The process of hiring a shipping container may seem daunting, especially for businesses with specific needs. This guide aims to walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right container to understanding costs and logistics involved.
Whether you need temporary or long-term storage for your next project, we’ll help you to make an informed decision on hiring a shipping container.
Understanding The Shipping Container Hire Process
Hiring a container involves several key steps to ensure you find a container that fits your business needs perfectly.
1. Assessment
Before you start the process, assess what you need to hire the container for, considering the following questions:
- What is the purpose?
- Is it for storage, an onsite portable office space, or for specialised use like refrigerated containers or medical equipment storage?
- What size container do you need?
- 20ft and 40ft containers are common sizes, but choose based on the volume of items you need to store. A 40ft container is ideal for large-scale storage needs, while 20ft containers work well for smaller spaces and medium-sized projects. We also have 10ft containers available for smaller projects.
How long do you need to hire the container for? Short-term hire can be a good idea for seasonal storage or temporary projects. If you have ongoing needs, long-term hire might be the right choice for you.
What type of container is best for my business? We have containers that provide easy access such as side-opening containers or more specialised units such as insulated containers.
Learn more in our dedicated guide: Choosing The Right Shipping Container For Your Business
2. Container Option Comparison
Comparing container options is important to finding the right fit for your needs. Here, you’ll want to consider:
- Condition: New containers offer a modern look, ideal for customer-facing uses, while used containers are more budget-friendly and great for simple storage needs.
- Accessibility: Tunnel containers or side-opening containers can make loading and unloading easier, saving time and effort during use.
3. Hire Agreement and Delivery
Once you have decided on the container most suitable for your needs, it’s time to finalise the hire agreement to outline the rental period, rates, and any delivery charges.
Then, we just need to get your container out for delivery! We can typically deliver your container within a week to ten days. If you need your container sooner, just let our team know.
4. Site Preparation
Before we deliver your container, it’s important to confirm that the delivery route can accommodate large vehicles and make sure that the site ground is prepared for the delivery and installation of the container.
This preparation helps improve the container’s lifespan, keeping it level and secure to prevent damage to your stock.
To learn more about site preparation, we have prepared a handy guide for you: How To Prepare Ground For A Shipping Container.
5. Container Maintenance
During the rental period, basic maintenance will help to ensure your container stays in top condition. Schedule regular inspections for issues such as: dents, holes, rusting, especially important for longer-term rentals.
6. Return Process
As your rental period comes to an end, simply contact the team to arrange for collection.
Costs of Hiring A Shipping Container
Understanding the costs involved in renting a shipping container is key for budget planning. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Price Range
- 10ft Container Hire: Prices from £2 a day, minimum 30 day hire
- 20ft Container Hire: Prices from £1.15 a day, minimum 30 day hire
- 40ft Container Hire: Prices from £3 a day, minimum 30 day hire
These rates vary depending on location and availability. Prices are subject to change.
When we provide a quote, we’ll also break down the associated costs such as delivery fees for full transparency.
Factors Affecting Hire Costs:
- Location: Delivery fees will depend on the distance from our local depot to your site. Our vast network of depots nationwide ensures you can get the container you need. Our transport service covers both delivery and collection, with upfront prices during the initial agreement to avoid future price increases.
- Container Type/Size: Larger or specialised containers may have higher rental rates.
- Condition: Newer containers typically cost more but offer a better appearance.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
To ensure a smooth hire process, consider the following to avoid common pitfalls:
- Overlooking Site Preparation: A poorly prepared site can lead to delivery delays, which could incur additional costs.
- Ignoring Rental Terms: Review the agreement thoroughly to understand your responsibilities during the rental term and communicate with our team if you need to extend the hire period.
- Not Planning For Collection: Arranging collection in advance ensures a smooth collection process and keeps everything on schedule.
How S Jones Containers Can Help
We pride ourselves on delivering tailored solutions to meet your unique storage and project needs. With over 40 years of industry experience and a network of depots across the UK, we offer fast delivery and a range of container types. Our team is here to support you throughout the entire rental process, ensuring you get the right container for your needs.
If you’re ready to hire a container or have additional questions, please contact us. Our team is available to provide expert advice and support, ensuring you find the perfect container for your needs.
