Portable Site Office Containers

Containers Direct have long been market leaders in shipping container office and canteen conversions, supplying both trade and customers with bespoke conversions from our specialist workshops.

Although shipping container portable offices have always represented good value compared to a traditional build, and have the advantage of being portable too, the costs can still be too high for projects with more limited budgets. To bring down the costs and reduce the selling price, in 2016 we launched the ModiBox® range of steel container portable offices. This concept allows us to retain all the benefits of the standard portable office, in terms of strength, portability and security but at a heavily discounted price.

The ModiBox® also allows for flexibility in design, in terms of the positioning of anti-vandal doors and windows, choice of exterior colours and interior finishes, giving you the opportunity to create your own bespoke container office within a low price bracket.

Why not start to explore the prices and specification of some standard lengths in the range?

Standard Features of the ModiBox

Personnel door

Full steel construction personnel door with 12 point multi locking system.

Anti-vandal windows

Our windows are fitted with steel shutters, heavy duty shoot bolts and anti-vandal lip.

Fully repainted exterior

Using solvent free rubberised marine grade paint in a choice of colours.

Lined and insulated

8mm cream or white melamine lining with 100mm rockwool insulation.

Slip resistant vinyl flooring

Fitted with heavy duty 2mm vinyl flooring, which is stain and slip resistant.

Electrical installation

CE compliant electrics including plug sockets, strip lights and wall heater installed as standard.

Strength and Security

The strength and security inherent in a shipping container makes it ideal for the structure of a portable office. The ModiBox retains all the benefits of the standard portable office, in terms of strength, portability and security but at a heavily discounted price.

The product also allows flexibility in design, in terms of the positioning of anti-vandal doors and windows, choice of exterior colours and interior finishes, giving you the opportunity to create your own bespoke container office within a low price bracket. The unit is delivered to you on a plug in and go basis.

If you're in a hurry we always hold in stock standard sizes from the ModiBox range with standard lay-outs, ready for quick dispatch. Depending on the size you require we begin the conversion with a used 20ft shipping container, or a used 40ft shipping container. For other sized offices we cut these down to the size required, with our smallest office manufactured from a 10ft container. If preferred we can also make the ModiBox from new 20ft and new 40ft shipping containers. We also offer the new build portable office, manufactured from scratch in our fabrication department.

Add a Canteen Package

Everyones favourite time of day at work is lunchtime! Our optional canteen package, which includes a work-top counter, double sink unit and water heater, fitted with inlet and waste pipes, is perfect as a kitchenette.

Canteen packages from shipping containers

Request a Quick Quote!

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

Get your quote today!

The Perfect Base for Conversions

The ModiBox range also provides a fantastic building block for further modifications and can be converted in many imaginative and useful ways:

Skylights in shipping container optional extra

Extra Wide Portable Site Offices

We understand that one of the main reasons people can't use a regular shipping container office conversion is due to the uniform width of containers (8ft), which can often be too narrow for an office space. Containers Direct have two solutions to this potential problem:

Using our in-house fabricators, we can build containers from scratch to a variety of widths, most commonly to 10ft wide. Although more expensive, these containers are made using 1.6mm corrugated panels as standard, and are completely customisable to suit your needs. We once built the shell of a new build 35ft x 10ft office conversion for our client at Parkstone Bay Marina, complete with ply lining and insulation, who then completed the office interior on site.

Another way of extending the width of your portable site office container is to join two or more of them together. Our bespoke method of joining containers allows for two or more containers to be joined side by side to provide a greater width for your portable office conversion. This option is great as it allows for much larger spaces to be created, whilst still being portable. The largest joining project completed so far was created by joining four 20ft containers side by side to create a school changing rooms, fitted with toilets, showers and two separate changing rooms!

On a Tight Budget?

Take a look at our flat pack container offices if you are working to a tight budget, or don't have the space or access to deliver a shipping container. These offices are fully man portable, easy to assemble on site and are modular, so you can join them up together to make whatever size office space you require. Our portable steel booth offers a smaller space for use as a controlled site entry point.

For larger self assembly offices see our CXO range, which includes new CXO Plus Line. These provide excellent options for larger areas of modular office space with a range of options for external panels and interior fittings.

View Our Flat Pack Options

Looking for more details on the ModiBox®?

We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you on all things to do with our portable office range however, if you have any other questions, please call our Sales Team or request a Quick Quote!

What are the advantages of a portable office?

Mobility and Flexibility: A portable office can be set up almost anywhere, allowing for easy relocation depending on your business needs. Whether you need to move to different job sites or locations, a portable office can follow you.

Cost-Effective: Compared to leasing or constructing a traditional office, portable offices are usually much more affordable. They are also often low maintenance compared to traditional office buildings, as they tend to have durable materials and a simplified structure.

Quick Setup: Unlike traditional office buildings, portable offices can be delivered and set up in a matter of days, saving time and allowing your business to operate quickly. Customisable: These offices can be designed and modified to fit your specific needs, from simple units to larger, more complex spaces with all the features of a regular office.

Sustainable: Portable container offices are created by upcycling shipping containers making them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option than traditional office buildings.

How can a portable office be moved?

Moving a portable container office is relatively straightforward, thanks to its design and construction. The process is designed to be as efficient as possible; these are some of the key elements to consider:

Transport: Portable offices are usually moved using a flatbed lorry with hiab. The office is either lifted onto the truck using a hiab crane or forklift.

Setting Up at the New Location: Once the portable office arrives at the new location, the vehicle will be positioned to place the office in its intended spot. The hiab crane will lower the office to the ground – ideally on level, solid pads supporting the 4 corners and with supports placed under the bottom rail wherever a door or window has been positioned. We recommend checking all windows and doors operate properly before the driver leaves as minor adjustments to level the container are best performed whilst the hiab operator is still on site.

Reconnecting Utilities: If utilities need to be reconnected (such as power, water, or internet), this would typically happen after the office is placed in its final position.

Final Inspection: Before the office is considered fully ready for use again, a final inspection should be done to ensure everything is in working order and that it's safe for employees to use.

Where would a portable office be used?

The flexibility of portable offices make them ideal for any situation where a temporary or mobile workspace is needed. They can be set up quickly and relocated as required, making them a valuable solution for both short-term and long-term needs.

A portable office can be used in a wide range of locations and industries. Some common places where portable offices are typically used:

Construction Sites
Portable offices are frequently used on construction sites to provide a space for project managers, contractors, and other staff to work, hold meetings, and store equipment. They can serve as on-site temporary offices, break rooms, or storage areas.
Events and Festivals
For outdoor events, festivals, and large gatherings, portable container offices are used as command centres, ticketing booths, or temporary administration spaces. They can also be used as security offices, or act as medical stations or restrooms.
Temporary Office Space
For businesses undergoing renovation or requiring additional space for a limited time, portable offices provide a convenient solution. They can serve as a temporary hub for staff and operations while the main office is being upgraded or expanded.
Educational Facilities Schools or universities may use portable offices for temporary classrooms, administrative offices, or staff rooms during renovations, expansions, or as a solution for accommodating growing student populations.
Pop-up Retail or Service Locations
Businesses that need temporary retail space, such as food trucks, pop-up shops, or service stations, may use portable offices as a base of operations or a service point.

Other Budget Boxes

View All Conversions

The ModiBox is just one of our standardised, low cost container conversions. We also offer a range of standardised packages, available from 10ft in length, for pop-up catering units, schools, gyms and workshops.

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.

Read All Testimonials Here

"This is our 2nd container ordered from you guys. Cory has always been very helpul, quick at getting us the information we need and getting the order over the line and delivered."Scitek Consultants Ltd
15th August 2025
order - a New 'Once-Used' 20ft Container

"Cory (Sales) was very helpful, friendly and prompt with responses to my questions about the container. Steve (Delivery driver) contacted us on the delivery day with an estimated arrival time and was equally friendly and helpful during the delivery. Excellent service throughout."Sue
14th August 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

"Communication with Cory from the off was great! I was made aware at every stage of the process what was happening and when. We paid extra for a AM delivery which came on time and was a smooth and simple process. Thanks for all your help!"Kayleigh - Best Day Ever Venues
13th August 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container

"Communication was excellent from start to finish and the transport company that you used were brilliant. The two drivers who came were really helpful and very good at what they do."Stephen Tweddall
12th August 2025
order - a CarTainer 2016 (20ft x 16ft Double Container Garage)

"Cory was great. We ordered 2 containers within a week of each other and he managed to get the second loaded with the first delivery which means that these will be ready for use wen school returns. The delivery driver is lovely, very friendly and polite. I have recommended you to other services within our group should they need a container."Nicola Toole - Aurora Woodlands School
12th August 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

"Neil and the team are great we have over 10 flat pack containers on site now and will definitely get more. I always recommend to other schools. Steve the delivery driver has delivered to us many times always very friendly and polite, nothing is ever to much of a ask."Samuel Cody School
11th August 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

Committed to Quality

We are ISOQAR Approved; certified to the ISO standard relating to Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our Company's commitment to quality. We are also members of MakeUK who champion and celebrate British manufacturing and manufacturers, and member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association; an international organisation representing the interests of Container Self-Storage Operators, Traders and Innovators.

ISO Cert No. 13586-QNS-001
ISO 9001:2015

Member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association