Buy a container

Buying a shipping container – an overview

Anyone who wants to buy a Buy shipping containers quickly faces many questions: new or used, 20 or 40 ft, standard or High Cube, with or without conversion. Coin Container from Hamburg supplies shipping, storage, office and specialist containers in all common designs – across Europe, with inspected condition and a dedicated contact person from enquiry to delivery. On this page you will find the complete overview: which container types are available, what to look for regarding condition, what a container costs, and when buying makes more sense than renting.

Buying a container with us does not mean "goods from a catalogue" but consultation: we first clarify the intended use – storage, construction site, conversion into an office, overseas shipping – and then suggest the suitable size, condition and equipment.

Which container types can you buy from Coin?

Standard containers: 20 and 40 ft

The Standard containers – also called a shipping or ISO container – is the most frequently purchased design: wind- and watertight, stackable, transportable by truck. The 20 ft container (approx. 6,06 m, ~33 m³) is the most flexible format, the 40 ft container (approx. 12,19 m, ~67 m³) is for bulky goods. Both are available as High Cube (HC) with around 30 cm more interior height. Available options: Buy a 20 ft container · Buy a 40 ft container. Exact dimensions: Container dimensions and sizes.

Used shipping containers

Used shipping containers are the most affordable option and entirely sufficient for most stationary uses. Containers in "Cargo Worthy" (CW) condition are intended for transport and approved for overseas use; for an outdoor storage site, "Wind and Watertight" (WWT) is often enough. Options: buy used shipping containers.

One-way and as-new containers

One-way container have usually been transported once with cargo from the manufacturer to the destination market and therefore typically show only minor signs of use – an attractive balance of condition and price when appearance matters or the container is to be converted. Details: Buy a one-way container.

Refrigerated and insulated containers

Refrigerated containers (reefers) reliably keep goods at the right temperature, insulated containers are passively insulated and need no power connection. Available options: Refrigerated containers · Buy an insulated container.

Small containers: 8 and 10 ft

Where a 20 ft container is too large or the space is too tight, 8 and 10 ft containers are the solution – for tools, garden equipment or as compact construction site storage. More information: Buy an 8 ft container.

Special containers

If the cargo does not fit through the end door: Open Top, Open Side, Flat Rack, Double Door, Pallet Wide, Tank and Swap body containers. All container types: Special containers.

Office and sanitary containers

For work, break and sanitary areas: Office containers (insulated, with windows, electricity, heating) and Sanitary containers (toilet, shower, with fresh water and wastewater tanks). More information: Buying an office container (to rent: Rent office containers) and Sanitary containers – the essentials.

New or used – which condition is right?

With any used container, check the floor, door seals, rust at the welds and the door locking mechanism. What a CSC plate is and why it is mandatory for overseas use is explained in ISO containers explained simply.

How much does it cost to buy a shipping container?

The price depends on size, condition, design, availability at the nearest depot and transport distance. Rough guide (net, excluding transport):

Detailed price factors, a sample calculation and prices for refrigerated and special containers: How much does a shipping container cost. Transport is calculated individually: Container transport – costs and delivery times.

Buying or renting a container?

Buy is worthwhile if you need the container permanently, want to convert it, or if buying is more economical than renting over a longer period of use. Rent makes sense for temporary projects. The full comparison: Buy or rent a container. To the rental page: Rent a container.

Delivery: Europe-wide from the depot network

Coin Container delivers from a network of regional depots in Germany and Europe – by standard truck, by truck with a loading crane or by low-loader. We clarify access, placement area and ground conditions in advance. Everything about the process: Container transport and logistics.

Buy a container and have it converted

Many containers are customised: cutting openings for doors and windows, insulation, electrics, ventilation, painting in a RAL colour of your choice. Coin Container coordinates the conversion – purchase and modification from a single source. More information: Container conversion and modification.

Buying a shipping container in Hamburg and northern Germany

In the Hamburg and Bremen area and on the North Sea coast, delivery is particularly fast and affordable: Buy shipping containers in Hamburg.

How buying works at Coin Container

1. Enquiry – you describe the intended use, desired size and delivery location.
2. Consultation – we recommend the design, condition and equipment and quote the container and transport price.
3. Reservation – the specific container is reserved for you, with photos on request.
4. Conversion (optional) – modifications are carried out before delivery.
5. Delivery – date by arrangement, delivered with a suitable vehicle.
6. After the purchase – we remain your contact for accessories, additional containers or buy-back.

Frequently asked questions about buying a container

What container size do I need?
This depends mainly on the storage volume you need and the available space. A 20 ft container is a commonly chosen standard size; for conversion projects or greater space requirements, the 40 ft High Cube is worthwhile. Help: Container dimensions and sizes.

Is a used container watertight?
Yes, from condition grade "Wind and Watertight" upwards. "Cargo Worthy" is additionally seaworthy.

How is the container delivered?
By truck, with a loading crane on request to position the container on site. You need a firm, level surface and clear access.

Can I have the container converted later?
Yes – either when buying or later. Coin Container arranges doors, windows, insulation, electrics and painting for you.

Buy or rent – which is cheaper?
Over a longer period of use, buying can be more economical than renting. Key factors include container type, rental period, purchase or rental price and transport costs.