Your Guide to Using Shipping Containers on Your Property

Jane on March 18, 2024

Are you considering a shipping container for your property? 

Here is a list of things to consider when deciding on your shipping container for storage or a facility – for example, a portable office.

  • Planning permission: Containers are temporary structures and can be moved at any time with the correct equipment. However, some councils have their own definition of a shipping container; for example, it could be considered a building and therefore a permanent fixture requiring planning permission.
  • Neighbours: Sometimes the neighbours feel a shipping container isn’t aesthetically pleasing and can be an eyesore. 
  • Vehicular access via A and B roads: Many smaller roads can be too small to take the HIAB vehicles we use to deliver the containers. A 20ft container is delivered on an 8-wheeler HIAB vehicle (approx. 40 ft long x 10ft wide) and a 40ft container is delivered on a 60 ft long x 10ft wide articulated HIAB vehicle. The 8-wheeler vehicles are what’s known as “rigid“ (which means the cab does not break away from the rest of the vehicle) and they need a large turning circle. The articulated vehicles do not need as much of a turning circle but the trailer is long and can cause issues on turning. HIAB means the vehicle is fitted with a crane so that the container can be offloaded. See our Delivery and collection details here.
  • Overhanging trees: Our HIABs cannot offload underneath trees.
  • Overhead cables: HSE legislation states that it is not safe to offload underneath overhead cables. It could be fatal if the crane touches or comes extremely close to a cable. 
  • Underground cables: The same rules apply as for the overhead cables.
  • Manhole covers/Drains: Our vehicles are too heavy to park on manhole covers/drains. If the outriggers are positioned on drains, this will cause the vehicle to topple over.
  • Pathways: The HIAB vehicles require outriggers off to the side for stability when offloading the container. These outriggers can damage the surface of the pathway.
  • Perimeter walls: The crane on the vehicles can only lift over and away from the vehicle so far.
  • Ground surface: You need to ensure that the ground where the container is to be placed is absolutely level prior to delivery (read here for more details). The HIAB vehicles need a hardcore surface to drive over and offload from. They simply do not have the traction to drive out if they get stuck.
  • Road offload: The HIAB vehicles are not allowed to be on any highway when we are offloading a container. 
  • Adequate space: Your container needs sufficient space for the doors to open. The vehicle needs plenty of room for access and offloading. The vehicle needs at least 10ft of space on each side for the outriggers, which ensure stability at the point of offload.

The Versatility of Shipping Containers

  • Access your belongings with ease.
  • Containers are so versatile when it comes to storage and office space.
  • Containers are secure and durable, giving you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your goods.
  • They are watertight to keep the weather out and ventilated to reduce the chance of condensation, ensuring your goods are protected. We sell Absorpoles that will also reduce excess moisture in the container.
  • They are cost effective, because you don’t have to spend time and fuel to take goods offsite and then back onsite. 
  • You can hire or buy new (one trip) and second-hand containers, giving you flexibility.
  • If you move premises then you can take the container with you; however, we can only move empty containers.

Navigating Legal Requirements

Containers are “a temporary structure and as such can be moved with the right vehicles”. However, some councils feel that planning permission is necessary. 

Even if the council initially say you don’t need planning permission, sometimes they can then ask you to apply for retrospective planning permission, for example, if a neighbour starts to complain to the council.

We recommend you call your council to see what their view is on whether you need planning permission or not.

With regards to the offloading of a container, legally our vehicles are not allowed to offload from a highway. If you are requesting this, then you will need to obtain the necessary permission from your local highways department. It will be your responsibility to obtain this permission.

HSE legislation stipulates that our vehicles must have a clearance of 18m from the top of the crane height which equates to 28m from the ground. This applies to any angles away from the cables. The vehicle will certainly need to lift to this height at the time of offload, therefore, we will not offload underneath any cables.

Please ensure that these legal restrictions are adhered to, to avoid any potential issues and fines.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

When using shipping containers you have a choice of buying new (one trip) or second hand. The second-hand containers are approx. 15 years old and have come to the end of their shipping life, but are perfect as a site store. This can extend their life by around another 15 years, which means they have been repurposed.

The new (one trip) containers are used for 1 shipment from China and they are sold as ‘New’ site stores. They will last in the region of 40 years for site storage.

All containers (new and used) are refurbished into many different facilities; for example, chemical stores for farms, storage for schools and councils, portable offices and snack shacks. This extends their life by adding new paint, insulation and other parts.

Keeping Your Container in Top Shape

We have prepared a list of jobs and care instructions that will keep your container lasting longer.

It’s always good to keep an eye on your container from time to time, ensuring that you keep up with the maintenance as and when required. This will ensure the life of the container is as long as possible.

Protecting Your Investment: Insurance and Liability

It is important to insure your container against any liabilities, accidents or theft. Although containers are secure, there can always be another way of illegal access.

We recommend you discuss your requirements with your insurers.

In conclusion, we recommend you do your research regarding the space you have, the legal issues and your storage/facility requirements.

Please call Jane, Matt and Clare with your questions and requirements on 0800 121 7388. We are here to assist you with your storage and facility solutions.

January 2024 Container Hire Offer

Jane on January 5, 2024

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Remember, each container is:

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No more mess, no more stress! Keep your belongings safe and organized by starting the year off right with our reliable container hires!

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us NOW on 0800 121 7388! Call us for your free quote today!

More Facts about Shipping containers

Jane on December 18, 2023

The Box that transformed the World….

On the 26th April 1956, a crane lifted 58 aluminium truck bodies aboard an aging tanker ship moored in Newark, New Jersey. 5 days later the ‘Ideal-X’ sailed into Houston, where 58 trucks waited to take on the metal boxes and haul them to their destinations. This was the beginning of a revolution.

worlds largest container ship evergreen ever ace

Before the shipping container, transporting goods was very expensive…. The container made shipping cheap and by doing so changed the shape of the world economy.

The humble shipping container is not the part that is so important, it is what is represents. The container opened up the World to transporting goods from country to country. The container is at the core of a highly automated system for moving goods from anywhere, to anywhere, with the mimimum of cost and complication on the way.

Before the shipping container was used, there were armies of dock workers that were badly paid and badly looked after, loading and unloading ships by hand, under extremely difficult working conditions. It did create an enormous amount of work and cost. When the shipping container was introduced it streamlined the loading and unloading, therefore making the working conditions much safer . The transportation of goods all over the world runs extremely smoothly and therefore cheaply.

Today the shipping container is mainly built from Corten steel (high tensile steel) which gives the container a good long working life. 90% of shipping containers are built in China, mainly because the labour rates are much lower than anywhere else in the world. The Corten steel is also produced in China, avoiding extra transportation costs.

Source: The Box by Marc Levinson

FAQ: Can you deliver my container over grass or a field?

Jane on April 27, 2023

The answer to this is simply: No.

Our vehicles are extremely heavy as they are fitted with a crane that is suitable to carry and lift an empty shipping container.

The 20ft containers are delivered on a vehicle known as an ‘8 Wheeler’ which weighs in the region of 24.25T (including the weight of an empty 20ft container) and 40ft containers are delivered on an ‘Artic vehicle’ which weighs in the region of 34T (including the weight of an empty 40ft container). They do not have 4, 6 or 8 wheel drive fitted and simply do not have the traction to move over wet or muddy areas.

Sadly, as we can’t rely on the good old British weather, we cannot commit to driving over grass, muddy areas and uneven ground.

If the vehicles are driven over this type of ground and subsequently get ‘stuck’ the cost of rescuing the vehicle can be exorbitant. The cost of this rescue will be met by the client.

For more information about delivery and collection of a container, please see our delivery information page.

If you are unsure of the suitability of your site, then please do email us photos and a drawing of your site so we can double-check with our transport guys.

Rent a shipping container with a simple phone call

Jane on May 26, 2020

Rent a shipping container with a simple phone call

Did you know that it’s actually very easy to hire a container from Billie Box? If you’ve never hired one before, or you’ve had trouble in the past, you might be unsure about future container hire. We’re here to show you how renting a container from Billie Box can be accomplished with a few simple steps, starting with a phone call.

Reasons to rent a shipping container

Are you renovating your home? Require storage space for your business? Hosting an event such as a festival or market? Whatever the reason, a shipping container can easily solve your storage problems.

Shipping containers are resilient and weatherproof. They spend most of their lives carrying goods from one side of the Earth to another in all types of weather conditions. Therefore, they need to be tough in order to protect their contents!

Did you know that shipping containers can also deter thieves? Not only does it keep your stored items out of site, we also supply our containers for hire with lock boxes, which you can use with a padlock to deter thieves with bolt croppers. 

Shipping containers can be easily delivered and taken away with the right equipment. We have a list of depots across England, and can arrange delivery and collection nationwide from £195.00 plus VAT each way.

How to rent a shipping container

It’s in fact very easy to rent a shipping container from us! All you need to do is:

  1. Call us on 0800 121 7388 or 01473 557409 with your name, postcode, the size of the container and any accessories you require, and your rental period.
  2. We will then email you with a free quote.
  3. Once you have agreed to the quote, we’ll create a ‘hire agreement’ and invoice you for the first 26 weeks’ rental, accessories, delivery and collection charges, plus VAT. We also ask you to set up a standing order for all future payments. This form will be sent to you with the hire contract.
  4. When you have paid the first invoice, we will make the delivery and offload arrangements.

Find out more details about container hire here.

What kind of shipping container do I need?

Wondering what kind of shipping container you need? Well, it depends on how much you’re storing. A standard container size is 20ft (L) x 8ft (W) x 8’6” (H). This will usually fit the household goods of a one-to-two-bedroom apartment.

If this doesn’t sound like enough space, we also rent 40ft (L) x 8ft (W) x 8’6” (H) and 40ft (L) x 8ft (W) x 9’6” (H) containers.

Interested in hiring a container? Do not hesitate to contact Jane today on 0800 121 7388 or 01473 557409.

Is your tyre garage adhering to storage regulations?

Jane on March 20, 2020

In addition to the many regulations imposed on car repair workshops and garages, there is one more that is essential in securing the safety of your workers and the financial future of your business: tyre storage.

Tyre storage and Health & Safety

According to HSE, there are many different injuries which can occur in the rubber and tyre industries. Being hit by a moving or falling object accounts for 14% of injuries, while slips, trips and falls cause 13%. 

There is also a historical risk of cancer associated with inhaling rubber dust and fumes. This was alleviated by reducing the use of materials containing 2-naphthylamine and related chemicals in rubber; however, it is still important to maintain a high standard of dust and fume control. 

Finally, fires have been recorded involving the storage, treatment and handling of rubber based products, including whole tyres. Tyres are composed of combustible materials, including rubber, carbon, oil and sulphur; they are also designed to absorb the heat generated from friction with the road, and when ignited, also absorb the heat of the fire – this makes it difficult to fully extinguish a fire involving tyres, as it may reignite.

Tyre storage regulations

Due to these many hazards, proper tyre storage is crucial in looking after your business and your workers. According to HSE’s guide to safe and healthy working conditions in the retread industry, tyres must be stored:

  • Either inside a secure building or a securely fenced compound to minimise the risk of fires being started maliciously
  • Segregated from highly flammable liquid stores and compounds and from processes that involve a fire risk
  • With adequate separation between adjacent stacks of tyres to give sufficient fire breaks
  • With high standards of housekeeping, preventing litter and combustible materials from accumulating in the tyre and casing storage areas
  • In an area that can be easily accessed for daily safety checks

Legal implications

Improper storage of tyres can result in injury and, in the worst cases, death. Not only are victims of poor health and safety exposed to the possibility of physical harm, and mental and emotional distress, but employers are also susceptible to increased insurance premiums, legal costs, fines and even imprisonment.

At the very least, an accident caused by improper tyre storage can result in the loss of stock and production. By preventing accidents and ill health, you are saving your business time and money.

How to ensure correct tyre storage

Reduce trip hazards

A shipping container is your best bet for correct tyre storage. Having a separate facility for storing tyres keeps them away from your work space, ensuring that they won’t be a trip hazard.

Enhance security

Our shipping containers can be fitted with a heavy duty lockbox and padlock. This pairing is ideal for security purposes, as the system deters criminals with bolt croppers. There is an eye welded to the first door and the box is welded to the second door. So when in operation the box closes over the eye and then the padlock is positioned inside the box.

Fire safety

Shipping containers are made with corten steel and feature tight-fitting doors, making them naturally very fire resistant. If a fire starts in a shipping container, it can contain the fire until the emergency services arrive, protecting any employees on your site at the time of the fire, as well as the rest of your property. 

Increase space

Tyres are a very bulky product, so having a dedicated space to store them will free up plenty of space in your workshop. Shipping containers can vary in size, but even a smaller 10ft x 8ft container can accommodate tyre racking.

Create movable storage

With the right equipment, shipping containers are easily relocated. This is important if your business is expanding. A shipping container is usually classed as temporary storage, which means that you’re unlikely to need planning permission to house one at your garage. This is unlike a warehouse, which would require permission and would need to adhere to further storage regulations.

How to implement a monitoring regime of stored tyres

As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to check stored tyres daily to make sure that your facility adheres to HSE guidelines. 

When checking your storage, ensure that you make and keep a record of each check. You should check that your tyre stacks are separated, and that the temperature inside the storage facility is below 25 degrees Celsius and above 0. If the temperature is above the maximum recommendation, swap out your tyres regularly to alleviate the risk of fires and protect the quality of the rubber.

Where to purchase a shipping container for tyre storage 

If you want to improve your tyre storage, give us a call on 0800 121 7388 for a free quote, or visit billiebox.co.uk.

Coronavirus and the Container Industry

Jane on March 12, 2020

Coronavirus is affecting the UK in many ways. The market for shipping containers is not immune to the effect Coronavirus is having on the country.

If you have read our article about buying new containers, you will know that our new containers are manufactured in China. The Coronavirus was originally discovered in China in January 2020.

In February 2020 there were around 800,000 shipping containers sitting on Shanghai quay waiting to be loaded onto the ships. Due to the lack of workforce in Shanghai the ship loading has been severely delayed. This significant downturn has resulted in a much lower number of containers being loaded onto ships for export.

During January and February 2020 we were not affected by the delays, as there were plenty of containers available for sale in the UK. February and March are our busiest time of the year, which means that many of the containers in the UK have been sold or rented out. Normally the containers sold during this busy period would be replaced by the new ones coming in from China. Because of the delays in China, new shipping containers are not arriving particularly swiftly.

This lack of ‘new’ shipping containers entering the market means that our supply chain has the potential to grind to a halt. If this happens our suppliers have little option other than to significantly increase prices.

Our suppliers are forecasting further increases throughout 2020 and possibly into 2021.

If you are looking to buy a container, then we recommend you purchase now before the price goes up even further.

20ft new Shipping container

20ft new Shipping container


Call us today on 0800 121 7388

Renting vs Buying Container Storage

Jane on January 3, 2020

If you require extra storage space, you can easily solve this problem by renting or buying a shipping container. The processes of renting and buying container storage offer different benefits depending on your requirements. If you’re wondering whether you should rent or buy your container, read on to find out which option is best suited to you.

Reasons for renting a shipping container

Shipping container hire for both personal and commercial use is ideal for a temporary storage solution. You may wish to rent a container if you are:

  • Hosting a short-term event such as a festival, sporting event, market, etc.
  • Managing a construction site and want to store equipment and materials
  • Renovating your home and want to keep personal belongings safe and accessible
  • A retailer requiring seasonal storage
  • A farmer requiring a grain store during harvesting

There are, of course, many other reasons why you might need to hire a shipping container for storage, but these are just a few common scenarios.

Reasons for buying a shipping container

If you require longer term or permanent use, buying a shipping container will likely be the best option for you. You might choose to buy a container if you are:

  • A farmer in need of chemical storage
  • A private individual or business looking to set up an office in your garden or a commercial site
  • A school in need of an extra classroom, PE changing rooms or outdoor equipment storage
  • A hospital requiring a staff room, canteen or storage for medical equipment
  • Shipping goods overseas

Again, there are many more reasons for purchasing a shipping container.

The price of renting or buying a shipping container

Price might be the most important factor for you to consider when deciding whether you should rent or buy a shipping container. 

Buying a shipping container will have a high initial cost, but the benefits will be that you own the container outright, can use it for as long as you need, and can possibly sell it when you no longer need it. Containers are very sturdy structures made with high quality material, so they can last years without any considerable decrease in resale value. Take a look at our guides for what you need to look for when buying a second hand or a new container. 

Renting a shipping container may be more cost effective if you only need it for a short amount of time. Container suppliers usually have a weekly hire cost, and you will likely need to pay for delivery and removal. Read our guide to renting a container, which includes our pricing information.

Shipping container modifications

All of our rented containers come fitted with a lock box for security purposes; this houses a padlock (which can be purchased through us if needed) and is specially designed to deter bolt croppers. Each container is also watertight and this is checked prior to release to ensure that you receive a high quality container for your rental period. Accessories – such as Absorpoles to absorb moisture – are available with your rental and the price for these items is available on request.

If you require further modifications, however, this may mean buying a container. We can convert containers for use as chemical stores, complete with bunded floors, drainage sumps and warning signs; mobile offices with insulation and heating, lockable window shutters, and lighting; and canteens with counters and a sink. All of these options are available with container purchases.

Should I rent or buy a shipping container?

If you’re still struggling to decide whether you should rent or buy a container, just give us a call on 0800 121 7388 and we can help you make an informed decision!

Rural Crime stats 2016

Jane on February 14, 2017

Rural crime stats are a huge problem to farmers and those that live in the countryside. Rural sites are so exposed and unmanned in many cases, hence why crime is on the rise. The perpetrators can access sites easily and abscond with many high value items without anyone noticing.

We at Billie Box take these rural crime stats very seriously indeed. We supply steel secure shipping containers for storage with delivery to your door. Farms and countryside residences often have sufficient room to add another shed to their site.

Visit our site for Sale or Hire of shipping containers.

Rural crime

New (once used from China) 20ft x 8ft storage container being delivered to site

Every year rural crime costs millions of pounds and causes anxiety to the victims across the UK.

In 2015 the data reveals that the cost of rural crime to the UK has reached £42.5 million.

Stats from the NFU website.

rural crime stats from NFU

Agri-Expo

The NFU Mutual reported that there are certain areas being targeted more than others – the North East and East of England in particular. In 2015 it cost the victims in these areas in the region of £7.9 and £6.9 million respectively. The Midlands and Northern Ireland crime figures are on the rise by 10% and 13% respectively.

Theft of ATVs rose by 50% in the Essex area last year alone, according to NFU Mutual.

ATVs can be easily stored in a 20ft lockable container. Containers are a perfect solution, as all sides are blocked and the thieves cannot see whats inside. Who knows what’s in a container?

Equine tack such as saddles and bridles, being very high value, are perfect for the burglar. Again a shipping container is a great product in which to store your horse-riding equipment. I know some of you are worried about condensation; however, we do have the Absorpole which can rectify this problem.

Billie Box’s Shipping Containers are fitted with a lock box and then a hardened steel padlock will fit inside. This will stop unlawful access with bolt croppers.

Our padlocks have an anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-saw shackle.

In conclusion, prevention is better than cure!

Please click here for a Quote

About Jane Billing
Jane Billing has over 30 years’ experience in shipping container supply. During that time Jane has gained a very broad knowledge of the whole shipping container industry. From construction to shipping, to adaption and conversions, if you have a question about any aspect of the shipping container industry Jane will likely have the answer for you. After many years working for some of the biggest names in the shipping container industry Jane set up her own company, Billie Box Ltd, in 2012. Since launching, Billie Box Ltd has sold well over 1500 new and used containers.

40ft Shipping Containers to buy

Jane on June 19, 2014

Billie Box offers a number of 40ft shipping containers with different configurations for sale with nationwide delivery

40ft Shipping Container Variations:

Get a free quote today

40ft shipping containers

40ft Long x 8ft Wide x 8ft 6in High standard storage container: Double doors on one 8ft end only (Second hand or new)
Second hand 40ft shipping container

40ft shipping container External dimensions:

40 ft Long (12.9 m)  – 8 ft wide (2.43 m)  – 8 ft 6 in high (2.59 m)

40ft shipping container Internal dimensions:

39 ft 6 in Long (12.04 m) – 7 ft 8 in wide (2.33 m) – 7 ft 10 in high (2.38 m)

Door opening dimensions:

7 ft 6 in wide (2.28 m) – 7 ft 6 in high (2.28 m)

Specification: Corten steel walls, ceilings and double doors with a 25mm marine treated plywood floor.

Weights

Tare weight = 3,700 Kg (8,168 lbs)

Max Gross weight = 32,500 Kg (71,650 lbs)

Cubic Capacity = 67.6 cubic meters (2,386 cubic feet)

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Get a free quote today

40ft shipping containers – Hi cube

40ft Long x 8ft Wide x 9ft 6in High Hi cube container: Double doors on one 8ft end only (Second hand or new)
New 40ft sea container

40ft hi cube container External dimensions:

40 ft Long (12.19 m)- 8 ft wide (2.43 m) – 9 ft 6 in high (2.89 m)

40ft hi cube container Internal dimensions:

39 ft 6 in Long (12.04 m) – 7 ft 8 in wide (2.33 m) – 8 ft 10 in high (2.69 m)

Door opening dimensions:

7 ft 6 in wide (2.28 m) – 8 ft 6 in high (2.59 m)

Weights

Tare weight = 3,880 Kg (8,553 lbs)

Max Gross weight = 32,500 Kg (71,650 lbs)

Cubic Capacity = 76.2 cubic meters (2,700 cubic feet)

Specification: Corten steel walls, ceilings and double doors with a 25mm marine treated plywood floor.

**

Get a free quote today

40ft shipping containers – Tunnel

40ft Long x 8ft Wide x 8ft 6in High Tunnel container (also known as double door containers): Double doors on both 8ft ends (new)
New 40ft Tunnel sea container (double doors on both 8ft ends)

40ft Tunnel shipping container External dimensions:

40 ft Long (12.9 m)  – 8 ft wide (2.43 m)  – 8 ft 6 in high (2.59 m)

40ft Tunnel shipping container Internal dimensions:

39 ft 3 in Long (11.96 m) – 7 ft 8 in wide (2.33 m) – 7 ft 10 in high (2.38 m)

Both Ends Door opening dimensions:

7 ft 6 in wide (2.28 m) – 7 ft 6 in high (2.28 m)

Weights

Tare weight = 3,700 Kg (8,168 lbs)

Max Gross weight = 32,500 Kg (71,650 lbs)

Cubic Capacity = 67.6 cubic meters (2,386 cubic feet)

Specification: Corten steel walls, ceilings and 2 sets of double doors with a 25mm marine treated plywood floor.

Our 40ft containers are used by many different industries. Our customers range from schools, sports clubs, hospitals, manufacturers, general business, construction or builders and many many more.

Have a look at the other sizes we do:

10ft Long Shipping container

20ft Long Shipping container

So call today for our latest prices and more information. Freephone 0800 121 7388 or 01473 557409

Get a free quote today
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