SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Shipping containers developed as a method of moving and exporting cargo. However it is their role as secure and affordable storage units that led to shipping containers becoming the familiar objects we see from school playgrounds to industrial estates, and from building sites to back gardens. Given their versatility, there is now an ever growing trend to convert shipping containers into a wide range of practical and creative constructions, such as offices, pop up shops, bars and catering units and even homes!

Standard Shipping Containers

All shipping containers are 8ft wide with standard lengths of 20ft or 40ft. We offer two main "grades" of shipping containers to choose from:

Once used - these are considered "new" in shipping container terms, as they are manufactured abroad (usually China) and imported with cargo, to save on costs.

Used furniture grade (FG) - in good condition, watertight, but with some cosmetic wear and tear. We recommend a repaint to smarten up the appearance if required.

Take a look at an example of our standard quality used standard containers for sale:

20ft used shipping container

40ft used shipping container

Shipping containers for export

If you need shipping containers for export overseas it is important that you check the suitability first, as not all containers are suitable for this purpose. All shipping containers for export must conform to ISO standards and be certified with a CSC plate. At Containers Direct we have a Lloyds registered surveyor who can certificate containers for shipping, and a large stock of CSC plated, cargo worthy containers.

All our "once used" containers are suitable for shipping, as well as storage or as a basis for a conversion project. Take a look at an example of our once used 20ft and 40ft shipping containers for sale.

Modified shipping containers for storage

Anything shorter in length, or in between, must be modified. Containers Direct are industry experts in the cutting down of shipping containers to any length below 40ft. Cut down containers are the product of an ever growing storage container movement, when a standard sized container won't fit or isn't suitable. Our storage containers represent unbeatable value for money in terms of secure anti-vandal storage, and because we have our own in-house depot facility, we keep everything in house to save on costs.

For more cut down container ideas, see example of our range of sizes:
10ft shipping containers

15ft used shipping containers

25ft used shipping containers

30ft used shipping containers.

Customise your container

With the recent boom in repurposing shipping containers in a wide variety of innovative designs, we have developed our Modification Department to take on a full range of container modifications - from a simple size cut down, to full scale conversion projects. View our list of standard modifications and optional extras we offer on all shipping containers:

Five door choices

Repainting

Shelving

Security locks

Grafotherm anti condensation treatment

Ply lining

Melamine lining

Electrics

Container ramps

Testimonial

After taking delivery of a 20ft shipping container, repainted green and treated with grafotherm to prevent condensation, Mr McDonald had this to say

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank both you and your staff at 'Containers Direct' for the service I received from your company.

In the first instance, I found it simple and straightforward to arrange the delivery of a container to the shop in Southsea, Wrexham. The prices were clear and with no 'hidden extras' to surprise us after delivery.

The container arrived at the appointed time and your staff were extremely helpful and efficient. Even though the actual positioning of the container presented a few difficulties, your team were open to suggestions and utilised their obvious skill and experience to overcome the difficulties.

Many people are quick to complain about services they receive but I feel that your company really does deserve praise for the service you provide.

Thank you again"

Received from Mr Alan McDonald

Classic Rustic

Cladded Containers - Rustic Cladding

Shipping containers are very strongly built, they have to be to carry the heavy loads and survive in some of the most extreme of marine environments. It's for that reason that they make a very sound structure for a variety of domestic uses, from basic storage units to pop up cafes to hotel complexes.

For some of our customers, the industrial corrugated look can be problematic, either in terms of aesthetics or planning considerations. The solution is to clad the container.

In 2016 we offered timber cladding as a standard optional extra on most of our container range. The response has been amazing and we now have a dedicated workshop, in our depot, from where we supply containers clad in a variety of finishes. Rustic cladding is the most economical and popular choice. Check out our Cladded Shipping Containers page for some ideas on how we can transform the look of your shipping container!

Call us today to order, or get a quick quote

12 Available Products