Construction Industry Shipping Container Solutions

Storage for tools, plant and building materials

A standard container provides a lockable steel storage space for construction tools and equipment. A 20ft shipping container can suit general tool storage where the available site space is limited. A 40ft shipping container offers more storage length for larger quantities of materials, equipment or site supplies.

Construction uses may include storing drills, levels, saws, mini-diggers, rollers, mixers, timber, cement and copper piping. Keep stored goods organised so that frequently used items remain accessible and heavier loads are handled safely. The container’s condition should also match the goods being stored. For materials that need protection from rain, ask for a unit described as wind and watertight. This means it is intended to resist water entering through the container, but it does not mean the interior is airtight.

Security still needs to be considered as part of the site layout. A suitable padlock and lockbox can make the locking point less exposed, but no storage arrangement should be treated as a complete answer to theft risk.

Site offices, welfare areas and project storage

Containers can also provide dedicated areas away from active construction work. Depending on the project, this may include a site office, meeting space, drawing store, archive area, workshop or break room. Keeping project records and drawings in a separate, dry space can help protect them from damage and keep them easier to find.

• Site offices: A modified container can provide a defined area for site management, meetings and briefings.
• Drawing and archive storage: Shelving can help organise plans, records and project paperwork inside a suitable container.
• Workshop space: A dry, lockable unit may provide room for on-site fabrication or machinery repairs, subject to the intended use and any site requirements.
• Break rooms: Containers can be modified with features such as tables, seating and kitchenettes where these are appropriate for the project.
• Welfare arrangements: Rest areas, washrooms and sinks can form part of a wider site setup. The facilities required should be assessed for the workforce and project.

Modification requirements should be agreed before choosing a unit. You can find out more about container modifications where a standard storage box does not meet the needs of the construction site.

Containers for awkward or oversized loads

Standard containers are not suitable for every construction load. An open-side design can make loading long or bulky items easier because the side doors provide wider access along the container. A 20ft open-side container may be considered where side loading is more practical than using the end doors.

Open-top containers have a removable tarpaulin rather than a fixed steel roof. This allows suitable goods to be loaded from above using site equipment. The source options include a 20ft open-top container and a 40ft open-top container. Confirm the loading method, covering requirements and handling arrangements before ordering.

For wide or heavy components that need to be loaded from above or from the side, a flat rack provides a platform without full side walls. The available options include a 20ft flat rack container and a 40ft flat rack container. Check the payload and loading plan for the intended cargo before use. Payload means the weight of goods the container is designed to carry.

Choosing container condition

Condition should be considered alongside the demands of the construction project. A one-trip container has generally completed a limited initial shipping journey. It may suit a customer-facing site where appearance matters, but one-trip does not mean unused or guarantee a particular finish.

Used containers can be considered for general site storage where appearance is less important. Their condition can vary, so ask for details that relate to the goods being stored, the required level of weather protection and the intended period of use.

If a container may be moved between international projects or used for export, discuss its CSC status before making a decision. A CSC plate relates to requirements for international container transport. It does not, by itself, guarantee acceptance by every carrier or confirm that a container is suitable for every use.

Planning the container position

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 the relevant local planning authority before committing to the proposed position or use.

HIAB delivery to a construction site

Shipping Containers of Birmingham uses HIAB delivery. HIAB is the common UK term for a lorry-mounted crane used to unload and position a container. The proposed delivery area 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.

Review the access route and the intended vehicle position before delivery. Turning space, ground condition, overhead obstructions and the direction in which the container doors should face all affect the placement plan. Check for cables, trees, buildings, walls and other obstacles. A container may fit the intended location but still be unsuitable for delivery if the HIAB vehicle cannot reach a suitable lifting position.

Keep future access in mind if the container may need to be collected, relocated or repositioned as the project changes. Where movement is part of the plan, read about moving containers before the site layout is finalised.

Discuss your construction container requirements

Share the intended use, goods to be stored, loading method, required condition and proposed placement when you request container prices. This gives the relevant details for considering a suitable standard or specialist container for the construction project.