Refurbished Shipping Containers for Sale
Refurbished shipping containers for sale are used steel storage containers that have been repaired, repainted, and prepared for long-term UK use. Buyers choose refurbished shipping containers when they want a cleaner appearance, reliable secure storage, and better value than buying new. A refurbished container is ideal when function matters most, but presentation still matters.
Refurbished shipping containers are used containers that have been repaired, treated, and repainted to improve both condition and appearance.
A refurbished shipping container is one of the most popular options for UK buyers who want secure storage with a cleaner external finish at a mid-range price point.
Refurbished Shipping Container Sizes, Dimensions & Capacity
A refurbished shipping container is available in standard ISO sizes, with 20ft and 40ft units being the most common choices for UK storage.
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Used Refurbished Shipping container | 6058mm (20ft) | 2438mm (8ft) | 2590mm (8ft 6) |
| 40ft Used Refurbished Shipping Container | 12192mm (40ft) | 2438mm (8ft) | 2590mm (8ft 6) |
| 40ft Used High Cube Refurbished Shipping container | 12192mm (40ft) | 2438mm (8ft) | 2896mm (9ft 6) |
What Are Refurbished Shipping Containers?
Refurbished shipping containers are used containers that have been cleaned up and improved after previous service.
All refurbished shipping containers are supplied for secure storage use and should be structurally sound and wind and watertight.
This often includes:
- surface preparation
- rust treatment
- repainting
- door servicing
- lock gear checks
- floor inspection
- patch repairs where needed
Refurbished shipping containers give buyers a middle ground between standard used stock and new one-trip units.
For many UK buyers, refurbished containers offer the best balance of price, appearance, and practical performance.
Typical refurbished container sizes
Refurbished stock is most commonly available in:
Availability depends on stock and original condition
Refurbished shipping containers are one of the most commonly purchased container types in the UK for business and site storage.
Refurbished shipping containers are widely used across the UK for business, construction, and agricultural storage due to their balance of cost and presentation.
How Refurbishing Improves Container Condition
Refurbishing a shipping container typically involves surface preparation, rust treatment, and repainting using marine-grade coatings.
To understand how this process works in detail, see our guide on painting a shipping container in the UK, which explains preparation, paint types, and application methods.
Refurbished vs Used vs New Shipping Containers
A refurbished shipping container sits between used and new in both price and condition.
| Type | Condition | Appearance | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refurbished | Repaired and repainted | Clean | Mid-range | Visible sites, business use |
| Used | Wind and watertight condition | Worn | Lower | Hidden or budget storage |
| New (one-trip) | Near new | Excellent | Higher | Long-term or premium use |
A refurbished shipping container is often the most practical choice for UK buyers who want reliable storage with a cleaner finish without paying for a new unit.
Refurbished shipping containers in the UK typically cost less than new units, with pricing depending on size, condition, and delivery.
20ft Refurbished Shipping Containers
A 20ft refurbished shipping container is the most popular size for UK buyers needing secure, versatile storage with a clean external finish.
A 20ft container provides approximately 33 cubic metres of internal storage capacity, making it suitable for tools, stock, equipment, and general business use.
A 20ft refurbished shipping container is a 20ft used shipping container that has been externally prepared and repainted to improve appearance and extend usable life.
The refurbishment process focuses on the exterior finish, giving the container a cleaner and more uniform look compared to a standard used unit.
Internal repainting is not typically included as standard but can be added as an optional upgrade if required.
Typical uses include:
- construction site storage
- small business stock storage
- farm and yard equipment
- residential storage where space is limited
A 20ft refurbished shipping container is often the best balance of size, cost, and practicality.
40ft Refurbished Shipping Containers
A 40ft refurbished shipping container is ideal for buyers needing maximum storage capacity with a cleaner, more presentable finish.
A 40ft container provides approximately 67 cubic metres of internal storage, making it suitable for bulk storage, large equipment, and commercial use.
A 40ft refurbished shipping container is a 40ft used shipping container that has been externally treated and repainted to improve overall condition and appearance.
External refurbishment provides a cleaner finish, making the container more suitable for commercial sites and locations where presentation matters.
Internal repainting is available as an optional extra depending on how the container will be used.
Typical uses include:
- large-scale business storage
- self-storage container sites
- agricultural storage
- bulky materials and stock
A 40ft refurbished shipping container offers large-scale storage capacity with a more presentable external finish than a standard used unit.
Painting and Security Options
Refurbished shipping containers can be improved further with painting and lockbox installation.
A freshly painted container gives a smarter, more consistent finish for sites where appearance matters. This is often useful for business premises, customer-facing yards, schools, farms, and residential locations.
Lockboxes provide added protection by shielding the padlock from bolt croppers and casual attack.
Common reasons buyers choose these options include:
- improving site appearance
- matching an existing site colour scheme
- making a used container look tidier and more presentable
- increasing security for tools, stock, and equipment
- giving extra confidence for long-term outdoor storage
A lockbox is one of the simplest and most effective shipping container security upgrades.
If you want a refurbished unit that looks smarter and offers stronger security, painting and lockbox fitting are both worthwhile additions.
Common colours that buyers choose:
- Green RAL6007
- Blue RAL5010
- Blue RAL5013
For more information see our page about Container Painting
Nationwide Delivery with HIAB
Refurbished shipping containers are delivered across the UK using specialist container transport vehicles such as HIAB crane lorries or sidelifters.
A refurbished shipping container is delivered in exactly the same way as any other steel storage container.
A 20ft refurbished shipping container can typically be delivered using a rigid HIAB lorry, while a 40ft container usually requires an articulated vehicle or greater access space.
A HIAB delivery allows the driver to lift the container off the vehicle and place it directly onto your prepared ground.
The delivery method depends on access, space, and container size:
- For containers such as 10ft shipping containers and 20ft shipping containers they are delivered via a Rigid HIAB vehicle.
- For larger containers such as 40ft shipping containers, delivery may be completed using Articulated HIAB vehicles.
A HIAB delivery gives more control when placing the container in tighter or more restricted spaces.
Who Uses Refurbished Shipping Containers?
Refurbished shipping containers are used across the UK by businesses and individuals who need secure storage with a cleaner appearance than standard used units.
A refurbished shipping container is commonly chosen where both function and presentation matter.
Common users of refurbished shipping containers
Refurbished containers are widely used by:
- builders and construction companies for tools, materials, and site storage
- farms and agricultural businesses for equipment, feed, and machinery storage
- schools and sports clubs for secure, weatherproof storage
- small businesses needing additional on-site storage space
- self-storage operators setting up container rental yards
- retail and trade premises for back-of-house stock storage
- homeowners needing secure garden or driveway storage
A refurbished shipping container provides secure storage that looks more presentable in visible or customer-facing environments.
Why these buyers choose refurbished over standard used
Many buyers move towards refurbished containers for practical reasons.
Common decision factors include:
- wanting a cleaner, more uniform appearance
- avoiding heavily worn or patchy used containers
- balancing cost against presentation
- improving site image for customers, staff, or tenants
- extending usable life without paying for new
A refurbished shipping container is often the right choice when the container will be seen regularly rather than hidden away.
When refurbished containers are the best option
Refurbished containers are most suitable when:
- the container is in a visible location
- the site needs to look professional
- security and reliability are still the priority
- budget does not stretch to new one-trip units
A refurbished shipping container is ideal for buyers who want practical storage that does not look out of place.
Optional Extras & Modifications
Optional upgrades are commonly added at the point of order to improve security, usability, or long-term durability.
Available options include:
- Lockboxes and anti-vandal padlocks
- Ply lining, shelving, and insulation
- Lighting kits, electrics, and racking
- Internal repainting
These additions allow a standard refurbished shipping container to be tailored for storage, workshop, or operational use.
Refurbished Shipping Container FAQs
What is a refurbished shipping container?
A refurbished shipping container is a used steel container that has been repaired, treated, and repainted to improve condition, appearance, and usability for long-term storage.
Are refurbished shipping containers wind and watertight?
A refurbished shipping container should be structurally sound and wind and watertight, meaning it protects contents from rain, wind, and external weather conditions.
What is the difference between refurbished and used shipping containers?
A refurbished shipping container has been repaired and repainted to improve appearance, while a standard used container is typically sold in its original condition with visible wear and no cosmetic improvement.
How much does a refurbished shipping container cost in the UK?
Refurbished shipping containers in the UK typically cost less than new containers, with pricing depending on size, condition, location, and delivery requirements.
How long do refurbished shipping containers last?
A refurbished shipping container can last many years for storage use when properly maintained, installed on a level base, and kept in wind and watertight condition.
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