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

Metal Shipping Containers

Most products at Containers Direct are based upon the wonderfully versatile metal containers for storage.

They are either suitable for shipping or storage, but often will be used for both in their lifetime. Divided into two categories, pre-assembled and self assembly, all are made from corrugated weathering steel which ensures they are watertight and be damaged by rusty. This page will take you through the basics of the sometimes confusing ins and outs of the metal container for sale.

The Shipping Container

Shipping containers are manufactured for the purpose of shipping, therefore conforming to rigid standardisation to pass certification for sea transportation, as they have to be loaded on board as a stack. Made from tough corten steel, you can buy either 20ft shipping containers or 40ft shipping containers, with a standard width of 8ft. Containers built to fit shipping criteria are called ISO shipping containers, and cannot travel without a CSC plate. However, many shipping containers will only make a few journeys before going on to be used for dry land storage.

The Storage Container

The majority of storage containers are shipping containers no longer used for shipping. They may be sold in their original form, or be modified as they no longer have to be certified for shipping. Without the restrictions of shipping standards, we have a basic metal container that can be cut to any size and altered for the convenience of static land storage. Often the doors will be remade or even moved, and the interior can be fitted out to aid well organised storage! These types of metal container for sale are all pre-assembled structures.

Other types of metal container for sale

Some storage containers will be manufactured purely for the purpose of storage, so there is no need for them to be quite so robust. This type of metal container is made from galvanised steel, so it will still be watertight and secure. Storage containers manufactured from new are largely self assembly, or flat pack products. Not as expensive as the pre-assembled metal container, they have the added advantage of being able to reach places inaccessible to other containers, and the versatility to be moved between sites with ease.

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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
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"Good communication about the delivery of the containers. Both the chaps who delivered them did it so effortlessly, like it was no bother at all! Amazing, will use containers directly again, who gave the best quotes too!" The Techie Whisperer Limited
14th September 2026
order - a Used 10ft Modibox Office and a Used 20ft Container
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"All aspects of the process, including communication and service across all the departments, were excellent. In particular, though, the delivery driver stood out. We deal with a lot of delivery companies on site, and by comparison, the service provided by the driver was excellent - super helpful during delivery and great communication." University of Edinburgh
10th September 2026
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container
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"Excellent service. Very happy, thank you." Surrey County Council
3rd September 2026
order - a 'Once-Used' 20ft Container
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"The delivery driver was very helpful and did a great job." Groove Armada Ltd
11th August 2026
order - a Used 15ft Container
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"Superb, friendly delivery team, very helpful with unloading and took great care with product. Very pleased with the total buying and delivery process." Bob Hart - QSS
10th August 2026
order - two Insulated Flat Pack Stores
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"Fantastic service and excellent product." Lostock Hall Juniors Football Club
5th August 2026
order - a 'Once-Used' 10ft Container
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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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