secure and kept everything stored in great condition. I needed another storage container so came straight back to you. The lead time was even quicker than the previous time which was great. The delivery was slightly tricky but the driver (Steve) was cheerful and helpful and managed the job safely , even in the pouring rain at the time. Overall, great product and delivery and very satisfied." Michael Spencer
12th November 2025
order - a 4m Flat Pack Container Store

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Committed to Quality

We are ISOQAR Approved and certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are also members of MakeUK, who champion British manufacturing, and the Container Self Storage and Traders Association (CSTA), representing global operators and innovators. In addition, we are registered members of JOSCAR, the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register.