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

Metal Shipping Containers

Most products at Containers Direct are based upon the wonderfully versatile metal containers for storage.

They are either suitable for shipping or storage, but often will be used for both in their lifetime. Divided into two categories, pre-assembled and self assembly, all are made from corrugated weathering steel which ensures they are watertight and be damaged by rusty. This page will take you through the basics of the sometimes confusing ins and outs of the metal container for sale.

The Shipping Container

Shipping containers are manufactured for the purpose of shipping, therefore conforming to rigid standardisation to pass certification for sea transportation, as they have to be loaded on board as a stack. Made from tough corten steel, you can buy either 20ft shipping containers or 40ft shipping containers, with a standard width of 8ft. Containers built to fit shipping criteria are called ISO shipping containers, and cannot travel without a CSC plate. However, many shipping containers will only make a few journeys before going on to be used for dry land storage.

The Storage Container

The majority of storage containers are shipping containers no longer used for shipping. They may be sold in their original form, or be modified as they no longer have to be certified for shipping. Without the restrictions of shipping standards, we have a basic metal container that can be cut to any size and altered for the convenience of static land storage. Often the doors will be remade or even moved, and the interior can be fitted out to aid well organised storage! These types of metal container for sale are all pre-assembled structures.

Other types of metal container for sale

Some storage containers will be manufactured purely for the purpose of storage, so there is no need for them to be quite so robust. This type of metal container is made from galvanised steel, so it will still be watertight and secure. Storage containers manufactured from new are largely self assembly, or flat pack products. Not as expensive as the pre-assembled metal container, they have the added advantage of being able to reach places inaccessible to other containers, and the versatility to be moved between sites with ease.

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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
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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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