What is a Once Used or a One trip Shipping Container? Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on October 15, 2024

What Is a Once Used Shipping Container?

A ‘Once used’ or ‘One trip’ container is a shipping container that has been manufactured in China and shipped with one cargo over to a particular country, in our case the UK. Both terms ‘Once used’ and ‘One trip’ mean the same.

The shipping container is shipped this way in order to keep the cost down. The shipping lines in effect borrow the container for a shipment. If a container was shipped without the cargo the cost of shipping would be added to the cost of the container and therefore making it a lot higher price.

The container is shipped in the normal shipping way and therefore the condition of the container would be the same, whether it had cargo carried or not.

Why Choose a Once Used Shipping Container?

A new once used or one trip container is a much better option as opposed to a heavily used second hand shipping container. 

The Second hand containers will have been used for around 15 years of shipping. During its lifetime they will have been in and out of container depots, on and off ships, trucks and trains. The sea air and other elements do affect the condition.

With the once used containers you get in effect a new container with the odd minor scratch or dent.

There are no shipping container factories in the UK. China offer lower labour and material rates making a new one trip container more affordable.

What Condition Are Once Used Shipping Containers In?

A new once used container will have the odd minor imperfection such as a small dent or scratch and will be clean inside. The condition is practically new. 

These minor imperfections will not affect the integrity or structure of the container and can be utilised without any issues.

Please see example photos below:

How Can Once Used Shipping Containers Be Used?

Once used containers have a wide range of uses. Their new-like qualities mean that the once used containers are perfect for the following uses:

  • Storage 
  • Office conversions
  • Garden rooms
  • Workshops
  • Small retail outlet
  • For shipping goods

Choosing the Right Once Used Container for Your Needs

Using a new once used container for any business is much better than a second hand 15 year old container. You get longevity from a once used container. You should be able to use a new once used container for around 40 years, as long as it is maintained well throughout that time.  

They are straight and much easier to manipulate when converting them into another facility.

Self storage sites use once used containers as they want to keep their site looking aesthetically pleasing for their customers.

We can highly recommend a once used container as opposed to a second hand 15 year old container.

Why Buy a Once Used Container From Us?

Our expertise in this field is second to none. We are committed to quality and we try to ensure all our containers are suitable for our customers requirements. We offer a great product at a fair price, offering value for money.

Contact us today to find the perfect once used container for your needs

Call us today on 0800 121 7388 for a no obligation quotation or complete our enquiry form here.

We offer “Expertise in every container”