Buyer’s Guide

Buying a shipping container for the first time can feel confusing – there are sizes, grades and a whole vocabulary of industry terms to get your head around. We put this guide together to make it simple. Below we walk you through the sizes we sell, explain what the different condition grades actually mean, and help you choose the right container for your project. If you would rather just ask, we are always happy to help – get a free quote and we will talk it through.

Shipping container sizes

We stock shipping containers for sale in every common size, from compact 10ft boxes to full 40ft high cubes.

10ft containers

Our smallest standard size and a favourite where space is tight – gardens, small yards and site compounds. A 10ft container gives you secure, lockable storage of around 560 cubic feet without taking up much room.

20ft containers

Our most popular size by a distance. A 20ft container offers roughly 1,170 cubic feet – enough for the contents of a two to three bedroom house, a proper workshop, or a serious amount of stock – while still fitting on most driveways and yards. If you are not sure where to start, this is the size we usually suggest.

40ft containers

When you need serious space, the 40ft is the one. With around 2,390 cubic feet it is the workhorse of long-distance shipping and large-scale storage, and the natural base for container conversions and cabins.

High cube containers

A high cube has the same footprint as a standard container but stands a foot taller – 9ft 6in instead of 8ft 6in. That extra headroom is invaluable for tall pallets, bulky equipment, and any container you plan to insulate, line or convert.

Container grades and condition

This is where most first-time buyers get stuck, so here is the plain-English version of the grades we sell.

New / one-trip containers

A “new” container is not literally brand new – it is a one-trip container that has carried a single cargo load from the factory. In practice that means near-perfect condition, minimal wear and the longest lifespan. Choose one-trip if appearance and longevity matter: for conversions, customer-facing use, or a container you will keep for decades.

Cargo worthy (CW)

A cargo-worthy container is certified structurally sound and fit for international shipping. It will carry some cosmetic dents and surface rust from its working life, but it is watertight and strong – a solid middle-ground choice for storage and export.

Wind and water tight (WWT)

Wind and watertight containers are guaranteed sealed against the elements: dry inside, secure and ideal for on-site storage where looks are not the priority. They usually show a little more age than cargo-worthy units, which is reflected in a lower price.

Used containers

Our used containers cover both cargo-worthy and wind-and-watertight grades. They are the most affordable way to get a strong, secure steel container, and for straightforward storage they are very hard to beat on value.

New or used: how to choose

If your container will be seen by customers, converted, or kept for the long haul, a new one-trip unit is usually worth the extra. If it is going quietly into a yard for storage, a good used container does exactly the same job for less. Still unsure? Tell us how you will use it and we will steer you the right way.

What are shipping containers used for?

Our customers use containers for far more than shipping: secure site and domestic storage, export and freight, workshops and garages, pop-up retail and hospitality, and full conversions into offices, studios and homes. Whatever you have in mind, there is a container type to match – browse the full range or just ask us.

Delivery

We deliver worldwide. Before your container arrives, make sure there is clear, level and firm access for the delivery vehicle, with enough room to offload safely. If you are not sure your site will work, send us a photo and we will advise.

Ready to buy?

Once you know the size and grade you need, getting a price is easy – request a free quote and we will come back with a delivered price. And if you are still weighing up your options, that is fine too: we would rather help you get the right container than sell you the wrong one.