FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

A sea container, also known as a freight container, overseas container, ocean container, shipping container or ISO container, is a standardized metal container designed specifically for transporting goods on ships, trains and trucks. These containers are available in various sizes, with the most commonly used sizes being 20 feet and 40 feet. They are typically made of steel and are built tough to withstand the rigors of long-distance ocean transportation.

Sea containers are used to transport a variety of goods and commodities, including industrial products, food, clothing, electronics and much more. They are ideal for transportation over long distances, especially by sea, and offer an efficient way to ship goods worldwide.

Sea containers are also increasingly being used in other different industries and applications in the commercial and private sectors:
Storage: Sea containers are often used for the storage of goods, whether in warehouses, on construction sites or in factories. They are suitable for various storage purposes, including, for example:
Storage containers: For storing goods and merchandise in warehouses or logistics centers.
Archive containers: For storing documents and archive materials.
Construction site containers: For storing building materials, tools or machinery on construction sites.
Event containers / trade fair containers: For temporary trade fair stands or exhibitions and events such as festivals or concerts to store equipment and materials.
Tire storage: For storing car tires in garages or tire stores.
Technical rooms: As secure and weatherproof rooms for storing technical equipment and systems.
Workshops: As temporary workshops or tool storage on construction sites or in industrial environments.

Standardization: Thanks to their standardized size and design, sea containers enable efficient transport and easy handling both at sea and on land.
Security: They are robustly built and offer protection from the elements, theft and damage during transportation.
Versatility: Sea containers can be used for a variety of purposes, from storage to conversion into alternative uses such as office containers or living quarters.
Cost savings: Due to their efficiency in transportation and their reusability, sea containers can contribute to cost savings in the supply chain.

The cost of a sea container / storage container can vary based on a number of factors, including size, condition, location and additional features.
In general, prices for used sea containers range between €1,100 and €1,500 for a standard 20-foot container and between €1,450 and €1,900 for a 40-foot HC container. New containers are more expensive, costing between €2,200 and €2,550 for a 20-foot container and between €3,500 and €3,900 for a 40-foot HC container.
It is important to note that additional costs may be incurred for the transportation and installation of the container. These vary depending on distance, site accessibility and specific transportation requirements.
For accurate pricing information, we recommend contacting us directly for a customized quote based on your specific needs. Please feel free to use our request form.

The decision on whether to buy or rent a sea container or storage container depends on various factors, including your financial situation, planned period of use and flexibility requirements.
Buy:
Long-term use: if you need the container for the long term and want to make a long-term investment, buying may be the best option. Buying gives you full control over the container and allows you to adapt or resell it as you wish.
Financial investment: Buying a container requires a larger upfront investment, but may prove to be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you use the container for a longer period of time.
Renting:
Short-term needs: If you only need the container for a limited time or your requirements could potentially change in the future, renting may be a better choice. Rental contracts offer flexibility and allow you to use the container for the time you need it without making a long-term commitment.
Lower initial costs: Renting usually requires lower initial costs compared to buying. This can be particularly attractive for companies or projects with a limited budget. Before making a decision, you should carefully consider your individual requirements and weigh up the pros and cons of buying and renting. We will be happy to help you with this decision and explain the options that best suit your needs.

Sea containers and storage containers are available in various types and sizes to meet the different requirements of different industries and uses. Here are some of the most common types and sizes:
Types of sea and storage containers:
Standard containers: these are the most commonly used container types and are available in 20 feet and 40 feet sizes.
High Cube Containers: These containers have a higher ceiling height than standard containers and therefore offer more cargo volume. They are available in the same sizes as standard containers.
Multidoor containers: These containers have several doors and therefore offer versatile access options. Variants include double-door containers with double doors on both shorter sides of the container and side-door containers with folding side doors that run the entire length of the container from one or both sides. Open Top Container: These containers have a removable roof construction instead of a fixed roof, which makes it easier to transport bulky goods that would not fit through the door.
Pallet width containers (PW): These containers are specially dimensioned to accommodate three pallets placed side by side. With an approximate width of around 5 cm more than standard containers, they enable a higher pallet density during loading. A 45-foot PW container, for example, offers space for up to 33 Euro pallets.
Flat rack containers: These containers have no side walls and are often used for the transportation of bulky or oversized goods such as machines or vehicles.
Reefer containers: These containers are equipped with refrigeration units and are used to transport or store temperature-sensitive goods such as food or pharmaceuticals. Sizes of sea and storage containers:
20 foot containers: These have a length of about 6 meters and are the standard size for international transport of goods.
40 foot containers: These have a length of around 12 meters and offer twice as much cargo space as 20 foot containers.
10 foot containers: These are a smaller option for transporting or storing goods and are often used for more specific purposes.
45 foot containers: These are a longer version of the 40 foot container and offer additional space for the transportation of bulky or overlong goods.
6 foot containers: These have a length of approximately 1.83 meters and are a smaller option for storing goods in limited spaces or for specific requirements.
8 foot containers: These have a length of approximately 2.44 meters and offer slightly more space than the 6 foot container, but are still compact enough for various storage applications.
These are just a few examples of the variety of sea and storage containers available. Depending on the specific requirements of your project or industry, there may be other special types or sizes available to you.

The choice between new and used sea containers depends on your specific requirements and budget. Here is some important information to help you decide:

Used containers:
Length of service: Used containers have already been in use in maritime transportation for 10 to 20 years.
Condition: Small dents, rust spots and signs of use are common with used containers. Despite these cosmetic defects, all containers have been inspected and overhauled.
Tightness: Used containers are wind and watertight and have a valid (up to 15 months) CSC sticker, which means that they are still approved for sea transport.
Use: They are ideal for storage purposes and offer a cost-effective solution for the storage of goods.

As good as new containers ("One Way"):
Duration of use: containers as good as new, also known as "one way" containers, have only been used once with cargo by sea freight to Germany.
Condition: They show slight signs of use such as scratches and soiling, but are otherwise in almost mint condition.
Tightness: These containers are also wind and watertight and have a valid CSC sticker (5 years from production date).
Use: Containers in mint condition are ideal if you need a more visually appealing solution or value minimal signs of use.

Regardless of whether you opt for a used or new container, both options offer reliable protection for your goods and are suitable for various applications. If you are unsure which choice is best for your purposes, please contact us for individual advice.

We offer you a comprehensive transportation service for your selected container. Here is an overview of how the delivery process works:

Step 1: Provide the zip code of the delivery location
To organize the transport of your container, we need the zip code of the delivery location. This information enables us to calculate the best route and the optimal means of transportation for your delivery.

Step 2: Transport calculation
We calculate the optimal transport for your container based on your location and the availability of our containers. As we store our containers not only in Hamburg but also in other major port cities, we can offer flexible and cost-efficient solutions.

Step 3: Combined transport solutions
We combine various means of transport for a cost-effective and efficient delivery. Possible combinations are
Rail and truck: this method is particularly suitable for long distances and ensures cost-effective and environmentally friendly delivery.
Barge and truck: This combination is ideal for transportation via inland waterways and subsequent road transport.
We choose the closest port or storage location to minimize transport costs.

Step 4: Delivery options and time frame
After calculating the optimal transportation, we will inform you about the available delivery options and the estimated time frame. We make sure that the container arrives safely and on time.

Step 5: Feedback and confirmation
Once you have received the quote and transportation options, you can give us your approval. We will then take care of all the logistics and keep you informed of the progress of your delivery.
No matter where you are, we will ensure that your container is delivered to you safely and efficiently. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out more about transportation options and costs.

If you do not have a suitable unloading device (e.g. forklift, wheel loader, crane device) on site, we offer you the following options to make the unloading of your container safe and efficient:

1. delivery by crane truck:
   Description: A crane truck is a truck equipped with a crane device. This makes it possible to unload a 20-foot container up to a distance of 12 meters from the center of the truck to the center of the container.
   Advantages: This method is ideal for locations where fixed unloading equipment is not available. The crane truck can lift and place the container exactly where it is needed.

2. delivery by side loader:
   Description: A side loader is a special truck that can unload containers from the side. Unloading takes place on the passenger side of the truck, directly next to the vehicle.
   Advantages: Can also lift and set down loaded containers compared to crane trucks. The minimum area required for the side loader in use is approx. 17.5 x 7 meters, plus manoeuvring space for entry and exit.

3. mobile truck-mounted crane:
   Description: Another option is to order a mobile truck-mounted crane for unloading at the time of container delivery.
   Advantages: A mobile truck crane offers maximum flexibility and can unload the container at almost any location.

Summary of unloading options:

Crane truck: Unloading up to 12 meters from the center of the truck.
Side loader: Side unloading to the passenger side of the truck.
Mobile truck-mounted crane: Flexible unloading at almost any location.

Whichever method you choose, we will ensure that your container is unloaded safely and efficiently. Contact us to discuss the best option for your specific requirements and to ensure a smooth process.

A level surface with sufficient load-bearing capacity is required for the installation of containers. Here are the most important requirements and recommendations:

1. responsibility of the customer:
Access routes: The customer is responsible for ensuring that the transport vehicles (approx. 25t) can drive on and off without any problems. It is necessary that appropriate access roads are available or provided.

2. foundation methods:
Concrete slabs:
Description: Concrete slabs are a simple method for the foundation of containers.
Soil strength: Before using concrete slabs, the soil strength should be carefully checked. It may be necessary to install and compact a layer of crushed stone or gravel.

Point foundations:
Description: Point foundations are an alternative option. A container requires a support point on the ground every 3 meters.
Number of foundation points:
20' DV container: 6 foundation points (4 at the corners and 1 point on each long side in the middle).
40' DV container: 8 foundation points (4 at the corners and 2 points on each long side).

3. support points and air circulation:
support points: It is important to always use support points for container placement so that the container does not stand directly on the ground.
Air circulation: Sufficient air circulation under the container is necessary to protect the steel from rust.

These measures ensure that your container is stable and durable and remains protected from environmental influences. If you have any questions about suitable foundations for your location, please contact us for individual advice.

Yes, we offer a variety of conversions and customized modifications to containers. Here are some of the possible customizations:

Examples of conversions:

Event or trade fair containers: Conversions for events and trade fairs.
Technical rooms: Adaptations for technical equipment and systems.
Residential containers: Conversion of containers into living spaces.
Example fittings:

Personnel doors: Installation of doors for easy access.
Windows: Installation of windows for natural lighting.
Ventilation grilles: For better air circulation in the container.
Opening flaps: For bar containers or sales counters.
Partition walls: Partitioning of space within the container.
Roller shutters: Installation of roller shutters for flexible access.
Electrical package: LED lighting, sockets and switches.
Further modifications:

Tire racks: Installation of racks for the storage of tires.
Flat-bottom shelving: For use as an archive room.
Repainting: Repainting in your desired RAL color.
Steel floor or drip trays: Installation for special requirements.
Duo systems: Removal of side walls to create a large space from two or more containers.
Container shortening: Adjustment of the container length as required.
Container insulation: Improving heat and sound insulation.
To summarize:

We offer flexible and customized solutions to modify your container according to your specific requirements. Contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a customized quote.