Buying a shipping container office? Read this first!

Last Updated on May 7, 2024

Mobile office units are a great way of adding secure, comfortable and cost-effective office and canteen spaces to your business. They are an ideal solution for building sites, farms, schools, sports clubs, car dealerships and many other businesses.

With your own shipping container office, you can join the thousands of people benefiting from convenience, practicality and huge savings on office rental. These are just a few of the reasons why this style of portable office is more popular in 2024 than it has ever been before. If you are on the lookout for a shipping container office, you might be overwhelmed with the amount of options available. Don’t fret – these choices and customisations will make your life much easier, and we will tell you everything you need to know in order to help you make the right decision when it comes to your future office space.

Here’s what you need to consider.

Container Office advantages

• Cost-effective
• Secure
• Comfortable
• Insulated
• Vandal Resistant
• Easy to order
• Simple delivery

How is a shipping container mobile office constructed?

Our converted shipping containers are designed to provide you with a secure and comfortable office or canteen space. They are constructed from corten steel, which makes them exceptionally strong and incredibly secure. Corten steel is also known as ‘weathering steel’, as it features higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion compared to other steels. This feature is the reason why containers can withstand years of sea travel. As your office unit will be housed in a new container, which hasn’t undergone the same exposure to the elements, it will last even longer.

The external walls and roof of our mobile offices are made from corrugated corten steel panels. The internal walls are insulated with rockwool and covered with melamine panels, which are easy to clean and simple to decorate. We ensure that our portable offices provide a comfortable working environment.

Installing a shipping container office

Every mobile office is fitted with forklift pockets, corner posts and corner castings. This makes it portable and therefore easy to install or relocate with the right equipment. However, it’s important to ensure that you have adequate space for a 20ft container, with room for an entry/exit point. Additionally, there must be a clear route to the final location in order for the forklift to be able to deliver the container and set it down safely.

Before your container is delivered, you might need to do some minimal groundwork preparation. If you have uneven ground, it may need to be flattened so that the container can sit comfortably and securely in place. You will also need to prepare connections for electricity, broadband and water (if necessary) so that your container can function properly as an office.

Once your shipping container is installed, it is ready to roll!

Shipping container office security

If you leave any sort of equipment or stock in your shipping container unattended, you will need a security system in place to prevent and deter thieves and vandals. The corten steel construction which allows the container to withstand harsh conditions on container ships also secures the goods inside the container from thieves. 

You can also purchase locks and lock boxes to add an extra layer of security to your container. We do not recommend purchasing a shipping container office without a locking facility or at least the option to install one – after all, you wouldn’t leave a regular office building unlocked while no one is manning it! At Billie Box, we include a steel reinforced entrance door with strong locks, as well as windows with lockable steel shutters, as standard.

Layouts for shipping container offices

Did you know that you can customise the layout of your shipping container office to include spaces for storage and even a kitchen? For example, if you are running a product business from your office and you need somewhere to store stock, you could choose to have a partition inserted to separate your workspace from your storage space.

Alternatively, those looking to use their shipping container as a canteen can choose an option which includes a sink and kitchen worktop – this is ideal for use at schools, public attractions, factories and more. We supplied a hospital with a converted container which they now use as a dual canteen and staff room, providing workers with a calm and quiet space to eat and rest. Converted containers also make secure, convenient and practical building site offices or canteens. If you run a small catering business, our canteen units offer a food prep space separate from your home kitchen, making it easier to comply with food safety standards.

We have provided converted shipping containers for garden offices, accommodating those who freelance or run a business from home. A garden office separates your home life from your work life, helping you establish a balance that you may be struggling to achieve if you work from a space inside your home. Our mobile offices can be installed in any garden with even terrain, adequate space and accessibility. Lights and heaters allow you to use the unit at any time of day or year, while two double sockets can be used for a range of electronic items such as computers, speakers, printers and more.

Do you need planning permission for a shipping container office?

Shipping containers are usually exempt from planning permission if they are being used as a temporary structure. However, there are a few rules to follow. For example, if you install a container in your garden at home, it shouldn’t cover more than half the land around your property. Also, your local planning laws may be more strict if you are located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or other protected area. Make sure to do your research before you make the commitment to purchase a shipping container office.

Where to buy a shipping container office

At Billie Box, we offer a variety of brand new mobile offices and canteens. These containers can be customised, but our standard features include a steel personnel door with 10-lever locking system, windows with exterior lockable steel shutters, rockwool insulation and melamine covering, electrics, polyfloor, and more.

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Container Office Specifications

Shipping Container Office and Canteen Gallery

The images below show just a few examples of some of the mobile offices and canteens we have supplied. If you don’t see the type of mobile building you require, please contact us. We can offer some customisations that our competitors cannot.

Our shipping container offices are practical, comfortable, secure and visually appealing. For more information or to get a quote, call Jane, Clare or Matt on 0800 121 7388 today or use our contact page.

• Category: Converted Shipping Containers