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This is a very important question to ask when buying a container, unfortunately, sometimes the great deal you see is too good to be true!

We recommend doing your research to make sure the company you're buying from is trustworthy and has .

Make sure they have .

Check the company is registered, e.g. .

Check that they're a (Container Self Storage and Traders Association) and/or they're an (Self Storage Association) website, or if they are a (Bureau of International 91��ý) website.

All shipping containers are created at a 'standard' size (in order to stack them during shipping).

40ft units externally measure: 40 foot (12.2 meters) long, 8 foot (2.44 meters) wide, and 8 foot 6 inches (2.59 meters) high.

The internal dimensions of the containers may vary slightly depending on the construction.

The sides of a container are in nearly all cases, corrugated. The depth of the corrugation is usually 1 inch (25mm), which means that 2 inches (50mm) is lost from the external width dimension, giving an internal width of 7 feet 10 inches (2.38 meters).

The back (blank end) of the container is also corrugated and the doors are around 2 inches (50mm) thick meaning that approximately 3 inches (75mm) is lost from the length, giving an internal length of 39 feet 5 inches (12.03 meters).

The main reduction from external to internal dimensions is with height. The floor of a standard container has an underside clearance of approximately 6 inches (150mm) and the floor has a thickness of 27mm (1.1 inches). As the roof is corrugated another 1 inch (25mm) is lost resulting in an internal dimension of around 8 inches less than external – 7ft 10 inches (2.39 meters), though this can vary slightly depending on the flooring material used.

Through the door height is further reduced because of the steel top rail above the door which is a part of the structural integrity of the container, this is 4 inches (100mm) thus reducing the entrance height of a standard 20ft container to 7ft 6ins (2.28 meters), though this can vary slightly either way.

40ft External Dimensions
(Length Width Height)
40' x 8' x 8'6" (Imperial)
12.2m x 2.44m x 2.59m (Metric)

40ft Internal Dimensions
(Length Width Height)
39'5" x 7'10" x 7'10" (Imperial)
12.03m x 2.38m x 2.39m (Metric)

The internal storage capacity of a 40ft is approx 67.6 cubic meters or 2.387 cubic feet.

There are three relevant weights relating to containers, the Tare Weight, the Gross Weight and the Payload (Net) Weight.

These are painted onto the outside of the container doors when it is in shipping service or before it has been repainted for another application.

The container Tare Weight is the weight of the container without cargo or contents.

The container Gross Weight is the weight of the container plus the maximum payload it can hold i.e. the maximum total weight of the container.

The Payload (or Net Weight) is the weight of the cargo or contents that a container can hold.

Typical 40 foot container weights (Imperial)
Max Gross Weight: 67,200lbs
Tare Weight: 8,270lbs
Payload Net Weight: 58,930lbs

‘One Trip’ 40ft containers are typically manufactured in China, they have one cargo into the UK before being sold on from various ports/container depots. As no shipping containers are produced in the UK, 'new' containers have always had one cargo trip into the UK, this explains the term 'one trip' often used when referring to new condition containers.

All 40ft New Shipping 91��ý are manufactured to meet ISO standards - guaranteeing they are cargo worthy.

New certified containers are fitted with CSC plates to show that they meet the ISO standards, CSC plates are valid for five years from the date of production.

The date each container was originally manufactured is clearly stated on the CSC plate, located on the double doors.

40ft units are constructed using high quality weathering cor-ten steel which is designed to stand up to the harsh rigours of sea conditions. Due to the harsh environment they are all manufactured to a high standard and are both wind and water tight to protect their cargo.

Cor-ten steel is a corrosion resistant weathering steel, used within many industries.

High quality rubber seals are used to prevent water ingress through the double-doors.

The internal flooring is typically formed from 27mm hardwood.

This will depend on how you use your container and the environment it's situated in.

A well cared for new unit should last for many years (20+) - see our care instructions section of our FAQs page for more information on caring for your container.

In order to offer the best possible price, we'll source your container from the depot offering the best price.

Your container will then typically be delivered from the depot on a HIAB lorry. The lorry mounted craine will then be used to place your container on the pre-prepared location.

Please ensure you have prepared the ground prior to your container being delivered.

Please provide us with your delivery postcode as part of your initial enquiry so we can accurately estimate delivery costs.

Yes, your container should to be placed on a flat level surface.

For uneven surfaces we recommend using paving slabs to create a level the surface.

We recommend using paving slabs to allow the four corner castings of your container to sit on a solid level base.

An uneven surface can result in the container not sitting straight, this can mean the container doors may not fully open and can cause the container body to twist.

The area for your shipping container will need to be prepared before our delivery driver arrives on site.

With our delivery drivers using a HIAB lorry, please check for any overhead cables as this can mean that the HIAB cannot extend its lifting arm out to lift the container to the ground.

If you are unsure if the HIAB lorry will have sufficient space to unload your container - please make us aware of any restrictions before placing your order.

Yes, please let us know if you are able to collect from one of our depots. Please note that unit prices do often vary from depot to depot so this could affect the price we are able to offer.

Caring for a container is mostly common sense, but there are a few things you can do to keep your box in a good condition.

Ensure the contents of your container are dry and moisture free before you put them inside - this will help reduce moisture build up inside your container.

Regularly check the double end door hinges and locking bars, apply oil to lubricate the hinges and locking bars to keep them moving freely.

Try to keep a little space free at the top of the unit and down the sides to allow the air to circulate. This helps heat to disperse and prevent moisture.

Yes, 40ft New Shipping 91��ý are often converted for uses other than shipping and basic secure storage. Take a look at our conversions page for some examples of our recent conversion projects.

If you have a conversion in mind - we'd love to complete the conversion work for you - get in touch to discuss your requirements.