Shipping Containers in Bristol
Practical Solutions for Sale, Hire, Storage, and Export
Shipping Containers of Bristol helps you choose the perfect unit for your specific needs.
Whether you need secure business storage, temporary site use, custom modifications, or export preparation, we guide you through the process to ensure the right fit for your site and budget.
Why choose us?
- Flexible Options: Choose between long-term purchases or short-term temporary hire.
- Versatile Sizes: Stocking standard 20ft and 40ft containers, plus specialist units like open-top, flat rack, and high cube.
- Expert Delivery: Comprehensive HIAB placement planning to ensure safe, hassle-free delivery to your site.
- Quality Assured: Select from new (one-trip), used, wind and watertight, or cargo-worthy condition grades.
Shipping Containers Sales
Buying a shipping container is ideal for long-term storage, regular site use, or business needs. Ownership offers control but comes with responsibilities like maintenance, security, and insurance.
Used containers work well when appearance isn’t a priority, while one-trip containers are better for a cleaner look. Always check the condition, including door operation, seals, floors, and repairs.
Most buyers opt for 20ft or 40ft standard containers for common storage needs.
Storage Container Hire
Hiring containers is ideal for construction projects, refurbishments, seasonal stock, events, and short-term storage when ownership isn’t needed. It’s also suitable for those who require the unit to be collected after a specific period.
When considering options, weigh the benefits of hiring versus purchasing based on duration of use, access, modification plans, and long-term ownership needs.
Export and shipper-owned containers
If you plan to ship goods in a container, raise export use before buying. A container that is suitable for domestic storage may not be accepted by a carrier, port, terminal, or shipping line.
Export use involves CSC status, cargo-worthy condition, Verified Gross Mass, packing responsibilities, customs documents, Incoterms 2020, insurance, tax, liability and destination rules.
Mistakes can lead to carrier rejection, customs delay, missed sailings, storage charges, detention and demurrage.
For container-specific export considerations, review the Shippers Own Containers guide.
Condition grades and suitability
Container condition grades assist with comparisons but aren’t guarantees for every application. Inquire about the meaning of the condition grade, what has been inspected, and whether the unit is suitable for storage, modification, transport, or export.
New Build (One Way)
These are usually newer units that have completed a single cargo journey before being sold or hired. They offer the best cosmetic appearance but may still show minor handling marks.
Cargo-worthy (CSC)
These containers are structurally sound and carry a Container Safety Convention (CSC) plate, meaning they may be suitable for cargo movement.
Storage only
(Wind and Watertight)
These used containers are very practical for on-site use, but they are not certified for export. They may show visible signs of wear, such as dents, surface rust, and patches.
Container Delivery and HIAB placement
A HIAB is a lorry-mounted crane designed to lift and place containers. Before delivery, it is essential to ensure safe road access, adequate setup space, suitable crane reach, and firm ground.
Check for potential obstacles such as narrow gates, parked vehicles, tight corners, steep slopes, low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables, weak paving, drains, and soft ground.
The drop area should be level, firm, and clear of any obstructions. The container must sit flat to prevent the frame from twisting and to ensure the doors operate correctly.
Providing adequate support under the corner castings can help lift the unit above standing water and improve airflow under the floor.
Use the container delivery guide for checking access, crane reach, and preparation for placement.