Shipping container prices delivered in London typically range from £1,300 to £1,600 for a used 20ft container, and £2,300 to £2,600 for a new one-trip 20ft container, including delivery. Larger containers such as 40ft units usually cost £1,750 to £1,950 used or £3,300 to £3,550 new. The final cost depends on container size, condition, delivery distance, and site access.
Many buyers researching shipping containers for sale in London or across the UK want to understand the full delivered price before committing to a purchase.
This guide explains typical London containers costs, what affects pricing, and how delivery works in the capital.
What Is Included in the Cost of a Shipping Container Delivered in London?
The delivered cost of a shipping container usually includes three main elements.
• The container itself
• Transport from the depot to the delivery site
• Offloading using specialist lifting equipment
A container delivery UK service normally uses either a HIAB crane truck or a sidelifter depending on the container size and site access.
The total price therefore reflects both the container value and the complexity of the delivery.
Average Shipping Container Price Delivered in London
Shipping container prices delivered in London typically range from £1,300 to £3,550 depending on container size and condition. A used 20ft container is usually the cheapest option, while larger 40ft new one-trip containers cost more due to size and transport requirements.
Typical Shipping Container Prices Delivered in London
Shipping container prices delivered in London are typically slightly higher than Essex due to congestion, restricted delivery routes, and longer unloading times.
Based on current market ranges, buyers can expect approximate prices in the following ranges.
| Container Type | Typical Delivered Price (London) |
|---|---|
| 20ft Used Shipping Container | £1,300 – £1,600 |
| 20ft New One-Trip Container | £2,300 – £2,600 |
| 40ft Used Shipping Container | £1,750 – £1,950 |
| 40ft New One-Trip Container | £3,300 – £3,550 |
These prices reflect the container supply plus delivery and offloading within Greater London.
A used container is usually supplied wind and watertight, meaning the structure is sound and suitable for secure storage.
20ft Shipping Container Cost Delivered in London
The cost of a 20ft shipping container delivered in London typically ranges from £1,300 to £1,600 for a used container and £2,300 to £2,600 for a new one-trip container, including delivery and offloading. The exact price depends on container condition, delivery distance, and site access for the crane vehicle.
A 20ft container is the most commonly purchased size in London because it provides a good balance between storage capacity and delivery practicality.
Typical uses for 20ft containers in London include.
• Construction site storage
• Secure tool storage for contractors
• Business overflow stock storage
• Film and event equipment storage
• Workshop or project storage
A standard 20ft container provides around 33 cubic metres of internal space, which is usually enough for pallet storage, tools, and equipment.
Delivery normally requires a HIAB crane truck with around 15–20 metres of straight access space for safe offloading.
Because London access can vary significantly between sites, confirming delivery space in advance helps ensure a smooth installation.
Many buyers comparing prices also want to understand container condition and specifications before purchasing. If you are researching 20ft containers in more detail, see our guides on 20ft Used Shipping Containers, 20ft New Shipping Containers, and the full specification guide 20ft Shipping Container Dimensions UK (Internal & External Specs Guide). For a broader national pricing comparison, see How Much Does a 20ft Shipping Container Cost in the UK? or our complete buyer guide How to Buy a 20ft Shipping Container (Step-by-Step Guide).
40ft Shipping Container Cost Delivered in London
The cost of a 40ft shipping container delivered in London typically ranges from £1,750 to £1,950 for a used container and £3,300 to £3,550 for a new one-trip container, including delivery. Prices can vary depending on the delivery location and whether site access allows a crane vehicle to unload safely.
A 40ft container provides over double the internal storage space of a 20ft container, making it suitable for bulk storage or larger commercial use.
Common uses for 40ft containers in London include.
• Construction material storage
• Retail and warehouse overflow storage
• Film production equipment storage
• Container conversions and workshop space
• Bulk pallet storage
A standard 40ft container offers around 67 cubic metres of internal capacity, making it ideal where larger volumes of goods need to be stored securely.
However, delivering a 40ft container requires more delivery space and wider access, so some urban sites may be better suited to a 20ft container
Delivery space is one of the most important planning considerations when ordering a container in London. If you are unsure whether your site has enough access for a large crane vehicle, see our guide How Much Space Is Needed to Deliver a 40ft Shipping Container, which explains typical vehicle size and unloading requirements.
Buyers considering a 40ft container often compare standard and high cube units. You can explore available options in our guides to 40ft Used High Cube Shipping Containers and 40ft New High Cube Containers. For full container specifications, see 40ft Shipping Container Dimensions UK (Internal & External Specs Guide). If you want to compare pricing across the country, see How Much Does a 40ft Shipping Container Cost in the UK? or our complete buyer guide How to Buy a 40ft Shipping Container (Step-by-Step Guide).
How Location in London Affects Container Delivery Cost
Container delivery prices in London can vary depending on exact location, traffic restrictions, and vehicle compliance requirements. While the container itself may cost the same, delivery costs can change based on where the site is within Greater London.
Areas closer to major container depots and motorway routes are usually cheaper to deliver to.
For example, East London locations such as Barking, Dagenham, or Stratford are often easier to access from ports like Tilbury or London Gateway, which can keep delivery costs lower.
By comparison, West London areas such as Hammersmith, Ealing, or Richmond may involve longer travel distances, heavier traffic, and more restricted streets. This can increase delivery time and vehicle costs.
Access to major routes also plays a role. Sites located near the M25, A13, or A406 North Circular are generally easier for large delivery vehicles to reach. Locations deep inside residential areas or tight industrial estates can require more careful planning for crane unloading.
Vehicle compliance can also affect the final delivery price. Some specialist container delivery vehicles are not ULEZ compliant, which means entering certain London zones may involve additional daily charges.
For deliveries within Central London boroughs such as Westminster, Camden, or Southwark, suppliers may also need to factor in the Congestion Charge and potential parking restrictions for crane vehicles.
Because container deliveries use large trucks with lifting equipment, drivers also need enough space to safely unload the container.
Typical delivery requirements include.
• Around 15–20 metres of straight space for a HIAB crane truck
• Clear overhead space for lifting
• Ground strong enough to support heavy vehicles
Understanding how location affects delivery helps buyers plan ahead and avoid unexpected transport costs when ordering a shipping container in London.
Why Container Delivery Costs More in London
Delivering a container into London is often more complex than other parts of the UK.
Several factors can affect the delivery price.
• Congestion and restricted vehicle routes
• Limited access streets and tight delivery locations
• Parking restrictions for crane vehicles
• Longer travel times from container depots
• Possible permit or timing restrictions in central boroughs
Container delivery vehicles are large articulated trucks. Planning delivery access in advance helps avoid delays or failed delivery attempts.
Key Factors That Affect Container Cost
The final price of a container delivered in London depends on several variables.
Container Size
Larger containers cost more to purchase and transport.
Typical sizes include.
• 10ft shipping containers
• 20ft shipping containers
• 40ft shipping containers
A 20ft container is the most commonly purchased size for urban sites because it balances storage capacity with easier delivery.
Container Condition
There are two main container conditions buyers choose from.
New (One-Trip Containers)
These containers have only made a single journey from the manufacturing factory. They have minimal wear and usually include factory paint and pristine floors.
View our Stock of 20ft New Shipping Containers and 40ft New High Cube Shipping Containers.
Used Containers
Used containers have been retired from international shipping fleets. They may have cosmetic dents or surface rust but remain structurally sound and suitable for storage.
Used units are usually the most cost-effective option for secure storage.
View our availability of 20ft Used shipping containers and 40ft used high cube shipping containers.
Delivery Distance
The closer the container depot is to London, the lower the delivery cost.
Many containers delivered in London are sourced from nearby ports such as Tilbury, London Gateway, and Felixstowe, which helps keep transport distances relatively short.
Longer transport distances increase fuel costs and driver time.
Site Access
Site access is one of the biggest factors affecting delivery cost.
Drivers need enough space to safely unload the container.
On tight London streets the container is often unloaded directly from the truck into position using the HIAB crane. If access is limited, the container may need to be placed at the closest safe point and moved later using site equipment.
Typical requirements include.
• Around 15–20 metres of straight space for a HIAB crane delivery
• Adequate ground strength for heavy vehicles
• Clear overhead space for lifting
Restricted access may require alternative equipment or a different delivery approach.
Buying Shipping Containers in London
Businesses across London regularly buy shipping containers for secure storage, construction sites, and commercial use. Shipping containers in London are commonly delivered to industrial estates, building sites, film locations, and retail storage yards where secure steel storage is required.
Buyers searching for shipping containers for sale in London often compare container size, condition, and delivery access before placing an order.
Common container options include.
• 20ft shipping containers for urban storage sites
• 40ft shipping containers for bulk storage
• high cube containers for additional internal height
Shipping Container Cost Delivered in London – FAQs
How much does a shipping container cost delivered in London?
The cost of a shipping container delivered in London typically ranges from £1,300 to £1,600 for a used 20ft container and £2,300 to £2,600 for a new one-trip 20ft container, including delivery and offloading. Larger 40ft containers usually cost £1,750 to £1,950 used or £3,300 to £3,550 new, depending on delivery access and location.
What is the cheapest shipping container delivered in London?
The cheapest shipping container delivered in London is usually a used 20ft shipping container, which typically costs around £1,300 to £1,600 including delivery. Used containers are often sold as wind and watertight, meaning they remain structurally sound and suitable for secure storage while costing significantly less than new containers.
How much does a 20ft shipping container cost delivered in London?
A 20ft shipping container delivered in London typically costs £1,300 to £1,600 for a used container or £2,300 to £2,600 for a new one-trip container, including delivery and offloading. The final price depends on the delivery location, site access for the crane vehicle, and whether the container is new or used.
How much does a 40ft shipping container cost delivered in London?
A 40ft shipping container delivered in London typically costs £1,750 to £1,950 for a used container and £3,300 to £3,550 for a new one-trip container, including delivery. Prices can vary depending on the exact delivery location, crane access requirements, and whether the container is a standard height or high cube model.
Why does container delivery cost more in London?
Shipping container delivery in London often costs more because of traffic congestion, restricted vehicle routes, and complex delivery access. Large crane trucks require space to unload safely, and travel times are longer than most UK regions. Central London deliveries may also involve Congestion Charge or ULEZ costs, which increase overall transport expenses.
Do ULEZ and congestion charges affect shipping container delivery costs?
Yes, ULEZ and Congestion Charge zones can affect shipping container delivery costs in London. Some container delivery vehicles are not fully ULEZ compliant, which may require additional daily charges to enter certain areas. Deliveries inside Central London congestion zones may also incur extra costs depending on vehicle type and delivery timing.
How much space is needed to deliver a shipping container in London?
Delivering a shipping container in London usually requires around 15 to 20 metres of straight access space for a HIAB crane truck to unload safely. The delivery vehicle must also have clear overhead space for lifting and stable ground for the truck stabilisers, which support the crane during container placement.
Can a shipping container be delivered to residential streets in London?
Yes, shipping containers can often be delivered to residential streets in London if there is enough access for the delivery vehicle and crane. Narrow roads, parked cars, or overhead cables may affect the delivery location. In some cases the container may need to be unloaded from a nearby road or wider access point.
Are used shipping containers cheaper to deliver than new containers?
Used shipping containers are usually cheaper overall than new containers, but the delivery cost itself is normally similar. The main price difference comes from the container purchase price, as used containers have already been in service and cost significantly less than new one-trip containers.
How quickly can a shipping container be delivered in London?
Shipping containers can usually be delivered in London within 5 to 10 working days, depending on container availability and delivery scheduling. Faster delivery may be possible if the container is already stored at a nearby depot and the delivery site has straightforward access for the crane vehicle.
Why Buyers Choose Shipping Containers for Storage in London
Shipping containers provide practical storage where permanent buildings are expensive or impractical.
Container deliveries are common across boroughs including Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Enfield, and Croydon where businesses frequently use containers for site storage.
Common London use cases include.
- Construction site storage
- Retail stock storage
- Film and event equipment storage
- Workshop and tool storage
- Business overflow storage
- Site Offices
Steel containers provide secure storage with minimal setup requirements, making them popular across construction, logistics, and commercial sectors.
Why Bosh Boxes Is the Best Choice
Buyers comparing new and used shipping containers often prioritise reliability, delivery speed, and transparent pricing.
Bosh Boxes supplies shipping containers for sale in London and across the UK, offering straightforward container supply with clear pricing and reliable delivery.
Customers choose Bosh Boxes because.
• Fast delivery across London and the South East
• Containers inspected before dispatch
• Units supplied wind and watertight for secure storage
• New and used container options available
• Transparent pricing with no hidden delivery charges
• Nationwide container delivery UK coverage
• Guidance on delivery access and site preparation
Delivery slots can sometimes fill quickly during busy construction periods.
How to Get Started
Buying a shipping container delivered in London is straightforward when the process is planned properly.
Typical steps include.
- Choose the container size required
- Decide between new or used condition
- Confirm delivery access at the site
- Request a delivered price quote
- Arrange a delivery date
Most container deliveries take around 5–10 working days, although quicker delivery may sometimes be available depending on stock location.
For a fast quote and delivery date, contact Bosh Boxes, a trusted supplier of shipping containers for sale UK-wide. The team can help confirm container size, delivery method, and realistic pricing for London sites.
