Agricultural and Farming Shipping Container Solutions

Container storage for agricultural equipment and supplies

The suitable container depends on what you need to store, how goods will be loaded and how much space is available on the site. A 20ft shipping container can suit tools, smaller machinery and general farm storage. Where you need more storage length for equipment, stock or workshop use, a 40ft shipping container may be more suitable.

• Feed and seed: An enclosed container can help protect feed and seed from rain, damp and pests. Ventilation and moisture control should be considered according to the goods being stored.
• Machinery and tools: Containers provide a lockable steel storage space for hand tools, machinery and other agricultural equipment. Check the internal layout and door access before choosing a size.
• Fertiliser and chemicals: These materials need storage arrangements suited to their properties and the site. A modified container with a bunded floor may be considered where spill containment is required. A bunded floor is an internal tray designed to catch and contain spills.
• Harvested produce: A 20ft refrigerated container may be considered for produce that needs temperature-controlled storage during busy periods. The required conditions should be confirmed for the goods before selecting this type of unit.
• Staff and paperwork: A container can provide an enclosed area for breaks, welfare use or farm administration. Any change in use may bring separate site or planning considerations.

For regular access, consider the position of the doors, the space needed to load equipment and whether the container will remain accessible for future collection or movement.

Specialist container types for farm machinery

Some agricultural equipment is wide, tall or difficult to load through standard end doors. An open-side container allows access along the side, which can help when loading wider machinery or bulky items. A 20ft open-side container may suit smaller equipment where side access is a priority.

Open-top containers have a removable tarpaulin cover instead of a solid steel roof. This allows goods to be loaded from above using suitable site equipment. A 20ft open-top container may be considered for bulky agricultural loads that are difficult to load through the end doors.

Flat-rack containers have no permanent side walls and can be used for wide or heavy equipment that does not fit within an enclosed container. A 20ft flat-rack container may be relevant for larger plant or machinery, subject to the loading method and transport requirements. For taller loads, a 40ft high-cube container provides additional internal height compared with a standard container. The load, access and delivery position should be checked before selection.

Specialist formats affect loading, protection from the weather and site handling. They should be chosen for the actual equipment rather than simply the available storage area.

Choosing between one-trip and used containers

Condition is another part of choosing a container for agricultural storage. A one-trip container has generally completed a limited initial shipping journey. It may be suitable where appearance is a consideration, such as near a farmhouse, entrance or customer-facing part of a farm. The condition and finish should still be confirmed for the individual container.

Used containers may show signs of previous service, including dents or surface rust. They can be considered for general farm storage where appearance is less important, but the container should be checked for the condition needed for the intended use. If protecting feed, seed, tools or equipment from the weather is a priority, ask for confirmation of the container's condition rather than assuming that every used unit has the same standard.

Terms such as wind and watertight describe the condition of the container's structure, doors and seals. This is different from making the unit airtight, and it does not remove the need to consider ventilation, condensation or the goods being stored.

Modifications for agricultural use

Some farms need more than an empty storage box. Container modifications may support uses such as bunded storage, equipment housing, workshops or an enclosed space for farm administration. The modification should match the intended use, the goods inside and the conditions on the site.

Ventilation, lining and insulation can also be considered where condensation or temperature changes may affect stored items. These features should not be treated as a guarantee that condensation will be eliminated. Moisture can still depend on the contents, air movement, temperature and how the container is used.

For seasonal equipment or temporary increases in storage demand, hiring may avoid the need for a long-term purchase. If the container needs to be repositioned later, discuss container movement before deciding where it will be placed.

HIAB delivery to agricultural sites

Agricultural containers are delivered by HIAB. The term HIAB refers to a lorry-mounted crane used to unload and position a container. A suitable storage position is not automatically a suitable delivery position, so the route and unloading area need to be considered together.

Check the access route, vehicle position, turning space and overhead clearance before delivery is arranged. Power cables, low branches, walls, fences and other obstructions can affect where the HIAB lorry can stand and whether the container can be placed as requested. Door orientation also matters, particularly if machinery will be driven or loaded into the container.

The proposed position should provide firm, reasonably level support suited to the site and expected load. Soft or uneven ground can contribute to settlement and affect door operation. Consider drainage as well as access for future collection or repositioning. A container may fit the planned storage area but still require a different delivery position if the HIAB lorry cannot reach a suitable lifting location.

Planning and site considerations for farms

Planning requirements can depend on how the container will be used, how long it will remain in place, the status of the site, its visibility, nearby neighbours and local planning policy. Listed buildings, conservation areas, a change of use or a prominent position may create additional considerations.

Planning permission is not automatically required or excluded for every container placement. Check current requirements with your local planning authority before committing to the proposed placement or use.

When you have considered the contents, loading method, container condition and delivery position, you can request container prices for the agricultural requirement.