# Construction site containers for hire or sale

> **In brief.** A site container is a shipping container placed on site to store tools and materials. Compare hire charges with the purchase prices in our shop and the dated UK supplier examples. Delivery, offloading and collection must be priced for your site. [Compare delivered prices for free with ContainerBook](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=location), for hire or purchase, with no obligation.

Updated on 27 September 2026 · Page : https://containerbook.uk/uk/construction-site-containers

## Key figures

- **56** : businesses in the directory listing container hire (ContainerBook directory as at 29 September 2026, business data from official sources as at 28 September 2026)
- **Free** : the quote request, with no obligation: you pay the chosen supplier directly.

## Site container or site cabin: which to choose?

A site container is used to store tools and materials under lock and key: it is a 10ft, 20ft or 40ft shipping container, hired or purchased. To accommodate the teams (office, changing room, rest and eating area, toilets), you need a site cabin or site welfare facilities, which are equipped modules chosen separately.

**Which equipment for which site need**

| Your requirement | The right equipment | Where to find out more |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Store tools, materials and small equipment under lock and key | Storage shipping container, 10ft, 20ft or 40ft | [Price of a site container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/construction-site-containers#prix) |
| An office for the site manager | Office site cabin, equipped module | [Office site cabin](https://containerbook.uk/uk/site-cabins/offices) |
| Changing rooms, rest and eating area and toilets for the teams | Site welfare facilities, one or more modules | [Site welfare facilities](https://containerbook.uk/uk/site-welfare) |
| A workshop or a fitted-out space in a container | Converted container (doors, windows, electricity) | [Converted container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/container-conversions) |

A standard shipping container is neither insulated nor equipped: it does not replace a space for personnel. For teams, see the [site cabin](https://containerbook.uk/uk/site-cabins) and [site welfare facilities](https://containerbook.uk/uk/site-welfare); for equipment, the rest of this page gives prices, security and delivery.

## Site container hire or purchase: what should the quote include?

No verified UK site-container hire rate is published here. For purchase, compare our shop's base-container prices and the dated UK supplier examples. Request the full cost for your postcode, including VAT, delivery, offloading and, for hire, collection.

> **Same size, same condition category: two offers, two prices** For the same size and condition category, the displayed price differs from one seller to another: compare quotes on the same specification with ContainerBook, free of charge and with no obligation. [Why compare with ContainerBook](https://containerbook.uk/uk/compare-container-quotes)

A recorded hire charge or price is not a quote: the condition of the hired unit, stock, departure depot and transport remain to be confirmed. For hire, add delivery, positioning, collection and return; for purchase, delivery and offloading.

[Dated UK supplier price examples](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-prices#releve) · [Hire charges and complete hire budget](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-hire#prix)

→ [Request a quote for container hire](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=location)

→ [Request a quote for container purchase](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=achat)

## Hiring or buying a site container: which to choose depending on duration?

Hire a site container if the need is for a specific site and a known duration: you pay the hire charges, delivery and collection. Buy it if it needs to serve for a long time or be used across several sites: then compare its delivered price with the total hire charges over the same period.

**Hiring or buying a site container: what changes**

| Criterion | Hire | Purchase |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What you pay | The hire charges for the whole duration, delivery and positioning, collection and return | The container, its delivery and offloading, then each movement |
| Duration of need | Known, linked to a site; extension to be quoted from the outset | Long, uncertain, or repeated from one site to another |
| Cash flow | No purchase price to advance; a possible deposit, refundable according to the contract | The purchase price is advanced; the container remains yours |
| End of site | The hire company collects the container: keep access clear for their lorry | You move it to the next site, store it or resell it |
| Container condition | To be written into the contract, with photos on delivery | Used, new or one-trip: to be chosen and described |

### The calculation to make based on your project duration

1. **Hire**: hire charges × number of months billed, plus outbound delivery, placement, collection and return.
2. **Purchase**: price of the container delivered and offloaded, plus each move from one site to another; deduct a resale only if you have had it valued.
3. Compare a short hire, your expected duration and a possible extension: the difference between the two options changes with the timeline.

No threshold in number of months applies to all sites: the hire charges, transport and condition offered change from one quote to another. Ask for both calculations on the same basis, then compare. [Hire or buy: the calculation based on your duration](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-hire#bascule)

## Which container size should you choose for a site: 10ft, 20ft or 40ft?

Start from the available space and the volume to store: a 10ft is about 3 m long with 6.65 m² floor area, a 20ft about 6 m with 13.9 m², a 40ft about 12 m with 28.3 m².

**Dimensions of standard 10ft, 20ft and 40ft containers, before conversion**

| Size | External (L × W × H) | Internal floor area | Internal volume | Tare weight | For which site |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 10ft standard | 2.991 × 2.438 × 2.591 m | 6.65 m² | 15.9 m³ | 1,200 kg | Limited space: yard, urban site, small tools |
| 20ft standard | 6.058 × 2.438 × 2.591 m | 13.9 m² | 33.2 m³ | 2,350 kg | Tools, materials and small equipment for a team |
| 40ft standard | 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.591 m | 28.3 m² | 67.7 m³ | 3,750 kg | Large volumes, material stock; access for a long lorry |

Source : Technical data sheets: Textainer (external) and Hapag-Lloyd (internal, volume, weight) for the 20ft and 40ft; a vendor's sheet for the 10ft, where the floor area and volume are calculated from the internal dimensions. Dimensions vary by manufacturer.

The small size fits where a 20ft cannot, but it is not necessarily easier to deliver: the lorry and lifting still need the same preparation. [Small 10ft container: dimensions and shop models](https://containerbook.uk/uk/10ft-shipping-containers#prix)

### What about demountable containers, new or used?

A demountable or flat-pack container is delivered in parts and assembled on site: it fits through a narrow access or into a yard where an assembled container cannot pass. Its construction differs from that of a shipping container: check the manufacturer's sheet for watertightness, burglary resistance and assembly.

ContainerBook has not recorded any prices for demountable containers, new or used: it therefore does not publish any. To get one priced, choose “Other size” in the request and describe the site access. For used, ask for photos of the panels, seals and fixings.

## How can you protect a site container against theft?

Ask about a protected padlock, lock box and locking bar suitable for the container's doors. Combine appropriate locking with a visible, lit position within the site's security arrangements; no single device guarantees protection against theft.

**Securing a container against break-ins**

| Device | Protects against | Its limitation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shackle protector | Masks the padlock shackle: bolt croppers, angle grinder, lever | Check what the product's test or certification covers; a lock rating does not establish the resistance of the whole container |
| Anti-break-in bar | Against levering: it clamps the locking rods of both doors | Ask how the locking bar, its fixings and the container doors have been assessed together; do not infer whole-container resistance from a lock rating |
| Alarm | BS EN 50131-1 sets requirements for intrusion and hold-up alarm systems, with security grades and environmental classes | Ask the installer to confirm the environmental class, operating temperature and suitability for an unheated container and any exposed components |

Source : Technical guidance reviewed 1 September 2026. A component rating does not establish the resistance of the whole container.

Check the resistance of the whole assembly: doors, fittings, lock and protections. A commercial security designation does not establish a resistance level

### Location, lighting, keys: our recommendations for the site

These recommendations are practical advice, not requirements of a standard: adapt them to the rules of the site.

- **Location**: preferably within the fenced enclosure, visible from the access points, away from plant manoeuvring areas and from the swinging path of a loaded crane; if the site has an installation plan, add the container to it.
- **Lighting**: a light on the doors and on the access path, also useful for safe opening and closing at the end of the day.
- **Positioning and anchoring**: have any proposed arrangement assessed for the actual site and container. Keep space to open the doors safely and preserve access for the collection lorry.
- **Padlock and keys**: ask the seller or hire company whether the padlock and box are supplied, how many keys are provided and who holds them.
- **Insurance**: ask to specify the goods covered in the container, the declared value, exclusions and excess.

Specify the locking and security equipment you need (lock box, locking bar, alarm), so supplier quotations can be compared on the same basis.

## How does container delivery to a site work?

The container arrives on a lorry equipped with a crane (lifting arm), or on a flatbed lorry with separate lifting: provide a passable access for the heavy lorry, a clear offloading area and a level, stabilised and drained ground at the final location.

**Three ways to offload a container on a site**

| Offloading method | How it works | To be confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lorry with crane | The lorry carries the container and its crane arm places it in the planned location, within its reach. | The space for the lorry, the required reach and the final position. |
| Separate transport and lifting | A haulier delivers the container; a suitably equipped contractor carries out the unloading. | Who books and charges for the lifting, and the coordination of timings. |
| Crane already on site | The site crane or machine unloads the container, with its operator. | The capacity, reach and handling method, validated for the operation. |

### Access and ground: what to prepare

1. **Site entrance**: usable gate width, access times and traffic restrictions.
2. **Lorry route**: bends, gradients, narrow sections and overhead obstacles (power lines, branches, crane jib).
3. **Unloading area**: lorry position, space around for lifting and distance to the final location.
4. **Location and ground**: flat, stabilised and drained platform, planned supports, and space to open the doors and move around in front.

The container footprint alone is not enough: also allow for the lorry's arrival and departure, the lifting work area and the door swing. Photos of the gate, route and location allow the supplier to assess delivery before confirming it.

Site preparation guidance reviewed 1 September 2026. [Preparing lorry access and unloading](https://containerbook.uk/uk/container-delivery#acces) · [Price of a container delivered to your site](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-prices#livre)

## Where can I arrange on-site container hire?

The ContainerBook directory lists 56 businesses whose listing mentions container hire, and 59 sale, each with its company details from official sources (data as at 28 September 2026): filter them by area, or make a single delivered price request.

→ [Get a quote for hire delivered to my site](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=location)

A company listed in the directory does not automatically receive your request. A company's administrative address does not necessarily indicate its departure depot: ask where the container leaves from, as distance affects transport.

For site accommodation, 2 businesses in the directory list site cabins or welfare facilities.

→ [See companies that mention container hire](https://containerbook.uk/uk/suppliers?produit=conteneur&mode=location)

## How do I get the price of a container delivered to my site?

Describe once the size, hire or purchase, duration, postcode and site access: ContainerBook collects the request, free and without obligation, and you pay the supplier you choose directly.

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.

### What to specify in the request

- The size (10, 20 or 40ft, or “Other size” for a demountable) and the required condition.
- Hire or purchase; for hire, the delivery date, planned duration and a possible extension.
- The site postcode, lorry access (heavy goods vehicle, restricted access or to be confirmed) and any on-site lifting equipment, if available.
- The expected locking (lock box, locking bar) and the number of containers.
- For hire, collection at the end of the project; for purchase, unloading at the final location.

> **Free for you, without obligation** For a quote request, the requester pays nothing to the service and pays the supplier they choose directly. You remain free not to pursue any proposal.

### What ContainerBook does not promise

- ContainerBook does not promise the lowest price on the market.
- ContainerBook does not promise a saving: a difference between public offers is not one.
- ContainerBook does not promise a number of quotes: a request may not receive any.
- ContainerBook does not promise a response time.
- ContainerBook does not promise stock or availability.
- ContainerBook does not promise that the displayed price covers delivery or offloading.
- ContainerBook does not promise a label or a ranking of sellers.
- ContainerBook does not promise that the companies in the directory receive the request.

→ [Request a quote for my site container hire](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=location)

→ [I prefer to buy: request a quote for a purchase](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=achat)

## Frequently asked questions about site containers

### What total budget should you plan for hiring a site container?

Add up the hire charges over the whole period, delivery, siting, collection and return. Ask the hire company for the delivery and collection price, then have the total quoted for your dates with the rate for an extension.

### Does the price of a site container include delivery?

Do not assume delivery is included. Check the basis of each advertised price and request a total separating the container, applicable VAT, transport, offloading and, for hire, collection.

### Can you hire a site container for just one month?

The minimum hire period varies between suppliers and must be confirmed. Ask about the minimum charge, the calculation for a part month, and the delivery and collection cost, to compare with short-hire rates.

### Can the site crane offload the container?

It is possible if its capacity, reach and operator are suitable: empty, a 20ft weighs about 2,350 kg and a 40ft about 3,750 kg according to Hapag-Lloyd specifications. Mention this lifting method in your request; the supplier must confirm it is suitable for the operation.

### Do you need permission to place a site container?

Check the site, proposed use and duration with the local planning authority under the rules of the relevant UK nation; inclusion in a site plan does not itself grant permission. Check building requirements separately where applicable. On a public road or pavement, also ask the council or highway authority about permission to occupy the highway. Confirm these points before delivery.

### Does a site container protect equipment from moisture?

It protects from rain if in good condition, but internal condensation is a separate issue: it depends on the moisture present and temperature differences. Raise sensitive equipment on pallets, ventilate in dry weather but not when the outside air is warmer and more humid than inside, and ask about the condition of the seals, roof and floor before delivery.

### How long does it take to get a container delivered to site?

ContainerBook does not promise any lead time: it depends on stock, the departure depot, transport and site access. State your preferred date in the request, then have the delivery date and time slot written into the quote.

### Is the ContainerBook quote request chargeable for a construction company?

No. For a quote request, the requester pays nothing to the service and pays the supplier they choose directly. Businesses may pay the service to receive qualified quote requests. This payment model is separate from a company's free presence in the directory.

**Your site container, at a delivered price** Specify the size, duration, postcode and site access in one free, no-obligation enquiry for hire or purchase. Ask for delivery and offloading to be itemised. → [Get my hire quote](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=location)

## Related guides

- [Site containers for sale](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shop) : Compare bare-container shop models; confirm suitability for your tools and materials.
- [Container hire: rates and budget](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-hire) : Hire duration, delivery and collection: the complete budget to request.
- [UK container price examples](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-prices) : Dated supplier examples and the items to include in a complete delivered price.
- [Transport and delivery of a container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/container-delivery) : Lorry, lifting, access and positioning: preparing delivery to site.
- [Small 10ft container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/10ft-shipping-containers) : Dimensions, shop models and delivery checks for the compact format.
- [Site cabin](https://containerbook.uk/uk/site-cabins) : Office, changing room, toilets and washing facilities or rest area: the modules for accommodating teams.
- [Site welfare facilities](https://containerbook.uk/uk/site-welfare) : Planning team facilities: modules, equipment and key points.

## About ContainerBook UK

ContainerBook is a UK directory of shipping container sellers and a free quote request service. Supplier profiles are based on official company websites, with sources and checking dates. Compare services, then request the price for the container, delivery and unloading. The requester pays the chosen supplier directly; businesses may pay the service to receive qualified enquiries.

Price survey method : https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-prices#methode · Source : ContainerBook UK, https://containerbook.uk/uk/construction-site-containers, updated on 27 September 2026.