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

The Shipping Container - A Brief Guide

What was the shipping container built for?

Developed in the 1950s to carry cargo around the world, the shipping container became one of the most disruptive technological advancements of the last century. Decimating traditional docks like London and Liverpool by slashing the cost of international shipping, it paved the way for Asia to become the workshop of the world, at the expense of traditional manufacturing industries in Europe and North America

The rise of the shipping container has seen millions of winners and losers. Luckily for you the customer, and us at Containers Direct, we're on the winning side! Shipping containers are an ideal structure for something as simple as a cheap storage unit, right through to bold and imaginative living spaces.

How has the shipping container adapted?

For many years shipping containers were used as they came off the ship - a basic unit with a uniform width of 8ft, 20ft or 40ft long, and either 9ft 6 or 8ft 6 high. However, over the last 10 years a number of innovative and imaginative British companies have emerged treating shipping containers like building blocks; cutting them down to create shorter containers, slicing them apart to make wider containers, and transforming them into anything from portable buildings that can blend into woodland environments, to mobile luxury hotels. Containers Direct are proud to have been at the forefront of this industry!

Now you're a bit more familiar with the shipping container why not go to our Popular Containers range?

Our Popular Shipping Containers

An industry leading choice of optional extras

Our choice of upgrades can be used to adapt your container to make it fit for your particular purpose. For instance, wood cladding can help with planning permission requirements. Whether it's a steel ramp, ply lining or doors in the side, our range of modifications to second hand containers are carried out by our own skilled, in-house workforce and are offered at prices that reflect our commitment to giving our clients the best deals. When you buy a refurbished steel container from Containers Direct, you can be assured of quality and value by our 12 month guarantee.



Request a Quick Quote!

Contact our sales team for your no-obligation quote, including delivery!

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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"On the whole the experience was great and they deserve 5 star rating." Bishop Gore School
20th February 2026
order - a Used 20ft Container
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"Thanks very much for a really efficient service. Would recommend your company to anyone. You did what it said on the tin!" Ian
20th February 2026
order - a Used 10ft Container
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"Service was excellent from quote to delivery." Peter Stanaway
19th February 2026
order - a Used 15ft Container and a 4ft wide x 4ft long 3 Tonne Ramp
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"All aspects of the procurement of the containers were professionally handled. From Neil and Hannah in the office to Andy who delivered the containers; the support and service were polite, efficient and very amenable to work with. Thank you." Bridgewater Community Healthcare
19th February 2026
order - two Used 20ft Containers
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"First class service from our initial online enquiry (responded in minutes on a Friday afternoon!) through to confirmation of availability, transportation and delivery arrangements - a delightful refreshing change to deal with a company who actually communicates within hours and not days and everything as promised. Full marks to all concerned. Thank you." JSL Water Systems Ltd
19th February 2026
order - a New 'Once-Used' 20ft Container
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"The team who completed the installation were excellent. Helpful, friendly and concerned to provide good service in the exact location required and requested." Simon Smith - Benchmark GM Ltd
18th February 2026
order - two Joined Used 20ft Containers
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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.

ISOQAR Approved – ISO 9001:2015 Certificate No. 13586-QMS-001
MakeUK Member – Supporting British Manufacturing
Container Self Storage and Traders Association Member
JOSCAR Registered Member
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