Storage Containers For Hire Melton Mowbray

Container Hire Options in Melton Mowbray

We supply containers in standard sizes to suit most sites. Understanding the dimensions and specifications helps you choose the right unit for your cargo volume and site constraints.

20ft Storage Containers

The 20ft shipping container is the industry standard for hire and fits comfortably in most commercial yards or large residential driveways. It offers approximately 33 cubic metres of internal capacity. These units are 20ft long and 8ft wide. They are ideal for storing the contents of a three-bedroom house, building materials, or seasonal business inventory. We ensure these units are wind- and watertight, keeping your goods dry and protected from the elements.

40ft Storage Containers

For large-scale projects, such as major construction sites or logistics hubs near the A607, the 40ft shipping container offers double the capacity. These units are 40ft long and provide roughly 67 cubic metres of space. They are frequently used for palletised goods or long lengths of materials such as timber and piping. However, due to their significant length, you must ensure your site in Melton Mowbray has extensive access to accommodate the delivery truck, which will be an articulated vehicle.

Refrigerated Containers

Given Melton Mowbray's status as a food production centre, we also supply temperature-controlled units. 20ft refrigerated containers and 40ft refrigerated containers allow you to store perishable goods at precise temperatures between -25°C and +25°C. These require a 3-phase power supply on-site to operate.

Condition Grades for Hire

For our hire fleet, we typically supply "used" containers that are structurally sound and weather-proof. They may have cosmetic wear, such as dents, patch repairs, or surface rust, but they function perfectly as secure storage. All locks and door bars are checked to ensure smooth operation. If you require a pristine unit, for example, for a public-facing event or retail pop-up in the town centre, please request a "new" (one-trip) container when you enquire.

Delivery Logistics and Site Access

We deliver containers using Hiab vehicles. These are trucks fitted with a hydraulic crane that lifts the container from the vehicle bed to the ground. Successful delivery relies on preparing your site correctly and communicating any potential obstacles to us in advance.

Vehicle Types and Clearance

The type of truck we use depends on the size of the container:

• 20ft Containers: We typically deliver these on a "rigid" Hiab truck. This vehicle is approximately 33-36ft long and needs roughly 60ft of straight-line space to offload the container safely.
• 40ft Containers: These require an "articulated" Hiab truck. The vehicle is around 60ft to 65ft long and needs approximately 100ft to 110ft of straight-line clearance to park and offload.

In addition to length, the vehicle requires width. The truck is 8.5ft to 9ft wide, but the stabiliser legs (which keep the crane stable during the lift) extend out from the sides. You should allow for a total working width of approximately 18ft to 20ft during the lifting operation.

Overhead Obstructions

The crane arm extends upwards and outwards to lift the container. You must check your site in Melton Mowbray for overhead hazards. Tree branches, building overhangs, and telephone lines can block a delivery. Most critically, you must check for overhead power cables. For safety reasons, our drivers typically require a clearance of at least 20 metres from live power lines. If cables are present, you must inform us immediately so we can assess the risk.

Rural Access

Melton Mowbray is surrounded by rural villages like Waltham on the Wolds and Old Dalby. Narrow country lanes, low bridges, and tight humpback bridges can prevent large Hiab trucks from reaching your site. If your location has restricted access, we need to know beforehand. We may be able to arrange a smaller truck or suggest an alternative offloading point.

Ground Preparation and Levelling

You are responsible for preparing the ground before the driver arrives. The container must sit on a "hard standing" surface that is flat and level.

Surface Types

Suitable surfaces include concrete, tarmac, paved areas, or compacted hardcore (gravel). We generally cannot deliver onto grass, soft soil, or mud. Hiab trucks are extremely heavy; if they drive on soft ground, they risk sinking, getting stuck, or damaging underground services like drains. If the driver assesses the ground as unsafe, they will refuse the delivery.

The Importance of Level Ground

The ground must be level. If a container sits on uneven ground, it can twist, a process known as "racking". When a container racks, the door frame distorts, causing the heavy steel doors to jam or fail to close properly. This is not a fault with the container but a result of the ground conditions.

Using Supports

We recommend supporting the four corners of the container using railway sleepers, heavy-duty paving slabs, or concrete blocks. This helps level the unit on slightly uneven ground and creates an airflow gap underneath the floor. This gap is vital for preventing moisture from being trapped under the container, which helps protect the timber floor inside.

Planning Permission in Melton Mowbray

Shipping containers are often classified as temporary structures, which can sometimes exempt them from planning permission for short-term use. However, planning regulations vary by location and intended use. If your site is within a conservation area, near a listed building, or if you plan to keep the container for a prolonged period, you may need permission.

We strongly recommend checking with the local authority before ordering. For sites in this area, you should consult the Melton Borough Council planning portal for specific guidance on permitted development rights and temporary structures.

Hire vs Buy

Deciding between hiring and buying a shipping container in Melton Mowbray depends on your project timeline and budget.

• Hiring: This is the most cost-effective option for short-term needs (typically 12 to 18 months or less). It offers flexibility, requires less upfront capital, and we handle the unit's removal when you are finished.
• Buying: If you need storage for several years, purchasing a unit often offers better long-term value. You also have the freedom to modify or paint a purchased container to match your branding.