Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Shipping Container
Buying a shipping container is a smart, secure, and cost-effective way to create storage, workspace, transport capacity, or a customised structure. This guide will help you choose the right container size, condition, features, delivery method, and modification options.
Find the Right Container for Your Home, Business, Farm, Site or Project
Nelson Shipping Containers LTD supplies a wide range of new, used, and specialist shipping containers across the United Kingdom. From compact 8ft containers to large 53ft containers, we provide practical solutions for domestic storage, commercial use, construction sites, agriculture, logistics, refrigerated storage, container cabins, modified units, site offices, welfare units, workshops, and container pool conversions.
Choosing the Right Container Size
The right container size depends on what you want to store, how much space you have available, your access requirements, and whether the container will be used for storage, work, transport, conversion, or a specialist project.
8ft Containers
Ideal for compact garden storage, tools, small business stock, schools, and tight spaces.
10ft Containers
A practical choice for customers who need more space than an 8ft unit but still require a compact footprint.
20ft Containers
One of the most popular sizes for general storage, construction sites, workshops, farms, and business use.
40ft Containers
Best for larger storage needs, commercial stock, machinery, equipment, and long-term site storage.
45ft Containers
Suitable for customers needing extra length and capacity for larger storage or commercial operations.
53ft Containers
A large-capacity option for specialist commercial, logistics, industrial, and high-volume storage needs.
New vs Used Shipping Containers
New Shipping Containers
New containers are ideal if you want the best condition, smart appearance, long service life, and minimal previous use. They are suitable for long-term storage, business use, export, conversions, cabins, retail units, offices, and projects where appearance matters.
- Cleaner and smarter appearance
- Excellent long-term durability
- Great for conversions and commercial use
- Best option when presentation is important
Used Shipping Containers
Used containers are a cost-effective option for secure storage, farms, construction sites, workshops, and equipment storage. They may show cosmetic signs of previous use but remain strong, practical, and suitable for everyday storage needs.
- More affordable than new containers
- Strong and practical for storage
- Ideal for site, farm, and business use
- Available in different grades and sizes
Types of Shipping Containers Available
Different container types are designed for different purposes. Choosing the right type helps you get better access, more storage capacity, temperature control, or a layout that fits your project.
Standard Containers
Reliable general-purpose containers for storage, transport, tools, stock, and equipment.
High Cube Containers
Extra height for taller items, machinery, shelving, conversions, and improved internal space.
Side Opening Containers
Full side access for loading pallets, materials, machinery, retail stock, and bulky goods.
Tunnel Containers
Doors at both ends for easier access, loading, unloading, and organised storage.
Refrigerated Containers
Temperature-controlled units for chilled or frozen storage, catering, food, events, and sensitive goods.
Container Cabins
Practical office, welfare, canteen, workshop, and portable workspace solutions.
Modified Containers
Custom units with windows, doors, insulation, electrics, shelving, partitions, and ventilation.
Container Pools
Creative container pool conversions for gardens, leisure spaces, hospitality, and bespoke projects.
Delivery and Site Access Guide
Before ordering a shipping container, it is important to consider where the container will be placed and whether delivery vehicles can safely access the site. Delivery requirements may vary depending on container size, site layout, road access, ground condition, and the equipment needed to unload.
Check Access Width
Make sure there is enough room for the delivery vehicle to enter, turn, and position the container safely.
Prepare Level Ground
A firm, level base helps keep the container stable and allows doors to open and close properly.
Consider Overhead Clearance
Check for trees, cables, roofs, gates, and other obstacles that may affect unloading.
Plan Final Position
Decide exactly where the container should be placed before delivery arrives.
Container Modification Options
Modified shipping containers are ideal when a standard unit does not fully meet your requirements. Containers can be adapted for storage, offices, workshops, retail spaces, welfare units, cabins, plant rooms, pools, and specialist commercial projects.
Shipping Container Buyer Checklist
Choose the right container size for your storage or project needs.
Decide whether a new, used, refrigerated, modified, or cabin unit is best.
Confirm the container will fit on your site with enough delivery access.
Prepare a firm and level base before your delivery date.
Consider whether you need side access, extra height, electrics, windows, or shelving.
Request a quote with your delivery postcode and preferred container type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size shipping container should I buy?
For small storage needs, 8ft or 10ft containers are often suitable. For general storage, 20ft containers are very popular. For larger commercial, agricultural, or site storage, 40ft, 45ft, or 53ft containers may be more suitable.
Are used shipping containers suitable for storage?
Yes. Used containers are commonly used for secure storage. They are a practical and cost-effective option for tools, machinery, furniture, equipment, business stock, and site materials.
Can I buy a modified shipping container?
Yes. Containers can be modified with doors, windows, insulation, electrics, ventilation, shelving, roller shutters, partitions, office layouts, welfare facilities, and other custom features.
Do you supply refrigerated containers?
Yes. Refrigerated containers are available for chilled and frozen storage, food businesses, catering, events, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive goods.
Can shipping containers be used as cabins or offices?
Yes. Container cabins and site offices are popular for construction sites, farms, events, workshops, commercial sites, and temporary workspace requirements.
Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Shipping Container
Tell us the size, condition, location, and purpose of your container, and our team will help you choose the right solution for your needs.