20 feet container in London: £1,700 – £5,400 by condition
Looking for a 20 feet container in London (Greater London)? Global financial hub (City), tech district (Shoreditch), leading tourism and culture. Strong event demand, ongoing construction industry activity (Crossrail Elizabeth Line, HS2). Market affected by Brexit (enhanced customs formalities since 2021). Our partner sellers deliver from London Gateway port (Thurrock) or Tilbury. Delivery 48-72 h from London Gateway or Tilbury. Rate £400-£800. ULEZ and Congestion Charge active 24/7, extended pedestrian zones. Prefer Euro 6 trucks and drop-off in M25 perimeter.
Price for 20 feet container in London
Rates for London (regional coefficient ×1.20 applied to the national grid).
| Status | Price Excl. VAT | For what use |
|---|---|---|
| new — Standard factory exit colour (RAL 5010 blue) | £4,515 – £5,670 | Conversion, commerce, resale — typical use in London: finance |
| new — Customised factory exit colour | £4,515 – £5,670 | Brand identity, showcase — typical use in London: tech |
| new — Factory exit + options (pre-fitted openings) | £5,303 – £6,563 | Tiny house, mobile commerce, premium site cabin — typical use in London: finance |
| one-trip — Standard one-trip | £4,043 – £4,935 | Habitable conversion, commercial use, premium site cabin — typical use in London: tech |
| one-trip — One-trip with openings | £4,043 – £4,935 | Container already prepared for conversion — typical use in London: finance |
| used — Grade A (very good condition) | £2,783 – £3,518 | Visible pro storage, site cabin, showcase — typical use in London: tech |
| used — Grade B (good condition) | £2,258 – £3,045 | Non-visible storage, projects with light refurbishment needed — typical use in London: finance |
| used — Grade C (used condition) | £1,785 – £2,520 | Temporary storage, inspect before purchase — typical use in London: tech |
Indicative prices for London (regional coefficient ×1.20, rounded up by 50 €). Excluding delivery (£250 – £900 depending on postcode). Source depot: London Gateway port (Thurrock) or Tilbury.
Compare by condition
20 feet new in London — £4,515 – £5,670
The brand new 20-foot container is a direct factory output — mainly China (CIMC, Singamas, Dong Fang). No journey, no use. Justified for high-end conversion, visible commerce, future resale or very demanding markets (healthcare, food industry). Expect to pay 30-50 % more than Grade A used.
Key points to remember
- Manufacturer's warranty of 5 years (waterproofing + structure)
- New CSC plate, valid for maritime export
- Default colour RAL 5010, customisable on direct order
- Lead time: 8-14 weeks for custom orders, 1-2 weeks if in stock at the depot
- Moderate depreciation upon resale (15-20% over three years with maintenance)
For whom?
Professionals and individuals who want a healthy base for conversion (tiny house, commerce, premium office), easy resale, or a visible project where appearance matters. Avoid brand new if storing in an out-of-sight backyard: Grade A at €2,500 is sufficient.
20 feet one-trip in London — £4,043 – £4,935
The 'one-trip' is a container freshly manufactured in China and used for ONE single maritime journey to Europe (3-6 months). Upon arrival, it is resold on the secondary market at 10-15% less than new, yet with almost identical appearance. The optimal price/quality compromise for 80% of conversion projects.
Key points to remember
- Near-new condition: original paintwork and seals, perfect floor
- Valid CSC plate for maritime export
- Save €400 to €700 compared to new, same quality
- Mainly available in RAL 5010 (blue) or RAL 7016 (grey)
- Waterproof warranty of 12-24 months according to the supplier
For whom?
The best price/quality compromise for conversion projects. Near-new appearance, intact structure, often comes with a 2-year warranty, at 10-15% less than new. Ideal for tiny houses, garden offices, mobile shops.
20 feet used in London — £1,785 – £3,518
The used 20-foot shipping container is the most dynamic segment of the European market: 80% of sales are made in this format. Shipping containers retired from fleet service (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) after 10-15 years of maritime use are reclassified as A, B or C. Choosing a grade means balancing purchase price and refurbishment budget.
Key points to remember
- Clear definitions for Grades A/B/C — every serious supplier provides the grade and photos
- Water and wind tightness guarantee 12-24 months for Grade A and B
- Valid CSC plate except downgraded — verify before maritime export
- Customisation possible (paint, openings) on Grade A and B
- Available in most European depots within J+5
For whom?
Individuals and businesses seeking immediate low-cost storage space. The used 20-foot shipping container is the most versatile format: easy to transport, delivered by standard crane truck, accessible from €1,400 in Grade C.
Why choose a 20 feet container in London?
Local specificity
London Gateway, opened in 2013, is the most modern container port in the UK and receives ULCVs directly (>20,000 TEU). Container stock is highly available, but Greater London delivery costs are among the highest in Europe.
The dominant sectors in London (Finance (City, Canary Wharf), Tech (Shoreditch, King's Cross), Tourism and creative industries, Construction industry (Crossrail, HS2)) have recurring needs for 20 feet shipping containers for finance: temporary construction site storage, site accommodation units, archives, equipment.
Population: 8,900,000 inhabitants · County LDN (Greater London) · Region Greater London.
Delivery to London
Postcodes served: EC1A, WC1, SW1A, E1, N1.
Lead time from London Gateway port (Thurrock) or Tilbury: 5-10 working days.
Delivery 48-72 h from London Gateway or Tilbury. Rate £400-£800. ULEZ and Congestion Charge active 24/7, extended pedestrian zones. Prefer Euro 6 trucks and drop-off in M25 perimeter.
Estimated delivery cost: £250 to £900 depending on your postcode.
Frequently Asked Questions — 20 feet shipping container in London
What is the delivery cost for a 20 feet shipping container to London?+
Delivery costs range from £250 to £800 depending on your postcode (EC1A, WC1, SW1A, E1…) and distance from the depot London Gateway port (Thurrock) or Tilbury. Delivery 48-72 h from London Gateway or Tilbury. Rate £400-£800. ULEZ and Congestion Charge active 24/7, extended pedestrian zones. Prefer Euro 6 trucks and drop-off in M25 perimeter. Standard lead time: 5-10 working days.
Is there a container depot for 20 feet near London?+
Yes — the nearest partner depot for 20 feet new, one-trip, used is London Gateway port (Thurrock) or Tilbury. Towns served around London without surcharge: Croydon, Bromley, Barnet, Ealing. For other towns within Greater London, a per-kilometre surcharge applies based on road distance.
What is the regional price coefficient for London?+
Pricing for London is adjusted by a regional coefficient of ×1.20 (national average = 1.00). Against a national range of £1,470 – £4,725, the local estimate for London works out to £1,700 – £5,400. This coefficient reflects regional logistics costs, demand from local sectors (notably finance), and depot stock availability nearby.
Which neighbouring towns are served from the same depot as London?+
From the London Gateway port (Thurrock) or Tilbury depot, we deliver to London and the neighbouring towns: Croydon, Bromley, Barnet, Ealing. Any other town in Greater London remains accessible with a per-kilometre surcharge based on road distance. To check availability for your postcode (EC1A, WC1, SW1A, E1…), request a free quote in just a few clicks.
Why does a brand new 20-foot shipping container cost 30-50% more than a Grade A used one?+
New steel, new paint, 5-year warranty, lifespan of 25+ years vs. 15 years for a Grade A used container. Over 10 years amortised, the annual cost is comparable. For habitable conversion or resale, brand new is profitable.
What's the difference with a one-trip shipping container?+
Brand new has made no maritime journey. One-trip has made one trip from China to Europe (3-6 months). Near identical appearance, but one-trip costs about 5-10% less. For resale, brand new retains its value better.
Can a brand new 20-foot shipping container be ordered in a specific colour?+
Yes through direct factory order (minimum 10 units, delivery time 12-14 weeks). At European depot, limited choice to RAL 5010, RAL 7016, RAL 9005, RAL 6005. Repainting yourself: expect £200-£400 for materials.
Does the new price include VAT?+
Yes in the UK, VAT at 20% included in displayed prices (unless stated export). For VAT-registered businesses, reclaimable according to your regime. VAT-free quote possible on request.
What is the delivery time for a brand new 20-foot container in stock?+
5-10 working days from major European depots (Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Hamburg). Direct factory order: 8-14 weeks (marine transport included).
How to recognise a genuine one-trip from a fake?+
CSC plate dated the current year or N-1, intact seals, paint without deep scratches, wooden floor without stains. Ask for the CSC plate and container number — serious professionals provide this systematically.
Why buy a one-trip rather than new?+
Savings of 10-15% for near-identical visual quality. The only true 'plus' of new is the 5-year manufacturer warranty (vs 1-2 years in one-trip). If you plan to customise heavily, a one-trip will suffice.
Geographical availability of one-trip?+
More available at high traffic ports (Felixstowe, Southampton, Rotterdam). Less common in regional UK ports. Lead time 5-10 days in stock, up to 30 days if needed from elsewhere.
What depreciation on resale?+
20-25% over 5 years with standard maintenance. Faster to resell than new due to lower entry price. Active market on eBay UK, Gumtree and pro marketplaces.
Which class to choose for long-term storage?+
Class A if the container will be visible (window display, professional reception). Class B if stored out of sight. Class C is best avoided in the long term: seals are worn and waterproofing becomes uncertain after 2-3 years.
Is a used 20-foot container really watertight?+
Class A and B: yes, 'wind & water tight' guarantee included by serious suppliers. Class C: inspect before purchase — check the roof with a torch inside or during rain.
How much does delivery of a used 20-foot container cost?+
Between €250 and €900 depending on the area and distance from the depot. Allow at least 22 m clear access for the crane truck, and a load-bearing surface (concrete, compacted gravel).
Is there a warranty on used containers?+
Yes, 12-24 months waterproofing guarantee with referenced professionals (classes A and B). On the free market (individuals, marketplaces), no warranty — sold as is, at your own risk.
Can one resell a used 20-foot class A container?+
Yes, the secondary market is active. Expected depreciation of 20-30% over five years in class A if properly maintained. Repaint every 3-5 years to preserve value.
What is the difference between Class A and one-trip?+
The 'one-trip' has made ONE maritime journey from China to Europe (3-6 months), it is almost brand new. Grade A has been in use for 5-10 years: shows signs of use, but the structure remains intact. One-trip = +30 to +50 % vs Grade A.
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