Shipping Containers for Sale & Hire Dorset
Shipping Containers Dorset: Sales & Hire. Buy or rent containers in Dorset. We offer 10ft, 20ft & 40ft sizes. Find your perfect storage solution today.
Shipping Container Solutions in Dorset
Secure, scalable, and engineered for the South Coast. Shipping Containers of Southampton supplies the entire Dorset region with new and used containers for storage, transport, and commercial conversions. From our central depot, we provide rapid delivery across Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, and Weymouth, ensuring your project has the high-quality stock it needs.
Container Sales across Dorset
Choose from an extensive stock of 20ft and 40ft units in "cargo-worthy" or new "one-trip" condition. Every container we sell is rigorously checked for structural integrity, guaranteed to be wind and watertight, and fitted with fully operational doors. Whether you are in industrial Poole or rural Dorchester, you get dependable storage from day one.
Popular choices include our standard 20ft shipping containers for secure site storage and high-capacity 40ft shipping containers, both ideal for static storage, export use, or creative architectural conversions.
Flexible Container Hire in Dorset
Hire is a smart financial option for seasonal peaks, renovation projects, or temporary site works. Our contracts are straightforward, offering competitive weekly rates with flexible terms (minimum 8-12 weeks). All hire units arrive clean, weatherproof, and typically feature a factory-fitted lockbox for enhanced security.
We match the size to your specific job, ranging from compact 10ft containers for residential driveways to versatile 20ft options for commercial stock overflow.
Bulk Buying & Logistics ROI
For businesses outfitting multi-site operations in Dorset, bulk purchasing offers measurable returns. Beyond unit-price discounts, the primary savings lie in consolidated haulage.
Logistics Savings: By utilizing articulated trucks capable of carrying two 20ft units simultaneously (or one 40ft unit), you can reduce per-unit delivery costs by approximately 40-50% compared to individual rigid lorry trips. This efficiency is vital for fleet management and large yard setups.
Dorset-Specific Challenges: Salt Air & Soft Ground
Operating in Dorset presents unique environmental challenges that generic providers often overlook. We address the specific "culprits" that damage containers in this region:
1. Coastal Corrosion (Weymouth, Poole, Bournemouth)
Saline air accelerates rust on standard steel. Our containers are built from Corten steel (weathering steel), which forms a protective oxide layer. For coastal sites, we recommend regular maintenance of door hinges and immediate touch-ups of scratches with zinc-rich primer to prevent deep corrosion.
2. Rural Ground Instability (Dorchester, Blandford Forum)
In rural areas with clay or soft soil, containers are prone to racking. This occurs when one corner sinks, twisting the frame and causing the doors to jam. We recommend a four-point foundation strategy using railway sleepers or concrete pads to evenly distribute the weight, ensuring the unit remains level and functional.
Technical Verification: Dimensions & Payload
Precise planning requires exact data. Below are the verified technical specifications for our core ISO-compliant units.
| Feature | 20ft Standard | 40ft Standard | 40ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| External Length | 6.06m (20') | 12.19m (40') | 12.19m (40') |
| External Height | 2.59m (8'6") | 2.59m (8'6") | 2.90m (9'6") |
| Internal Area | 13.8 m² | 29.7 m² | 29.7 m² |
| Internal Volume | 33.2 m³ | 67.7 m³ | 76.3 m³ |
| Max Payload | ~28,200 kg | ~26,600 kg | ~26,400 kg |
| Door Opening (WxH) | 2.34m x 2.28m | 2.34m x 2.28m | 2.34m x 2.58m |
HIAB Delivery and HSE Compliance
Navigating Dorset's mix of busy coastal towns and narrow rural lanes requires expertise. We use HIAB crane-mounted vehicles to lift containers over low walls and position them precisely.
Safety First: All our lifting operations are planned in accordance with HSE guidelines and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998). Our drivers perform on-site risk assessments to ensure stable outrigger deployment before any lift begins.
Specialist Container Types
Beyond standard dry storage, we supply specialist equipment for specific industrial needs:
- 20ft Open Top Containers – Removable roof for crane loading of heavy or tall cargo.
- 20ft Refrigerated Containers – Controlled temperatures (-25°C to +25°C) for food and pharma.
- 40ft Open Tops – Extra capacity for bulky, over-height loads like machinery.
- 40ft Reefers – High-volume chilled or frozen storage for major distributors.
- Flat Rack Containers – For oversized plant, vehicles, and awkward machinery.
Planning Permission: Under UK General Permitted Development, containers are often temporary. However, Dorset Council generally enforces a 28-day rule for temporary siting without permission. For permanent use, always review our local planning permission advice.
Contact the Dorset Team
Request prices, current availability, and delivery slots for Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, and the wider Dorset area.
- Phone: 0330 0130 63
FAQs
What container sizes are available in Dorset?
Our stock covers 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft units. See current options for 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers.
Should I buy or hire a container?
Buy for long-term, continuous use or modification. Hire for short-term projects or trials. Specialist types, such as refrigerated units and open tops, are available through both purchasing and rental agreements.
Are the containers weatherproof and secure?
Yes. All our sales and hire units are ISO-compliant, guaranteed wind and watertight, and typically fitted with lockboxes. For oversized cargo that cannot be sealed, consider flat racks.
A small selection of our Trustpilot reviews.
Can't fault them.
Quick response for everything from getting me a price to getting it delivered.
The driver was spot on and made sure we was happy with the positioning before leaving.
Excellent company - great service
We were messed around by another supplier and so after weeks of waiting to no avail we got a refund and went to these guys. Their communication was excellent and within days we had our container delivered. Container in excellent condition, the delivery driver was very helpful and arrived on time, and the total price was the cheapest we could fine. Highly recommended.
Great customer service from start to…
Great customer service from start to finish. Prompt response from any query, order and delivery date confirmed immediately and then a time slot given on the delivery date making the purchase very smooth.
Thank you!
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Areas Served
At Shipping Containers of Southampton, we serve locations across the South of England. Our hiab delivery coverage includes Reading, Portsmouth, Swindon, Basingstoke, Guildford, Maidenhead, Camberley, Eastbourne, Eastleigh, Bracknell, Bournemouth, Brighton, Slough, Crawley, Farnborough, Weybridge, Aldershot, and Chichester. Whether you need a new or used container, we offer prompt delivery and competitive pricing.