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Containers Direct logoQuality you can see, experience you can trust.
Quality you can see, experience you can trust.

The Shipping Container - A Brief Guide

What was the shipping container built for?

Developed in the 1950s to carry cargo around the world, the shipping container became one of the most disruptive technological advancements of the last century. Decimating traditional docks like London and Liverpool by slashing the cost of international shipping, it paved the way for Asia to become the workshop of the world, at the expense of traditional manufacturing industries in Europe and North America

The rise of the shipping container has seen millions of winners and losers. Luckily for you the customer, and us at Containers Direct, we're on the winning side! Shipping containers are an ideal structure for something as simple as a cheap storage unit, right through to bold and imaginative living spaces.

How has the shipping container adapted?

For many years shipping containers were used as they came off the ship - a basic unit with a uniform width of 8ft, 20ft or 40ft long, and either 9ft 6 or 8ft 6 high. However, over the last 10 years a number of innovative and imaginative British companies have emerged treating shipping containers like building blocks; cutting them down to create shorter containers, slicing them apart to make wider containers, and transforming them into anything from portable buildings that can blend into woodland environments, to mobile luxury hotels. Containers Direct are proud to have been at the forefront of this industry!

Now you're a bit more familiar with the shipping container why not go to our Popular Containers range?

Our Popular Shipping Containers

An industry leading choice of optional extras

Our choice of upgrades can be used to adapt your container to make it fit for your particular purpose. For instance, wood cladding can help with planning permission requirements. Whether it's a steel ramp, ply lining or doors in the side, our range of modifications to second hand containers are carried out by our own skilled, in-house workforce and are offered at prices that reflect our commitment to giving our clients the best deals. When you buy a refurbished steel container from Containers Direct, you can be assured of quality and value by our 12 month guarantee.



Request a Quick Quote!

Contact our sales team for your no-obligation quote, including delivery!

Testimonials

As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.

But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.
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"From start to finish the experience in purchasing this container has been smooth and seamless. The quality of the container is superb. The delivery was fast and was lifted into place with ease. When we look to buy more in the future, you will be the only place we will go." HTAA
24th July 2026
order - a Refurbished 32ft x 10ft Office Cabin from our Clearance Page
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"An excellent service and delivery driver could not have been more accommodating." Roberta Rutherford
24th July 2026
order - a Used 15th Container
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"My experience was flawless, from the moment I made my first enquiry up to the moment the container was delivered, communication was excellent. Customer service is second to none. The container itself is exactly as described and if I am being honest, better than I expected with it being a used container. An excellent overall experience." John Clough - Arriva UK bus
23rd July 2026
order - a Used 15th Container
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"Fantastic communication and great service from everyone involved in the process, from the initial enquiries to the delivery! Thank you!" Lostock Hall Juniors Football Club
16th July 2026
order - a 'Once-Used' 10ft Container
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"We are delighted with our container, which will be used as an office and extra space. We asked for an OSB interior which adds a contemporary feel. The quality of work is really great, I like how fine details have been considered. The team overall were very helpful, from my initial query (and loads of questions) to the delivery. Thank you Containers Direct." Barry O'Neill
13th July 2026
order - a Used 10ft ModiBox Office
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"Great, prompt service and communication." Stuart Duncan
7th July 2026
order - a 4m Insulated Flat Pack Store in Green
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Committed to Quality

We are ISOQAR Approved and certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are also members of MakeUK, who champion British manufacturing, and the Container Self Storage and Traders Association (CSTA), representing global operators and innovators. In addition, we are registered members of JOSCAR, the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register.

ISOQAR Approved – ISO 9001:2015 Certificate No. 13586-QMS-001
MakeUK Member – Supporting British Manufacturing
Container Self Storage and Traders Association Member
JOSCAR Registered Member
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