Storage Made Simple: The Case for Investing in a Shipping Container

Jane on September 16, 2024

Why storage matters

There is a lack of secure and flexible storage space for many industries and private people. 

The solution to this problem is buying or hiring a shipping container for storage. They are secure, robust and watertight, which means they are perfect for your storage needs.

Hiring storage containers can be a more flexible option, with a minimum of a 26-week hire, or you can purchase them and add them to your fixed asset register, giving you a tax advantage.

What makes a shipping container a sound investment?

Shipping containers for storage is a worthwhile investment. They are durable, versatile, and secure. This brings longevity, meaning a second-hand container can last around another 10-15 years and the new (one trip) containers can last around 40 years, with a little maintenance over that time.

Buying a shipping container for storage is a valuable and a cost-effective solution. There is always a re-sale value to the container, low maintenance costs and they can be converted for multiple uses. HMRC also allows you to write the container down on your fixed asset register, giving your company a tax advantage.

All in all, buying a shipping container is a good sound investment.

Hiring a container can allow you to keep your weekly rental costs to a minimum while still allowing you to utilise the storage space at a low cost.

Benefits over traditional storage options

Having a shipping container on your site means that you remove the need to move your goods from off-site, reducing the cost of fuel, van hire, access issues, and removal personnel to move your goods to the off-site storage facility.

24-7 access to your ‘on the doorstep storage container’, is a huge plus point.

A shipping container for storage on your site gives you durability, flexibility and mobility. This is your best possible option.

Customisation and Flexibility

Shipping containers for storage can be adapted to meet your needs. For example, we offer magnetic, motion sensor, battery-operated lights, padlocks for high security and absorpoles for any excess moisture inside your container. Free-standing shelving can be added to keep your store organised.

We can also offer a bespoke conversion facility. As an example, you can have a 20ft shipping container converted into half office space and half storage space. For more options please see our container conversions page.

Renting vs Buying

This will mainly depend on what budget you have available. 

By renting a container you can spread the costs out over a number of months. If you only have space available for a container on your site for a set period of time, renting would probably be your best option.

Buying a shipping container for storage, means you will have the initial outlay, but you will own the container and in business you will be able to depreciate its value over the course of time, giving you a tax advantage. You will also have the re-sale value, when you have finished with it, as long as you have maintained the container.

Case Studies

Longevity and Sustainability

Shipping containers for storage are a sustainable choice, as they are long-lasting, reusable and can be re-purposed.

Sustainability is an increasing concern. Containers are eco-friendly and durable, giving you peace of mind for the longevity of the container.

How to Get Started

We are ONLY a phone call away, so please call Jane, Clare and Matt today on 0800 121 7388.

Or complete our enquiry form here.

How is a shipping container delivered and offloaded? A step-by-step guide

Jane on September 5, 2024

How Does Shipping Container Delivery Work?

Having a shipping container delivered safely and efficiently is paramount. The delivery process is simple and straightforward for professional and experienced drivers like ours.

We have been selling and renting shipping containers with delivery to your door for over 12 years. We are proud to have found a number of experienced drivers that take care in the delivery process.  We and our drivers have the experience and professionalism to cater for your delivery needs.

Preparing your site for delivery

You will need to be sure that your site is suitable for our vehicles. The ground must be stable and there should be clear access.

Please see our checklist for safe delivery.

If you are unsure of your site being suitable for our vehicles, then please do call us and we can discuss with our transport provider to ensure we save you time and money for any wasted delivery trips.

We are here to help you, wherever we can.

What vehicles are used for delivery?

Our vehicles are called HIABs. HIAB is a brand name and means that the vehicles are fitted with a crane so that the shipping containers can be lifted off and positioned on the ground.

For a 40ft shipping container, we use a 60ft long x 10ft wide articulated vehicle fitted with a HIAB. A 20ft shipping container is delivered on an 8-wheeler 36ft or 40ft long x 10ft wide rigid (rigid means the cab of the vehicle does not break away from the trailer, like the artic) vehicle fitted with a HIAB.

The drivers we use are highly professional and bring a wealth of experience to every delivery, ensuring that the process is handled smoothly and efficiently. Their expertise reinforces the reliability of our service, giving you confidence that your shipping container will be delivered safely and on time.

How shipping containers are offloaded safely

All vehicles are fitted with stabilisers, which must be put into position before the offload.

The stabilisers or outriggers are placed approximately 10ft to the side of the vehicle. There are 4 outriggers in total (2 near the back and 2 near the front of the vehicle) 

The HIAB vehicle lifts the container off to the side of the vehicle. The shipping container corners are chained up in order to lift the container into position. Some vehicles can lift further than others. 

The site and the surrounding area must be clear of personnel and any obstructions, in order to fulfil the safety requirements. 

Our drivers use a remote control in order to move the crane into a position suitable for positioning the container.

The offload procedure is a precise movement and must be handled by a fully qualified HIAB driver. 

Our driver will offload the shipping container to your designated location. However, if this is not possible then he will land the container as close as he possibly can. Safety is paramount and we ask that you take instruction from our driver. He knows what his vehicle is capable of and he is qualified to make safe offloading decisions.

Common Challenges during delivery

There can be many challenges that present themselves at the time of delivery and offload. Some include overhead cables, bad weather, uneven ground, parked cars in the way, things that have not been considered beforehand and tight spaces (this list is not exhaustive).

Offloading underneath overhead cables is extremely dangerous, so we will NOT attempt this. Please refer to these HSE instructions.

We have encountered most challenges and we endeavour to assist with problem solving. 

You can rely on us and our driver to do our best in order to rectify any problems.

Reading our delivery checklist and highlighting any possible issues beforehand is highly recommended. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

We always agree on a mutual delivery date with a window of 7am til 6.30pm. The reason behind this is that transport schedules are planned the day before. We do try to find out the day before whether the delivery time will be in the morning or afternoon and let you know. The driver is under instruction to call you 1 hour prior to his ETA. 

There can be delays that are out of our control eg. bad weather, road accidents and previous site delays. We do try to keep you informed if we know, but of course, you can call us and we will find out more information for you.

All the while we are a phone call away to assist you with your delivery.

What to expect on Delivery Day

As we said before we try to let you know whether the delivery will be in the morning or afternoon. Our driver will also call you 1 hour prior to his delivery time.

Billie Box factors in 1 hour for delivery and offload; however, it often only takes 30 minutes, as long as there are no obstructions.

We do ask that your site is clear for access and the offload, in plenty of time before our driver arrives on site. This will avoid delays and stresses for all parties.

Billie Box always try to keep you informed at all times, giving you peace of mind.

Why our delivery service stands out

We at Billie Box pride ourselves on offering a professional and reliable shipping container sale, rental and delivery service.  

Our customer service is excellent. Don’t just listen to us; why not see our testimonials? We have been privileged to have received many Google and website testimonials from our customers who have used our services over many years. Here is one for your perusal.

For more testimonials please click on the image above.

Call us on T: 0800 121 7388 or complete our GET a Quote form today.

A Milestone of Trust: Thank You for 12 Years of Support

Jane on August 12, 2024

Celebrating 12 Years of Trust and Excellence

We here at Billie Box are celebrating 12 years of trading, offering our customers shipping container sales, hire and conversion with delivery to your door.

This milestone is time for reflection and gratitude.

We are so grateful for our customers, suppliers and staff support. Without this support we would not be here today. 

Thank you

Our Customers: The Heart of Our Success

We appreciate your business and the enduring relationships we’ve established, which foster trust and encourage ongoing collaboration. 

We’ve gathered numerous testimonials that reflect our dedication to serving our clients. We thank you for your support and hope to continue serving you over the coming years.

Customer loyalty has been central to our success and customer feedback has helped us to improve our shipping containers and services over the years.

We are committed to continuing to meet our customer needs.

Many many thanks to our great customers.

Partners in Quality: Our Suppliers

We have been trading with our suppliers for the last 12 years. Jane and her team have accumulated around 60 years of combined knowledge of the shipping container industry which included building excellent relationships with Billie Box’s suppliers. We have mutual trust with our suppliers so we can offer our customers the best possible product and service.

We thank you for our continued supplier support.

A Strong Team, A Strong Business

Clare, Jane’s sister, has been a strong member of our team. Clare handles container sales, quotations and order processing, while coordinating with our customers and suppliers with professionalism and care.

Matt, Jane’s partner, is another strong member of the team. Matt handles the credit control with meticulous attention to detail. 

Jane is the owner and is most grateful for all the hard work Clare and Matt put into making this company a successful one. Jane couldn’t have done it without them.

Billie Box is a family run business that offers a reliable and professional touch.

Thank you, Clare and Matt; your support is greatly appreciated and is invaluable.

Reflecting on Our Journey

In 2012 when Jane started Billie Box, it was small and compact, with just 1 employee. We offered just shipping container sales and rental services. 

In 2016 when things got too busy for Jane on her own, Jane brought Matt in to assist with the ever growing credit control side. The container rental fleet has increased hugely.

In 2020 when COVID-19 hit our country, the business went from strength to strength. Containers were selling off the shelves with the boom of storage requirements. This particular time was testing with slow availability of stock, but we managed to supply pretty much all our clients with their requests.

In 2021 Clare came into the business to assist with the expansion of conversion work and help with the day-to-day running of the ever flourishing Billie Box.

All the while we have supported many local charities by way of fundraising events. 

Today, we are very privileged to be able to supply many new and repeat customers with their container purchases, rentals and conversions. We are continuing to grow our container sales, rental and conversion business across England and Wales.

Looking Ahead to the Future

With over 60 years of combined container knowledge and 12 years of trading we are in the best position to be able to assist old and new customers with their container requirements.

We want to move with the times and have plans to offer many extra container accessories to ensure longevity and help expand the functionality of your container(s). Watch this space for more information.

We look forward to many more years of serving our clients in the most professional and efficient way.

Our expertise ensures customers make informed choices when purchasing or renting our products and services.

With our long term partnerships we can continue to grow and offer an even more improved product and service to our clients.

Conclusion

Thank you

We invite our customers, suppliers and staff to continue this great journey with us. 

Find out more by calling us today.

We offer:

🔵 20ft & 40ft Shipping Container for storage for hire

🔵 20ft & 40ft Shipping Container for storage for sale

🔵 10ft & 20ft Chemical Storage Containers for sale

🔵 20ft Portable Container Offices for sale

🔵 Bespoke Container Conversions

🔵 All with delivery to your door

📞 Call us on 0800 121 7388 or visit our websites:

👉 Billie Box

👉 Chemical Storage 4 Farmers

Container Lighting: A Guide to Safe and Effective Solutions

Jane on August 9, 2024

Introduction

Container lighting is a must when using your shipping container. As an owner of a shipping container, you need to be sure that your staff/employees are able to use the container safely. 

Lighting affects not only functionality but also safety and security.

Here we will guide you through important considerations when it comes to container lighting.

Understanding your Container lighting needs

There are reasons why lighting is needed with your container. 

  1. Storage facilities: You and your staff need to have good visibility. Perhaps you are looking for a specific item and it is too dark to find it in your shipping container. Chemical storage containers certainly need to be well-lit in order to pick up the correct chemical for the job. Shipping container interiors are often painted in white or light grey, so when you have the doors open you get the natural daylight. The trouble is the doors are often only 1 end of the container, which means the other end can be darker.
  2. Workspace: You may use your shipping container as an office space, snack shack or another facility. Good lighting for your staff is a health and safety requirement.

Container lighting is paramount to anything we use today.

Accidents can occur if your container is not lit properly, whether it be a storage container, chemical store, office unit, snack shack, etc.

We have the solutions to your container lighting problems.

Types of container lighting

  1. Storage: You can use a torch, but if you or your staff are carrying goods in and out, carrying a torch at the same time can be cumbersome and difficult. Fixed container lighting is probably the best way forward. We recommend a magnetic battery-powered motion sensor light. Perfect for the job.
  2. Office units: Good light again is part of the health and safety requirements. Fixed lighting would be your best option. When we convert a shipping container into an office or canteen unit we ensure that overhead strip lights are fitted, to give the maximum spread of light.
  3. Snack shack/Mobile food service unit: The same rules apply as for the office units above.
  4. Chemical storage containers: The same rules apply as for the storage units above.

Installation considerations

Our magnetic motion sensor battery-operated lights are so easy to fit. All you do is place it against the container walls and activate accordingly. SUPER EASY! No cables required.

They come in 2 sizes: 12 inches or 24 inches long.

For a 20ft container, it is recommended you have 2-3 x 12-inch lights spread out evenly.

For a 40ft container, it is recommended you have 2-4 x 12-inch lights spread out evenly.

For the lighting fitted in the offices, canteens, snack shacks, etc. our electricians fit them as part of the conversion work. These lights are hooked up to a consumer unit which runs on a 240v 32amp socket. This socket can, with the right cable, be connected to your electrical supply. All this is handled by our qualified engineers. Again, SUPER EASY!

Benefits of Professional container advice

We have over 60 years of combined container knowledge. We have encountered many container problems, which we often have the solution to. 

All our electricians are industry-qualified.

So for peace of mind, call us at Billie Box for our container lighting advice.

Conclusion

In summary here are a few things to consider when thinking about container lighting:

  1. What are you going to use your container for?
  2. Who is going to use your container?
  3. Who is responsible for the container?
  4. Is natural light enough?
  5. Do you need extra lighting?
  6. Do you meet the health and safety guidelines?

This list is not exhaustive, it is a rough guide to your container lighting solutions.

We offer:

🔵 20ft & 40ft Shipping Container for storage for hire

🔵 20ft & 40ft Shipping Container for storage for sale

🔵 10ft & 20ft Chemical storage Containers for sale

🔵 20ft Portable Container Offices for sale

🔵 Bespoke Container Conversions

🔵 All with delivery to your door

📞 Call us on 0800 121 7388 or visit our websites:

👉 Billie Box

👉 Chemical Storage 4 Farmers

Maximising Shipping Container Efficiency with Accessories: Lighting, Moisture Control, and Security

Jane on August 9, 2024

Introduction

Container accessories will make your life easier by ensuring your container’s security and functionality. To maximise the potential of your container, accessories are increasingly essential.

The main types of container accessories we will cover are:

  1. Lighting 
  2. Moisture control
  3. Security options 

Importance of container accessories

These container accessories will improve the longevity of your purchased or rented container and ensure safety is taken into account.

Proper lighting ensures that you and your staff can use the container safely. If your staff can’t see what they are doing in the container, costly mistakes can be made. Having sufficient lighting enables time efficiency and is therefore cost-saving.

A good security system will also reduce costs. Protecting our goods and container contents is what we all want and by deterring opportunists this will certainly avoid loss and replacement costs.

Moisture control will certainly protect your goods. Without a moisture control system your goods could be damaged and this may be costly to rectify. 

Lighting Solutions

Lighting is obviously a useful tool in order to keep the shipping container well lit for your staff and yourself to use the container safely.

We have a couple sizes of battery-operated motion sensor magnetic lights.

Motion sensor lights are perfect, as there are no switches to remember to turn on or off. They are also easy to install as they are magnetic, and they will fit perfectly into the corrugations of the container, in the roof or on the side panels.

Sizes available: 12 inches long or 24 inches long.

This one below is 12 inches long. Click on the image below to purchase online.

Moisture control methods

Excess moisture inside a container is an unknown quantity. It really depends on how you use your container.

If, for example, you are going to open the container doors on a weekly basis on a dry day, then often that can be enough to keep the moisture levels to a minimum.

It also depends on what you are storing in your container. For example, if you are storing wet goods, then your container is going to sweat hugely on those hot/warm days.

With second hand containers, moisture levels can be higher, as knowledge of previous cargoes are unknown to the end user and pretty much every time a container goes into a container depot, it can be steam cleaned. All containers have wooden floors. With the best will in the world, the depots do try to dry the container floor out before re-use, but this can take too long before the next loading of cargo. 

So you will find that second hand containers are more likely to sweat on hot/warm days.

We have a product called an ‘Absorpole’ which helps to reduce the moisture levels hugely. Click the below image for more information and to buy online.

Security and Locking systems

Security and locking systems are paramount to protect your goods and container. 

We weld a lockbox to the container doors prior to it leaving the depot. 

We can supply and deliver these lockboxes to your site; however, we cannot weld them on site. Of course, if you have the welding facility then we would be delighted to supply.

The lockbox acts as a housing for a padlock. It deters opportunists from accessing the area with bolt croppers. 

The padlock is fitted into the lockbox with a shoot bolt system.

Click here for online purchase of padlocks.

Please see the video below showing how it works:

For more information about our locks or to buy online, please click here.

Choosing the right container accessories for your needs

Here is a checklist to help you determine what you need for the safe and secure use of your container.

  1. Work out where the container is going to be positioned. Will it be on a secure site, or will it be in an open and easily accessible area?
  2. Who is going to be responsible for the container? 
  3. Do you need more than 3 padlock keys for your container?
  4. Who is going to be using the container on a regular basis?
  5. Do you need lighting?
  6. How often will you open and close the container?
  7. Do you need moisture control in your container?
  8. What are you storing in your container? Will there be sensitive products? What is the value of your goods?
  9. Insurance for your container and contents is highly recommended.
  10. Do you need the full package? Lighting, security and moisture control?

This list is not exhaustive, and I am sure you may well have other questions that we have not covered here.

Conclusion

It is very important to consider the container accessories that you need. We highly recommend purchasing quality products that will give you longevity and peace of mind.

The benefits of lighting, moisture control and security will put your mind at rest, knowing that they will keep your staff safe, the container and goods protected and extend the container life. 

For more information about our Container Accessories please click here.

We are here to advise you on what you might need for your container, so call us on 0800 121 7388 or GET a QUOTE today.

Can I Put a Shipping Container on My Driveway? Everything You Need to Know

Jane on July 9, 2024

So many customers ask us if they can put a shipping container on their driveway.

Shipping containers for storage are becoming more popular, in particular with the private house owner, when they are extending their house, doing a new build on their land or re-build of their home. 

Legal considerations

The local authorities may well require the homeowner to apply for planning permission. Please see our planning permission blog post for more information.

Our vehicles are not allowed to be on a national highway while offloading a container. You would need to seek permission from the local highways department beforehand. If there are overhead cables/obstructions then this can also cause problems. For more information take a look at our delivery and collection page.

shipping container delivery

Size and space required

You will need to measure your driveway in order to work out what size container you can accommodate. Please note that hedges/fences and other obstructions can cause problems.

We offer 20ft x 8ft and 40ft x 8ft containers. 

The 20ft containers will be transported on a 40ft rigid vehicle with HIAB and the 40ft will be transported on a 60ft arctic vehicle with HIAB.

There must not be any overhead cables or overhanging trees in the way. The vehicle must have good solid ground in order to park and offload the container and take the weight of the vehicle with a crane and container. 

The vehicle will offload the container to the side of the vehicle and there must be sufficient space to put the outriggers off to the side of the vehicle. 

Each vehicle has a different lifting capacity and distance.

The best way forward would be to send us a drawing with dimensions along with photos and perhaps a video of your site with access points.

Ground preparation

The shipping container must be sitting level and therefore the ground where you are hoping to place the container must be solid/not moveable. Each corner of the container must be level with the rest.

Please note, tarmac is not suitable as the container will weigh 2.25T plus your goods. On hot weather days, tarmac can move.

Find out more about how to level your container.

Accessibility and usage

It is crucial that you can use the shipping container that you have in your driveway. Ensure there will be suitable access for you to use the container with ease.

The double doors are at one 8ft end of the container and each door will be approx. 4ft wide, so it is always good to make sure you have sufficient opening space.

The doors fold back to the sides of the container and can be hooked back to avoid swinging doors whilst you are using the container.

Neighbours and community impact

Some neighbours think shipping containers are unsightly, but this is obviously subjective. If you find a neighbour is not happy with the look of the container then they could complain to the local authority’s planning department.

If you want to keep the peace then often a New (one-trip) container would be much better than a 15-year-old container.

We at Billie Box offer a sale or rent service, so you will need to work out whether you want a container on a temporary or permanent basis.

20ft shipping containers being transported
20ft shipping containers being transported

Second hand 20ft shipping container (approx. 15 years old)

20ft new Shipping container
20ft new Shipping container

New (one trip) 20ft shipping container

Insurance and security

The double doors of the container can be fitted with a lockbox which is like a shrouded area for a padlock. This lockbox is an area which cannot be accessed with bolt croppers. 

The padlocks we supply are of high quality.

Additionally, we recommend that you arrange insurance for your shipping container and it’s contents.

Conclusion

Here is a checklist, to answer the question ‘Can I put a shipping container on my driveway?’

  1. Check the size of your driveway.
  2. Check for overhead cables, overhanging trees and any obstructions.
  3. Do you need the container to be lifted from the road?
  4. Is the ground suitable for both the vehicle and the shipping container?
  5. Are your neighbours OK with this shipping container on your driveway?
  6. Check with the local planning department, to see if you need planning permission.
  7. Make sure you insure your container and contents.
  8. Decide whether you need a new or used container.
  9. Work out what size container will suit your requirements.
  10. Is the ground level?
  11. Do you want to buy or hire the shipping container?

If you have any other questions or need more advice then please contact us on 0800 121 7388.

We at Billie Box are here to help you.

Do Shipping Containers Require Planning Permission in the UK?

Jane on July 3, 2024

We are asked many times whether a shipping container requires planning permission. 

The answer is often no, but some councils have different rules when it comes to planning permission. 

In short, we recommend you speak to your local planning department for advice. 

What is planning permission?

It is formal permission from a local authority for the erection or alteration of buildings or a similar development. For more information, the Government has a website to find out all about planning.

When is planning permission required?

There are many factors to consider when requesting planning consent; the following (not an exhaustive list) are just some examples:

  • Areas of outstanding natural beauty
  • Conservation areas
  • Neighbours
  • Quantity of containers 
  • Sizes and types of shipping container
  • Change of use
  • Whether it benefits the community
  • How long the shipping container is required in the same position
  • Temporary or permanent
  • For private or commercial use

Exemptions and Permitted Development Rights

When you speak to your local authority, you can advise them that a shipping container is a temporary structure and can be moved at any time with specialist equipment. 

Some councils feel this is sufficient to say that planning permission is not required, but others may not. 

The local authority’s decision is final, although you can appeal if you feel there are circumstances that the council have not factored into their decision-making process.

How to apply for Planning Permission

You will need to contact your local authority, asking for the “planning department”. 

The department will advise you on whether you need planning consent or not. 

If you need planning permission the department will advise you how the application process works, e.g. what sort of documents you have to complete and return to the department for their consideration.

Planning consent may take many weeks to actually grant. Different areas of the country will take a different number of weeks. It depends on how many cases they have to deal with.

Potential challenges and how to overcome them

There can be many hurdles you will have to jump in order to get a planning permission request granted by your local authority.

We recommend you go prepared with as much detail as possible. Giving full details of your project will help with your planning consent.

Some things to think about (not an exhaustive list):

  • How it will affect the local community
  • Whether you need road closures
  • Whether it will affect the environment

If you feel there are issues with this project, then give reasonable solutions to rectify them.

If you don’t apply for planning consent beforehand, then retrospective is a possibility. However, we recommend you check with your local authority beforehand, to avoid disappointment and wasting time and money.

Case Studies

Many years ago we hired a 10ft container to a local business, on an industrial site near to a residential site. The customer spoke to the local authority to see if planning permission was required. The reply was “No, you don’t need planning permission”.

Sadly, after the container was delivered one of the residential neighbours complained to the council about said container. 

Our customer tried ‘retrospective’ planning permission. Unfortunately, as the council had received a complaint from a resident, they told the customer to remove the container. 

It’s always best to check with your local council, to avoid disappointment.

Benefits of consulting an expert

It is always best to consult an expert in the shipping container industry. We at Billie Box can guide you with requesting planning permission for your shipping container.

We have been selling and renting shipping containers for storage for over 12 years and Jane, Matt and Clare have a combined container knowledge of over 60 years.

Conclusion

We at Billie Box always feel it’s best to do your due diligence before spending large amounts of money and time on your project. 

We recommend you come to us for advice when speaking to your local authority’s planning department.

Call us at Billie Box, today, for our advice T: 0800 121 7388 or complete our ‘Get a Quote form‘ here.

Ask Clare, Jane or Matt (L-R) about planning permission for your shipping container

Efficient Container Swapping: A Guide for On-Site Exchanges

Jane on May 14, 2024

It is important to understand container swapping procedures to keep your personnel safe and ensure our driver can be on and off your site in good time.

The logistics are straightforward but the procedure is time-consuming and needs plenty of space to be carried out.

We have been supplying shipping containers for nearly 15 years and our transport guys are extremely experienced when it comes to loading and unloading shipping containers from their HIAB vehicles.

Understanding the Process

All our containers are delivered and offloaded using a HIAB vehicle. HIAB is a brand name and all our transport companies have these cranes fitted to their vehicles. They are perfect for offloading an empty shipping container to the ground.

Our transport guys use either Artic (60ft long) or Rigid (40ft) vehicles fitted with the HIAB crane. These cranes can ONLY offload the weight of a 20ft or a 40ft shipping container. The rigid vehicles are used for the 20ft container and the artic vehicles are used for the 40ft containers or 2 x 20ft containers. 

The containers must be EMPTY when loading and unloading our vehicles.

All vehicles have to extend their outriggers before offloading, to ensure they are stable for this offload procedure. There are 2 outriggers to each side and they will extend 10ft to the side of the vehicle.

This is the vehicle arriving with the new container.

Vehicle with the outriggers to the side.

The driver has to climb onto the container for chaining the container ready for offload.

Each of these photos show the whole procedure for offloading a container from a HIAB vehicle. The time taken can be in the region of 30-60 mins per movement. For container swapping (using the same location) this procedure has to be carried out up to 5 times in all depending on the space available on site.

Preparing for the Swap

You will need to have sufficient space for swapping the container. The area must have a good surface, be stable and accessible. This job can take a while to carry out, depending on the space available to the driver.

Please see our delivery and collection page for more information about your site requirements.

In order to successfully swap a container, there is a procedure to be followed. The new container that is being delivered needs to be offloaded somewhere else, before taking the old container away, then the new container needs to be lifted, moved and positioned in the original location. Every time there is a move, the driver has to put the outriggers off to the side for stability and chain up the container for offloading and or loading onto the vehicle.

Executing the Swap

  1. The new container will arrive on the HIAB vehicle.
  2. This container will need to be offloaded somewhere else.
  3. The vehicle then goes to the old container and lifts the old container onto the vehicle.
  4. The old container will need to be offloaded somewhere else.
  5. The vehicle then goes to the new container and lifts the container onto the vehicle and takes it over to where the old container came from.
  6. The new container is offloaded.
  7. The vehicle will then lift the old container onto the vehicle ready to take away from the site.

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

One of the common challenges of offloading and loading a shipping container is that on-site personnel can walk or run into the area of offload/loading which can be dangerous. We recommend you advise site personnel of our delivery times before we arrive so that these hazards can be kept to a minimum. It is your responsibility to ensure safety protocols are adhered to. 

The containers that are being positioned temporarily must not be blocked in, as this can cause extra time and costs.

Benefits of professional assistance

All our drivers are qualified to handle the HIAB vehicles; however, they do need assistance from your personnel to ensure your staff are kept safe and do not hinder the offloading and loading procedures. Safety is paramount.

Using HIABs (cranes) is the best solution when offloading and loading a shipping container on and off a truck.

Summary

The procedure of swapping a shipping container can take some time and will need sufficient space. Containers being placed in temporary positions must not be blocked in. Site personnel should be kept away from the working areas whilst our driver is offloading and loading a shipping container.

For more information please call us on 0800 121 7388 or email us at sales@billiebox.co.uk

Shipping Container Rental in the UK: Everything You Need to Know

Jane on May 2, 2024

It is important to choose the right container rental partner with the expertise and knowledge to guide you through the container rental process. Billie Box has been trading for over 12 years now and we offer 20ft and 40ft containers on a rental basis. 

Renting a shipping container from Billie Box in the UK is one of the easiest things you can do. By renting a container you keep your costs down to a minimum and our whole package is like a Plug-in-and-go set-up.

Billie Box knows what they are doing when it comes to renting out shipping containers.

By using Billie Box’s container rental services you will find it is a smooth operation and we can have a container or a batch of containers on site within 1-2 weeks.

Billie Box has the knowledge and expertise to assist you with your container rental. Rest assured we have got your back.

Understanding Container rentals

What is a container rental?

It is when a 20ft or 40ft shipping container is delivered to your door with a HIAB vehicle and positioned on your land so you can use it for secure site storage. This container will be rented to you for an arranged period of time.

Types of containers

We supply a variety of 20ft and 40ft shipping containers for site storage on a rental basis. 

The standard units are fitted with one set of double doors on the 8ft end. Here is our standard container rental price list.

There are other units available for hire, for example, 20ft or 40ft Hi cube (9ft 6in high instead of standard 8ft 6in high) 20ft Opensider units (double doors on 1 x 20ft side and double doors on 1 x 8ft end only) and 20ft or 40ft Tunnel units (they have a set of double doors on both 8ft ends).

Other variations are subject to availability and can be priced accordingly.

Flexibility and Convenience

If you are renting a container on your site, then the convenience of storing right beside your home or business is perfect. Your goods are right there. No time wasting or fuel costs to use a van collecting and picking up goods off site.

If you are setting up a ‘Self store’ where you place a number of containers on your land and then offer container rental to your customers, you might want different sizes and configurations that can slot into small or larger unusable areas of your site.

Also with self store sites you can take a couple of units at a time and just keep adding when you have more funds to build your business.

The security of these units means you can just lock and leave with our high security padlocks and lockbox. Here is a video showing you how you can lock your container.

You can rent a container for a short term – for example, 6 months – or a long term, depending on your requirements.

Benefits of Renting containers

  • Cost Effective – renting containers can be more cost-effective than purchasing outright, especially for short-term or temporary needs.
  • Reduced risk of maintenance – renting eliminates the need for upfront investment and reduces the risk of maintenance and depreciation.
  • Scalability and adaptability allow businesses to adjust their inventory based on demand fluctuations. If you don’t need a container then you can just send it back. If you need more containers, you can add to your inventory very easily.

Why choose Billie Box?

  • We have expertise and experience in the container rental industry for over 12 years. Not only that, Jane, Clare and Matt have a combined knowledge of 60 years’ experience in the industry. We know what we are doing.
  • Quality Assurance: All containers that leave our depot are checked over by experienced surveyors and repaired wherever necessary, so when you get a container from us you know it will be suitable for your storage needs.
  • Customer Service: Our reviews say it all really; we have over 200 Google and website reviews that will show you that we do right by our customers. We guide you through the container rental process with minimum fuss, making your life as easy as possible.

How to get started

  • All you need to do is call us on 0800 121 7388 to discuss your requirements with our team of experts. Our team will work with you to get the right rental solution for you.
  • We will then send you a quote to offer you our best container rental rates.
  • Once you have decided you would like to order, then you just need to click on the ‘place an order’ link in the quote.
  • Once we receive your order, we will prepare and send you an invoice for the first 26 weeks’ rental, delivery, collection and accessories, hire contract, and standing order form (for future payments) along with our Ts+Cs and FAQs.
  • Once we receive your first payment then we arrange a mutually agreed delivery and installation date. 
  • On the day of the delivery, our driver will call you or your site contact 1 hour before the ETA and then deliver.
  • We will also call you after your delivery to ensure you are happy with our service.
  • Super Easy experience for you.

Conclusion

Call us today on 0800 121 7388 for a quote or chat. Or click on this link to GET a Quote. 

We offer a friendly and knowledgeable container rental service. Call us for a chat today on 0800 121 7388. Jane, Clare and Matt are here to help you.

From Factory to Property: Managing Scratches on Delivered New Shipping Containers

Jane on April 5, 2024

New (One Trip – used once) shipping containers can often have scratched paintwork due to the following reasons:

  1. Handling of the container from the Factory to the port in China
  2. Lifting from the Port to Ship
  3. Lifting from the Ship to Port
  4. Lifting within the container depots
  5. Lifting on and off trucks at site

The Reality of Handling 

Normally, it can take anything up to 6 months for a new container to be built and delivered to our UK container depots.

Sadly, containers are not wrapped up in cotton wool (we would love that, but that would cost loads extra 🙂)! Scratches are unavoidable.

Container ports, depots and truck operators simply do not treat the containers with the care we would hope. They all have time constraints that they have to deal with. As you can appreciate, time is money!

Containers are lifted from either the top or bottom corners with cranes or HIAB vehicles fitted with chains, or forklift trucks. 

The photo below shows the container being lifted by a telehandler (in our container depot) which can cause scratches to the cornerposts. Sadly there is no other depot lifting option.

Impact on Quality

Having scratches on a shipping container does not impact the quality of the container. These containers are built from 1.6mm Corten steel which has a high tensile strength.

We do ask our depots to check these containers for scratches and try to rectify them before the container leaves the depot; however, the telehandler can still cause more scratches.

The only thing is that they will not be aesthetically pleasing and the only way to rectify this is to touch up the paintwork at the container’s final destination – your site. 

We recommend you touch up the paintwork on the scratched areas sooner rather than later. We can supply container paint at an extra cost.

Conclusion

We always try to offer the best condition container for our customers. However, there are times when things are simply out of our control.

For more information about how to look after your container please click here.

For information about the specifications please click here.

We always aim to ensure your experience with us will be the best that we can make it. 

However, if you have any concerns during delivery, then please do contact us immediately, before the driver leaves your site. 

Call us today on 0800 121 7388 for a quote or complete the Get a Quick quote form to the right of this page.

Comodo SSL