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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You’ve Got Questions — We’ve Got Answers
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO SITE A CONTAINER?
Shipping containers are thought of as temporary relocatable buildings so normally they do not need planning permission. However if they are to be placed in a sensitive area or are to be used for the long term then planning permission may be required. It’s probably a good idea to ask you local Planning authority if permission is required.
DO YOU DELIVER NATIONALLY?
Yes we do. We provide delivery throughout the UK and delivery can be arranged within 72 hours. We may need to carry out a site inspection prior to delivery to avoid any issues occurring on the delivery day.
DO YOU SUPPLY MODIFIED SHIPPING CONTAINERS?
Yes we do. We have vast experience of supplying modified containers for many uses including offices, mess-cabins, control rooms, offshore use, stores and many bespoke applications.
HOW SECURE ARE SHIPPING CONTAINERS?
Shipping containers are made secure by fitting a lock to the doors. There are a number of ways to do this; the simplest is to put a padlock through the customs tag hole in the right-hand door handle. A lock fitted this way can be knocked off with a sharp blow. For better security is it best to fit a steel lock box across the join in the two doors at about chest height. The lock box covers the padlock and makes it difficult to tamper with. With a Lock Box and heavy duty padlock a container can only be broken into with heavy duty equipment such as burning or grinding gear and then it will take time and make a lot of noise.
WHAT ARE SHIPPING CONTAINERS MADE OF?
Although some are made of alluminium and steel, they are now mostly made entirely of a special steel called “Corten’’ which is a rust prohibitive type of steel. A basic steel frame, fitted with 8 weight bearing corner casting fitted into the 8 corners, is filled in with corrugated steel panels which are between 1.5mm to 3.00 mm thick.
At one end is a pair of almost full width and height doors. These are fitted with normally 4 locking bars which interlock with the frame top and bottom. Almost all containers have a 27mm thick wooden ply floor, which is supported on load bearing crossbearers approx 12” apart, making the container capable of withstanding loads of 20 to 35 tons. Depending on size.
WHAT IS THE BEST SURFACE FOR POSITIONING A SHIPPING CONTAINER?
It is best to site a container on a dry level surface such as concrete, tarmac or paving but this is not always possible. For uneven surfaces, we recommend using paving slabs or sleepers at each corner of the container to allow the four corner casting of your container to sit level on the ground. An uneven surface can result in the container not sitting straight that can mean the doors may not fully open and can cause the container body to twist over time. If you have any concerns about the standard of the surface don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can provide advice to make your site suitable.
HOW DO I GET MY CONTAINER DELIVERED?
Delivery is usually booked at time of order and a container will usually be delivered on a hiab (lorry with a crane on the back) which will lift the container to where it is required. You will need to consider the following:
Will the container fit? (with access to the doors)
Can the delivery truck gain access to your location?
Will it be able to offload safely and be able to get off-site as well?
You will need to make sure there are no obstructions for the delivery truck and keep a look out for overhead cables to ensure a HIAB can lift the shipping container into place. Our delivery drivers are experienced and very good at what they do, but if you have any concerns regarding your location or the access to your location, please let us know during your initial enquiry. We may need to carry out a site inspection prior to delivery to avoid any issues occurring on the delivery day.
HOW BIG IS THE TRUCK THAT MAKES THE DELIVERY?
Our trucks, without their trailers, are 20’ long from nose to tail and 8’ wide; the hiab-crane will reach 16 metres at a 90 degree angle from the centre of the truck to the centre of the container.
ARE THEY AFFECTED BY CONDENSATION?
A container is not generally affected by condensation. It may become an issue if the interior or if the contents of the interior are damp. Any risk of condensation can normally be easily prevented by the use of disposable dehumidifiers or we can insulate the container using a spray applied insulation foam which assists with preventing condensation in the unit. We can insulate just the ceiling of the unit or all of the walls as well.
WHAT COLOUR WILL IT BE?
Containers come in a wide variety of colours depending upon the livery of the original owner. The type of paint is usually chlorinated rubber or vinyl, both manufactured to resist sea water, sun and abrasion.
HOW OLD IS A USED CONTAINER?
The age of a used container can vary considerably but usually they are sold by shipping lines after 10 years of age.
HOW LONG WILL A USED CONTAINER LAST?
The anticipated length of usage as a storage container depends on its condition at point of sale, the careful use and regular maintenance, such as painting and servicing can provide many years of good waterproof service.
HOW LONG WILL A NEW CONTAINER LAST?
A new container built by a reputable manufacturer will under normal conditions last 25 years without maintenance and continue for another 10-20 years if looked after.