Many contractors, retailers, and DIY builders in and across the UK need shipping containers. The reasons are simple:
- These containers provide heavy-duty, flexible, and cost-effective solutions for short term or long term storage
- Shipping containers can be easily set up or relocated
- Some people also use them as a temporary office space
These are just a few of the benefits; there are many more. Now the next question that arises is, how much does it cost to hire a shipping container in the UK? That is exactly what we’ll be looking into in this blog. Here, we will discuss about the various costs associated with hiring a shipping container, tips to save money and what makes hiring a more beneficial option for small businesses than buying one. So if you want to make a more informed decision, read the blog till the end!
Average Cost of Shipping Container Hire in the UK
There are several factors that affect the shipping container hire prices in the UK. We have mentioned approximate costs here:
- 10-foot container for hire – Costs around £15 to £30 per week
- 20-foot container for hire – Costs around £20 to £40 per week
- 30-foot container for hire – Costs around £35 to £70 per week
Factors That Affect Shipping Container Rental Cost
The cost of hiring a shipping container in the UK depends primarily on the following factors:
- Size of the container: In the UK, containers are available in different sizes, from 10-foot containers to 30-foot and even 40-foot containers. Bigger containers have a higher hiring cost than the smaller ones.
- Type of container: There are various types of shipping containers available for hire in the UK, such as dry storage containers, refrigerated shipping containers, open top containers and so on. The cost of hiring differs depending on the type of container you choose.
- Rental period: If you need to hire a 10-foot dry storage container for only a week or two, it’s going to cost you around £15 to £30 per week. However, if you need the same container for a longer period, the charges will increase.
- Delivery and pickup: The price of transporting a shipping container will affect the total cost. The delivery and pickup charges depend completely on the route of transportation and the distance.
- Location: Shipping container hire prices in the UK vary from location to location. For example, in certain urban places in East London, a 20 ft container’s rental cost is approximately £2.50 per day (approx. £17.50 per week). On the other hand, in a town like Ipswich, the hiring price will be approximately £250.00 or above per week.
- Condition of the container: Secondhand or pre-used containers are cheaper compared to new or “one-trip” containers.
- Any special features: Some shipping containers come equipped with various kinds of features like – refrigeration, CCTV cameras, personnel doors, roll-up doors, etc. So, naturally, containers with special features are more expensive to hire than a regular container.
4 Tips to Save on Your Rental Container Cost
There are a few ways of saving money on the rental cost of shipping containers. You can use these tips to reduce the amount you spend on renting shipping containers:
- Be specific about the size of the container you need. Do not go for a bigger container if a smaller container can do the job. This will prevent you from spending unnecessarily on a bigger container.
- Hire shipping containers for longer periods. This is because longer hire agreements can reduce weekly costs.
- Make sure that your location is fully accessible. Prepare the site properly because if the delivery personnel have to prepare your site before delivery, they will charge extra.
- Get multiple quotes to ensure that you’re getting a fair price and the right quotation for your shipping container.
Hiring a Shipping Container vs. Buying a Shipping Container: A Quick Look
| Renting a Shipping Container | Buying a Shipping Container |
|---|---|
| Best for short-term or temporary projects | Best for long-term or permanent use |
| The upfront cost is low | Higher upfront cost |
| Very minimal responsibility for maintenance | You will be fully responsible for the maintenance of your container |
Why Renting Is the Best Option for Small Businesses in the UK
Here’s what makes hiring a container for temporary use really beneficial:
- The shipping container rental cost is considerably lower than buying an office space.
- It can be used for multiple purposes. You can use it as a storage unit, an office, a temporary shopfront, and so on.
- You can customise the container to fit your needs. For example, you can add CCTV cameras, extra doors, and additional ventilation, etc.
- You can rent a container for as long as or as short as you need. You can even select certain terms of the rental agreement.
4 Basic Things to Check Before Hiring a Shipping Container in the UK
Before you make a final decision, check a few things, such as:
- The condition of the original container unit
- The terms of the basic maintenance during the hire period
- All available delivery and collection options
- Flexibility of the terms of hiring
Get Your Exact Shipping Container Hire Cost with a Free Quote Today
Prices you find online only go so far. The quickest way to find your shipping container hire cost is to tell us what you need and get a quote for your requirements. At London Shipping Containers, every shipping container hire quote covers delivery, installation and return, and we fit a lock box at no extra charge. Hire runs for a minimum of one month.
Send us the size you want, where it’s going and how long you’ll need it, and we’ll come back with a clear shipping container rental cost. We deliver across London and the UK.
Conclusion
The prices on Google rarely tell you what you’ll end up paying. Size, container type, hire length, delivery distance and extras such as a personnel door or CCTV all change the total. Before you ask for quotes, decide what you need to store, how long you need it, and whether the delivery van can reach your site. With those answers, you can compare quotes on the same terms and choose the right one for you.
FAQs
- How much does a shipping container hire cost in the UK?
A: It depends on the size, type and condition of the container, how long you hire it, where it’s going and any extras you add. A short quote request is the quickest way to get a figure for your own requirements.
- What affects the shipping container rental cost?
A: Size is the biggest factor, followed by container type, because a standard dry container costs less to hire than a specialised container. Hire length, delivery and collection distance, location and extra features also affect the price.
- Is delivery included in the hire price?
A: Our quote includes delivery, installation and return. Transport is charged both ways and paid in advance, so you’ll see the full amount before you agree to anything.
- What is the minimum hire period?
A: One month. If you already know you’ll need the container for longer, ask about longer terms, it can bring the cost down.
- Is it cheaper to hire or buy a shipping container?
A: Hiring costs less up front and suits short or temporary requirements. Buying usually works out cheaper if you need the container for more than six to twelve months. Our guide to shipping container hire vs buying goes through both options.