Compare shipping container quotes for your postcode

Why compare container prices before buying?

Colour, departure depot, promotion, used grade and terms of sale differ from one offer to another: that is precisely what a request for a delivered price, on the same specification, makes it possible to settle.

Public prices displayed by sellers on their listings, excluding VAT and excluding delivery; they are not quotations for your project. The exact condition, stock, departure depot and options may differ from one offer to another, and the terms ‘new’ and ‘one-trip’ are those of the sellers. ContainerBook does not guarantee the lowest market price.

See each recorded price and its date · Price record methodology

How to get the best price for a shipping container?

A more expensive but closer offer can therefore work out cheaper once delivered. A starting price is therefore not enough to make a choice.

Best practices for paying a fair price:

1. Compare on the same basis: at least two delivered prices for the same size, the same condition category and the same address.
2. Choose a suitable condition: compare the actual unit, its inspection record and any repairs needed. A new, one-trip or used description alone does not establish suitability for your goods.
3. Aim for a nearby depot: the distance between the departure depot and your address determines the transport cost; ask where the unit is coming from.
4. Describe access and unloading: lorry access, ground, obstacles. The lifting method changes the price.
5. Compare the total including VAT: container, transport, unloading and options, not the starting price.

This is exactly what the ContainerBook request describes: size, condition, quantity, postcode, access and unloading, entered once. ContainerBook does not guarantee the lowest market price: it helps you ask each professional consulted to quote on the same basis.

What a delivered quote should include · Container transport and delivery: prices and conditions

How does the ContainerBook price comparison work?

Who receives your request?

The request is received by the ContainerBook team, who review it, may ask for clarification, and then search for suitable suppliers themselves. No number of responses is guaranteed. Depending on your project and your address, you may receive several quotes, one or none. A company listed in the directory does not automatically receive your request. How the service works and remuneration

Why choose ContainerBook to buy or hire a container?

You prepare a clearer price enquiry

What ContainerBook does: it publishes dated UK supplier price examples and helps you specify the container, delivery and unloading you need. What you gain: you can see what an example includes and ask for a current quote for your own specification and postcode. Scope of the examples: the current UK snapshot covers one supplier. It does not establish differences between sellers or a market average. See the price record

You compare the delivered price, not the starting price

What ContainerBook does: the request specifies your postcode, site access and offloading. What you gain: the request gives each professional the same basis to quote on (container, transport, lifting) for your address. Why it's different: delivery depends on the departure depot and your address; a starting price alone is not enough to choose. What to include in the delivered total

One enquiry with the same details for each supplier

What ContainerBook does: you describe your need once (purchase or hire, size, condition, quantity, date and delivery postcode). What you gain: no re-entering of data; if several professionals respond, their quotes are easier to compare, item by item. Why it's different: the ContainerBook team studies your project and itself consults suitable suppliers. Prepare my request

You check the company before paying

What ContainerBook does: the directory lists 65 businesses in the sector, with company registration details, addresses and locations where available from official sources (data as at 28 September 2026). What you gain: you can check that a business exists and where it is based; for a business not in the directory, official sources such as Companies House (where applicable) or the supplier's official website remain the reference. Why it's different: a live company registration and a real depot can be verified before any payment. ContainerBook does not issue any label or rank suppliers. Browse the directory

Free for you, and you pay the supplier directly

What ContainerBook does: the request costs nothing to the requester. ContainerBook does not charge the requester for a quote request or collect the purchase or hire payment owed to an external supplier. What you gain: you deal directly with the chosen supplier for the contract, payment and delivery. Why it's different: the model is public. Businesses may pay the service to receive qualified quote requests. This payment model is separate from a company's free presence in the directory. Request a delivered price, free of charge

What ContainerBook does and does not do

External supplier price examples are research, not ContainerBook sale offers. The shop's own sale prices are presented separately. The purchase or hire contract is concluded directly between you and the chosen supplier.

Comparison site, direct contact with each seller or private listing: which to choose?

Nothing prevents you from combining both: the directory lists 59 businesses that list container sales, and the used containers page details the precautions to take with a listing.

Should you be wary of a container comparison site?

Will I end up paying more?

The service does not charge you anything. Businesses may pay to receive quote requests; like any commercial cost, this can be reflected in their price, so comparing several delivered prices protects you. You can also contact a business in the directory directly. Compare the total delivered price including VAT and options.

Who will respond to me, and can I trust them?

Suppliers consulted by the ContainerBook team, who review each request. No number of responses is guaranteed. Whether or not a business appears in the directory, check the company details of the business that responds to you on official sources such as Companies House (where applicable) before signing. ContainerBook does not issue any label or rank sellers.

Will the container be available?

The prices recorded do not represent stock. The professional who responds to you confirms availability, the departure depot and the actual condition of the unit; ask for recent photos showing the container number.

When will I receive responses?

ContainerBook does not promise a timescale: it depends on the professionals consulted, your area and the accuracy of your request. State your preferred date and your flexibility; a complete request (size, condition, access, offloading) is easier to price.

What if I receive no quotes?

This can happen depending on the area and the project. Specify the request (size, condition, access, date) or contact the 59 businesses that list container sales directly in the ContainerBook directory, which you can filter by area.

Who benefits from comparing container quotes before buying?

• Household storage (renovation, garden equipment or a house move): choose the size from your goods and access needs, then check the unit's condition. Price a used 20ft container · Containers for home storage
• Building site, tradesperson, farmer, business: compare 20ft and 40ft containers by condition, access and the intended use. Price a new or one-trip 40ft container · Site containers
• Tight budget: compare used containers, departure depot and delivered price before choosing. Cheap containers: where to look
• Need it for a few months: compare hire first. Compare hire
• Already have a quote: request a second delivered price on the same basis. Request a second delivered price

Frequently asked questions about the ContainerBook comparison service

Useful pages for your project