Merit Containers are a family-owned UK supplier of shipping containers. With decades of design, customer service and a strong in-house talented team, we are perfectly placed to work as partners to those looking for storage containers or a bespoke conversion with a supplier that will stay quality led & customer-focused. We have a range of containers for sale in all sizes to fit your needs, in both new and used models, whichever suits your budget.
Flat pack containers are ideal for a wide variety of storage uses.
They are strong, secure, and can be used in lots of different places, especially where access is restricted.
Flat pack containers are ideal for a wide variety of storage uses. They are strong, secure, and can be used in lots of different places, like schools and construction sites where access can sometimes be restricted. All flat pack units are delivered using our experienced drivers, once offloaded all components are small and lightweight and can be easily moved by hand to the assembly site. These units are easily assembled with 2-3 people and basic tools and are available in 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m & 6m lengths.
2 X 2M | 3 X 2M | 4 X 2M | 5 X 2M | 6 X 2M | |
WIDTH | 2100mm | 2100mm | 2100mm | 2100mm | 2100mm |
LENGTH | 2100mm | 3100mm | 4100mm | 5100mm | 6100mm |
HEIGHT | 2100mm | 2100mm | 2100mm | 2100mm | 2100mm |
2 X 2M | 3 X 2M | 4 X 2M | 5 X 2M | 6 X 2M | |
WIDTH | 1975mm | 1975mm | 1975mm | 1975mm | 1975mm |
LENGTH | 1975mm | 2975mm | 3975mm | 4975mm | 5975mm |
HEIGHT | 1935mm | 1935mm | 1935mm | 1935mm | 1935mm |
WEIGHT | 290kg | 350kg | 40kg | 600kg | 700kg |
Shipping containers are a great way to store your possessions away safely. They come in different sizes, the smallest being a 10ft, which is a perfect size if a 20ft will be too large for your use.
Shipping containers are a great way to store your possessions away safely. They come in different sizes, the smallest being a 10ft, which is a perfect size if a 20ft will be too large for your use. 10ft containers can usually store tools, bikes, and garden equipment. They are often handy for groundskeepers, tradesmen or for retail storage use, you’ll also tend to see them in use at building sites, schools, and colleges. These small containers can fit neatly into a typical parking space, and our crane equipped trucks can lift them off and put them into position.
LENGTH | WIDTH | HEIGHT | WEIGHT |
10ft (2991mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) |
1250kg |
LENGTH | 9ft 4ins (2841mm) |
WIDTH | 7ft 9ins (2352mm) |
STANDARD HEIGHT | 7ft 10ins (2393mm) |
FLOOR AREA | 72sq ft (6.69m2) |
STANDARD CUBIC CAPACITY | 560cu ft (18.89m2) |
WEIGHT | 1.5t (1.52t) |
20ft containers are the most popular size of shipping container in the UK. They are excellent shipping containers for storage use and where there is not enough space for a larger container.
20ft containers are the most popular size of shipping container in the UK. They are excellent shipping containers for storage use and where there is not enough space for a larger container. 20ft containers can usually be rented out as self-storage units, on building sites (tools and machinery), garden storage (replacement for a shed which is more secure), sports clubs and schools (equipment), allotments, farms and many more! We offer a huge range of 20ft containers for sale from out various network of depots, including standard new (one trip) & used containers, side opening units and tunnel containers (containers with double doors at either end).
LENGTH | WIDTH | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | |
20FT STANDARD | 20ft (6058mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) | 2185kg |
20FT HIGH CUBE | 20ft (6058mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 9ft 6ins (2896mm) | 2340kg |
20FT SIDE OPENING STANDARD | 20ft (6058mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) | 3180kg |
20FT SIDE OPENING HIGH CUBE | 20ft (6058mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 9ft 6ins (2896mm) | 3100kg |
20FT STANDARD TUNNEL | 20ft (6058mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) | 2300kg |
20FT TUNNEL HIGH CUBE | 20ft (6058mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 9ft 6ins (2896mm) | 2450kg |
LENGTH | 19ft 4.2ins (5898mm) |
WIDTH | 7ft 8ins (2352mm) |
SIDE OPENING WIDTH | 7ft 6ins (2287mm) |
STANDARD HEIGHT | 7ft 10ins (2393mm) |
HIGH CUBE HEIGHT | 9ft 5ins (2698mm) |
SIDE OPENING STANDARD HEIGHT | 7ft 6ins (2302mm) |
SIDE OPENING HIGH HEIGHT | 9ft 5ins (2698mm) |
FLOOR AREA | 150sq ft (13930mm2) |
STANDARD CUBIC CAPACITY | 1160cu ft (37850mm3) |
HIGH CUBE CAPACITY | 1310cu ft (37090mm3) |
Shipping containers come in different sizes. The biggest size is a 40ft offering the best value for money over other sizes, provided you have the space available for this size of unit.
Shipping containers come in different sizes. The biggest size is a 40ft offering the best value for money over other sizes, provided you have the space available for this size of unit. If your space is limited then a 20ft shipping container is a popular alternative. 40ft containers can usually be ideal for storage of large amounts of goods e.g., stock or machinery, especially for longer term storage. They are also the most popular choice for shipping container conversions e.g., houses, offices, and retail units. We offer a huge range of 40ft containers for sale from our various network of depots, including standard new (one trip) and used containers, high cube, and side opening containers.
LENGTH | WIDTH | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | |
40FT STANDARD | 40ft (12191mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) | 3620kg |
40FT HIGH CUBE | 40ft (12191mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 9ft 6ins (2896mm) | 3700kg |
40FT SIDE OPENING HIGH CUBE | 40ft (12191mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 9ft 6ins (2896mm) | 6580kg |
LENGTH | 39ft 5.7ins (12032mm) |
WIDTH | 7ft 8.6ins (2352mm) |
SIDE OPENING WIDTH | 7ft 6ins (2287mm) |
STANDARD HEIGHT | 7ft 10ins (2393mm) |
HIGH CUBE HEIGHT | 9ft 5ins (2698mm) |
SIDE OPENING HIGH HEIGHT | 9ft 5ins (2698mm) |
FLOOR AREA | 305sq ft (28330mm2) |
STANDARD CUBIC CAPACITY | 2360cu ft (66830mm3) |
HIGH CUBE CAPACITY | 2660cu ft (75320mm3) |
Each of our bespoke shipping container conversions are designed by our in-house talented team to ensure your vision is achieved to exact requirements.
A bespoke shipping container gives you more space for a smaller price, our conversion specialists can turn it into almost anything.
Whether that’s a container garden room, or a container gym. Get more space and get creative – both inside and out!
Although containers are subject to fluctuations in price due to factors that are often outside of our control, we always price fairly and competitively and offer added value and guidance that is hard find elsewhere. The cost of purchasing a container also depends on factors such as age, size, and your delivery location in relation to the nearest depot as this will directly affect transport costs.
Although 20ft and 40ft are common in the industry, we keep in stock a variety of different shipping container sizes as standard in both new & used. These containers range from 5ft to 39ft in length and include every size in between. These cut down containers are all still 8ft wide, and either 8ft6 or 9ft6 high, and are typically held in stock.
Modifications to containers can be very small and simple, such as adding a side window or a side access door, some more complex such as installing plumbing, electrics, insulation, or cladding. No matter what your requirements are, we’d love to help create your ideal container conversion. Our in-house team has years of experience in the container conversion business, so why not call our team to discuss your project.
Our nationwide depots are spread across the country, each one stocking a large and varied range of all our products meaning we can get your container to you quickly whenever you are in the mainland UK. We also don’t leave the delivery site until your unit has been correctly levelled and is structurally sound.
All our deliveries are supported by crane-fitted lorries. Our professionally heavy lifting personnel are able to offload at your site, up to 18ft from the side of the lorry. Throughout the installation process, we aim to cause minimal disruption, so you can get on with enjoying your unit as quickly as possible. We agree all our deliveries in advance, and we’ll work closely with you to arrange an appropriate date and time that works for everyone involved.
Shipping containers also known as a conex box are steel boxes that sit on the back of lorries, trains & ships and are used for importing and exporting goods. They are well designed and built to last a long time and offer an alternative use for short-term and long-term storage whilst being very secure.
The cost of buying depends on many factors such as their age & size, whether any accessories have been fitted or modifications made and the delivery charge. It is not possible to publish a price list as prices do tend to fluctuate due to factors that are often outside of our control.
Shipping containers can be stacked using a piece of equipment called twist locks. To stack, 1 twist lock will need to be installed in each corner cast and then the next container lowered on top and once in place, the twist lock is then securely locked.
A “new” or “single” trip container are mostly manufactured in China. They will have made one trip in order to arrive at our shores, and to keep costs down they will have been loaded with cargo for this purpose. Their cosmetic appearance will be far superior to that of a used container, but it is possible that there will be a small amount of evidence of handling from their one trip. A “used” container that come off shipping lines and are available to buy on the storage container market will typically be 10-15yrs old. That’s a lot of trips, and naturally the condition of the container will reflect this. Expect cosmetic damage ranging from dents, scuffs, scrapes, scratches to surface rusting and repair patches. The good news is that shipping containers are built to incredibly strong standards and rarely will the integral structure of a shipping container of this age be affected by its container appearance.
Delivery of shipping containers are 3-5 working days from confirmation of order subject to availability. Delivery of container conversions are 3-5 working days from completion of manufacture.
Shipping containers are categorised as temporary structures and so you do not normally need planning permission. However, if they are to be placed in a sensitive area or to be in location long-term then planning permission may be required. Planning authorities always say that it is best to enquire if permission is required.
When ordering a shipping container from Merit, we will ask if there are any delivery restrictions on site that may hinder the delivery of the container. For example, if there are any obstructions regarding access of the HIAB, and if there are any overhead cables. The location of the site for the container delivery cannot be over grass unless it is agreed prior. You can also send us some photos of the access that we can forward onto the haulier to check over.
Yes, you can arrange to collect your shipping container. When enquiring specify that you are able to collect, and we will arrange with the depot for you to collect the container.
Care must be taken with this. All surfaces where the container is to be sited must be flat hard standing. The loaded weight of a shipping container is designed to be supported on its 4 bottom corners which need to be level with each other to ensure the container remains square so the doors open & shut easily. The ground at each corner or the whole area must be solid concrete, concrete paving slabs, railway sleepers, a firm stone surface or similar.
Shipping containers are invariably made of steel – high quality Corten steel – and have a hardwood floor. However, there are variations, for example aluminium containers.
Shipping containers can be painted externally and internally, if you require a particular colour we can respray to the needed RAL code, ask our sales team for a quote to respray your container.
Shipping containers require relatively little maintenance. A new shipping container going straight into a secure storage use will require hardly any maintenance at all and this is why we recommend buying a new one. The steel work will barely deteriorate because the steel is of high quality and the paint work is excellent; you can realistically expect a 50 year life of a new container used for storage. The door hinges & locking bars may require oiling every couple of years but that only takes 10 minutes. Used containers require the same attention to the doors and also there may be small dents or corroded areas that may need repainting from time to time and possibly even a match welded on.
Yes, shipping containers are made for transporting goods across the oceans – often on decks of ships. They have heavy duty rubber door seals which keep out the elements. Used shipping containers sold into the storage and the re-used market can have damaged door seals or damage to the steel roof or sides but most companies selling used containers will ensure that they are inspected and repaired before they are delivered or released. There is a strong market for new and used shipping containers so expect to pay a fair market price for a good wind and watertight container.
Yes, we have a wealth of in-house experience in modifying containers for many uses including offices, offshore use, stores & many bespoke applications. We are at the ready to supply containers with basic modifications – such as unusual sizes, windows fitted, partitions, personnel doors etc. More unusual or bespoke modifications are carried out across our various container conversion depots throughout the UK.
We cannot put a definitive timescale on container conversions as all conversions are different. We can provide a timescale after our container conversion team have seen what the project entails. We will check stock availability and manufacturing time to provide you with a manufactured date for your project.
With container conversions, we manufacture to your specification. We can cut down containers to your required size and can also build bespoke container sizes.
With large projects, similar to smaller scale projects, we project manage every project to make sure we hit deadlines for manufacture.
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