Shipping containers are bought and sold constantly across the UK — by construction companies clearing sites, logistics businesses upgrading fleets, farmers replacing old storage, and businesses whose needs have simply changed. Whether you have a standard 20ft, a 40ft high cube, a refrigerated reefer, or a modified office or welfare unit, there's a buyer for it.
Container Types We Buy
Standard dry freight containers (ISO containers)
The most commonly traded container in the UK. Steel construction, corrugated sides, double swing doors at one end. Available in two standard lengths:
- 20ft (TEU): The most common size; internal dimensions approximately 5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m. Holds approximately the contents of a three-bedroom house. The most liquid container size in the UK used market.
- 40ft (FEU): Double the length of a 20ft; the most popular size for large-volume storage and shipping. Standard and high cube (9.5ft tall rather than 8.5ft) variants — high cube commands a small premium for the additional headroom.
Refrigerated containers (reefers)
Insulated containers with an integral refrigeration unit, used for temperature-controlled storage and transport of food, pharmaceuticals, and other perishables. Reefers are significantly more valuable than dry freight containers — a used 40ft reefer in working order is worth £4,500–£8,500 depending on age and refrigeration unit condition.
Open top containers
Standard length containers with a removable tarpaulin or open top for loading machinery, timber, or other tall cargo from above. Slightly less common than standard boxes but actively traded.
Flat rack containers
Collapsible sides with a reinforced floor — used for heavy machinery, vehicles, and oversized cargo. Valuable in the specialist logistics market.
Modified / converted containers
Office containers, welfare units, anti-vandal portable cabins, and bespoke conversions (workshops, cafés, pop-up retail) are bought and sold actively. Value depends heavily on the quality of fit-out, age, and condition of the conversion.
Container Condition Grades
UK containers are broadly graded by condition:
Grade A (Cargo-worthy): Excellent structural condition, all seals intact, watertight, suitable for international shipping. Minor surface rust only. Best value at resale.
Grade B (Wind and watertight): Good working condition; some dents, cosmetic weathering, or minor surface rust but structurally sound and watertight. The most common grade in the used UK market.
Grade C (Budget storage): Wind and watertight but with more significant cosmetic wear — suitable for static storage where appearance isn't critical. Lowest price point.
Grade significantly affects value — a Grade A 20ft trades at a meaningful premium over a Grade C equivalent.
What Is My Container Worth in 2026?
In the UK in 2026, a used 20ft shipping container typically costs £1,400 to £2,000 and a used 40ft container typically costs £1,800 to £2,500. These are buy-side prices — what sellers receive is typically in a similar range for Grade B units in reasonable locations.
| Type | Size | Grade | Approx. Value (ex VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dry freight | 20ft | Grade A | £1,200–£1,800 |
| Standard dry freight | 20ft | Grade B | £900–£1,400 |
| Standard dry freight | 20ft | Grade C | £600–£950 |
| Standard dry freight | 40ft | Grade A | £1,500–£2,200 |
| Standard dry freight | 40ft high cube | Grade A/B | £1,600–£2,400 |
| Refrigerated (reefer) | 20ft | Working unit | £3,500–£6,000 |
| Refrigerated (reefer) | 40ft | Working unit | £4,500–£8,500 |
| Open top | 20ft | Good | £1,400–£2,200 |
| Modified office / welfare | 20ft | Good fit-out | £2,500–£6,000 |
| Modified office / welfare | 40ft | Good fit-out | £4,000–£9,000 |
Values are indicative. Location, accessibility for collection, and current market all affect actual price.
What Affects Container Value?
Condition grade. The most significant variable — a Grade A unit commands a meaningful premium over Grade C.
Accessibility for collection. Containers that can be accessed by a HIAB crane truck or standard skip lorry collection are more valuable than those on difficult sites. If your container is in a compound with tight access, mention it upfront so collection can be planned correctly.
Refrigeration unit condition (reefers). A reefer with a working, recently serviced refrigeration unit is worth significantly more than one with a non-functioning or unknown-condition unit. Carrier, Thermo King, and Daikin are the main refrigeration unit brands in the reefer market.
Modifications. A well-constructed office conversion with electrics, lighting, insulation, and good condition windows adds value. A poorly executed conversion, or one with a damaged fit-out, can actually reduce value below a standard box.
CSC plate date. Cargo-worthy containers carry a CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate — containers used for international shipping must have a current CSC plate. An in-date plate adds value for buyers who need it; an expired one limits the buyer pool to storage-only uses.
Related Guides
- How to Transport Plant Machinery Safely in the UK
- Plant Machinery Theft UK — How to Protect Your Machines
- Plant Machinery Insurance UK — What You Need to Know
Get Your Free Container Valuation
Find out what your shipping container is worth in today's market. Free, fast, and no obligation.
Phone: 0161 432 1477 · Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
Email: info@plantmachinerytrading.co.uk
Address: 279 Didsbury Road, Stockport, SK4 3JH