Used Shipping Containers

Why Choose Second Hand?

Good quality second hand shipping containers are financially and environmentally prudent.

The disposal of a large amount of steel is not eco friendly, and the savings you can make reusing one are substantial. As shipping containers are built to be durable, withstanding numerous journeys across seas, often stacked up to eight high, they have a useful lifespan of around twenty years, so buying second hand is still a worthwhile economic investment. Many used shipping containers will go on to be used as dry land storage containers, but there is a fast growing trend to us them as the building blocks for shipping container conversion projects. Second hand shipping containers make excellent storage units as they are portable, secure and watertight.

If you are planning to get years of use out of a storage container, it is important to check the container is structurally sound with no holes or large areas of rusting. Containers Direct have good quality second hand shipping containers for sale, and recondition them with a choice of four door types as standard, including flat panel doors which make opening and closing them a lot less hassle. Depending upon your requirements, secondhand shipping containers can either be purchased in their standard form, 20ft containers or 40ft containers long unmodified container, or bought as a modified unit, often cut down to more convenient sizes. Check out our range of second hand shipping containers from just 5ft long to 40ft long. Repainting second hand shipping containers dramatically improves the appearance of the container and extends its lifespan by giving an extra layer of protection. The good news is that we now give a FREE repaint to all used shipping containers under 20ft!

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An industry leading choice of optional extras

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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.

Second hand shipping containers for conversion

Second hand shipping containers are an ideal base for shipping container conversions. At Containers Direct our dedicated conversion service has worked on everything from chemical stores to offices and classrooms, and everything in between. For example popular pop up shops and cafes can be created with the addition of a serving hatch (we offer three designs), melamine lining inside and vinyl flooring. We can even fit worktops and cabinets. Pop up shops can be fitted with patio style doors to entice customers inside. For conversions requiring larger areas of space widthwise we can join shipping containers together. This type of conversion is especially popular with containers converted into garages. Explore some of our conversion work below.

Certified second hand ISO containers

CSC Plated for Shipping

Containers Direct also stock second hand shipping containers which have been passed as fit for shipping. You will find these containers described as ISO containers, or as having a CSC plate. Without one of these your container won't be accepted as cargo by shipping lines, so we recommend you check this carefully before purchase. The sales team at Containers Direct are able to assist you in making a suitable choice.

Flat pack containers for value

Want a new shipping container but not the price tag that comes with it? Flat pack containers offer excellent value for money, and you save on delivery costs. They are strong, secure and completely man portable in flat pack form. They come sizes of 3m, 3m and 4m, and can be joined together with a linking kit to create larger areas of storage space.

Once-Used Shipping Containers

We also offer once-used shipping containers, also referred to as new shipping containers where a superior external aesthetic is required or where you want to ensure many years of hassle free use. Shipping containers can last up to 20 years, so purchasing a new container can be desirable where you want to maximise the lifespan of the unit.

New Build Containers

Our New Build Containers are our solution when an 8ft width is too much or too little. We are one of the leading manufacturers of new build shipping containers which can be used as large offices, classrooms or garages. We can also build to your own measurements where you have a specific amount of space you need to fit a unit into.

Shipping container delivery

Containers Direct have a number of regional depots and hauliers across the UK, as we strive to give you the best delivery rates available. We have container depots with stock ready to be delivered all over the UK, including London, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Southampton, Felixstowe and Cardiff. Our contracted drivers are experts at all types of delivery, and are able to delivery to the even the most challenging of locations. Choose from shared deliveries, to save on costs, or a dedicated delivery if you have any special requirements. You are of course welcome to come and collect your container. For more details on delivery see our page Delivery of Your Shipping Container.

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

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