New vs Used Shipping Containers
Choosing between a new (one-trip) shipping container and a used shipping container doesn’t need to be complicated.
This guide breaks it down clearly — so you can decide with confidence, backed by UK industry expertise, quality guarantees, and real examples from our customers.
What is a New (One Trip) Shipping Container?
In the UK shipping container trade, “new” really means One Trip. These containers are built overseas, usually in China, to full ISO-certified standards. They are used once to transport cargo to the UK before being sold directly into storage, shipping, or conversion use.
New One Trip shipping containers are clean, uniform, and have never been part of a shipping fleet. While they may have minor scuffs or marks from their single journey, they are structurally and cosmetically in near-perfect condition.
They come with a 5-year wind and watertight guarantee, are CSC plated unless you request removal, and are suitable for resale, shipping, or premium container conversions.
What is a Used (Ex-Fleet) Shipping Container?
Used shipping containers are ex-global shipping units, typically between 10 and 20 years old, retired from active sea freight but still structurally sound and ideal for secure storage.
You can expect some cosmetic wear such as dents, surface rust, old shipping logos, and faded or repainted sections. However, all used steel storage containers supplied by Bosh Boxes are fully checked for structural integrity, delivered with a 12-month wind and watertight guarantee, equipped with functioning doors, hinges, and rubber seals, and fitted with marine ply floors. Optional repainting or container modifications are also available.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | New (One Trip) | Used (Ex-Fleet) |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Near-perfect, minor marks only | Cosmetic wear, structurally sound |
| Age | Under 1 year | 10–20 years |
| Usage History | One cargo trip | Many trips in global fleet |
| Floor | Marine ply | Marine ply |
| Doors & Seals | Excellent | Fully working (Stiff on some occasions regular WD-40 recommended) |
| Warranty | 5-Year Wind And Watertight Guarantee | 12-Month Wind And Watertight Guarantee |
| CSC Plated | Yes (unless removed) | Often removed or expired (Used Units Can Be Purchased With A Valid CSC Plate At Extra Cost) |
| Appearance | Clean, no logos or patchwork | May show branding/touch-ups |
| Modification Ready | Ideal for premium conversions | Great for cost-effective builds |
| Cost | Higher upfront | More budget-friendly |
Available Sizes
We stock both new and used shipping containers for sale UK-wide in all popular sizes. 10ft shipping containers are compact and ideal for tight spaces. 20ft shipping containers are the industry standard for transport and secure storage. 40ft shipping containers offer high capacity, making them perfect for large-scale conversions.
We also supply high cube shipping containers for extra height, side opening containers for full-length access, tunnel containers with doors at both ends, refrigerated containers for temperature-controlled storage, and custom cut containers such as 14ft or 17ft to suit specific requirements.
Upgrading or Modifying Your Container
Whether you choose new or used, your shipping container can be adapted to your needs. Popular upgrades include professional repainting in any RAL colour, lockboxes and anti-vandal padlocks, personnel doors or roller shutter doors, ply-lining and insulation, lighting and electrics, windows, vents, shelving, and full container conversions for offices, workshops, or retail use.
Nationwide Container Delivery
We provide container delivery UK-wide using HIAB lorries (rigid and articulated) with crane offload for safe placement. Flatbeds or skeletal trailers are also available if you can offload on-site. We work with trusted UK haulier’s using brands such as Fassi, Cormach, and Palfinger for reliable and precise delivery.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose new (One-Trip) shipping containers if you want a clean, long-term storage or conversion solution, something to resell at strong value, and maximum lifespan with excellent visual appeal.
Choose used shipping containers if you want a cost-effective storage unit, a tough and functional solution, and a container with character at a lower upfront cost.
Need Some More Info From The Bosh Team?
Need a Container? We’ll Keep It Easy.
Call us on 01375 503890 or email sales@boshboxes.store for a quick, no-nonsense quote — delivery included anywhere in the UK.
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Explore our full range of shipping containers for sale UK — from secure steel storage containers to refrigerated units, 20ft and 40ft sizes, plus custom builds — all available nationwide.
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