Container Sales & Hire

Categories: Container Conversions

Date: June 4th 2019

Four Benefits of Shipping Containers

After years in the industry, we’ve had our fair share of shipping containers. With this in mind, we wanted to bring things back to basics and write a blog post emphasizing the benefits of shipping containers.

Before starting your next project, why not consider a shipping container? Shipping containers aren’t just limited to storage. Our service is proof of that. Over the years, we’ve completed hundreds of shipping container conversions, including projects of all sizes. Our service knows no bounds, for example, last month we launched a brand new product with our new stadium seating solution.

So, in this blog post, we’re looking at four benefits of shipping containers and why you should consider them for your next project.

Shipping Containers Are Dynamic

The limitations of shipping containers know no bounds. Shipping containers don’t need to be used just for storage. As mentioned, we have years of experience in container conversions and can accommodate your next project accordingly.

Some of the work we have completed demonstrates how versatile shipping containers can be. The simple box design of shipping containers allows them to be perfectly moulded around pretty much any idea that you can think of. Looking for a garden home? There’s a shipping container for that! Looking for a jacuzzi with a built-in overhead cover? There’s a shipping container for that too!

In addition to all the possibilities that shipping containers can turn into, they’re also perfect for transporting goods to different places, hence the name. Since shipping containers are already designed with transportation in mind, moving from location to location is simple. Their unique size is tailor-made to be carried by large vehicles and be transported wherever they need to go.

There is a large range of shipping containers to choose from. This means that, regardless of your budget, it will be easy to find a shipping container that not only matches your project but also matches your budget as well.

Shipping Containers Are Strong and Durable

Being designed for transportation, shipping containers need to be strong and durable. Some shipping containers will travel long distances and experience a range of weather conditions, so each one is perfectly crafted to ensure that the contents inside remain safe.

With this in mind, this makes shipping containers a perfect solution to a wide range of DIY projects. They can be used as storage predominantly, but previously, we’ve designed and developed shipping containers to meet a varied range of needs such as accommodation, stadium seating and more.

Shipping Containers Are Fast to Build

Another huge advantage of shipping containers is that they’re fast to build. When starting your next project, you want to get started as soon as possible. There’s nothing worse than getting a great idea and being halted by time.

We often require just a couple of days to get started on your project and turnaround can be accomplished in a matter of weeks.

Shipping Containers Can Be Reused

Shipping containers can be reused, which is perfect for the environment.

Shipping containers can be reused for all sorts of reasons, but this is a service that we currently offer. We can repair and fabricate any shipping container regardless of the quality, this makes shipping containers an eco-friendly alternative for your next project.

Over the past few decades, the number of people who are concerned about the environment has increased. Thankfully, however, shipping containers offer an eco-friendly alternative to many different solutions already available on the market.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

With all of these benefits in mind, what’s stopping you from utilising a shipping container for your next project? Start today and discover the endless possibilities that come with shipping containers. Call us today on 0845 050 0330.

Container Sales & Hire

Categories: Container Sales & Hire

Date: February 21st 2019

Which Shipping Container Should You Buy?

At Universal Containers, we’ve supplied new and used shipping containers to homes and businesses across the UK for over 40 years so it’s safe to say that we’ve got the experience, knowledge and know-how to advise and deliver to your exact specification. We want you to love your container for whatever purpose it may be. Of course, the final say is always yours but we are always happy to offer professional advice to enable you to make the best, most cost-effective decision to suit your project.

We sell shipping containers in new or used condition: a new container is – as you would imagine – brand new and as a result, more expensive than a used container. However, a used container may have only done one trip so it’s condition might surprise you! We’re happy to be able to supply shipping containers in standard sizes, 10ft to 40ft, in addition to custom sizes for special projects too.

Have a look below at the different containers for sale we have at Universal Containers, and how they might suit your project.

10ft Shipping Containers

Our 10ft containers are our smallest standard size container. 10ft containers are generally used by home owners for additional storage or even converted into strong, alternative garden sheds. A variety of businesses used 10ft containers for storage purposes, but many opt to convert 10ft containers into toilet blocks, offices, retail units and more.

20ft Shipping Containers

Easily our most popular selling container is the 20ft shipping container. At 20ft long by 8ft wide, the generous internal space offered by our 20ft containers means that they can be for both domestic and commercial purposes; perfect for the storage and transportation of large items, and ideally suited to conversion for a range of purposes, such as offices, retail units, on-site facilities and, garden rooms.

30ft Shipping Containers

Our 30ft by 8ft shipping containers are available to buy both new and used, and as with all of the other standard containers we offer here at Universal Containers, they are fully customisable to create the bespoke answer to your problem. 30ft containers are purchased by both home owners and business alike and can provide a safe and long-lasting answer to storage or space saving

40ft Shipping Containers

Our huge range of new and used 40ft containers are our largest standard size containers available to buy. We’ve seen 40ft containers used for numerous different storage and transport purposes, including storing vehicles and machinery for construction or agricultural sites, in addition to being transformed for large scale commercial conversions.

Custom Size Shipping Containers

If you have a specific project in mind, for instance you’re looking to store a vehicle or machinery that won’t quite fit the specification of a standard size container, we are able to produce custom size containers to offer you an ideal solution. Custom size containers can also be further fabricated and converted so that they’re exactly fit for purpose, just like the one above with the addition of a full side access shutter. Please contact the Universal Containers team to discuss your project in more detail and we’d be more than happy to advise.

Helpful? We hope so! Choosing the right shipping container to suit your project can sometimes be difficult if you’re unaware of further options available, including fabrication, conversion and parts and accessories available. With over 40 years experience in selling new and used shipping containers, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands with Universal Containers.

If you are thinking about buying a new or used shipping container, feel free to call Universal Containers on 0845 050 0330 or email andy@universal-containers.com for a free, no obligation quote or friendly, helpful advice.

Container Sales & Hire

Categories: Container Conversions

Date: January 29th 2019

Why Shipping Containers Are Better Than Garden Sheds

Outdoor storage is essential for your home. The last thing you want is to have your household cupboards cluttered with gardening tools, DIY tools, not to mention the emergency chairs. To solve this storage problem, most people add a garden shed to the exterior of the property. However, it’s not always a savvy investment to make. Generally made from wood, garden sheds can quickly deteriorate – especially in British weather – to become unsafe, unsecure and eventually, unfit for purpose. These reasons combined illustrate the reason as to why shipping containers are quickly becoming the go-to traditional garden shed alternative for many homeowners across the country. We’ve put together 4 points, but we’re certain there are more grounds for why you should choose a new or used shipping container as additional outdoor storage for your home, instead of a garden shed.

Shipping containers require NO assembly

There’s nothing worse than purchasing a brand new garden shed, only to be faced with the task of having to construct it from scratch. A shipping container as an alternative to a garden shed poses no obstruction where construction is concerned. A shipping container is already built for the purpose of storage, so it’s ready to go as soon as you are. Of course, you have the option to convert your container to include electrical sockets and other fixtures and fittings, but a standard container simply requires transport and installation. In fact, you don’t even have to arrange for it be placed. At Universal Containers, we offer nationwide delivery to the UK mainland and our professional team of engineers will correctly install your container for you.

Shipping Containers are Cost-Effective

As the old saying goes – you get what you pay for. You may pay a few hundred pounds for a traditional garden shed but chances are, you’ll end up replacing the very same shed in a few short years as the rain begins to weaken the structure of the shed – causing internal and external damp issues – which in itself could result in damaging the contents of your shed. Rather than continually spending to keep your goods safe in a non-durable shed, a one-off investment in a shipping container that can be affordably maintained will prove to be much more cost-effective in the long-term.

Shipping Containers are Long-Lasting

Before a shipping container is converted or used for an alternative purpose – such as a garden shed – it’s important to consider it’s original use. Shipping containers are made to transport goods and cargo via rail, road and sea, so it’s vital that they are carefully constructed to not only be strong, but to withstand the elements that come with overseas transportation. Because of their original design, shipping containers are wholly secure and long-lasting. Their durable structure means that they require simple maintenance to keep them in top condition and unlike a garden shed, you won’t have to replace it 5 years down the line due to wear and tear.

Shipping Container provide more Security

It’s not uncommon to hear about your neighbours and relatives having their sheds broken into and thieves making off with the contents. Not only is this a horrendous thing to happen, but unfortunately, with traditional garden sheds – it’s difficult to prevent. This is why shipping containers are an ideal solution and an effective alternative to a shed. In their rawest form, shipping containers are already built with structural integrity, so their steel exterior already poses itself as a barrier to intruders. In addition to this, other secure fixtures and fittings can be added to a container at a low-cost, including but not limited to: lock boxes, steel shutters, security doors, etc. By doing so, you have the peace of mind that your container and its contents remain safe and secure.

Insightful? We certainly hope so! Shipping containers are rapidly rising in popularity due to the fact that their intended use is so diverse that it allows many people to use containers – converted or not – for a multitude of purposes. Ultimately, they solve the problems that arise when people are seeking additional space for domestic and commercial use. By using a shipping container instead of a traditional shed, you can rest assured that your items will remain damage-free and completely safe and secure.

If you would like to discuss an idea for a shipping container conversion with us, or you’d like some advise on buying or hire the right container to suit your needs, please call the Universal Containers team on 0845 050 0330 or email andy@universal-containers.com for friendly, no obligation advice.

Container Sales & Hire

Categories: Container Sales & Hire

Date: December 6th 2018

Why Hire A Shipping Container?

So you need to hire a container?

Moving home or office? Construction site needing temporary storage? Transporting goods from point A to point B? Event catering storage space needed? We can help!

People don’t hire containers because they want to, they hire containers because they need to. A certain problem or issue has arisen that needs to be resolved by sourcing additional space that is fit for purpose. A container is usually the solution. With so many different container options available for hire, we’re certain that we can provide and install a container to suit your needs and tick all your boxes.

Why hire a container from Universal Containers?

SECURE

If you’re looking for a short-term storage facility that will be safe from interference, shipping containers are the ideal solution. Their overall structure means that they are extremely secure, and even additional security parts and accessories can be added for peace of mind, such as a lock box.

PORTABLE

It is important to consider that a container was initially designed for the purpose of transporting cargo across seas. With this in mind, shipping containers – even conversions – are easily portable and ideally suited to the transit of bulkier items, vehicles or machinery.

DURABLE

Shipping containers were built to withstand the elements on rail, road or sea. This is still true once they are converted or used for other purposes. Built from galvanised steel, containers are highly durable which means that they will store or transport your items safely with no risk of damage.

FIT FOR PURPOSE

Of course, our containers are available for hire as seen, but if you have a specific purpose in mind for your container – let us know! We have converted containers available for hire that may be better suited to your project. For instance, we have refrigerated containers available for hire which are ideally suited to event catering, additional storage for florists, transit of perishable goods, and so much more.

ACCESSIBLE

Our special containers can be available for hire on request. If you have a specific project which requires a more specialised container, for instance, a double door, full side access or open top container, we will provide you with a container that is fit for purpose, accessible to fit your project specification, and low cost.

LOW COST

Rather than having to extend your premises or source long-term self-storage facilities, shipping container hire can be a quick, low cost answer to storing or transporting items. At Universal Containers, we’re in the business of finding the best deals for our customers, so if we feel that we can provide you with a more cost-effective solution, our friendly team will be sure to inform you of your options.

HASSLE FREE

Hiring a container is a very economical solution to your storage or transit problem. You can rest assured that we take all the hard work away from you, as our professional team deliver and install containers at any UK mainland address.

Looking for storage only? We may have an even better option...

It’d also be worth considering that if you’re looking to hire a container for storage purposes, we also offer self-storage facilities at our large, secure site in Irlam, Manchester. We can offer self-storage spaces from 10ft right through to 40ft to give you versatility in storage and flexibility in cost.

Better informed? We hope so! It can be difficult to think outside the box if you’re considering a space-saving, transit or storage solution. However, if you think hiring a fit-for-purpose container could be just the job, have a chat with our team for a friendly, no obligation chat.

If you would like to know more about how to hire a shipping container, please call the Universal team today on 0845 050 0330 or feel free to email andy@universal-containers.com

Container Sales & Hire

Categories: Container Sales & Hire

Date: October 23rd 2018

Unusual Uses for Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are not just becoming popular – they ARE popular. You’ll have no doubt seen them around, perhaps without even noticing that that’s exactly what they are. Some might look like they did in their previous life – that is fit to transport cargo across the sea – whereas others have been drastically converted to not only be more functional, but to be a whole lot more aesthetically pleasing too!

Shipping containers have fast become the first solution for many people as a space-saving or storage solution, and this isn’t just limited to the commercial world. No, as much as businesses are choosing shipping containers for a variety of different purposes, repurposed shipping containers are rapidly appearing in the domestic world in the form of garden rooms, garden sheds, and much more.

Since we began offering container conversions, we’ve had so many different enquiries and some we certainly didn’t expect. There are people all over the globe choosing shipping container conversions and some of them are pretty unusual! Just take a look at these ones we’ve found… we’d love to hear your thoughts!

SHIPPING CONTAINER… Green Houses

You’ll have certainly seen this concept before! The humble shipping container is rapidly being transformed across the globe into urban farm units – essentially, greenhouses. Contrary to popular belief, a recycled shipping container can be fabricated in such a way to incorporate different features, such as an aquaponic system.

SHIPPING CONTAINER… Medical Centres

Now THAT is am impressive piece of fabrication isn’t it? This is The Salam Cardiac Surgery Centre in Sudan, and it’s constructed entirely from repurposes shipping containers. To form the centre, which encompasses a hospital block, staff accommodations and a cafeteria, they have used seven 40ft containers and ninety 20ft containers. What an impressive project!

SHIPPING CONTAINER… Garden Rooms

The overwhelmingly versatile nature of a converted shipping container of any size means that garden rooms can be not only multipurpose but fit for both commercial and domestic use too. So it’s no surprise that people are designing their own home hideaways in the form of man caves and she-sheds, completed with heating, electricity, and other useful fixtures and fittings. A perfect escape home from home!

SHIPPING CONTAINER… School Classrooms

A lot of schools require temporary educational facilities to accommodate for an increased number of students or refurbishment to the current buildings, and shipping containers are a great solution for it! They’re safe and portable, meaning that equipment can be stored securely and once they’re no longer required, they can be efficiently transported off the school site with minimal disruption.

SHIPPING CONTAINER… Retail Units

The pop-up shop trend is booming, not only in the UK, but across the world too. Retailers are quickly realising the potential of a converted container for a shop, bar, café and the likes thanks to their portability, durability and security. Not to mention they can be totally customisable so no two repurposes containers will ever look the same or do the same thing for that matter!

SHIPPING CONTAINER… Swimming Pools

Shipping container swimming pools can be a great alternative to a traditional outdoor or indoor swimming pool, and they come at a much lower cost too. Popular for both domestic and commercial use, the shipping container swimming pool is a perfect example of how upcycling a shipping container can save you money.

SHIPPING CONTAINER… Underground Bunkers

Take a look at this home-made underground bunker, which was built using a 20ft shipping container behind a brick wall. Shipping containers are highly suited to this purpose as they are incredibly strong, durable, water-tight and weather proof.

Had you heard of all those uses? Probably not! Sometimes, it can be hard to think outside the box when you’re considering a space saving solution and the likes, however don’t worry, we’re always available to talk over the phone to offer friendly support and advice!

If you would like a friendly, honest chat about creating your own bespoke unusual shipping container to suit your needs, please call the Universal team today on 0845 050 0330 or feel free to email andy@universal-containers.com

Images Source: Cargotechture