Container Hire London

Why Choose Shipping Containers of London?

At Shipping Containers of London, we have established ourselves as the capital's leading provider of container solutions. Our reputation is built on a foundation of reliability, expert advice, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. We understand that our clients aren't just hiring a steel box; they are seeking a dependable solution to a logistical problem.

Our Core Commitments:

• Unrivalled Expertise: With years of dedicated experience in the container industry, our team possesses the in-depth knowledge required to provide impartial, expert advice. We take the time to understand your specific needs to recommend the perfect container for the job.
• Flexible Rental Terms: We recognise that every project is different. That's why we offer highly flexible rental agreements, with minimum hire periods of just 12 weeks, ensuring you don't face long-term commitments that don't suit your needs.
• Nationwide Coverage, London Focus: While we operate with depots across the UK, our focus is on providing exceptional service to Greater London and the Home Counties. Whether you need container hire in Watford or Dartford, we have you covered.
• Quality and Security Guaranteed: Every container in our hire fleet is guaranteed to be wind and watertight, structurally sound, and secure. Constructed from corten steel, they are built to withstand the harshest elements, ensuring your goods remain safe and protected.
• Transparent, Competitive Pricing: We believe in clear, upfront pricing without hidden fees. Our hire rates are highly competitive, offering a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional self-storage, with the added benefit of having your container conveniently located on your site.

The Versatility of Container Hire

The applications for hired shipping containers are incredibly diverse, catering to a vast array of industries and private needs across London. Their inherent portability, security, and durability make them an invaluable asset for numerous scenarios.

• Construction Sites: A common sight on construction sites from Barnet to Bromley, hired containers provide secure, on-site storage for valuable tools, materials, and machinery.
• Retail and Hospitality: Businesses can use hired containers for seasonal stock overflow, event catering storage, or even as pop-up shops and bars.
• Homeowners: During renovations or a move, a storage container hired and placed on your property offers far more convenience than off-site self-storage.
• Schools and Institutions: Schools and clubs often hire containers for storing sports equipment, groundskeeping tools, or archiving documents.
• Industrial and Manufacturing: Factories in areas like Dagenham can use hired units for extra raw material storage, freeing up internal floor space.

Moreover, for sites where space is at a premium, Shipping Containers of London can double stack containers, instantly doubling your storage capacity without increasing the footprint. This requires the use of twistlocks for safety, which we can readily provide.

Navigating Your Container Hire Options

Shipping Containers of London offers a comprehensive range of containers for hire, ensuring we have the right size and type for any requirement. Understanding the options is key to making an informed decision.

Standard Container Sizes

Our fleet includes the most common ISO container sizes:

• 20ft Containers: The most popular choice for hire, the 20ft container, offers a perfect balance of storage capacity and a relatively small footprint, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
• 40ft Containers: For those with significant storage needs, the 40ft container provides double the space, perfect for large-scale projects, commercial inventory, or storing bulky items.
• 10ft Containers: Excellent for smaller sites or when only a limited amount of extra space is needed, our 10ft containers are a compact and convenient option.

Specialised Container Hire

Beyond standard dry storage, we provide a variety of special containers for hire to meet specific logistical challenges:

• Refrigerated Containers: Often called 'reefers', these units are essential for caterers, florists, or anyone needing temperature-controlled storage. We offer both 20ft refrigerated and 40ft refrigerated containers.
• Open Top Containers: Featuring a removable tarpaulin roof, these are ideal for loading oversized cargo or materials by crane. Available in 20ft and 40ft sizes.
• High Cube Containers: Providing an extra foot of height compared to standard containers, High Cubes are perfect for storing taller items or maximising cubic storage space.
• Full Side Access Containers: These containers have doors along the entire length of one side, allowing for easy access to palletised goods or large equipment.

The Financial Case for Hiring vs. Buying

Deciding whether to hire or buy a shipping container hinges on your specific circumstances, primarily the duration of your need and your budget.

When to Hire:

• Short-Term Needs: If your project or storage requirement is for a few months to a year, hiring is almost always the more economical choice.
• Budget Constraints: Hiring involves significantly lower upfront costs compared to purchasing, freeing up your capital for other business priorities.
• No Maintenance Worries: When you hire from Shipping Containers of London, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs rests with us, saving you time and money.
• Flexibility: If your needs change, you can easily off-hire the container or swap it for a different size or type.

When to Buy:

• Long-Term Use: If you foresee needing the container for several years, purchasing can become more cost-effective over time.
• Customisation: Owning the container gives you the freedom to make permanent modifications, such as converting it into an office, workshop, or even a container home.
• Asset Ownership: A purchased container is an asset that can potentially be resold later.

For most temporary projects, the logic is clear: hiring offers a pragmatic, flexible, and financially sound solution. Our team can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your unique situation. For more details, see our key factors to consider before buying guide.

Our Seamless Container Hire Process

At Shipping Containers of London, we have refined our hire process to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. We handle the logistics so you can focus on your project.

1. Initial Enquiry: Get in touch with our team via our quote form or by calling us directly. Provide as much detail as possible about your needs.
2. Expert Consultation & Quote: We will discuss your requirements and provide a clear, detailed quote covering delivery costs and the weekly hire rate.
3. Site Assessment: Our transport team will ask a few simple questions about your delivery site to ensure it's suitable for our vehicles. In some cases, photos or a video can help confirm access.
4. Agreement and Payment: Once you are happy to proceed, we finalise the straightforward hire agreement. Payment for the initial 12-week hire period and the delivery/collection fees is typically taken upfront.
5. Delivery: We arrange for one of our professional HIAB-equipped vehicles to deliver your container directly to your site, placing it exactly where you need it.
6. Off-Hire and Collection: When you are finished with the container, simply notify us in writing. We will arrange collection and promptly refund any overpaid rental charges.

Hassle-Free Delivery Across London

A crucial part of our service is ensuring a smooth and safe delivery. Our experienced logistics team and professional drivers are experts in navigating London's streets. We use HIAB crane-equipped lorries that can lift the container from the side of the vehicle and position it precisely.

You must prepare your site. The ground must be level and hard-standing, such as concrete or tarmac, to support the weight of the delivery vehicle and the container itself. An uneven surface can cause the container to 'rack', making the doors difficult to operate. We advise using paving slabs or railway sleepers at the corners to ensure the container is perfectly level and allows air to circulate underneath, prolonging its life. Please review our delivery guidelines or contact us if you have any concerns about your site's suitability.