How much does a shipping container cost delivered in Essex? A used 20ft shipping container delivered in Essex typically costs £1,250 to £1,550.
A new one-trip 20ft container delivered usually costs £2,250 to £2,550.
Larger containers cost more. 40ft shipping containers delivered in Essex typically range from £1,700 to £4,100, depending on condition, delivery distance and site access.
Many buyers researching shipping containers for sale UK or shipping containers Essex want to understand the true delivered price, not just the container cost. Delivery vehicles, crane equipment, and site access all influence the final cost.
Businesses across Essex, including Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend and Thurrock, regularly purchase shipping containers for construction sites, equipment storage and commercial stock.
This guide explains realistic container prices, delivery costs in Essex, and the main factors that affect the final price.
Quick answer:
A 20ft shipping container delivered in Essex typically costs between £1,250 and £2,550, while a 40ft container usually costs between £1,700 and £4,100 delivered, depending on condition and delivery access.
What Does a Shipping Container Delivered in Essex Include?
When buyers ask how much a shipping container costs delivered in Essex, the total price normally includes two main elements:
• The container purchase price
• The delivery and offloading service
Delivery usually involves specialist vehicles such as a HIAB crane lorry or a sidelifter, allowing the container to be lifted from the vehicle and placed directly onto the site.
Most containers sold for storage in the UK are supplied wind and watertight, meaning the container is structurally sound, secure, and weather resistant. Wind and watertight containers protect contents from rain, moisture and corrosion, making them suitable for long-term outdoor storage.
Average Shipping Container Cost Delivered in Essex
The final price depends mainly on container size, condition, and delivery access.
| Container Type | Typical Delivered Price (Essex) |
|---|---|
| 20ft Used Shipping Container | £1,250 – £1,550 |
| 20ft New One-Trip Container | £2,250 – £2,550 |
| 40ft Used Shipping Container | £1,700 – £2,100 |
| 40ft New One-Trip Container | £3,200 – £4,100 |
These figures represent typical delivered prices within Essex, including standard delivery using a HIAB crane vehicle.
20ft Shipping Container Cost Delivered in Essex
A 20ft shipping container is the most common container size purchased in the UK and is widely used for construction sites, farms, workshops, and commercial storage.
Typical delivered prices in Essex:
• Used 20ft container delivered: £1,250 – £1,550
• New one-trip 20ft container delivered: £2,250 – £2,550
Used containers are popular because they offer cost-effective secure storage, while new one-trip containers provide a cleaner appearance and longer service life.
A standard 20ft container provides around 33 cubic metres of internal storage space, making it suitable for storing tools, materials, stock, or furniture.
Delivery access is also an important consideration.
When one 20ft container is delivered, it is typically transported on a rigid HIAB crane vehicle, which is usually around 38ft in total length. This type of vehicle is commonly used for residential deliveries and locations where access is more restricted.
If two 20ft containers are delivered at the same time, a larger vehicle is usually required. This may be either:
• an articulated HIAB crane vehicle (arctic), which consists of a tractor unit pulling a trailer and can be around 68ft in total length, or
• a wagon and drag vehicle, which is a rigid truck towing a separate trailer.
Because these vehicles are significantly longer than a rigid crane truck, additional turning space and road access are required for safe delivery.
40ft Shipping Container Cost Delivered in Essex
A 40ft shipping container offers significantly more internal storage capacity and is commonly used for large-scale storage, business stock, and container conversion projects.
In the UK market:
• Used 40ft shipping containers typically cost £1,300 to £1,500
• New one-trip 40ft containers usually range from £2,800 to £3,500
Once delivery is included, typical delivered prices in Essex are:
• Used 40ft container delivered: £1,700 – £2,100
• New one-trip 40ft container delivered: £3,200 – £4,100
Because of their length, 40ft containers are normally transported using larger articulated HIAB crane vehicles. These vehicles consist of a tractor unit pulling a trailer, and can be around 68ft in total length.
Due to the size of these vehicles, sufficient road width, turning space, and delivery access must be available to allow the driver to position the vehicle safely before lifting the container into place.
For more information, read our guide How Much Space Is Needed to Deliver a 40ft Shipping Container?
What Affects Shipping Container Delivery Cost in Essex?
Several factors influence how much a container costs delivered.
Distance from the supplier
The further the container travels, the higher the transport cost. Deliveries within Essex are generally more affordable when supplied from nearby depots.
Delivery vehicle type
Containers in the UK are usually delivered using:
• HIAB crane lorries
• Sidelifter container trucks
• Articulated container vehicles
HIAB vehicles are commonly used for residential deliveries or restricted sites, while larger articulated trucks are often used for 40ft containers or multi-container deliveries.
Site access
Delivery costs may increase if access is difficult. Common challenges include:
• narrow roads
• tight turning space
• overhead cables or trees
Clear access allows the driver to position the vehicle safely and reduces delivery time.
Ground preparation
Containers must be placed on stable and level ground. Typical bases include:
• railway sleepers
• concrete pads
• compacted hardcore
Proper ground preparation ensures the container remains level and allows the doors to operate correctly.
Before buying read our guide on The best foundations for shipping containers.
How Location in Essex Affects Container Delivery Cost
Delivery cost can vary slightly depending on where the container is being delivered within Essex.
Businesses searching for shipping containers Essex often find that location within the county can affect delivery costs, particularly when transport distance from major container depots is longer.
Locations closer to major container depots and ports often have lower delivery costs because transport distance is shorter.
For example:
• Shipping containers delivered in Tilbury or Thurrock are often cheaper because they are close to Tilbury Docks, one of the UK’s main container hubs.
• Shipping containers delivered in Chelmsford or Colchester may cost slightly more due to the longer transport distance.
• Deliveries to rural areas such as Uttlesford or Maldon may also involve additional delivery planning if access roads are smaller.
In most cases the difference is modest, but transport distance, delivery vehicle access, and unloading space can influence the final delivery price.
How Long Does Container Delivery Take in Essex?
Container delivery in Essex usually takes between 2 and 7 working days.
In most cases, shipping container delivery in Essex takes between 2 and 7 working days, depending on container availability, delivery location, and site access requirements.
Common factors that affect delivery time include:
• Stock availability at the nearest container depot
• Distance to the delivery location within Essex
• Delivery vehicle scheduling
• Site access checks for HIAB or articulated crane vehicles
If the container is already available at a nearby depot, delivery can often be arranged within a few days. More complex deliveries that require larger articulated vehicles or specific crane positioning may take slightly longer to schedule.
Reliable suppliers will normally confirm the delivery date and vehicle type in advance to ensure the container can be safely delivered and positioned on site.
Essex Shipping Container Cost FAQs
Do shipping container prices vary across Essex?
Shipping container prices across Essex are usually similar, but delivery distance and site access can affect the final cost. Locations closer to major container depots such as Tilbury often have slightly lower delivery costs compared to more rural areas in Essex.
How much does a 20ft shipping container cost delivered in Essex?
A used 20ft shipping container delivered in Essex typically costs between £1,250 and £1,550, while a new one-trip 20ft container delivered usually costs between £2,250 and £2,550. The final price depends on delivery distance, crane vehicle requirements, and site access.
How much does a 40ft shipping container cost delivered in Essex?
A used 40ft shipping container delivered in Essex usually costs £1,700 to £2,100, while a new one-trip 40ft container delivered typically ranges from £3,200 to £4,100. Larger delivery vehicles and crane equipment are normally required for 40ft containers, which can influence delivery costs.
How long does shipping container delivery take in Essex?
Shipping container delivery in Essex usually takes between 2 and 7 working days, depending on container availability, delivery location, and vehicle scheduling. Deliveries may take longer if specialist crane vehicles are required or if access needs to be assessed before delivery.
What vehicle is used to deliver a shipping container?
Shipping containers in the UK are commonly delivered using HIAB crane lorries or sidelifter trucks. A single 20ft container is often delivered on a rigid HIAB vehicle, while 40ft containers or multiple units may require larger articulated crane vehicles.
What ground preparation is needed for a shipping container?
Shipping containers should be placed on level and stable ground to ensure the container remains structurally supported and the doors operate correctly. Common container bases include railway sleepers, concrete pads, or compacted hardcore foundations.
Are used shipping containers suitable for storage?
Used shipping containers are widely used for secure storage in the UK and are typically supplied as wind and watertight units. This means the container is structurally sound, weather resistant, and suitable for storing tools, stock, or equipment.
Can shipping containers be delivered to residential properties?
Shipping containers can often be delivered to residential properties if there is sufficient road access and space for the delivery vehicle to manoeuvre safely. Smaller rigid HIAB crane vehicles are commonly used where residential access is restricted.
Why Buyers in Essex Choose Bosh Boxes
Choosing a reliable supplier helps ensure the container arrives safely and is suitable for long-term storage.
Customers across Essex choose Bosh Boxes for several reasons:
• Fast container delivery across Essex and the UK
• Carefully inspected wind and watertight containers
• Clear pricing with no hidden delivery charges
• Availability of 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers
• Experience delivering to residential and commercial sites
• Advice on delivery access and ground preparation
• Options for modified shipping containers and custom container builds
This approach ensures customers receive containers suitable for long-term secure storage.
How to Get a Shipping Container Delivered in Essex
Ordering a shipping container delivered in Essex is straightforward when the correct steps are followed.
Typical process:
- Choose the container size (10ft, 20ft, or 40ft)
- Decide between a new or used container
- Confirm delivery access and ground preparation
- Schedule delivery with the appropriate crane vehicle
- Prepare the site before the delivery date
A reliable supplier will confirm vehicle access, lifting requirements, and ground preparation before delivery to avoid delays.
For a fast quote and delivery date, contact Bosh Boxes, a trusted UK supplier providing new and used shipping containers with delivery across Essex and the UK.
