Shipping containers for sale UK are available in an amazing range of sizes and types to match your specific needs. Malcolm McClean created these adaptable storage units back in 1956. His idea changed global shipping forever by making transportation much cheaper. Our stock typically includes more than 200 containers in different sizes that we can ship right away anywhere in the UK.
Buyers looking for shipping containers in the UK can choose from small 8ft units all the way up to large 40ft and 45ft containers. Storage depots are located throughout the country. You’ll find them in London, Southampton, the Midlands, North England, and Scotland. Used shipping containers give you great value while offering the same strength and security as new ones. shipping containers for sale uk
This piece covers everything you should know about shipping container sales in the UK. You’ll learn about the available types, how to pick the right container, and current prices for 2025. Most customers prefer our 20ft shipping containers, though 40ft versions give you the most space for your money.
Image Source: Universal Containers
The UK market has an impressive range of shipping containers that suit businesses and personal needs of all sizes. You’ll find both new and used options when looking at container conditions. New shipping containers come straight from their production site (typically China) and show minimal wear with a uniform paint finish. Used shipping containers typically last 10-15 years and show some cosmetic damage like dents, scuffs, and surface rust. They remain structurally sound and watertight despite their age.
Standard dry containers dominate the market and come in 20ft and 40ft lengths. These versatile units store everything from household items to retail inventory. High Cube containers give you an extra foot of vertical space (9’6″ vs 8’6″) when you need more height. This adds about 10% more volume while keeping the same footprint.
Refrigerated containers (reefers) keep temperatures between +25°C to -25°C. These specialized units need a three-phase power connection. They work great for storing food, pharmaceuticals, and other perishables.
The market has several specialized options too. Flat Rack containers work perfectly for oversized cargo like machinery or vehicles because they don’t have side walls or a roof. Open Top containers make crane loading easy with their removable tarpaulin roof. You’ll also find Tunnel containers with doors at both ends, Open Side containers with full-length side access, and Half Height containers that handle heavy cargo well.
Ftshippingcontainers.com sells all these container types with free UK shipping. Understanding these different types helps you pick the perfect container that matches your needs, whether you want a pristine new unit for customer-facing applications or a budget-friendly used container for storage.
The right shipping container depends on more than just size. A smart choice will give you exactly what you need without spending extra money.
Your container’s purpose should come first. Shipping goods overseas requires a valid CSC plate to meet safety standards. Storage needs might be met with a used wind and watertight (WWT) container that’s 10-15 years old.
The condition of your container substantially affects its price and usefulness. New (one-trip) containers cost £2,200-£2,700 for 10ft, £2,400-£3,000 for 20ft, and £3,500-£4,200 for 40ft sizes. Used containers are much cheaper at £1,400-£1,700, £1,200-£1,800, and £2,000-£2,600 respectively. Both types stay wind and watertight. New containers last over 25 years while used ones have 10-15 years of life left.
Here’s what matters most when choosing:
Special needs might call for different variants. High cube containers are a foot taller (9’6″ vs 8’6″) and give you 10% more space without taking up extra ground. Tunnel containers have doors at both ends so you won’t need to dig through everything to find items at the back.
ftshippingcontainers.com sells all container types with free UK delivery, making these economical solutions even better value.
UK shipping container prices in 2025 show interesting market patterns that buyers should understand before making a purchase. Budget-conscious buyers can find used 20ft containers between £1,500-£3,000, while new ones cost £2,500-£5,000. The larger 40ft standard containers sell from £2,000-£4,500 used and £3,500-£6,500 new. High cube variants command slightly higher prices at £2,500-£5,000 used and £4,000-£7,000 new.
Several key factors affect these prices:
A 20ft container shipment from the UK to the USA costs approximately £4,660-£5,750, while Australian routes range from £7,770-£15,695. These rates cover sea freight but don’t include additional handling fees.
Major UK ports have introduced new fees for imported containers since January 1, 2025. The fee structure includes UK port storage (£1.85-£2.88), port security/ISPS (£10.30-£63.51), and port infrastructure charges (£17.55-£24.69). Ports like Southampton and London Gateway now charge energy adjustment fees between £4.10-£19.75, which affects the total cost.
Container size and depot distance determine delivery expenses. The good news is that ftshippingcontainers.com provides free UK-wide shipping, which saves customers money compared to other suppliers who charge based on delivery distance.
The shipping container market keeps evolving with global trade patterns in 2025. Industry experts predict softer freight rates and slower volume growth as congestion eases. UK container buyers might benefit from more competitive pricing because of these changes.
FTshippingcontainers.com gives UK buyers a great experience with several key benefits. They deliver containers free worldwide, which saves money for buyers all over the United Kingdom.
The delivery system is quick and simple. A tilt bed truck brings your container, and the driver places it by tilting the bed until the container touches the ground. The truck then drives away smoothly – no extra equipment needed.
Their customers love the service. One happy client said, “Great communication and effort. We will stay in contact to do business in the future! Highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a shipping container”. Another customer praised them: “They were flexible, good communicators, and friendly”.
The company’s warranty coverage protects your investment. Cargo-worthy containers come with a 6-month warranty, while refurbished ones get a full year of coverage.
Your container arrives within 3-5 business days, weather permitting. You’ll need to pay before delivery, and custom orders require 50% upfront with the rest due before shipping. They take wire and bank transfers.
The containers feature lockable door handles for security. They’re portable, weatherproof, and perfect for storage projects of any size. Buying makes more sense financially than renting for long-term storage or shipping needs.
The company can’t show photos of specific units because of how they’re stacked at the depot. However, every container meets their strict quality standards.
Here are the essential insights for anyone considering purchasing shipping containers in the UK in 2025:
• New containers cost £2,400-£3,000 for 20ft units, while used options range £1,200-£1,800 – offering substantial savings without compromising structural integrity.
• 20ft containers remain the most popular choice, while 40ft units provide the best value per square foot for larger storage requirements.
Whether you need basic storage or specialized applications like refrigerated units, understanding these pricing structures and delivery options ensures you make an informed purchase decision that matches your specific requirements and budget.
Q1. What are the current prices for shipping containers in the UK? In 2025, prices for 20ft used containers typically range from £1,200 to £1,800, while new ones cost between £2,400 and £3,000. For 40ft containers, used options are priced from £2,000 to £4,500, and new ones from £3,500 to £6,500. High cube variants are slightly more expensive. shipping containers for sale uk
Q2. How long do shipping containers typically last? Used shipping containers generally have a remaining lifespan of 10-15 years, while new containers can last over 25 years. Both options remain wind and watertight, providing reliable storage solutions for extended periods.
Q3. What are the advantages of buying from ftshippingcontainers.com? Ftshippingcontainers.com offers free shipping across the UK, a 6-month warranty on cargo-worthy containers, and a 1-year warranty on refurbished containers. They also provide efficient delivery within 3-5 business days and have received positive customer feedback for their communication and service.
Q4. What factors should I consider when choosing a shipping container? Key factors include the container’s purpose, size requirements, site access, structural integrity, and any customization needs. Also consider whether you need a new or used container, and if specialized types like refrigerated or high cube containers are necessary for your specific requirements.
Q5. Are shipping container prices expected to change in the near future? Industry forecasts suggest softer freight rates and slower volume growth as congestion eases, potentially leading to more competitive pricing for UK container buyers. However, prices can fluctuate based on factors such as material quality, location, availability, and global shipping dynamics.