New shipping containers are manufactured in China and come over to the UK with one clean cargo inside, which is why they are known as ‘one trip’ or ‘single use’. The cargo is emptied at its destination in the UK, and then the container is returned to one of our depots, before it’s inspected and made available for resale. 

Our new ‘one trip’ shipping containers are built to a very high standard. They are constructed with cor-ten steel which is designed to stand up to the harsh rigours of sea conditions. 

They will typically have minimum 12 x vents to increase airflow, have a factory fitted lock box fitted on the cargo doors (to house a padlock for security), have a choice of 3 locking bars (easy openers) or 4 locking bars, and fitted with a 28mm PU coated marine hardwood flooring (easy washable). 

New units typically come in a choice of RAL6007 green, RAL5013 blue, RAL5010 blue externally (other colours maybe available upon request).

Used shipping containers will have been used for international shipping over their lifespan.  They are typically ‘retired’ after 10 – 15 years in the fleet and then replaced. 

Although used shipping containers will show signs of wear and tear, which may include the odd ‘patch repair’, dents and surface rust, they are rigorously inspected through our depots before sale and are released structurally sound, and in fully watertight condition.  They offer a good durable low-cost option over a new ‘one trip’ shipping container. 

Used shipping containers will typically come with 2 – 4 air vents, 28mm marine hardwood flooring. A lock box can be fitted on the cargo doors for an additional charge. 

Used shipping containers will come in shipping line livery, and colours cannot usually be guaranteed as they are released on a ‘next from stack’ basis. However, we can paint used containers for an additional charge.