How to Hire a Shipping Container: What's the Process?

Shipping containers offer a smart, cost-effective way to meet a wide range of short-term cargo needs. Hiring a container provides the flexibility and security of being able to meet storage needs, whether you need the extra storage for a construction site, running an event, renovating your home, or otherwise. However, you don’t have to take on the commitment or the cost that comes with purchasing a container outright.

Here, we’re going to look closer at the process of hiring a shipping container, from choosing the service and container to meet your needs, right up to the point of delivery and setup. Whether you’re a homeowner, a contractor, an event organiser, or any other kind of client, this post will teach you how to get the most out of shipping container hire while avoiding the most commonly made mistakes.

Why Hire A Shipping Container?

There are a host of different benefits to hiring a shipping container, especially when compared to buying one outright. These include the following:

Key Benefits

• Low upfront cost: Renting a container is considerably more affordable than buying one, especially if your needs are temporary or likely to change.

• Scalability: If your need for additional storage or space requirements change, then containers let you scale up and down in the short term.

• Flexibility: If you’re only looking to use a container short-term for projects with a clear end date or evolving needs, you can.
  

Common Use Cases

• Construction Site Storage: You can keep your tools, equipment, and materials safe and secure without having to move them off-site.

• Home Renovations: You can use a container to store your furniture and belongings while work is going on in the home, or to keep any materials and fixtures used in the work safe.

• Seasonal Stock Overflow: A lot of shops prepare additional stock to meet increased seasonal sale projections, and these let you manage your inventory with temporary storage space.

Step-By-Step: How To Hire A Shipping Container

 To avoid any confusion, here are the precise steps you need to take to ensure you meet your shipping container needs:

Step 1: Decide What You Need

Take the time to assess your needs before you get in touch with a client. You don’t want to end up paying for something only to later have to change your request again. Think about the following factors:

• Size: Containers come in different sizes, with the most common being 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft options. 10ft containers are best for tight spaces or small storage needs. 20ft tends to be the most popular for general use. Meanwhile, 40ft containers are best suited to large-scale and business storage use.

• Security Features: If your container is in a high-risk area or contains particularly valuable assets, then you should choose containers that add protective features like lockboxes, anti-vandal doors, or reinforced steel construction.

• Duration: Take the time to estimate how long you will need the container. There are short-term rentals available, but if you’re not certain how long you’ll need it, you may want to choose an ongoing rental.

If you’re not certain about how long you will need it or what size or features you require, get in touch with your provider. For instance, at TEU, our experience in helping everyone from first-time renters to major site managers has helped us develop the insight to estimate your needs. 

Step 2: Find a Reliable Supplier

Choosing the right container hire company makes all the difference. For instance, local providers may sometimes offer faster deliveries, but national suppliers like TEU typically offer much more competitive pricing, reliable availability of the specific containers you need, and responsible service. Based on your area relative to our many locations, we can compete with local suppliers for speed in many cases, too.

Take the time to inspect your providers. See what details they offer about their hiring terms, ensuring that they are clear and flexible. Check their customer reviews to ensure they have balanced yet positive reviews. Of course, you should ensure their container sizes, configurations, delivery, and collection options all meet your needs too.

Get in touch with your providers to ask about delivery timeframes, how and when the container is collected, and the availability of add-ons like shelving, lighting or insulation.

Step 3: Get a Quote

Be ready with the information you need to get an accurate quote based on your needs. This includes:

• Your delivery postcode affects transport logistics and costs.

• Ground conditions of the site.

• Access information such as whether a large vehicle like a HIAB crane can reach the site easily, and if there are any obstacles or narrow roads to navigate.

Having this information ready speeds up the quoting process and ensures there are no surprises on delivery day.

Step 4: Confirm Site Access and Preparation

Prepare your site in advance, ensuring that the container delivery can go smoothly.

• Ground Requirements: The ground must be level and stable, preferably using gravel, concrete, or sleepers. Avoid soft or sloped ground that could cause the container to sink or shift.

• Space & Clearance: There must be enough room for the container and a delivery truck. Clear any overhanging obstructions like branches or wires.

• Access Routes: Check that the approach roads can handle a large lorry with a crane, and let the delivery company know about any weight restrictions or tight turns.

  
  

Step 5: Container Delivery & Setup

Having the right expectations can help clear confusion and ensure you’re prepared. The delivery team will typically arrive with a HIAB truck, delivering the container by crane. You can direct where you want it, so be sure to be on-site or have a representative there.

Take a walkthrough inspection to inspect the container for any visible damage, ensuring that the doors open and close smoothly, and that any locks and security features function as they should.

Final Thoughts

Renting a shipping container can be simple with the tips above, ensuring that you understand your needs and have prepared the site as best as possible. With those steps and a reliable supplier like TEU, you can have a secure, versatile storage container on your site in no time.