So, you’re thinking of buying a shipping container – but where do you even begin?
It seems simple, right? Click, pay, delivered. But just like buying a car off eBay, if you don’t know what you’re looking at, you might end up with a leaky rust-bucket held together by sea salt and nostalgia.
In this no-nonsense guide, we’re dishing out the ultimate buyer’s checklist for shipping containers – the kind Containerlift sells and rents to smart people like you. Whether you’re after short-term storage, long-term site use, or fancy turning one into a garden bar, we’ll arm you with the questions you should be asking and the red flags you definitely shouldn’t ignore.
The world of shipping containers is deceptively complex. One minute you’re scrolling through what looks like rows of metal boxes – the next, you’re hit with terms like CSC plates, WWT, GRP roofing, and ventilation louvres. All while being quoted wildly different prices.
But here’s the secret: containers aren’t all created equal. Some are fresh from a single trip across the sea, others have seen more action than a pirate ship in the 1800s. And if you’re not careful, you’ll pay new prices for a very old box.
This guide strips out the sales waffle and gives you a step-by-step checklist that anyone – whether you’re buying one or one hundred – can follow. We’ll cover everything from:
- Choosing the right size and type
- Knowing what condition grades really mean
- What you should look for in photos (and what they never show)
- Asking about delivery (because “kerbside” doesn’t mean “in your garden”)
- Legal stuff like planning permission and site access
Whether you’re a homeowner, site manager, construction company, or setting up a container café in Shoreditch, this article is your buyer’s bible.
Now grab a cuppa. Here comes the checklist…
1. Size Matters (More Than You Think)
The classics:
- 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft
Key dimensions: - 20ft: L 6.06m x W 2.44m x H 2.59m
- High Cube adds an extra foot in height
Top tip: Always check internal dimensions and door clearance.
2. What Will You Use It For?
Use determines spec:
- Storage: basic WWT may suffice
- Office/shop conversion: consider insulation, lining, electrics
- Reefer/temperature-sensitive goods: look for refrigerated or insulated containers
3. Understand Condition Grades
- New (One Trip): Near-pristine, slightly pricier
- Cargo Worthy (CW): Structurally sound, meets ISO standards
- Wind & Watertight (WWT): Keeps out rain, but may have cosmetic wear
- As Is: Cheap – and for a reason
🚩 Red flag: if a used container has “surface rust” listed but no pictures – ask for more.
4. Doors, Floors and Frames
- Doors should swing freely and seals should be intact
- Flooring (usually marine ply) shouldn’t be warped or delaminating
- Check corner posts and frame for corrosion
💡 Pro tip: Ask about “fork pockets” if you’ll be moving it with a forklift.
5. Ventilation
Essential to avoid mould and condensation buildup – especially for long-term storage. Ask if vents are present and functional.
6. CSC Plate & Certification
You only need CSC plates if you’re exporting or stacking. For storage use, not essential. But always ask for clear documentation.
7. Delivery Considerations
- Can a lorry get in? Think: weight, turning circle, overhead wires
- Will you need a hiab crane or sidelifter?
- Is the ground prepared – level, hardstanding?
Containerlift uses hiab lorries – make sure you’ve discussed your access!
8. Planning Permission?
Generally, containers are classed as temporary structures, but local councils can vary – especially if used for business or visible in residential areas.
📞 Always check with your local planning office.
9. The Seller’s Reputation
Buy from a company that:
- Offers clear photos
- Has transparent pricing
- Can explain grades and terms in plain English
- Will deliver AND offload – call us today
🔹 10. Price Watch: What’s the Going Rate?
As of mid-2025, here’s a rough guide:
- 20ft New (One Trip): £2,300–£2,800
- 20ft Used (WWT): £1,300–£1,800
- Delivery: £150–£600 depending on location and offload
“I Nearly Bought a Rusty Nightmare – Until Containerlift Stepped In”
When Emily, a smallholder in Kent, went looking for a container to store tools and feed, she found one on a classified site for “just £1,000.” It looked fine… in the tiny photo. But once delivered, the roof was dented, floor rotten, and it leaked like a colander.
Enter Containerlift. She called up, explained the mess, and they advised her on what to check, sent detailed photos and a quote for a refurbished 20ft with hardwood floor, working vents and full delivery with crane offload.
A week later, the new unit arrived. Her comment?
“It was like going from a skip to a showroom. I didn’t just get a better container – I got peace of mind.”
“A good shipping container should protect your goods, not give you a crash course in marine archaeology.”
Looking to buy or hire a container without the headaches?
✅ Transparent pricing
✅ Clear photos
✅ Friendly, expert advice
👉 Get a Quick Quote Now
