Can I Put a Shipping Container on My Driveway? Everything You Need to Know

Jane on July 9, 2024

So many customers ask us if they can put a shipping container on their driveway.

Shipping containers for storage are becoming more popular, in particular with the private house owner, when they are extending their house, doing a new build on their land or re-build of their home. 

Legal considerations

The local authorities may well require the homeowner to apply for planning permission. Please see our planning permission blog post for more information.

Our vehicles are not allowed to be on a national highway while offloading a container. You would need to seek permission from the local highways department beforehand. If there are overhead cables/obstructions then this can also cause problems. For more information take a look at our delivery and collection page.

shipping container delivery

Size and space required

You will need to measure your driveway in order to work out what size container you can accommodate. Please note that hedges/fences and other obstructions can cause problems.

We offer 20ft x 8ft and 40ft x 8ft containers. 

The 20ft containers will be transported on a 40ft rigid vehicle with HIAB and the 40ft will be transported on a 60ft arctic vehicle with HIAB.

There must not be any overhead cables or overhanging trees in the way. The vehicle must have good solid ground in order to park and offload the container and take the weight of the vehicle with a crane and container. 

The vehicle will offload the container to the side of the vehicle and there must be sufficient space to put the outriggers off to the side of the vehicle. 

Each vehicle has a different lifting capacity and distance.

The best way forward would be to send us a drawing with dimensions along with photos and perhaps a video of your site with access points.

Ground preparation

The shipping container must be sitting level and therefore the ground where you are hoping to place the container must be solid/not moveable. Each corner of the container must be level with the rest.

Please note, tarmac is not suitable as the container will weigh 2.25T plus your goods. On hot weather days, tarmac can move.

Find out more about how to level your container.

Accessibility and usage

It is crucial that you can use the shipping container that you have in your driveway. Ensure there will be suitable access for you to use the container with ease.

The double doors are at one 8ft end of the container and each door will be approx. 4ft wide, so it is always good to make sure you have sufficient opening space.

The doors fold back to the sides of the container and can be hooked back to avoid swinging doors whilst you are using the container.

Neighbours and community impact

Some neighbours think shipping containers are unsightly, but this is obviously subjective. If you find a neighbour is not happy with the look of the container then they could complain to the local authority’s planning department.

If you want to keep the peace then often a New (one-trip) container would be much better than a 15-year-old container.

We at Billie Box offer a sale or rent service, so you will need to work out whether you want a container on a temporary or permanent basis.

20ft shipping containers being transported
20ft shipping containers being transported

Second hand 20ft shipping container (approx. 15 years old)

20ft new Shipping container
20ft new Shipping container

New (one trip) 20ft shipping container

Insurance and security

The double doors of the container can be fitted with a lockbox which is like a shrouded area for a padlock. This lockbox is an area which cannot be accessed with bolt croppers. 

The padlocks we supply are of high quality.

Additionally, we recommend that you arrange insurance for your shipping container and it’s contents.

Conclusion

Here is a checklist, to answer the question ‘Can I put a shipping container on my driveway?’

  1. Check the size of your driveway.
  2. Check for overhead cables, overhanging trees and any obstructions.
  3. Do you need the container to be lifted from the road?
  4. Is the ground suitable for both the vehicle and the shipping container?
  5. Are your neighbours OK with this shipping container on your driveway?
  6. Check with the local planning department, to see if you need planning permission.
  7. Make sure you insure your container and contents.
  8. Decide whether you need a new or used container.
  9. Work out what size container will suit your requirements.
  10. Is the ground level?
  11. Do you want to buy or hire the shipping container?

If you have any other questions or need more advice then please contact us on 0800 121 7388.

We at Billie Box are here to help you.

Sponsorship for FFSC 2022/23

Jane on August 25, 2022

Billie Box are delighted to announce that they are sponsoring the following in 2022/23:

Youth sailing at Felixstowe Ferry

Billie Box are proud to sponsor Youth Sailing at Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club for another year. For more information about Youth Sailing, have a look at the FFSC website.

FFSC Safety boat called Carl Giles

We are equally proud to continue sponsoring the FFSC’s safety boat, named Carl Giles after the well-known cartoonist. To read more about the boat and its namesake, read our blog post all about the FFSC safety boat from when we started sponsoring it in 2018.

FFSC Regatta in August 22

National 12’s Burton Week held at FFSC

Felixstowe Ferry sailing club is close to Jane and her family’s heart and they want to support the club as much as they can.

If you are looking for a shipping container solution, why not call us today 0800 121 7388 for a quote.

#ShippingContainersSimplified

School Refurbishment

Jane on July 6, 2020

Shipping containers for school and college refurbishment

This week, the UK Government announced a ten-year plan for the refurbishment of schools and colleges across the nation. With over £1 billion in funding, it is the first major rebuilding programme to be launched since 2014, and will begin as soon as 2020-21.

You may be familiar with the use of converted shipping containers for offices, but they can also be used to increase space in schools and colleges. Likewise, regular shipping containers can also be utilised by these institutions for storage. If you are an educational institution planning to refurbish, you may want to consider a shipping container or converted container for reasons outlined below.

Converted shipping containers for increased space in schools

Converted shipping containers are ideal for use in schools and colleges. A converted container is very different from a regular container – although they may look similar from a distance. While they are both made with weather-resistant corten steel, converted containers are insulated, and fitted with doors, windows, lighting and heating systems – everything you may need for a comfortable teaching environment.

These containers can be positioned as required, as long as there is access for a forklift. Each container is fitted with forklift pockets, corner posts and corner castings, making it very easy to install and relocate as needed, with the right equipment. 

If you are looking to use a converted shipping container as an IT room, a canteen or design technology room where high value equipment is present, you also have the benefit of the strong corten steel exterior, steel reinforced entrance door with strong locks, and windows with lockable steel shutters. This helps deter and prevent theft or vandalism, which is essential in a school environment to protect students and staff, as well as expensive equipment.

School design in a post-lockdown UK

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that we consider design for establishments such as schools and colleges. To prepare for education post-lockdown, converted containers may be used either as temporary classrooms, or alternatively as permanent solutions to the issue of social distancing in classroom environments in case the pandemic continues or develops.

As more children return to school, it is possible that classes need to reduce in size in order to accommodate more space between students. Converted shipping containers fulfill this need by creating more classrooms at a much lower cost than would be required to extend school buildings.

Shipping container storage for schools and colleges

If you are a school or college undergoing refurbishment in future, you will likely need storage for equipment while the refurbishment is taking place, whether that’s sports apparatus, computers, furniture such as desks and chairs, or other equipment. Shipping containers are excellent for this purpose, as they are weather-resistant, watertight, fire resistant and can deter thieves with the use of a lockbox and padlock. 

As mentioned earlier, shipping containers are ideal for temporary storage as they can be easily installed, relocated and removed with a forklift. We can arrange delivery and collection should you wish to hire a container for storage through Billie Box.

Interested in hiring a container for storage or purchasing a converted shipping container? Do not hesitate to contact Jane today on 0800 121 7388 or 01473 557409.

Renting vs Buying Container Storage

Jane on January 3, 2020

If you require extra storage space, you can easily solve this problem by renting or buying a shipping container. The processes of renting and buying container storage offer different benefits depending on your requirements. If you’re wondering whether you should rent or buy your container, read on to find out which option is best suited to you.

Reasons for renting a shipping container

Shipping container hire for both personal and commercial use is ideal for a temporary storage solution. You may wish to rent a container if you are:

  • Hosting a short-term event such as a festival, sporting event, market, etc.
  • Managing a construction site and want to store equipment and materials
  • Renovating your home and want to keep personal belongings safe and accessible
  • A retailer requiring seasonal storage
  • A farmer requiring a grain store during harvesting

There are, of course, many other reasons why you might need to hire a shipping container for storage, but these are just a few common scenarios.

Reasons for buying a shipping container

If you require longer term or permanent use, buying a shipping container will likely be the best option for you. You might choose to buy a container if you are:

  • A farmer in need of chemical storage
  • A private individual or business looking to set up an office in your garden or a commercial site
  • A school in need of an extra classroom, PE changing rooms or outdoor equipment storage
  • A hospital requiring a staff room, canteen or storage for medical equipment
  • Shipping goods overseas

Again, there are many more reasons for purchasing a shipping container.

The price of renting or buying a shipping container

Price might be the most important factor for you to consider when deciding whether you should rent or buy a shipping container. 

Buying a shipping container will have a high initial cost, but the benefits will be that you own the container outright, can use it for as long as you need, and can possibly sell it when you no longer need it. Containers are very sturdy structures made with high quality material, so they can last years without any considerable decrease in resale value. Take a look at our guides for what you need to look for when buying a second hand or a new container. 

Renting a shipping container may be more cost effective if you only need it for a short amount of time. Container suppliers usually have a weekly hire cost, and you will likely need to pay for delivery and removal. Read our guide to renting a container, which includes our pricing information.

Shipping container modifications

All of our rented containers come fitted with a lock box for security purposes; this houses a padlock (which can be purchased through us if needed) and is specially designed to deter bolt croppers. Each container is also watertight and this is checked prior to release to ensure that you receive a high quality container for your rental period. Accessories – such as Absorpoles to absorb moisture – are available with your rental and the price for these items is available on request.

If you require further modifications, however, this may mean buying a container. We can convert containers for use as chemical stores, complete with bunded floors, drainage sumps and warning signs; mobile offices with insulation and heating, lockable window shutters, and lighting; and canteens with counters and a sink. All of these options are available with container purchases.

Should I rent or buy a shipping container?

If you’re still struggling to decide whether you should rent or buy a container, just give us a call on 0800 121 7388 and we can help you make an informed decision!

Funding for Storage Containers at Football Clubs

Jane on November 26, 2018

Great news for football clubs, as The Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund Small Grants Scheme lists storage containers as an eligible project for a grant. This means that educational establishments and grassroots football clubs can now support the growth of their facilities with funding towards a storage container.

Storage containers provide endless advantages for growing football clubs. The first of which is a space to store equipment.

Container Storage at Football Clubs

Just like any other sporting facility, football clubs accumulate a large amount of equipment in order to provide education and entertainment for children and young people taking part in the sport. A storage container is an excellent method of storing this equipment for several reasons:

  1. Size – traditional sports equipment storage may not be large enough for the amount of equipment required for a football club. From training hurdles, to cones, all the way through to portable goals and the footballs themselves, there is much to think about when considering the size of your storage facility. Containers range from 10ft to 40ft, providing many options for a growing football club.
  2. Easy access to equipment – because storage containers are spacious, your equipment can be easily organised and accessible, instead of crammed into a small space where half of it may never be seen again. Container storage allows you to retrieve the equipment you need without the fuss of reshuffling your entire storage facility.
  3. Weather protection – shipping containers are made to withstand all types of weather. Therefore, your gear and apparatus will be stored safely and remain in good condition for many years to come. Many clubs don’t have the budget to regularly replace equipment if it is weather damaged, so container storage is an excellent way to avoid unwanted costs.
  4. Security – Any establishment, especially football clubs, should invest in good security for any equipment – and a storage container is just that. Vandal-proof by nature, our containers are supplied with a hardened steel padlock and fitted with a lock box to deter bolt croppers.
Rural crime
New (once used from China) 20ft x 8ft storage container

Using a storage container as a clubhouse

Off the pitch, the clubhouse is the hub of any football team, so it’s necessary for clubs to offer a facility which is fit for purpose. However, this is not always possible on a small budget. Perhaps your club is historic, with a clubhouse which has dilapidated over time due to lack of maintenance. Or maybe you’re a very new club with little funding to build a brand new clubhouse. A shipping container can solve these problems.

Office container

Don’t be fooled by the appearance of containers – they’re actually very versatile. Not only do we provide containers for storage, we also convert them into offices, classrooms and, indeed, clubhouses.

Provide a space for team meetings, lessons, a lunchtime eating space, changing rooms, shelter at fundraising events, and much more. With electricity for lighting and heating, as well as the option to include a sink and kitchen worktops, our converted shipping containers feel like a completely different space inside. They are truly multi-purpose, with the added value of being insulated, weatherproof and secure.

Applying for funding

Apply for funding for your shipping container or new clubhouse via The Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund Small Grants Scheme. This scheme grants funding for containers which are new or fully refurbished, and also covers planning permission where necessary. If you are interested in purchasing one of our excellent storage containers or converted containers, you will require a quote from us to support your application. Please don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 121 7388 to discuss your needs.

Storage Containers for Schools, Colleges & Universities

Jane on August 1, 2018

In our conversations with customers who work in schools, colleges and universities it’s quite common to hear the same problems. Throughout academia, organisations are finding themselves increasingly short of storage space.

Storage is needed for sports equipment, exam furniture, archive paperwork, text books, etc.

In the past, when schools and universities enjoyed larger development budgets the answer may have been to construct additional buildings on site. Ignoring the money side of this solution for a moment, building new storage buildings can be slow. Very slow.

We have many customers who solve their storage problems by buying shipping containers. Shipping containers are strong, secure, cost-effective and can be sited anywhere with level ground. They require no foundations and usually require no planning permission.

We sell shipping containers for storage at very competitive rates, but we appreciate that not all academic budgets can accommodate the purchase of a shipping container. Most towns now have storage depots, but the funny thing about storage is that you often need swift access to the items that you are storing. Retrieving offsite storage requires planning and will always incur a cost.

Our solution is to rent shipping containers for storage to schools, colleges and universities. For as little as £1.71 a day Billie Box will supply a shipping container that will solve your storage problems. It’s that simple.

Here’s what one of our recent customers from an Academy trust had to say:

‘A very simple and straightforward process. I now have about 5 containers across our Multi-Academy Trust and would recommend Billie Box’s services without hesitation.’

Give Jane or Matt a call on 0800 121 7388 or use our quick quote form.

About Jane Billing
Jane Billing has over 30 years’ experience in shipping container supply. During that time Jane has gained a very broad knowledge of the whole shipping container industry. From construction, to shipping, to adaption and conversions, if you have a question about any aspect of the shipping container industry Jane will likely have the answer for you. After many years working for some of the biggest names in the shipping container industry Jane set up her own company, Billie Box Ltd, in 2012. Since launching, Billie Box Ltd has sold well over 1500 new and used containers.

Rural Crime stats 2016

Jane on February 14, 2017

Rural crime stats are a huge problem to farmers and those that live in the countryside. Rural sites are so exposed and unmanned in many cases, hence why crime is on the rise. The perpetrators can access sites easily and abscond with many high value items without anyone noticing.

We at Billie Box take these rural crime stats very seriously indeed. We supply steel secure shipping containers for storage with delivery to your door. Farms and countryside residences often have sufficient room to add another shed to their site.

Visit our site for Sale or Hire of shipping containers.

Rural crime

New (once used from China) 20ft x 8ft storage container being delivered to site

Every year rural crime costs millions of pounds and causes anxiety to the victims across the UK.

In 2015 the data reveals that the cost of rural crime to the UK has reached £42.5 million.

Stats from the NFU website.

rural crime stats from NFU

Agri-Expo

The NFU Mutual reported that there are certain areas being targeted more than others – the North East and East of England in particular. In 2015 it cost the victims in these areas in the region of £7.9 and £6.9 million respectively. The Midlands and Northern Ireland crime figures are on the rise by 10% and 13% respectively.

Theft of ATVs rose by 50% in the Essex area last year alone, according to NFU Mutual.

ATVs can be easily stored in a 20ft lockable container. Containers are a perfect solution, as all sides are blocked and the thieves cannot see whats inside. Who knows what’s in a container?

Equine tack such as saddles and bridles, being very high value, are perfect for the burglar. Again a shipping container is a great product in which to store your horse-riding equipment. I know some of you are worried about condensation; however, we do have the Absorpole which can rectify this problem.

Billie Box’s Shipping Containers are fitted with a lock box and then a hardened steel padlock will fit inside. This will stop unlawful access with bolt croppers.

Our padlocks have an anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-saw shackle.

In conclusion, prevention is better than cure!

Please click here for a Quote

About Jane Billing
Jane Billing has over 30 years’ experience in shipping container supply. During that time Jane has gained a very broad knowledge of the whole shipping container industry. From construction to shipping, to adaption and conversions, if you have a question about any aspect of the shipping container industry Jane will likely have the answer for you. After many years working for some of the biggest names in the shipping container industry Jane set up her own company, Billie Box Ltd, in 2012. Since launching, Billie Box Ltd has sold well over 1500 new and used containers.

Sports Clubs & Leisure Centre secure storage

Jane on August 19, 2016

Many sports clubs and leisure facilities in the UK use a shipping container to hold their ever expanding array of equipment. If space and protection are factors you value when considering how to securely store your businesses assets then you are not alone…

TeamGB_logo

Team GB’s unprecedented success at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games inspired our nation, prompting a vast increase in membership to sports clubs and leisure facilities across the country. These institutions have greeted the UK’s re-ignited love of sports with a surge in purchasing of new equipment – much of this it extremely expensive. The continued success of these companies rely on their ability to deter and repel criminals through the secure storage of their property.

Billie Box supplies new and second hand shipping containers throughout England and Wales on a sale or rental basis. These storage units are constructed from Corten steel and built with a unique ‘Lock Box’ locking system: this offers total protection from the outside elements and most importantly makes near enough impenetrable to any would-be intruders. Condensation within the box itself is combatted through our own ‘Absorpoles’ – designed to reduce the amount of moisture inside a container and keep equipment dry.

Shipping containers are perfect as a secure store for sports equipment

The shipping containers come in 20ft (with an internal storage area of 1,170 cubic feet) and 40ft (a gigantic 2,386 cubic feet); huge amounts of storage space delivered directly to the door of practically any UK-based gym or sports club.

20ft Shipping container

Balls, rackets and clubs are all well and good but not all sports are based around easily handled equipment – that is why Billie Box also offer a 20ft Opensider shipping container, this gives a longer length full side opening. An extremely useful addition when storing long or hard-to-manage items is a daily routine.

The options of sports clubs and leisure facilities are endless, but here are few of our existing clients. Why not view our Reviews which shows you how we have been successful in supplying our clients.

  • American Football
  • Archery clubs
  • Badminton clubs
  • Boxing clubs
  • Canoe clubs
  • Cricket clubs
  • Cycling clubs
  • Equestrian centres
  • Fencing clubs
  • Football clubs
  • Gliding clubs
  • Golf Clubs
  • Gymnastics clubs
  • Hockey clubs
  • Ice Hockey clubs
  • Karting clubs
  • Lacrosse clubs
  • Leisure centres
  • Lifesaving clubs
  • Martial arts clubs
  • Motorcross clubs
  • Mountaineering clubs
  • Netball clubs
  • Polo clubs
  • Pool & snooker clubs
  • Rowing clubs
  • Rugby clubs
  • Sailing clubs
  • Scuba diving clubs
  • Shooting clubs
  • Ski clubs
  • Squash clubs
  • Surf clubs
  • Swimming clubs
  • Table Tennis clubs
  • Tennis clubs
  • Trampoline clubs
  • Volleyball clubs
  • Waterski clubs
  • Watersports clubs
  • Weightlifting clubs
  • Windsurfing clubs
  • Yacht clubs

In conclusion, a shipping container is a perfect way to store your equipment safely and securely, which gives you peace of mind and protects your members’ interests.

Any company or institution wishing to discuss secure storage should call us today on 0800 121 7388 or 01473 557409. Alternatively please visit the ‘Get a Quote’ section of our website.

About Jane Billing
Jane Billing has over 30 years’ experience in shipping container supply. During that time Jane has earned a very broad knowledge of the whole shipping container industry. From construction to shipping, to adaption and conversions, if you have a question about any aspect of the shipping container industry Jane will likely have the answer for you. After many years working for some of the biggest names in the shipping container industry Jane set up her own company, Billie Box Ltd in 2012. Since launching, Billie Box Ltd has sold well over 1500 new and used containers.

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