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OUR ULTIMATE SHIPPING CONTAINER GUIDE

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ADVISE ON NEW AND USED CONTAINERS

NEW CONTAINERS

New containers are made to a very high specification and have only ever completed one sea journey from China to the UK, which means they have not been consistently exposed to salt water at sea. It is salt sea water that is the main cause of rust in second hand containers. There is very little difference between the price of new and second hand containers but there is a great deal of difference in quality, durability and appearance.

It is very unlikely that you will get condensation in a new container and for that reason we only use new units in our self storage yard. New 20ft containers have 5 vents each side which helps prevent the likelihood of condensation appearing.

Please be aware when purchasing new units they have been used new from the factory with cargo. Upon arrival there may be minor cosmetic scuffs and dents that will not have any impact on the function of the container or our pricing.

USED CONTAINERS

Second hand containers have normally completed a good 15 years constantly travelling the world before being sold. Being knocked about on the docks and corroded by salt sea water all take their toll on their appearance and sometimes their structure. However, if the goods you plan to store do not require pristine interiors and you are not too bothered about external appearances then second hand units will do the job.

USED CONTAINERS EXAMPLES

See the pictures below of the two 20ft units. Both are 15 years old. The first (Container A) has spent its life travelling the world and the second (Container B) has just sat in our self storage yard and not endured constant exposure to salt water.

Container A

Container B

Container B

As you can see from the pictures above the blue container that has only sat in our storage yard has no rust around the door seals (this is one of the first places rust will appear). It has no rust on it at all and no repair patches. Inside it is like new and outside it simply has faded slightly. Nothing a fresh coat of paint won’t rectify. Compare that to the one that has spent 15 hard years at sea.

SHIPPING CONTAINER TECHNICAL DETAILS

The front doors of a shipping container and what all the numbers and letters mean.

  1. Owners Prefix & Serial Number
  2. Size & Type
  3. Weight Panel
  4. CSC Plate Details


The image shows the structure on the floor of a shipping container.

The image shows the structure on the floor of a larger shipping container.

The image shows the structure of a shipping container if you was to pull it apart.

SHIPPING CONTAINER MEASUREMENTS

10ft Shipping Containers

  • External Length: 10ft
  • External Width: 8ft
  • External Height: 8ft 6”
  • Internal Length: 9ft 4”
  • Internal Width: 7ft 8”
  • Internal Height: 7ft 10”
  • Door Opening Width: 7ft 8”
  • Door Opening Height: 7ft 5”
  • 560 cubic feet

20ft Shipping Containers

  • External Length: 20ft
  • External Width: 8ft
  • External Height: 8ft 6”
  • Internal Length: 19ft 4”
  • Internal Width: 7ft 8”
  • Internal Height: 7ft 10”
  • Door Opening Width: 7ft 8”
  • Door Opening Height: 7ft 8”
  • 1160 cubic feet

40ft Shipping Containers

  • External Length: 40ft
  • External Width: 8ft
  • External Height: 8ft 6”
  • Internal Length: 39ft 4”
  • Internal Width: 7ft 8”
  • Internal Height: 7ft 10”
  • Door Opening Width: 7ft 8”
  • Door Opening Height: 7ft 5”
  • 2640 cubic feet

* Whilst we have tried to be as accurate as possible, container measurements can vary slightly when they are made and depending on age and weather.

SHIPPING CONTAINER RAL COLOURS

Container In RAL 6007

Container In RAL 5013

Container In RAL 5010

This pages displays the standard colours for paint and coatings known as the RAL Colour Code. It is important to note that the colours shown on this page depend on your monitor settings.

RAL 1000
Green Beige

RAL 1001
Beige

RAL 1002
Sand Yellow

RAL 1003
Signal Yellow

RAL 1004
Golden Yellow

RAL 1005
Honey Yellow

RAL 1006
Maize Yellow

RAL 1007
Daffodil Yellow

RAL 1011
Brown Beige

RAL 1012
Lemon Yellow

RAL 1013
Oyster White

RAL 1014
Ivory

RAL 1015
Light Ivory

RAL 1016
Sulphur Yellow

RAL 1017
Saffron Yellow

RAL 1018
Zinc Yellow

RAL 1019
Grey Beige

RAL 1020
Olive Yellow

RAL 1021
Rape Yellow

RAL 1023
Traffic Yellow

RAL 1024
Ochre Yellow

RAL 1026
Luminous Yellow

RAL 1027
Curry

RAL 1028
Melon Yellow

RAL 1032
Broom Yellow

RAL 1033
Dahlia Yellow

RAL 1034
Pastel Yellow

RAL 1035
Pearl Beige

RAL 1036
Pearl Gold

RAL 1037
Sun Yellow

RAL 2000
Yellow Orange

RAL 2001
Red Orange

RAL 2002
Vermilion

RAL 2003
Pastel Orange

RAL 2004
Pure Orange

RAL 2005
Luminous Orange

RAL 2007
Luminous Bright Orange

RAL 2008
Bright Red Orange

RAL 2009
Traffic Orange

RAL 2010
Signal Orange

RAL 2011
Deep Orange

RAL 2012
Salmon Orange

RAL 2013
Pearl Orange

RAL 3000
Flame Red

RAL 3001
Signal Red

RAL 3002
Carmine Red

RAL 3003
Ruby Red

RAL 3004
Purple Red

RAL 3005
Wine Red

RAL 3007
Black Red

RAL 3009
Oxide Red

RAL 3011
Brown Red

RAL 3012
Beige Red

RAL 3013
Tomato Red

RAL 3014
Antique Pink

RAL 3015
Light Pink

RAL 3016
Coral Red

RAL 3017
Rose

RAL 3018
Strawberry Red

RAL 3020
Traffic Red

RAL 3022
Salmon Pink

RAL 3024
Luminous Red

RAL 3026
Luminous Bright Red

RAL 3027
Raspberry Red

RAL 3028
Pure Red

RAL 3031
Orient Red

RAL 3032
Pearl Ruby Red

RAL 3033
Pearl Pink

RAL 4001
Red Lilac

RAL 4002
Red Violet

RAL 4003
Heather Violet

RAL 4004
Claret Violet

RAL 4005
Blue Lilac

RAL 4006
Traffic Purple

RAL 4007
Purple Violet

RAL 4008
Signal Violet

RAL 4009
Pastel Violet

RAL 4010
Telemagenta

RAL 4011
Pearl Violet

RAL 4012
Pearl Black Berry

RAL 5000
Violet Blue

RAL 5001
Green Blue

RAL 5002
Ultramarine Blue

RAL 5003
Sapphire Blue

RAL 5004
Black Blue

RAL 5005
Signal Blue

RAL 5007
Brilliant Blue

RAL 5008
Grey Blue

RAL 5009
Azure Blue

RAL 5010
Gentian Blue

RAL 5011
Steel Blue

RAL 5012
Light Blue

RAL 5013
Cobalt Blue

RAL 5014
Pigeon Blue

RAL 5015
Sky Blue

RAL 5017
Traffic Blue

RAL 5018
Turquoise Blue

RAL 5019
Capri Blue

RAL 5020
Ocean Blue

RAL 5021
Water Blue

RAL 5022
Night Blue

RAL 5023
Distant Blue

RAL 5024
Pastel Blue

RAL 5025
Pearl Gentian Blue

RAL 5026
Pearl Night Blue

RAL 6000
Patina Green

RAL 6001
Emerald Green

RAL 6002
Leaf Green

RAL 6003
Olive Green

RAL 6004
Blue Green

RAL 6005
Moss Green

RAL 6006
Grey Olive

RAL 6007
Bottle Green

RAL 6008
Brown Green

RAL 6009
Fir Green

RAL 6010
Grass Green

RAL 6011
Reseda Green

RAL 6012
Black Green

RAL 6013
Reed Green

RAL 6014
Yellow Olive

RAL 6015
Black Olive

RAL 6016
Turquoise Green

RAL 6017
May Green

RAL 6018
Yellow Green

RAL 6019
Pastel Green

RAL 6020
Chrome Green

RAL 6021
Pale Green

RAL 6022
Olive Drab

RAL 6024
Traffic Green

RAL 6025
Fern Green

RAL 6026
Opal Green

RAL 6027
Light Green

RAL 6028
Pine Green

RAL 6029
Mint Green

RAL 6032
Signal Green

RAL 6033
Mint Turquoise

RAL 6034
Pastel Turquoise

RAL 6035
Pearl Green

RAL 6036
Pearl Opal Green

RAL 6037
Pure Green

RAL 6038
Luminous Green

RAL 7000
Squirrel Grey

RAL 7001
Silver Grey

RAL 7002
Olive Grey

RAL 7003
Moss Grey

RAL 7004
Signal Grey

RAL 7005
Mouse Grey

RAL 7006
Beige Grey

RAL 7008
Khaki Grey

RAL 7009
Green Grey

RAL 7010
Tarpaulin Grey

RAL 7011
Iron Grey

RAL 7012
Basalt Grey

RAL 7013
Brown Grey

RAL 7015
Slate Grey

RAL 7016
Anthracite Grey

RAL 7021
Black Grey

RAL 7022
Umbra Grey

RAL 7023
Concrete Grey

RAL 7024
Graphite Grey

RAL 7026
Granite Grey

RAL 7030
Stone Grey

RAL 7031
Blue Grey

RAL 7032
Pebble Grey

RAL 7033
Cement Grey

RAL 7034
Yellow Grey

RAL 7035
Light Grey

RAL 7036
Platinum Grey

RAL 7037
Dusty Grey

RAL 7038
Agate Grey

RAL 7039
Quartz Grey

RAL 7040
Window Grey

RAL 7042
Traffic Grey A

RAL 7043
Traffic Grey B

RAL 7044
Silk Grey

RAL 7045
Telegrey 1

RAL 7046
Telegrey 2

RAL 7047
Telegrey 4

RAL 7048
Pearl Mouse Grey

RAL 8000
Green Brown

RAL 8001
Ochre Brown

RAL 8002
Signal Grey

RAL 8003
Clay Brown

RAL 8004
Copper Brown

RAL 8007
Fawn Grey

RAL 8008
Olive Brown

RAL 8011
Nut Brown

RAL 8012
Red Grey

RAL 8014
Sepia Brown

RAL 8015
Chestnut Brown

RAL 8016
Mahogany Grey

RAL 8017
Chocolate Brown

RAL 8019
Grey Brown

RAL 8022
Black Grey

RAL 8023
Orange Brown

RAL 8024
Beige Brown

RAL 8025
Pale Grey

RAL 8028
Terra Brown

RAL 8029
Pearl Copper

RAL 9001
Cream

RAL 9002
Grey White

RAL 9003
Signal White

RAL 9004
Signal Black

RAL 9005
Jet Black

RAL 9006
White Aluminium

RAL 9007
Grey Aluminium

RAL 9010
Pure White

RAL 9011
Graphite Black

RAL 9016
Traffic White

RAL 9017
Traffic Black

RAL 9018
Papyrus White

RAL 9022
Pearl Light Grey

RAL 9023
Pearl Dark Grey

ABOUT OUR SHIPPING CONTAINERS

We are one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of high quality shipping containers with a client base built up over 30 years, consisting of blue chip companies like Network Rail and UK Power networks. We rely on repeat business and recommendation not on advertising. The majority of our customers purchase containers without actually viewing them first, placing an enormous amount of trust in us, their chosen supplier. We believe that this is an easier, more convenient and efficient use of our clients' time. Where possible we will send out pictures of the containers they will purchase prior to delivery. The most important part of our service is giving advice and making sure that the customer buys the best container to suit their needs. Please see the Advice section on this website. We also boast that we supply the highest quality at the lowest prices and offer a price promise to back up this claim. We don’t like to be beaten on price and will do everything we can to honor this pledge.

We are committed to providing quality products at market leading prices. We cannot guarantee to be the cheapest every time, but If you have a written quote that is better than ours please challenge us to match or beat it!

what our clients say about us

See our reviews on

“We have worked with Capital for many, many years and have built up a great professional relationship with them as they are honest, trustworthy and reliable while providing an excellent service. The containers we have bought from them have always been of excellent quality and that’s why we keep coming back.”

Alice Mills, GB

“We have used Capital Containers over the years and have always been very happy with the service they provide, the team are attentive, the containers are competitively priced and delivery’s are on time with drivers that go the extra mile to complete the job.”

Brian, GB

“Capital containers rose to the challenge when we had a very specific requirement for an indoor rifle range and laser combat secure storage. They worked with us to find a solution that was both excellent value and durable as they have now been in use for many years and still water tight!”

Bob, GB

“Capital Containers is a reputable company known for providing high-quality shipping containers. Would highly recommend them for their competitive pricing and exceptional service. The containers are always clean, in good condition, and well-maintained. Their consistent focus on customer satisfaction, paired with efficient service, is why they are one of our most reputable suppliers. If you're considering purchasing or renting a shipping container, Capital Containers is a very reliable choice.”

Dave, GB

“We have used Capitol Containers for more years than I can remember and they always give a good service. We have even recommended them to some of our clients, as we trust them..”

Andrew, GB

“Always a helpful & accommodating company to deal with the perfect deals for all scenarios – never look to go anywhere else.”

Peter, GB

“We have dealt with Capital Containers for many years with buying containers and storing goods. They have always been reliable and reasonable, based on our experience, we would definitely recommend them.”

Michael, GB

“We are extremely pleased with the service provided by Capital Containers for our custom-made 40-foot container. The side door opening they installed has significantly improved our efficiency, allowing quick access to our production equipment during changeovers. The team at Capital Containers was professional, responsive, and delivered exactly what we needed within the promised timeline. The quality of their workmanship is outstanding, and the container is both durable and secure. We highly recommend Capital Containers for any custom container needs.”

Daniel Toma, GB

“I brought a container from Capital Containers for a new project of mine and converted it into a chicken house. They adapted it to my requirements The service and adaptions where brilliant. I would highly recommend purchasing a container from Capital Containers. The delivery and assembly where also brilliant. Fanastic service all round. Thank you Capital Containers and Thank you Pauline for your support and help with this all the way though.”

Michael Harris, GB

“We worked with Capital Containers recently in the delivery of containers to be used as storage for infrastructure materials. They were excellent to deal with, communication was clear and concise and I found Pauline to be very helpful. The containers were just what we needed and to the specification we required. I would happily use Capital containers again and would recommend them to colleagues.”

Andy Slade, GB

“At Spadework, we’ve had the pleasure of working with CAPITAL UK LTD, and I can confidently say that their containers and services have been outstanding. The quality and durability of their products have exceeded our expectations, providing us with the reliability we need to support our charitable work. The team at CAPITAL UK LTD is professional, efficient, and always willing to go the extra mile to meet our needs. It’s been a true partnership, and I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for top-tier containers and exceptional customer care.”

Kris, GB

“The Capital Container team were very proactive in supplying and organising transport arrangements for a number of containers involved in a project we had to Latvia. The whole process from purchasing the containers, loading from the shipper through to delivering to port went without a hitch. I would highly recommend Capital Containers.”

Simon, GB

“I have dealt with Capital Containers for over 5 years now.. Buying used and nearly new ( one trip) 20 and 40ft containers. I have found the service excellent.. Pauline and her staff are very attentive to both the initial quote for the container and then the organising of the delivery once agreed. At times I have needed containers sprayed a certain colour and also supplied with certain sized apertures cut into the containers.. At all times this has been done to a high standard.. I would not hesitate at all to recommend Capital Containers as your First Stop your Container requirements..”

Royden M Kemp, GB

“I just wanted to thank you for the service you’ve provided for us, the containers are very smart. I was out of the office when your team delivered the container at Didcot, but by all accounts, my guys were impressed by the driver's skill in replacing our old unit.”

Wayne Bartram, GB

Quick to organise and super convenient

“I just wanted to thank you for the service you’ve provided for us, the containers are very smart. I was out of the office when your team delivered the container at Didcot, but by all accounts, my guys were impressed by the driver's skill in replacing our old unit. Please pass on my thanks to your team.”

Andy Dunlop, Chelmsford

Very personable service

“Dealt with all the large container suppliers and capital containers are without a doubt the best, competitive prices, tidy boxes and fantastic service.”

Alfie Young, GB

Quick to organise and super convenient

“Quick to organise and super convenient. I needed short term storage for a 2-bed house move, and this fit the bill. Great price, staff are accessible and friendly, and there were no issues at all. Highly recommend”

Matt, GB

Capital containers have been very…

“Capital containers have been very helpful in getting us containers, they have been fast and very profession I the progress and will keep on using them.”

Hugh Boyd-Lambley, GB

“Many thanks for the use of your storage areas…They were clean, good size and very easy to access.”

Darren

“Jane has been an amazing thanks so much for all you have done, I am a very happy customer and would use you again!”

Ben

We have an extremely hard working and dedicated team trained to deliver your container with both expertise and efficiency.