Shipping Container Sales and Hire in Durham

Container Sales in Durham

Buying can suit ongoing storage, regular site use or a project where you expect to keep the container afterwards. Ownership can also give you more freedom to make alterations later, although any modification should be considered alongside the intended use of the unit.

Common sizes include 10ft containers, 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers. The best size is not simply the largest unit that will hold your goods. You also need enough space for delivery, door operation and practical access once the container is in position.

Containers are constructed from Corten steel and are available in different conditions. A one-trip container has normally completed a single loaded journey from its manufacturer and generally shows less wear than an older used unit. Used containers can have dents, repairs, surface corrosion and handling marks from previous service.

Wind and watertight describes a container intended to keep wind and rain from entering under normal storage conditions. Cargo-worthy is a different condition description associated with cargo transport. Age, repairs, inspection status and certification can vary between individual containers, so choose according to the intended use rather than relying on the grade name alone.

Container Hire in Durham

Hire can work well for building work, seasonal storage, events, renovations and other requirements with an expected end date. When the hire finishes, the container can be collected rather than becoming something you need to store, relocate or sell.

Think about the likely duration before choosing between hire and purchase. A temporary requirement may favour hire, while buying can make more sense if the container is likely to remain useful after the original project has finished.

Any proposed alterations to a hired container should be discussed before work is carried out. Cutting openings, fitting permanent equipment or making other modifications may be restricted. Responsibility for damage and the condition expected when the container is collected should also be understood from the hire terms.

Keep future collection access in mind when choosing the original position. Fencing, building work, parked machinery or stored materials can make collection difficult even where delivery access was straightforward at the start.

Specialist Containers for Different Loads

A standard dry container suits many general storage requirements, but some goods need a different design. Refrigerated, open top and flat rack containers serve more specific purposes and should be selected according to the load and handling method.

Refrigerated containers, commonly called reefers, are intended for temperature-controlled applications. Open top containers allow loading from above where cargo cannot conveniently pass through standard end doors. Flat racks are designed for loads that may be oversized or unsuitable for a fully enclosed container.

Where a standard dry container does not suit the job, options include 20ft refrigerated containers, 20ft open top containers and 20ft flat rack hire. The container type should be chosen around the goods and how they need to be loaded, stored or transported.

Check Container Dimensions Before Ordering

The nominal length is only part of the space calculation. Allow for the full external dimensions, cargo-door opening and practical access around the unit. Delivery may require substantially more working room than the final container footprint.

A standard 20ft container is approximately 20ft long, 8ft wide and 8ft 6in high. If space is restricted, check the full 20ft standard container dimensions before preparing the site.

For larger storage requirements, review the 40ft standard container dimensions. A 40ft unit provides greater capacity but also needs a longer clear position and suitable access for the delivery vehicle.

Container Delivery and HIAB Placement in Durham

A HIAB is a lorry-mounted crane used to lift a shipping container from the delivery vehicle and place it on site. Successful placement depends on vehicle access, working space, ground conditions and crane reach. A position that is large enough for the container itself is not necessarily suitable for the delivery operation.

Before arranging delivery, check the complete access route and tell the supplier about:

• Gate and entrance width
• Road and access-track width
• Tight bends and available turning space
• Grass, soft ground and significant slopes
• Walls, fences and buildings close to the proposed position
• Overhead cables, branches and other obstructions
• Distance between the delivery vehicle and final position
• Required cargo-door orientation

Grass and soft ground need particular attention because the delivery vehicle and its stabilisers require suitable support as well as the container itself. Crane reach should also be discussed where the container needs to be placed away from the side of the vehicle or beyond an obstruction.

Preparing the Ground and Storage Area

A container should have firm, reasonably level support. If the supporting points settle unevenly, the frame can twist and the cargo doors may become difficult to open and close. Our guide to container foundations covers the main siting considerations.

Drainage matters as well. Water collecting around or beneath the unit can contribute to poor ground conditions and make future access more difficult. Decide which way the cargo doors need to face before delivery, as changing the orientation later may require another lift.

A wind and watertight container is intended to keep external weather out, but condensation can still form inside. Moist air can condense against colder steel surfaces as temperatures change. Ventilation can help in some storage situations, while moisture-sensitive goods may need further measures such as lining or insulation.

Planning Permission for Containers in Durham

Planning requirements can depend on the intended use, how long the container will remain, the status and location of the site, neighbouring property, listed status, conservation areas, associated works and whether the proposal involves a change of use.

A container being used temporarily does not automatically determine the planning position. Before committing to a longer-term placement or significant modification, check the circumstances of the site. Our page on shipping container planning permission in Durham provides further information. Where there is uncertainty, check current requirements with the relevant local council.

Using a Durham Container for Export

A container suitable for static storage should not automatically be assumed suitable for international shipping. Export use can involve CSC status, inspection requirements and acceptance by the shipping line. CSC refers to the International Convention for Safe Containers and the safety approval information associated with containers used in international transport.

International movements can also involve Verified Gross Mass, usually shortened to VGM, shipping documents, customs requirements, insurance and Incoterms 2020. Delays can result in storage, detention or demurrage charges depending on the transport arrangements.

Our guide to Shippers Own Containers covers relevant points where you are considering using your own unit for shipping. For a specific export movement, confirm requirements with the shipping line, freight forwarder, customs agent, insurer or other relevant adviser before purchasing or loading a container.