How Long Does It Take to Get a Shipping Container?

If you need a shipping container quickly, the good news is that you may not have to wait very long at all.

Lead times depend mainly on the type of container you want, whether it is already in stock and whether any modification work is needed before delivery.

An unmodified standard container can sometimes be available almost immediately. A container that needs cutting down, modifying or converting will naturally take longer.

If you are working to a particular date, let us know when you enquire. We can check the current stock position, workshop schedule and transport availability and give you a realistic lead time.

1. What is the quickest type of shipping container to get?

If lead time is your main concern, a standard unmodified 20ft or 40ft container is normally the quickest option.

We hold stocks of these standard 20ft and 40ft shipping containers through our network of depots around the UK. You can see the wider range of shipping containers for sale on our website.

If you are arranging your own collection, it may sometimes be possible for a stock container to be released on the same day.

If you would like us to arrange delivery, the timescale will also depend on haulier availability and your location. Allowing up to a week is sensible, although delivery can often be arranged considerably quicker.

Because stock and transport schedules are constantly changing, it is always worth asking our sales team for the current position if your requirement is urgent.

2. Can I get a 10ft container quickly?

Usually, yes.

We keep 10ft shipping containers available for immediate release as a minimum stock item, along with standard 20ft and 40ft containers.

We also frequently have other container lengths available. So needing something other than a standard 20ft or 40ft container does not necessarily mean a long wait.

If you need an unusual length at short notice, it is worth asking what we already have in stock before assuming a container needs to be prepared specially for you.

3. What about container offices and insulated containers?

4. How long do modified or bespoke containers take?

This is where lead times become much more variable.

Simple modifications may only require a limited amount of workshop time, while a more substantial conversion can involve fabrication, lining, electrics, doors, windows, cladding or a complete internal fit-out.

Lead times therefore depend both on the work involved and how busy our fabrication depot is when the order is placed.

For that reason, we don't think it is particularly useful to publish one standard lead time for converted containers. It could easily be wrong for the job you actually have in mind.

Once we know your specification, we can check the production schedule and tell you what the current lead time is.

5. Need something converted quickly? Check our clearance containers

There is another option if time is particularly important.

We regularly have clearance containers available which have already been built or modified and are ready for sale.

The stock varies and can include offices, DryBoxes, standard containers and other converted units. As the work has already been completed, they can avoid the workshop lead time altogether.

They are also usually offered at a discounted price, so it is always worth checking the clearance page if you need something quickly.

You never know - what you need may already be sitting in stock.

6. Don't forget the delivery itself

Having the container ready is only part of the timescale.

7. We agree the lead time with you before you order

Whenever we accept an order, the expected lead time is agreed with you in advance.

We know that delivery dates can matter. You may have contractors waiting, equipment arriving, a site opening or simply need secure storage by a particular day. A container arriving after you needed it isn't much help.

For that reason, we place a lot of importance on meeting the timescale we have agreed with you.

If there is a particular date you need your container by, tell us from the outset. We can look at the available stock, any work required and the delivery options and advise what is realistically achievable.

And if your first choice cannot be supplied quickly enough, we may be able to suggest another size, specification or ready-built container that can do the same job without the wait.

8. Need a container by a particular date?

Use our Quick Quote form and include the type and size of container you need, your delivery postcode and when you need it. Our sales team can then check the current options and give you an accurate lead time.