I want to buy a shipping container - help!

stevem999

Yes, I'm looking for one of those big things that get hauled round the world on ships for a while and then probably sit in a container base for a bit longer, and then finally get laid to rest somewhere - I need to know where. Plenty of companies will sell me a new or nearly-new one for hundreds/thousands of pounds but I'm looking for one for my kids community, non-profit nursery. They've got tonnes of outdoor toys and they're all stacked up in a corridor at the moment. Has anyone had experience of getting one - e.g. a school etc that a PTA may have bought one for, or who works for a shipping/transport company and knows how to acquire one or anything really! Many thanks.

tonyivb

I've seen these for sale on eBay and there are some on there at the moment (see items 9514311173 & 4458849194)

Where do you live by the way? If you are near to a port or rail terminus then you could try contacting some local haulage contractors as I'm sure they could help you out (you will need one to transport & deliver the thing anyway).

Also try tool hire companies, they often provide them as secure building site lock-ups!

Make sure that where you want to put it is accessable for a truck with a crane (ie no power cables) as it will have to be lifted off a flatbed/skeleton trailer.

Good luck

trigger_mike

I only look at 100000 of these a day, i work at the port of felixstowe as a crane driver!, where about are you, not sure what happens to the old containers

dharm999

stevem999

Try this company:

UBC Limited
Hull
01482 223 428

They are a logistics company. I used to work for them and they sold off old containers that were still waterproof but not good enough to be used for transporting things around. Ask to speak to the managing director, used to be a guy called Tim Carlisle, if he's not available ask to speak to the Technical Director, used to be a guy called Sheron Dudding, and see if you can get them to donate an old container to your charity. If not they will sell you one for about £500, this was the price about two years ago. Depending on where you are the cost of transporting the container may be another £500, again see if you can wangle this as a donation to your charity.

Hope that helps.

stevem999

Thanks for all your ideas - really appreciated. To answer questions:

I'm in St. Helens, Merseyside so not far from Seaforth Container base but I've hit a few dead ends with companies there.

Hadn't thought of tool hire comapnies so will try there as well. Thanks!

dharm999 - thanks for the tip, I'll contact the company and see what happens - got to be worth a try!

Thanks again, will post again with any news!