Frequently Asked Questions

Standard ISO shipping containers come in three primary lengths:

• 10ft Standard: 10ft L × 8ft W × 8ft 6in H (approx. 15.9 m³ capacity, tare weight 1,300 kg). Ideal for tight urban spaces.
• 20ft Standard: 20ft L × 8ft W × 8ft 6in H (approx. 33.2 m³ capacity, tare weight 2,200 kg). The most popular unit in the UK.
• 40ft Standard: 40ft L × 8ft W × 8ft 6in H (approx. 67.7 m³ capacity, tare weight 3,750 kg).
• 40ft High Cube: 40ft L × 8ft W × 9ft 6in H (approx. 76.4 m³ capacity). Provides an extra foot of vertical headroom, essential for conversions or machinery.

New ('One-Trip') Containers: Manufactured in the Far East and shipped to the UK with a single cargo payload. They arrive in pristine condition with factory paint, clean marine plywood floors, and a pre-fitted tamper-proof lockbox. They are best suited for visible company locations, schools, and self-storage parks.

Used (Cargo Worthy / Wind & Watertight): Retired from 10–14 years of commercial sea service. These units show surface scrapes, cosmetic dings, and shipping company decals, but are structurally sound, windproof, waterproof, and fully rodent-proof.

In the majority of UK local councils, shipping containers are classified as temporary structures and do not require permanent planning permission. However, exceptions apply:

• If located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Park, Conservation Area, or adjacent to a Listed Building.
• If placed in front of the principal building elevation (facing a highway).
• If permanently plumbed, wired, and inhabited as a living dwelling.

Tip: If you are uncertain, contacting your local planning authority or utilizing container cladding to blend with surroundings is recommended.

Temperature fluctuations between daytime sun and cold British nights can cause internal roof moisture condensation. We offer three proven solutions:

• Grafotherm Anti-Condensation Coating: A water-absorbent thermal spray applied directly to the internal ceiling profile that prevents droplet formation.
• Timber & Insulation Ply-Lining: Insulating walls and ceiling with mineral wool or foam backing clad in 12mm hardwood plywood.
• Desiccant Moisture Poles: Hanging silica moisture absorption bags inside the corrugated ribs.

For deliveries across London, Essex, Kent, Surrey, and Hertfordshire, we commonly fulfill orders within 2 to 4 working days from order confirmation.

Nationwide UK deliveries generally take 3 to 7 working days. If you have an urgent deadline for a site development or event, please notify our transport desk at sales@shippingstoragecontaineruk.com and we will do our best to expedite.

Containers only carry their load through their four corner castings. The entire container does not need to sit on a full concrete slab:

• You can place standard concrete paving slabs, railway sleepers, or steel baseplates under each of the four corners.
• The four points must be completely level with one another. If the ground is uneven, the container frame may twist slightly, causing the double cargo doors to bind or become difficult to open.

Standard containers are made of high-tensile Corten steel with thick locking gear. When equipped with a steel lockbox (a hardened steel shroud welded over the lock location), the padlock is enclosed on five sides. This prevents bolt-cutters, angle grinders, and jemmy bars from attacking the shackle, making break-ins virtually impossible without heavy industrial machinery.