Shipping Container News

Can You Join Shipping Containers Together? **UPDATED

December 2024 - guest blog post by Jenni Liu

The simple answer is yes! Which then leads to the more interesting questions of why and how. In a nutshell, the reason to connect shipping containers is for extra width in conversions that require it. No need to be restricted to the standard ISO dimension of 8ft wide when you can take two, or more, and join them together.
Published Monday 16 December 2024, Updated Friday 20 December 2024 in: General

What size container do I need for my home office? **UPDATED
A shipping container office can be as small or as large as you need. Depending on the space you have in your garden for your set up, anything from a bolthole for taking and making calls, to a permanent workplace with all the mod cons is possible!
Published Tuesday 10 January 2023, Updated Thursday 19 December 2024 in: General

What to Think About Before Installing a Shipping Container in Your Garden **UPDATED

November 2024 - blog post 3 by Sally Shipp

Shipping containers are a quick, easy and low-cost choice for garden storage, or as an extra space for work, play, or relaxation in your garden. Plan ahead to make sure you avoid any unforeseen issues before it's too late.
Published Friday 31 March 2023, Updated Monday 9 December 2024 in: General

How to Prevent Condensation in Shipping Containers **UPDATED

Published Tuesday 2 May 2023, Updated Tuesday 3 December 2024 in: General

Coming Soon! Littlehampton Seafront Regeneration Project **UPDATED

November 2024 - blog post 1 by Sally Shipp

We're excited to announce our next big contract, to supply a total of four retail units, based on our MenuBox® design, as part of the marketplace area in the seven point regeneration of this seaside town in West Sussex. With an emphasis on buildings that reduce the carbon footprint of the project, our upcycled shipping container conversions are ideal for providing "pop-up" food and drink units for visitors. See our preview of the work we are starting, to be completed and delivered to Littlehampton seafront early next spring.
Published Monday 18 November 2024, Updated Monday 2 December 2024 in: General

Turning a Shipping Container into a Home Gym **UPDATED
***UPDATED*** We now offer the GymBox® - a low-cost standard package of features and sizes to get you started training in you garden!
Finding it hard to stay motivated with your exercise regime? Do your gym membership fees outweigh your usage? If you'd like to stay fit without leaving the house or paying ongoing costs then a home gym is the solution. Not many people are fortunate enough to have the space indoors for their gym equipment, but with a shipping container gym all you need is a little bit of space in your garden. See how a basic shipping container can be transformed into a home gym with the addition of few modifications.
Published Thursday 4 June 2020, Updated Monday 2 December 2024 in: General

How To Secure Your Shipping Container **UPDATED

October 2024 - blog post 4 by Sally Shipp

Steel shipping containers are by nature incredibly tough and provide good security compared to other forms of storage space. When locked up they will prevent opportunist break-ins, but determined thieves with the right tools will still try and find away to prise it open. Read our tips to find out ways to prevent this.
Published Tuesday 29 October 2024, Updated Monday 25 November 2024 in: General

Tips on How to Buy a Used Shipping Container **UPDATED

Updated October 2024 - Blog post 3 by Jenni Lui
Thinking of buying a used shipping container but are concerned about the pitfalls? This article walks you through the things to look out for, what to avoid, and how to know if you're getting value for money. In 6 tops tips we'll tell you everything you need to know about buying second hand containers.
Published Monday 25 November 2019, Updated Monday 25 November 2024 in: General

Shipping Containers For Construction Sites **UPDATED
Shipping containers are an essential addition to any construction site. As construction sites generally exist for a temporary period of time, any facilities and amenities required there need to be portable, quick to provide, easy to erect and take down again. For these reasons shipping containers are an essential addition to construction sites, providing fast and flexible solutions to all practical and legal site requirements.
Published Wednesday 28 July 2021, Updated Monday 25 November 2024 in: General

Why Choose a Toilet Container Over Plastic Portable Toilets? **UPDATED
With outdoor season is upon us most of us will be braving the toilets at some kind of outdoor event or tourist attraction. While plastic portable toilets are the cheapest most practical option for large festivals where a temporary toilets are required en masse, for smaller events, campsites or fixed locations, toilet containers can be a better option.
Published Tuesday 25 June 2024, Updated Monday 25 November 2024 in: General

Why A Storage Container Is Perfect For Football Clubs **UPDATED

October 2024 - blog post 2 by Sally Shipp

Shipping containers are a common sight on football club grounds. Strong, secure and versatile they can be used for general storage of club equipment, or converted to provide a clubhouse or other facillities. There's good news if you're a looking for a secure storage container for your grass roots club or organisation, as you may be eligible for a grant of up to £25,000 from The Football Foundation.
Published Thursday 22 April 2021, Updated Thursday 31 October 2024 in: General

The Bottom Line - What To Put Under Your Shipping Container **UPDATED
Where you choose to place your shipping container is very important to prevent future problems with using the doors. In particular original shipping container doors (ISO doors) can be a bit of a heave-ho to open and close, and if the container isn't sited on hard-standing, level ground this can make things worse. The simple solution is to plan and prepare for delivery in advance.
Published Tuesday 19 May 2020, Updated Tuesday 1 October 2024 in: General

How to Get Rid of Your Old Shipping Container **UPDATED
Don't dump your unwanted shipping container! Talk to us about how we can recycle your old shipping container. Whether it's a good condition container that you simply no longer have use for or something older that you just need out the way, we will buy your shipping container - any age, size or condition considered!
Published Tuesday 12 October 2021, Updated Friday 27 September 2024 in: General

Can I Put a Shipping Container on My Property **UPDATED
A question we frequently get asked is can I put a shipping container on my property. It's impossible to give a definitive answer on the point of planning permission, as local planning authorities have differing regulations depending on where you live, but in broad terms a shipping container is classed as a temporary structure, and therefore are exempt from requiring planning permission. So yes, you can put a shipping container on your property. However, we recommend you read on to be sure you don't make a costly mistake.
Published Tuesday 5 May 2020, Updated Wednesday 25 September 2024 in: General

What is the difference between a new and used shipping container? **UPDATED

Published Tuesday 3 September 2024, Updated Tuesday 3 September 2024 in: General

Can a Shipping Container be Used as a Garage? **UPDATED
You may have heard of shipping containers being used as garage to store cars in. This is in part true, but if you're thinking of using one yourself, you should dig a little deeper to find out how to avoid getting stuck in your car inside the garage!
Published Wednesday 28 August 2024, Updated Thursday 29 August 2024 in: General

What is the Best Type of Door For a Shipping Container? **UPDATED
If you picture a shipping container in your head we can guarantee you'll visualise it with standard corrugations and vertical locking bars. These are the original ISO doors that shipping containers are manufactured with, but you might be surprised to find out we offer five different door types when you buy from Containers Direct.
Published Thursday 15 August 2024, Updated Friday 16 August 2024 in: General

Can Shipping Containers be 10ft wide? **UPDATED

Published Wednesday 31 July 2024, Updated Thursday 15 August 2024 in: General

Maximising The Life Of Your Shipping Container **UPDATED
We often get asked the important question - "how long does a shipping container last?". This is a tricky one to give a definitive answer to, as there are so many variables involved, but we can give guidance on how to maximise the life of your shipping container. As with most things in life, careful use and proper maintenance prolongs the condition and life span.
Published Tuesday 6 August 2024, Updated Wednesday 7 August 2024 in: General

How Much Does it Cost to Convert a Container? **UPDATED
Container conversions cover anything from a having a lock box fitted, a new door or ply lining, to a full scale repurposing into an office, garage, pop-up food stall, and everything in between. Find out more about the most common options offered to enhance or transform a shipping container that gives you exactly what you need.
Published Tuesday 30 July 2024, Updated Wednesday 31 July 2024 in: General

Can I Have Doors in the Side of a Shipping Container? **UPDATED
The answer is - yes of course! We offer a wide range of door types to fit into your container, designed to be the best match for your usage requirements. Side doors are popular for the easiest and most convenient access to the inside of your container.
Published Wednesday 24 July 2024, Updated Wednesday 24 July 2024 in: General

Why 20 foot Shipping Containers Are So Versatile **UPDATED
Of all shipping containers sizes, the 20ft length container is the most common, versatile and best value for money per sq ft. Great as a cheap, secure storage unit, easily modifed with user-friendly optional extras, or perfect as the foundation for a conversion project.
Published Friday 19 July 2024, Updated Friday 19 July 2024 in: General

Can I use shipping containers for my Self Build project? **UPDATED
Self build homes are a popular path to homeownership in the UK. There are so many plus points to self build. Not only does it give people the chance to tailor their house exactly to their needs, as well as usually enjoying a not insignificant profit if and when they come to sell, but you will also get more house for your money as well as the chance to live in a more sustainable home, providing you follow a few self build tips along the way. Of course that's not to say that building your own home doesn't have its challenges.
Published Tuesday 2 July 2024, Updated Tuesday 2 July 2024 in: General

Read Our May Newsletter - Price drop on our shipping containers! **UPDATED
Take advantage of our shipping container price cuts today! This is not a sale or a short-term special offer, we've reduced our prices on standard shipping containers for the foreseeable future. This applies to our 20fts, 40fts and many of our cut-down in between container sizes. Browse our range of shipping container sizes and save as much as £500 on previous prices.
Published Wednesday 29 May 2024, Updated Wednesday 29 May 2024 in: General

Read Our April Newsletter! **UPDATED
Containers Direct specialise in supplying portable offices manufactured from shipping containers in our own workshops. Strong and secure our quality standards are high and you get to chose from a great range of additional features and sizes.
Published Friday 26 April 2024, Updated Friday 26 April 2024 in: General

New Product! The Security Box **UPDATED
Introducing the new portable steel kiosk. The Security Box is a high quality, steel, portable booth. It can be used as a gatehouse, security office, ticket booth, kiosk, or for a wide range of other applications. The portable booth comes already assembled, but is simple to take down into 6 parts for quick and easy relocation.
Published Thursday 27 May 2021, Updated Friday 5 April 2024 in: General

Pop-up catering boxes and bars - get ready for the summer trade! **UPDATED
Take your food and drink business on the road with a pop-up catering unit. Made from shipping containers, easy to transport and with endless modification possibilities, our catering conversions have become the go-to choice for the festival circuit.
Published Wednesday 20 March 2024, Updated Friday 22 March 2024 in: General

How to Choose the Right Size Shipping Container for Your Needs **UPDATED
With shipping container sizes ranging from 5ft to 40ft, where do you begin in choosing which size to buy for your personal requirements? Read our guide giving handy tips on the most important things to consider before you buy.
Published Tuesday 16 January 2024, Updated Wednesday 20 March 2024 in: General

When Roller Shutters Are a Good Choice For Your Shipping Container **UPDATED
With a range of door types to opt for when buying a modified shipping containers, let's look at the benefits and uses of the lesser known roller shutter door. From easy access storage lock-ups to serving hatches and garage doors, there are many reasons why the roller shutter may the one!
Published Thursday 29 February 2024, Updated Friday 1 March 2024 in: General

Heavy Duty Ramps for Shipping Containers **UPDATED
Take the heavy lifting out of loading your shipping container, protect your back, prevent spillages and more with a ramp for your shipping container. Unless you are confident you can lift your items 7 inches off the ground to get them into the container, a loading ramp will make light work of a heavy task.
Published Wednesday 14 February 2024, Updated Thursday 15 February 2024 in: General

Choosing the Right Chemical Store **UPDATED
Chemical stores made easy! Get the right type of chemical store for your needs by exploring different types of chemical stores, what each includes and how they can be customised for your perfect match!
Published Friday 26 January 2024, Updated Friday 2 February 2024 in: General

Campus Container Conversion - Case Study **UPDATED
Created for the students of Nottingham University to hang out and socialise in between the serious stuff of studying, this four container build is a great example of innovative upcycling as a solution to communities out-growing their existing spaces.
Published Friday 5 January 2024, Updated Friday 2 February 2024 in: General

New Product Alert! WideLine- Budget-Friendly 10ft Wide Containers **UPDATED
New builds in 4 standard lengths - discounted prices, portable, robust and versatile! Our WideLines are from our range of extra wide, new build containers, manufactured in our dedicated workshop that produces some of the UK's highest quality container builds.
Published Friday 1 December 2023, Updated Friday 2 February 2024 in: General

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Shipping Container? **UPDATED
Besides keeping your container looking good, a proper repainting job can add around five years to the useful life of shipping containers. Specialist rubberised marine paint is used to spray the container but other factors come into play that will effect the overall cost of a container paint job - from prep work to size and colour.
Published Tuesday 24 October 2023, Updated Friday 2 February 2024 in: General

Purchase vs. Hire - Which container option is best for you? **UPDATED
Enquiries to Containers Direct about shipping container hire have become more frequent as the price of buying shipping containers has risen. A bit like getting credit, it may seem like a good idea at the time, but in the long run you may end up spending more than you bargained for.
Published Thursday 1 December 2022, Updated Friday 2 February 2024 in: General

Is it Better to Buy or Hire a Shipping Container? **UPDATED
Short term solutions are more attractive during times of uncertainty, particularly economically. But we're all familiar with the term "false economy" and with that in mind at Containers Direct we promote "buy not hire" to give our customers the best deal, which includes the 24-month Buy Back Promise!
Published Wednesday 15 November 2023, Updated Friday 2 February 2024 in: General

15ft MenuBox with Roller Shutter - Case Study **UPDATED
Shipping container food stalls are "all the rage" nowadays, offering mobility, flexibility, security and a great talking point to get your business noticed. See how we can transform a shipping container into a catering kiosk that does the job you want it to!
Published Tuesday 29 November 2022, Updated Monday 29 January 2024 in: General

Black Friday Deals on 10ft Shipping Containers! **UPDATED
****EDIT - OFFER STILL AVAILABLE!**** Now is the time to buy! Get money off our 10ft shipping containers in our flash sale on 10ft shipping containers - discounts apply to both used 10ft containers and new 10ft containers. Price drop for a limited time only, so grab a bargain while stocks last!
Published Tuesday 21 November 2023, Updated Wednesday 24 January 2024 in: General

Should you Buy a New, Used or Once-Used Shipping Container for your Portable Office? **UPDATED
We supply all our portable offices to high standards with a great range of features, but you also choose a new, used or once-used container to meet your needs and budget. Find out more about each type to help guide your choice.
Published Wednesday 20 July 2022, Updated Wednesday 24 January 2024 in: General

Case Study - ModiBox Office with Extra Features **UPDATED
This 25ft office includes French doors, a roller shutter and toilet facilities. For more details
Published Tuesday 26 July 2022, Updated Wednesday 24 January 2024 in: General

Coffee bar and Event Space - Case Study **UPDATED
The versatility of a shipping container allowed us to create this charming additional space for a coffee supplier to extend their already established business with maximum customer facing appeal!
Published Monday 20 February 2023, Updated Tuesday 23 January 2024 in: General

20ft Bespoke Build Office - Case Study **UPDATED
We can add in any special requirements to our standard portable ModiBox office package. Our featured case study built for a creative design company includes patio doors and high grade 9mm birch lining.
Published Wednesday 26 April 2023, Updated Tuesday 23 January 2024 in: General

What Is The Process For A Container Conversion? **UPDATED
Ever wondered how a humble shipping container gets transformed into an office, shop, food stall, garage or workshop? Read on if you want to uncover some of our tricks of the trade.
Published Friday 16 June 2023, Updated Tuesday 23 January 2024 in: General

Affordable Portable Workshops For Sale **UPDATED
New product launch! Introducing the WorkBox, the budget portable container workshop installed with the all the basics you need to get set up and working. Suitable for your garden or workplace.
Published Tuesday 16 May 2023, Updated Tuesday 23 January 2024 in: General

School ModiBox Office - Case Study **UPDATED
See our container conversion for the Ferndown Upper School in Dorset, featuring our attractive optional extras of wood cladding and a sloping roof. Used as an extra classroom, or an office, it would be hard to guess there's a shipping container underneath!
Published Tuesday 27 June 2023, Updated Tuesday 23 January 2024 in: General

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