Shipping Container FAQs
Find answers to common questions about buying shipping containers, container sizes, delivery, payment, returns, modifications, refrigerated containers, cabins, and more.
What types of shipping containers do you sell?
Nelson Shipping Containers LTD sells a wide range of containers, including new containers, used containers, storage containers, high cube containers, side opening containers, tunnel containers, refrigerated containers, container cabins, site offices, modified containers, container pools, and specialist container units.
What container sizes are available?
We supply different container sizes including 8ft, 10ft, 20ft, 30ft, 40ft, 45ft, and 53ft containers. Availability may vary depending on stock, container type, condition, and delivery location.
Do you sell both new and used shipping containers?
Yes. We supply both new and used shipping containers. New containers are ideal for customers who want the best appearance and long service life, while used containers are a practical and cost-effective option for secure storage and site use.
Are your used containers wind and watertight?
Many used containers are supplied as wind and watertight units suitable for general storage. Used containers may show cosmetic signs of age such as dents, scratches, marks, patches, or surface rust, but they are selected for practical storage use.
What is the difference between a new and used container?
New containers are usually in cleaner condition with minimal previous use, while used containers have been in service before and may show visible wear. Used containers are often more affordable, while new containers offer a smarter finish and longer expected service life.
What is a high cube container?
A high cube container is taller than a standard shipping container, giving extra internal height for storage, machinery, shelving, conversions, and items that require more vertical space.
What is a side opening container?
A side opening container has doors along the side, allowing wider access than standard end doors. These containers are useful for loading pallets, machinery, materials, retail stock, bulky items, and equipment that needs easier access.
What is a tunnel container?
A tunnel container has doors at both ends, making it easier to access stored goods from either side. Tunnel containers are useful for organised storage, frequent loading, and separating different types of items inside one unit.
Do you sell refrigerated containers?
Yes. We supply refrigerated containers, also known as reefer containers, for chilled and frozen storage. They are suitable for food businesses, catering, events, pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive stock, and commercial cold storage needs.
Do you sell container cabins and site offices?
Yes. We supply container cabins, site offices, welfare units, canteens, workshops, and portable workspace solutions for construction sites, farms, events, businesses, and commercial projects.
Can I buy a modified shipping container?
Yes. Containers can be modified with personnel doors, roller shutters, windows, insulation, electrics, lighting, ventilation, shelving, partitions, flooring, security upgrades, and other custom features depending on your requirements.
Do you supply container pools?
Yes. Container pools and bespoke container pool conversions may be available for customers looking for garden, leisure, hospitality, or custom lifestyle projects. Specifications and availability should be confirmed before ordering.
Can containers be used for home storage?
Yes. Shipping containers are commonly used for household storage, garden equipment, furniture, renovation storage, seasonal items, tools, and personal belongings. Compact 8ft and 10ft units are popular for homes with limited space.
Can containers be used on construction sites?
Yes. Shipping containers are ideal for construction sites because they provide secure storage for tools, machinery, materials, equipment, PPE, and site supplies. Container offices and welfare units are also useful for site operations.
Are containers suitable for farms?
Yes. Farmers and agricultural customers use containers for storing feed, tools, machinery, fencing materials, seasonal equipment, chemicals where suitable, and general farm supplies. A firm and level base is recommended.
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes. Nelson Shipping Containers LTD provides delivery support across the United Kingdom. Delivery depends on location, access, product availability, container size, and transport requirements.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery is normally within 5–7 days maximum after order confirmation, payment clearance, and receipt of all required delivery details, subject to availability, access, and transport scheduling.
How much is shipping?
Our standard flat shipping fee is £337, unless otherwise stated in your quote, invoice, or order confirmation. This fee may change due to currency value, transport costs, fuel costs, remote locations, or special delivery requirements.
What information do I need to provide for delivery?
You should provide your full name, phone number, email address, delivery address, postcode, preferred delivery date, site access details, and any important information about gates, narrow roads, slopes, overhead cables, trees, or restricted access.
What ground preparation is needed before delivery?
Containers should be placed on firm, level, stable ground. Concrete pads, railway sleepers, paving slabs, blocks, or a compacted hardstanding base may help improve stability, drainage, and door operation.
Do I need planning permission for a shipping container?
Planning permission depends on your location, intended use, how long the container will stay, and local authority rules. Customers should check with their local council or planning authority before placing a container where permission may be required.
Can the container be placed exactly where I want it?
Placement depends on delivery vehicle access, ground conditions, safety, overhead clearance, and unloading method. The final position should be prepared and confirmed before delivery, but exact placement may depend on site conditions.
What happens if delivery access is not suitable?
If delivery cannot be completed because of unsafe or unsuitable access, additional charges may apply for waiting time, redelivery, transport, storage, or cancellation. Customers should provide accurate access details before delivery is arranged.
What payment methods do you accept?
Nelson Shipping Containers LTD currently accepts bank payments. Credit card payments are accepted as a payment option but are currently unavailable until further notice.
Do I need to pay before delivery?
Yes. Orders are usually processed, reserved, dispatched, or delivered only after payment has been received or approved. Payment instructions will be provided on your official invoice or written order confirmation.
Can I get an invoice?
Yes. Nelson Shipping Containers LTD can provide an invoice or written order confirmation showing the product details, delivery details, payment amount, order reference, and company information.
Do your prices include VAT?
VAT treatment depends on the product, quote, company VAT status, and applicable UK tax rules. Customers should review the quote or invoice carefully to confirm whether prices are VAT inclusive, VAT exclusive, or not subject to VAT.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return policy for eligible products. Return requests must be made within 30 days of delivery and are subject to eligibility, product condition, inspection, and the terms of our Return and Refunds Policy.
How long do refunds take?
Approved refunds are processed within a maximum of 14 business days after the return has been approved, received where required, inspected, and accepted. Bank or payment provider processing times may vary.
Can modified containers be returned?
Modified, bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order containers may not be eligible for return unless they are faulty, not as described, or do not meet the agreed specification. Customers should confirm all custom details before work begins.
Do used containers come with cosmetic marks?
Yes. Used containers may include dents, scratches, paint marks, patches, surface rust, previous labels, repairs, and general signs of use. These cosmetic signs are normal and do not usually affect practical storage use.
Can I choose the colour of my container?
Colour options depend on stock availability, container type, and condition. Some containers may be available in specific colours, while repainting or custom colour options may be available as a modification service.
Can I store furniture inside a shipping container?
Yes. Containers are commonly used for furniture storage. For long-term storage, it is recommended to use ventilation, moisture control products, raised pallets, and proper spacing between items and container walls.
Are shipping containers secure?
Shipping containers are made from strong steel and are widely used for secure storage. Additional security options such as lockboxes, heavy-duty padlocks, internal locking systems, and alarms may be added where required.
How do I request a quote?
You can request a quote by contacting Nelson Shipping Containers LTD with your required container size, type, condition, delivery postcode, preferred delivery date, and any modification requirements.
Speak With Nelson Shipping Containers LTD
Tell us what size, condition, container type, and delivery location you need, and our team will help you choose the right container solution.
