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Container Buyers Guide

Everything you need to know before buying a shipping container or portable building β€” explained clearly, step by step.

Buying a shipping container for the first time can feel overwhelming β€” dozens of sizes, grades, and configurations to choose from. This guide walks you through everything so you can make a confident, informed decision. Still have questions? Our team is always happy to help.

The Process

How to Buy β€” Step by Step

01
Define Your Purpose
Before anything else, be clear on what you need the container for. Common uses include on-site storage, secure tool storage, site offices, workshops, retail pop-ups, and portable welfare facilities. Your intended use will determine the right size, grade, and type. A construction site storing tools has very different needs to a business converting a container into a customer-facing retail space.
02
Choose the Right Size
We offer containers and portable buildings from 10ft all the way up to 40ft and beyond with custom builds. Our most popular sizes are the 20ft and 40ft standard shipping containers β€” the 20ft holds approximately 33 cubic metres and is ideal for most storage and office conversions, while the 40ft doubles the capacity. We also stock 10ft and 30ft containers for projects where those dimensions work best. For maximum internal headroom, the 40ft High-Cube adds an extra foot of height β€” perfect for container homes, retail spaces, and office conversions. Need something fully custom? Our Container Homes, Container Offices, and Trailer Offices are built to your specification. We also offer steel cabins, jackleg cabins, flat pack cabins, welfare blocks, and site security units.
03
New or Used? Understand the Grades
All our containers are honestly graded so you know exactly what you're getting. One-Trip (New) containers have been used only once and are in near-perfect condition β€” ideal for conversions, offices, or customer-facing uses. Grade A (Cargo Worthy) containers are wind and watertight, structurally sound, with minor surface rust or dents β€” excellent value for general storage. Grade B (As-Is) units are functional with more visible wear, suited to low-visibility storage where appearance doesn't matter.
04
Plan Your Delivery Access
This is one of the most overlooked steps β€” and one of the most important. Before ordering, check: gate or entrance width (minimum 10ft clearance needed); overhead obstacles such as cables, branches, or bridges (our vehicles can be up to 13ft 6in high when loaded); ground surface (containers need firm, level ground β€” concrete, compacted hardcore, or railway sleepers all work well); and access length for a vehicle up to 60ft long. If you have access concerns, contact us before ordering. We have solutions for even the most challenging sites.
05
Get Your Quote
Browse our online shop for pricing or contact our team for a tailored quote. All quotes include delivery to your location β€” no surprise charges at checkout. Volume discounts are available for multiple unit orders. Once you have your quote, our team will answer any final questions and confirm availability of your chosen unit before you commit to anything.
06
Confirm Your Order & Arrange Delivery
Once you're happy, we confirm the order, take payment, and schedule delivery. Standard delivery takes 3–7 business days. For more remote locations we offer 8–14 and 14–21 business day options. For sites needing precise placement, our Delivery and Installation service uses a forklift or crane to position the unit exactly where you need it. On delivery day, please have a responsible adult on-site to direct placement and sign the delivery documentation.
Product Range

Container Types Explained

Compact
10ft Shipping Container
10ft standard
Our smallest standard container β€” ideal for residential storage, small businesses, or tight spaces where a 20ft won't fit. Built from Corten steel with the same robust construction as our larger units. Perfect for a homeowner's backyard, a small tradesperson's yard, or as a secure on-site tool store. Surprisingly spacious inside and easy to secure.
Most Popular
20ft Shipping Container
20ft standard
The industry workhorse. Holds approximately 1,170 cubic feet of internal space and offers the best balance of cost and capacity for most storage, workshop, and conversion needs. Fits on a standard residential driveway with room to spare. Available new (One-Trip) or used (Grade A or B). The most popular choice for businesses and homeowners alike.
Mid-Size
30ft Shipping Container
30ft standard
The ideal middle ground between the 20ft and 40ft. Great for businesses that need more capacity than a 20ft but don't have space or budget for a full 40ft. Popular for retail storage, small workshops, and site storage on mid-sized construction projects. Delivers easily to most sites.
Max Capacity
40ft Shipping Container
40ft standard & high-cube
Double the capacity of a 20ft at approximately 2,350 cubic feet. The go-to for large-scale storage, industrial use, and serious conversion projects. Also available as a High-Cube with 9.5ft internal height instead of 8.5ft β€” giving significantly more headroom, ideal for offices, retail spaces, and container homes. Available new or used.
Live-In Ready
Container Homes
Custom built to spec
Fully converted shipping containers designed and built as residential living spaces. We handle the entire conversion β€” insulation, framing, plumbing, electrical, windows, doors, flooring, and interior finishing. Whether you need a single-container studio or a multi-container family home, we design and build to your exact specification. Durable, sustainable, and increasingly popular as a cost-effective alternative to traditional construction.
Work Ready
Container Offices
Custom converted
Shipping containers converted into fully functional office spaces β€” insulated, lit, heated/cooled, with data points, windows, and personnel doors. A cost-effective, secure, and surprisingly comfortable alternative to traditional office construction. Popular on construction sites, industrial yards, farms, and remote worksites. Ready to plug in and work from day one.
Mobile
Trailer Offices
Towable & relocatable
Office units mounted on a trailer chassis β€” fully self-contained, towable, and relocatable without a crane or specialist equipment. Ideal for businesses that move between sites regularly, event organizers, construction companies, and any operation that needs a professional workspace that can follow the work. Available in a range of sizes with full fit-out options.
Any Spec
Custom Conversions
Built to your requirements
Have something specific in mind? We convert containers into virtually anything β€” retail pop-ups, bars, gyms, workshops, server rooms, farm storage, and more. Tell us what you need and we'll design and build it. Common modifications include extra doors, roller shutters, windows, roof lights, insulation, full electrical installation, custom paint, shelving, and mechanical ventilation. No project too big or too small.
Site Cabins
Steel, Jackleg & Flat Pack Cabins
Various sizes
We stock a full range of portable site buildings. Steel anti-vandal cabins are the toughest option for high-security sites. Jackleg cabins mount on adjustable legs for uneven ground β€” no groundworks needed. Flat pack cabins ship in panels and assemble on-site in under a day β€” great for remote or hard-to-access locations. All available fitted (electrics, insulation, flooring) or as shell units.
Welfare
Toilet & Shower Blocks
2, 4 & 6 bay
Self-contained portable welfare facilities in 2, 4, and 6-bay configurations. Options include mains-connected or fully self-contained systems with on-board water tank and waste holding tank. Built to OSHA welfare requirements. Suitable for construction sites, outdoor events, remote worksites, and any temporary facility where welfare provision is needed.
Before You Buy

Common Questions

Do I need planning permission to place a container on my property?
In most US states, a container used for temporary storage on private land does not require planning permission. However, rules vary significantly by county and municipality, and permanent installations, containers used as dwellings, or units with exterior modifications may require a building permit. We strongly recommend checking with your local planning department before ordering.
Can I customise or convert my container after purchase?
Absolutely. We offer a full in-house conversion service. Common modifications include additional personnel doors and roller shutters, windows and roof lights, spray foam or board insulation, internal lining and flooring, full electrical fit-out (lights, sockets, heating), external repainting in any RAL colour, shelving and racking, and ventilation systems. Contact us with your specification and we'll provide a detailed conversion quote.
How long will a shipping container last?
A well-maintained Corten steel shipping container will typically last 25 years or more. They are engineered to survive ocean voyages in the harshest conditions on earth, so on dry land with basic maintenance they are extremely durable. We recommend inspecting the exterior annually and repainting any spots of surface rust with a rust-inhibiting primer to maximise the lifespan of your unit.
Can I stack containers?
Standard shipping containers are designed to be stacked up to 9 high when empty. For on-site stacking we recommend a maximum of 2–3 units. If you plan to stack containers, consult a structural engineer to ensure the ground bearing capacity and container condition are suitable. We can supply stackable units and advise on the best approach for your specific project.

Ready to Find Your Container?

Browse our full range online or get a personalised quote from our team.