Questions regarding containers and shipping abroad
Last Updated on May 2, 2025
As a container company, one of the most common questions we are asked is, “How much does it cost to ship a container, and can I use my own container to ship goods abroad?”
The answer is yes, you can use your own shipping container to ship goods abroad, but there are some important things to understand first.
Can I use my own container to ship goods?
As we have established, the answer is yes; however, there are some criteria that need to be followed in order to do this.
Shipping containers initially must be watertight, structurally sound and certified for shipping using the CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) certification. New/one-trip containers are certified for 5 years from the date of manufacture, whereas second-hand containers (older than 5 years) need to be assessed periodically and re-certified for a limited time for shipping, usually with a 6-12 months certification.
Not all sizes of containers can be stacked, which means they cannot go in the general cargo section of the ship. 8ft x 7ft containers and 10ft x 8ft containers are not classed as standard ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) sizes, so cannot be stacked with 20ft and 40ft ones. They must be transported, in this case, as deck cargo, as do converted containers that have had the doors removed or ones that exceed the standard length and width footprint.
Some office/accommodation units can be shipped in general cargo as long as the container doors have not been removed and any additional doors and windows have been recessed, thus keeping within the standard footprint for stacking. If the container doors have been removed, the converted container would need to be fully stress tested by an official body in order to go into the stack.
Not all shipping lines will accept privately owned containers; you may need to go through a freight forwarder for this purpose.
What does it cost to put a shipping container on a ship?
Billie Box Ltd can certainly sell you a suitable container for shipping, either a new/one-trip container or a second-hand one with the relevant certification; however, we do not deal with shipping. We can give you a contact name and number for this part of the job.
Costs that you will need to consider:
- Sea freight cost
- Port fees
- Handling charges (e.g. loading/unloading)
- Container transport to port (if needed)
- Any applicable customs or inspection fees
Costs will vary widely depending on the destination, time of year, cargo type and world events; for example, import/export tariffs. You would need to obtain a quote for this from the shipping line.
Is it cheaper to use your own container?
Sometimes it is cheaper to use your own container, and sometimes it’s not! If you already own a container that is already CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) certified for shipping, this can reduce your costs.
The responsibility for the container’s condition falls on you as the owner. This includes the inspection and certification, and the CSC paperwork for proof that the container is safe to be shipped.
Shipping lines may be less flexible about loading/unloading at certain locations, and insurance may be more complex or expensive. Also, it is your responsibility to either use the container or sell it, if need be, when it gets to its destination.
However, if you only have a small amount of goods, it is possible to hire space in a shipping container via the shipping lines/freight forwarder. The shipping line/freight forwarder will be able to advise you on this.
How we can help
Here at Billie Box Ltd, we have experience in this area. We can guide you when choosing a suitable size of container, along with the need to use a new/one-trip container as opposed to a second-hand unit, and supply you with your choice of unit.
We can ensure that the container will be certified correctly with the necessary paperwork for shipping. We can also provide you with a contact for the shipping part of the process.
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 121 7388 or email us.
