FAQs

It is either a 20ft or 40ft corten steel box fitted with a wooden floor and one set of double doors on one 8ft end, used for transporting goods via sea all over the world. Please read our article Facts about Shipping containers for more details. We do offer 10ft containers that are built in the same way as 20ft and 40ft containers, but they are mainly built for the storage market and not for shipping.

It is a shipping container that is built from corten steel (high tensile steel-corrugated sides and roof), usually with a pair of doors on one end of the container, a marine-treated plywood floor and steel cross members on the underside. These containers are ideal as a secure static storage facility. See our article Facts about Shipping containers for more details.

Yes, we offer second-hand and new containers. Please see our For Sale page.

Yes, our minimum rental period is 26 weeks only on 20ft and 40ft containers. Please see our For Hire page or Everything you need to know about hiring a container.

Second-hand shipping containers are approximately 10-15 years old and are watertight and structurally sound. They will have surface rust and dents, but are mainly solid structures. New containers have been used once, for shipping in from China, and they will have minor dents and/or scratches, but are very tidy. Here are buying tips for a second-hand container, and how to buy a New container.

This could be because the container is not sitting level, which is known as ‘Racked’. When siting the container, to make it level, we recommend you place something like concrete blocks or railway sleepers/wood under each corner. The container must sit level. The container actually sits on its corner castings, which are 7in square. For more information, visit How to level a shipping container.

Yes and no – please read our article about ways to solve condensation. Our best solution is to use Absorpoles. An Absorpole is a tube of Calcium chloride that absorbs any excess moisture in the container and turns the crystals into an innocuous solution.

Yes, they are extremely secure. They are made of corten steel, the double doors can be fitted with a lock box for extra security, and our padlocks are supplied with 3 numbered keys (which can only be ordered through this office). Like most things nowadays, there is a way to gain access with the right equipment.

This is a steel housing for a padlock, whereby there is an ‘Eye’ welded to the first door and a ‘box’ welded to the second of the double doors. The ‘box’ closes over the ‘Eye’ and allows a padlock to be fitted inside the casing, which prevents bolt croppers from gaining access to the padlock.

Potentially – you will need to review planning permission and vehicular access to ensure this is possible. The ground surface must be hardcore so that our vehicles can drive over without getting stuck. There must not be any overhead cables or overhanging trees in the way for offloading and delivery.

These containers are ‘Temporary structures and can be moved at any time with specialist equipment’. However, all councils have different policies on shipping containers for storage. If you are concerned, then we recommend you speak to your local planning department to find out their policy. For more information, read our post about Planning Permission.

We use HIAB lorries (crane-mounted vehicles) to deliver the containers to your site. When on site, the vehicle will be able to offload the container to the side of the vehicle. Please see our Delivery and Collections page & Our Rough guide to transport. If you are unsure of the suitability of your site, we can carry out a site survey for a small fee. See our video showing the offload of a container on YouTube. For further information, read Can I put a shipping container in my driveway?, Container swapping and repositioning on site and Container stacking and groundwork. For information about stacking and swapping containers around on site, please visit Mastering Container Logistics: Expert Tips.

Possibly, although we can’t say for sure as we don’t know what size pallets you are using. However, here are the dimensions for each container.

This is weather dependent; if it has been particularly wet, then generally the answer is no. Most of our transport companies are NOT willing to attempt this. Some of our transport guys may request you to sign a disclaimer, which will say that you will repair any damage caused to the vehicle and/or any costs associated with the retrieval of the vehicle, if it gets stuck. However, the driver will make the final decision. See more information in our article about delivering to grass surfaces/fields.

No, a tipper truck and a HIAB lorry are different vehicles. The 8-wheeler HIAB vehicle has a longer wheelbase. The 8-wheel tipper truck cannot take the weight of a container. We will advise on transport options in your quote. Please see further explanation here.

Yes; however, this is dependent on the building’s interior height, overhead cables, the door sizes and the type of interior flooring. Please do call us to discuss your requirements.

Well, yes, as long as the working height restrictions are adhered to. HSE stipulates that we must have a clearance of 18m from the top of the crane height, which equates to 28m from the ground. This applies to any angles away from the cables. There is more information in our Rough Guide to Transportation.

Yes; however, the client will be responsible for ensuring the road is clear and has sufficient space for our vehicle. Remember, we cannot lift off a vehicle underneath overhead cables. We also recommend you seek permission from your local highways department.

You can pay by cheque or BACS payment. Our bank details are on our invoices. All payments must be cleared prior to the release of any equipment. For more information, please read Billie Box Payment Terms.

We request full payment for all containers, accessories and delivery fees prior to delivery. Once payment has cleared, we can arrange a delivery date. If you are hiring, then the cost of the first 26 weeks hire, accessories, delivery and collection are due prior to arranging a delivery date.

We offer 5-10 working days delivery, subject to the availability of the equipment and transport operators. However, if you require delivery sooner, then we will endeavour to service your requirements.

Here is your guide to using shipping containers on your property.

Here is your guide to working out a container price: How much should I pay for a 20’ shipping container?