Shipping Container Hire - What Options Are Available?
When it comes to shipping container hire in the UK, there are many options to choose from. These units can be employed in a variety ways, from storage to creating temporary workspaces.
Renting or leasing a container is a great way to avoid the initial costs. However, market trends can impact PU rates - so it's important to know your options.
Buying vs. Hiring
Shipping containers are among the most versatile pieces of equipment on the market, providing both long-term and short-term storage as well as transportation solutions. They're also durable and weatherproof and are suitable for a variety of applications. It's crucial to consider your budget and needs when deciding if you want to purchase or rent. Buying a container can be more expensive upfront but it's an excellent option if you plan on using it for a long time.
A container purchase comes with some maintenance obligations that include regular inspections for damage and weathering. If you plan on using your container in a marine setting, for example you might need to purchase an anti-corrosion treatment. It's also important to consider the possibility of modifying your container to suit specific needs. The overall performance of your container will be improved by adding additional ventilation and insulation as well as the ply liner.
Leasing a shipping container is cheaper. This is especially true if you require a container for a brief period of time, like when you are moving house or renovating. Additionally leasing a container allows you greater flexibility when it comes to disposal. If you decide to return your container to the leasing company, it could be used again.

The leasing of a container is more flexible and comes with lower initial costs compared to purchasing. It's also a great option for businesses that want to expand and gain temporary extra space.
If you're planning to ship to the UK or abroad it is important to know the latest trends and rates. Prices and availability are affected by a variety of factors, including the recent recession in Germany or seasonal fluctuations. For the best rates you can find shipping containers for hire in the UK that connects you to suppliers in your locality.
Sizes
Containers are available in a broad range of. There are the standard containers you'll see on the highway or in the ocean, but also containers that are designed for specific uses. The most common sizes are the 10 and 20ft containers, but it is possible to find even larger ones. The size of the container is based on its height and width, along with the capacity for weight. The height of the container is measured vertically from the ground up to the top of its door. This gives an indication of the internal volume of the container. The most wide point is the front of the container, and it can extend up to 3 meters in length. The tare weight is used in order to determine the weight of the container. The weight does not include cargo or any other items inside the container. The container is weighed using an appropriate platform to determine the weight. You can determine the cargo capacity by dividing the weight by dimensions of the container.
The tare weight is typically written along the sides of a shipping container. The container also has an unique number. The first three letters are the container owner and are registered with the Bureau International des Containers ("BIC"). This is followed by six additional numerical digits. You can verify the BIC number online.
Options
If the initial cost to buy a shipping container is costly for a business or an individual to pay for, then renting (also referred to as leasing or hiring) one could be a cost-effective option. Container rentals can be made either on a short-term or a long-term basis, and the prices are competitive. Highway Logistics offer standard 20ft units with double doors on one end, and a variety of Hi cube tunnel, Opensider and Tunnel units, all with a single set of doors on each 8ft end.
Knowing the market trends is vital in sourcing containers, with rates to the UK being in a dramatic decrease from the recent highs due to recessions and slowing economies. Keep track of PU rates with our free tool xChange insight. Get the actual one-way lease rates for 180 locations around the globe.
Costs
Shipping containers are influenced by a variety of factors. The size of the shipping container, the route of shipping and the ports of departure and arrival are all factors that affect the price. The more items you place into a container, the more expensive it will be. Air freight is more expensive than road or sea transport. It may also be more expensive at certain seasons, as demand rises or falls on the major trade routes.
Leasing or hiring a shipping container is much cheaper than buying one outright. It is also more flexible since you can rent containers for weeks, days or even months at an time. This is great for people who are moving and require storage space for their belongings until they find an appropriate place to live. Shipping containers are robust and weatherproof, which means they can be used for storage that lasts for a long time.
These large steel boxes have been utilized by creative individuals to transform their homes into unique micro-houses. Others have transformed them into trendy offices, garden sheds and even swimming pools. Your imagination is the only limit! Shipping 10ft Storage Containers are also an environmentally sustainable option, since they produce less emissions than road or air transportation.
Be aware that some countries charge quarantine charges if you import your container. This is because they're worried about foreign pests or bacteria disrupting their ecosystems. Officials will inspect your container to make sure that it's clean and free of the dangers. This can add up to the total cost of moving therefore, make sure you take this into account when calculating your budget.
Whether you're buying or hiring, a shipping container is the ideal choice for your next project. In contrast to building from scratch, containers can help you save time and money while still providing the space you need to create your dream home or office. It's also versatile it can be used to serve a variety of purposes after its career on the sea has finished! If you're interested in shipping containers, Highway Logistics offers competitive rates for vetted suppliers.