All guides to choose the right shipping container
In the United Kingdom, check the use, location and required permissions with the local authority before ordering. Applicable framework: England / Wales / Scotland / Northern Ireland: planning permission; building regulations / building standards. Floor area alone does not determine whether a container may be installed.
Essential guides
Read first if you are new to shipping containers.
Price of a shipping container in 2026
Complete barometer: 20ft, 40ft, high cube, refrigerated — new, one-trip, used. Price grids, monthly rental costs, additional expenses (delivery, permits, connections).
Read the guidePrice of a 20-foot container
Focus on 20 feet: new price grid (from £2,410) and used (from £937), monthly rental, six pricing factors, comparison 20/40/HC.
Read the guidePrice of a 40-foot container
Focus on dry and high cube 40 feet: grid with 10 variants × conditions, rental for 12 months, seven pricing factors, comparison 20/40/45.
Read the guidePrice of a refrigerated container
Reefer 20' and 40': purchase price grid (from £3,012), rental with maintenance, monthly electricity cost, Carrier vs Thermo King.
Read the guideContainer rental price
Monthly tariffs for 2026 in all formats (20', 40', HC, reefer, site bungalow), ancillary costs (deposit, delivery/collection, penalties), break-even point for purchase/rental.
Read the guideContainer dimensions
ISO 668 reference table: length, width, interior/exterior height, volumes, weight, EUR pallet capacities. To bookmark.
Read the guideHow to Choose Your Container
Decision Tree in 4 Steps: Usage → Duration → Condition → Format. The 3 Classic Mistakes to Avoid.
Read the guideComparisons
To decide between two specific options.
20 vs 40 feet : which one to choose?
Price comparison per m³, surface area, pallets, uses, profitability. A simple rule to decide in 2 minutes.
Read the guideNew vs used: the true TCO calculation
Price difference, remaining lifespan, resale value, 10-year TCO. Verdict by use case.
Read the guideBuy or rent: compare total cost
Detailed calculation over 2, 5, and 10 years. Exceptions (reefer, converted) and LOA cases.
Read the guideContainer house vs brick-built house
Energy, ventilation and safety requirements depend on the country, building category and use. Have a professional design the insulation and thermal-bridge treatment under the applicable local rules.
Read the guideBungalow vs algeco vs shipping container
Structure, lifespan, safety, residual value after 10 years. When to prefer each solution.
Read the guideContainer pool vs fibreglass pool
Price installed, lead times, durability, available shapes, above-ground. Who wins according to your project.
Read the guideReefer vs fixed cold room
Mobility, flexibility, cost, maintenance. Hybrid option possible (fixed cold room + reefer as backup).
Read the guideTiny house container vs on wheels
Surface, cost, mobility, regulation, lifespan. Which option for which lifestyle.
Read the guideRegulation & practice
Administrative, legal and technical procedures for your project.
Permission to place a shipping container in your garden
In the United Kingdom, check the use, location and required permissions with the local authority before ordering. Applicable framework: England / Wales / Scotland / Northern Ireland: planning permission; building regulations / building standards. Floor area alone does not determine whether a container may be installed.
Read the guideElectrical supply for a reefer container
Have a competent electrician check the connection against the rules in the United Kingdom, the equipment rating plate and the local network operator’s requirements. A French standard or certificate does not automatically apply to this market.
Read the guideHACCP for snack or food truck container
Business registration, HACCP procedures, appropriate training, cleanable premises and temperature control.
Read the guideTaxation of shipping containers for companies
Accounting, deductions, VAT, buying or renting and use-related taxes: check your regime before comparing.
Read the guideHow our guides are written
Our guides explain technical considerations, procedures and questions to ask before a project. Prices are indicative estimates from the model described in our methodology, unless explicitly attributed to a dated source. Rules and sources are adapted to the selected country; check the requirements for your project with the relevant authorities and professionals.
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