Shipping Containers in Manchester
Containers Direct have been supplying shipping containers in Manchester for over 20 years, with our own dedicated hiab delivery service.
Based in the North West Containers Direct are able to source shipping containers directly from Garston Docks to deliver to Manchester and the North West. Local supplies means local transportation rates, so you'll find it's not just our container prices that are unbeatable, but our delivery charges too. From standard 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers to neat little 10ft storage containers, we sell all sizes, both new and used. If you are looking for a shipping container, or maybe a new build container, we convert and build these for a wide range of applications on our own local premises.
Explore options
Request a Quick Quote!
Contact our sales team for your no-obligation quote, including delivery!
Planning permission in Manchester
If you are unsure whether planning permission could apply to your site, or where to find the right information, we have made the starting point easy to find. We cannot advise on individual planning requirements, but if the address is within the Manchester City Council area you can use the council's planning guidance or contact its planning service. For sites outside that boundary, check with the local planning authority responsible for the address.
Manchester City Council Planning Guidance
Delivery and site access
We supply standard shipping containers to Manchester through our UK network, while modified, converted and purpose-built units are completed at our Knowsley depot before transport to site. Delivery is normally arranged using a lorry fitted with a HIAB crane. When requesting a quote, send us the delivery postcode, container size or type, any modifications required, details of restricted access and the intended offload position. Our guide covers vehicle options, shared and dedicated delivery, working space and the access information we use to plan the offload.
Ground preparation and levelling
Your container needs a firm, level and properly supported position. If one corner settles differently from the others, the container can twist slightly and the doors may become harder to open and close. Depending on the unit and site, preparation may involve concrete pads, sleepers or another suitable level support. Our ground preparation guide explains what can go under a container, how to level the position and what to consider before delivery.
A wide range of sizes
The dimensions of our shipping containers in Manchester cater for a multitude of requirements, available from as small as 6ft in length, although the best value containers to buy are the standard ISO manufactured lengths of 20ft and 40ft. The standard external width of a shipping container is 8ft but we do have some pallet wides available with an internal width of 8ft, and our high cube containers give an additional foot of head height, standing at 9'6".
Shipping containers for storage
As well a being one of the major suppliers of shipping containers in the North West, we also supply a range of quality steel storage containers, which can either be purchased in their original form, or modified for storage. These are great value for money and most come with a 12 month warranty - Containers Direct Terms and Conditions of Business. They are ideal for many uses, including:
- A secure site store for building materials
- School site storage
- Garden/allotment storage
- Furniture and household goods
- Club equipment
- Archive storage
- Agricultural stores
- Bikes and other outdoor activity equipment
Containers for Shipping
We sell shipping containers in Manchester suitable for shipping purposes. These are either 20ft shipping containers or 40ft shipping containers, 8ft wide with a height of 8ft6 or 9ft6 high. Containers suitable for shipping will have a valid CSC plate for shipping and will be cargo worthy, two major requirements for shipping.Take advantage of our conversion facilties
Container projects in Manchester
Two very different Greater Manchester projects, both built around the customer's requirements. One became a 40ft garden bar and kitchen beside the Bridgewater Canal in south Manchester, while the other used two converted containers as offices for a crazy golf attraction in Wigan.
40ft MenuBox® Garden Bar and Kitchen
The Bridge Inn, South Manchester
We converted a once-used 40ft container with two S5 personnel doors, two canopy lifting hatches and a framed aperture, then repainted the exterior ready for the customer's own cladding and internal fit-out.
30ft + 24ft ModiBox® Offices
Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan
We converted 30ft and 24ft containers into site offices with personnel access, anti-vandal windows, lining and insulation, vinyl flooring, electrics and canteen packages. The 24ft unit also included an internal timber partition.
More Case Studies in Manchester and the North West
Explore more container conversions and specialist builds we have completed across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.
Case study of the month
October 2026
20ft therapy space
Based on our popular ModiBox® portable office design, this tranquil oasis tucked away between the trees, is located on Bath City Farm. Used as a therapy in nature space we used wood cladding to cover the front of the shipping container and repainted the remainder green, to blend in nicely with its surroundings. Lined and insulated inside, for temperature and sound control, it will provide comfort and privacy for its users all year round. The patio style doors and turn and tilt widows are optional upgrades to our standard ModiBox® features, adding a sleek and professional appearance and letting plenty of light inside for a bright and airy ambience.
Discover more of our shipping container conversions or explore the full project details below.
Take a look at some of the most engaging work we have undertaken in recent years. With detailed pictures, step-by-step guides, and in-depth insights into many projects, our case studies cover a wide range of applications.
Storage containers for different access requirements
For sites with suitable vehicle access, a steel storage container can be delivered and positioned as a complete unit. Where access to the final position is restricted, a flat pack container gives you another option because the individual components can be carried separately and assembled on site.
If you are unsure whether a complete container can reach the position you have in mind, see our shipping container delivery guide.
Steel Storage Containers
Complete steel container storage
Steel storage containers arrive as complete units and are available in a range of sizes and conditions. They are the straightforward choice where there is suitable access for delivery, offload and positioning.
Flat Pack Storage Containers
For restricted access locations
Flat pack containers are supplied in component form. If a complete shipping container cannot reach the final position, the sections can be moved separately and the unit assembled where it is needed.
A Range of Optional Extras
- Side Doors - Side doors provide convenient access to both ends of your container, making them ideal for storage.
- Personnel Doors - steel personnel doors are suitable for frequent pedestrian use incorporating multi deadlocks and offering high levels of security.
- Cladding - Make your container beautiful! We offer three different standard cladding options; Rustic, Clean Cut and Shiplap.
- Roller Shutter Doors- Made from galvanised steel, 8ft wide roller shutter doors come with either manual or electric operation.
- Ply Lining- Ply lined and insulated shipping containers provide all round protection against condensation to keep your items safe from water damage.
- Electrics- If you require lighting, heating, or sockets for your container, we've got the power! We offer two standard options of electrical installations.
And more!
PS - we don't just sell shipping containers!
A range of other quality steel buidlings and units are also available in addition to our shipping containers in Manchester. We sell new and reconditioned anti vandal site offices, portable toilets and steel self assembly containers at competitive prices.
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.
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.
