Used Shipping Containers

Why Choose Second Hand?

Good quality second hand shipping containers are financially and environmentally prudent.

The disposal of a large amount of steel is not eco friendly, and the savings you can make reusing one are substantial. As shipping containers are built to be durable, withstanding numerous journeys across seas, often stacked up to eight high, they have a useful lifespan of around twenty years, so buying second hand is still a worthwhile economic investment. Many used shipping containers will go on to be used as dry land storage containers, but there is a fast growing trend to us them as the building blocks for shipping container conversion projects. Second hand shipping containers make excellent storage units as they are portable, secure and watertight.

If you are planning to get years of use out of a storage container, it is important to check the container is structurally sound with no holes or large areas of rusting. Containers Direct have good quality second hand shipping containers for sale, and recondition them with a choice of four door types as standard, including flat panel doors which make opening and closing them a lot less hassle. Depending upon your requirements, secondhand shipping containers can either be purchased in their standard form, 20ft containers or 40ft containers long unmodified container, or bought as a modified unit, often cut down to more convenient sizes. Check out our range of second hand shipping containers from just 5ft long to 40ft long. Repainting second hand shipping containers dramatically improves the appearance of the container and extends its lifespan by giving an extra layer of protection. The good news is that we now give a FREE repaint to all used shipping containers under 20ft!

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An industry leading choice of optional extras

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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.

Second hand shipping containers for conversion

Second hand shipping containers are an ideal base for shipping container conversions. At Containers Direct our dedicated conversion service has worked on everything from chemical stores to offices and classrooms, and everything in between. For example popular pop up shops and cafes can be created with the addition of a serving hatch (we offer three designs), melamine lining inside and vinyl flooring. We can even fit worktops and cabinets. Pop up shops can be fitted with patio style doors to entice customers inside. For conversions requiring larger areas of space widthwise we can join shipping containers together. This type of conversion is especially popular with containers converted into garages. Explore some of our conversion work below.

Certified second hand ISO containers

CSC Plated for Shipping

Containers Direct also stock second hand shipping containers which have been passed as fit for shipping. You will find these containers described as ISO containers, or as having a CSC plate. Without one of these your container won't be accepted as cargo by shipping lines, so we recommend you check this carefully before purchase. The sales team at Containers Direct are able to assist you in making a suitable choice.

Flat pack containers for value

Want a new shipping container but not the price tag that comes with it? Flat pack containers offer excellent value for money, and you save on delivery costs. They are strong, secure and completely man portable in flat pack form. They come sizes of 3m, 3m and 4m, and can be joined together with a linking kit to create larger areas of storage space.

Once-Used Shipping Containers

We also offer once-used shipping containers, also referred to as new shipping containers where a superior external aesthetic is required or where you want to ensure many years of hassle free use. Shipping containers can last up to 20 years, so purchasing a new container can be desirable where you want to maximise the lifespan of the unit.

New Build Containers

Our New Build Containers are our solution when an 8ft width is too much or too little. We are one of the leading manufacturers of new build shipping containers which can be used as large offices, classrooms or garages. We can also build to your own measurements where you have a specific amount of space you need to fit a unit into.

Shipping container delivery

Containers Direct have a number of regional depots and hauliers across the UK, as we strive to give you the best delivery rates available. We have container depots with stock ready to be delivered all over the UK, including London, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Southampton, Felixstowe and Cardiff. Our contracted drivers are experts at all types of delivery, and are able to delivery to the even the most challenging of locations. Choose from shared deliveries, to save on costs, or a dedicated delivery if you have any special requirements. You are of course welcome to come and collect your container. For more details on delivery see our page Delivery of Your Shipping 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.

Read All Testimonials Here

"Excellent communication and great delivery drivers. Good product at a fair price."FM Conway Ltd
5th June 2025
order - a 'Once-Used' 10ft Container

"Excellent service from point of order. Communication was great on delivery and a thorough search of the area to make sure delivery was possible without unexpected problems. The driver was great, he rang an hour before and was pleasant and cheery on the phone."Red Kite Special Academy
29th May 2025
order - a 20ft ModiBox® Container

"Really smart container, very impressed! Excellent communication from the team throughout, able to help with any enquiries and made the process nice and smooth. Thank you!"RSPB Lake Vyrnwy
23rd May 2025
order - a Used 20ft Container Conversion

"I always recommend Neil to other schools, these containers are so much better than any shed you will ever buy."Samuel Cody School
21st May 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

"Communication and assistance with quoting was excellent. On the day of delivery Steve the lorry driver was extremely helpful with our containers as we had to load onto a tractor and trailer to get to site. Containers very easy to construct and instructions very clear."St Michaels Golf Club
16th May 2025
order - a 4m Flat Pack Store Container

"From start to finish, I could not ask for a better service. You have a good team there. Wish there were more companies like this around. Great service from the first enquiry, quote from sales team and the delivery team and drivers. The container was delivered with care, made to a very high quality, easily to assemble and very sturdy. Would highly recommend the container and the expertise of the company."Robertson Pens Scotland
15th May 2025
order - a 4m Flat Pack Store Container

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

Member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association

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