Why 10ft Shipping Containers Are Rare and Costly: What You Need to Know
Last Updated on December 6, 2024
We are often asked to supply a 10ft shipping container by those who simply do not have the space for a larger container.
Sadly 10ft shipping containers are not a standard size. The cost of producing a new or used 10ft shipping container works out to be a lot more expensive than a new or used 20ft container.
Why 10ft Containers Are Not a Standard Size
10ft shipping containers were not originally produced because their size makes them too costly to ship from China. The holds on a ship only usually stow 20ft and 40ft containers. Although there are spaces for odd shaped/sized containers, this is simply not cost effective.
If a shipper only wanted to use a 10ft container for shipping, then the shipping lines would put 2 loads of 10ft or multiple goods inside a 20ft container in order to complete a full load; the term for this is “Groupage”.
Nowadays, New (one trip) 10ft containers are built, but they are built specifically for the static storage market. Two 10ft units are locked together (for shipping purposes) and then shipped empty to their destination country. New 20ft (one trip) containers are shipped with one cargo to the country, but the 10ft units are not used for cargo.
This way the shipping lines have to charge the shipping costs, which increases the value of a new 10ft container.
Please see our dimensions table to show the shipping container sizes.
Pitfalls of Choosing a 10ft Shipping Container
Opting for a second-hand 10ft container
We offer a service to remanufacture a second-hand 20ft container by splitting it into two 10ft units. Each unit has an exterior repaint and a lockbox fitted to the container doors. However, each 10ft will have either a set of fabricated mild steel doors or a fabricated mild steel end panel.
On a second hand 20ft container, you will find many dents as it has been shipped around the world. When a second-hand container is repainted externally, sadly the dents are accentuated.
If you are looking to buy a second-hand 10ft container for stacking, this method of remanufacture will not be suitable. At the time of manufacture, we remove the cornerposts and corner castings at one end of the container. Also, the containers are not tested for the load capacity.
For lifting purposes, we fit lifting loops/eyes to the cut end, which will also hinder stacking.
Please bear in mind we do not repaint or refurbish the interior and all our containers are watertight and structurally sound prior to delivery.
When complete the second hand 10ft will look similar to the photos below.
Opting for a New (one trip) 10ft container
New (one trip) 10ft containers are built in China. For shipment two 10ft units are locked together so they can be transported as a 20ft container. The shipping lines charge for the shipment, as they only deal with 20ft or 40ft containers.
These new 10ft units are still shipped in the same way as a 20ft container, so there may be the odd dent or scratch.
The new 10ft containers will look something similar to these photos below.
When we deliver these containers to your site, the cost of transport and offload will be the same as a 20ft container. There are no smaller HIAB vehicles available that can take the weight of a 10ft container and lift it off.
Either new or used, these units are perfect as a stand-alone static storage container.
Alternatives and Expert Advice
We will always recommend you go for a standard size container. It is the most cost effective way. Of course that is not always possible.
Just remember though, the smallest vehicle that can transport a 10ft is the same size as one that can transport a 20ft container, so the cost of delivery would be the same for 10ft as well as a 20ft container.
We don’t recommend you stack second hand 10ft containers onto each other or onto a larger container. Standard shipping containers are fitted with corner castings and with four stacking cones in between, these lock the stack in place.
Call us for our advice and we can highlight the pros and cons of having a 10ft container.
We could save you £100s by guiding you to a more cost-effective way of storing your goods safely and securely.
Conclusion
We (Jane, Clare and Matt) have over 60 years of combined experience in the shipping container industry.
We have been supplying shipping containers for over 12 years and Jane & Clare have worked for other container sales companies before that.
Remember a 10ft container is not a standard size and therefore it will cost you a lot more than purchasing a standard sized container.
- Make an Informed Choice with our Expert Help
Call us today for a quote or chat on 0800 121 7388 or complete our GET A Quote form here.
