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Our Services
From standard container solutions to expert conversions, modifications, repairs and modular buildings – S Jones covers it all. We also provide industry-leading services for self-storage operators. Explore what’s possible by choosing a service on the left.
Shipping Containers for Sale
From small to large-scale storage, find the ideal shipping container to suit your needs at a competitive price.
Shipping Containers for Hire
Discover our huge range of storage containers for hire, plus welfare and workspace units that provide quick and easy site solutions.
Specialist Container Conversions
We’re a trusted provider of standard and bespoke container conversions, designed for industrial, commercial, and specialist applications.
Modular Buildings
Engineered for fast installation and long-term performance, our modular buildings provide flexible space solutions for every sector.
Shipping Container Modifications
From insulation to electrics and security upgrades, we provide tailored container modifications that transform standard units into practical, high-performance spaces.
Shipping Container Repairs
On-site container repairs and restoration that reduce downtime and save you money.
Standard Container Conversions
Discover our range of ready-made offices, chemical stores and topper containers - professionally converted, and available for rapid turnaround.
StoragePro
Container sales paired with expert support give you everything you need to start or grow a successful self storage site. Explore our Core, Plus and Ultimate packages and scale with confidence.
Shipping Container Finance
Take advantage of flexible finance options for bulk orders through Approved Business Finance. Your streamlined, stress-free purchase is only a click away.
When sourcing a shipping container, one of the first decisions is whether to hire or buy. The right choice depends on your budget, how long you need the container, and whether you want the flexibility to adapt it.
At S Jones, we supply shipping containers for sale and hire across Great Britain, with popular sizes including 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft units. We also stock specialist containers such as side opening and refrigerated models.
This guide compares the pros and cons of buying vs hiring containers, so you can choose the most cost-effective option for your project.
Buying is usually best if you need a container for the long term, or if you want to make permanent modifications.
Container hire is a smart choice for short-term or temporary projects when you don’t want to commit to ownership.
Whether you choose to buy or hire, we offer:
Not sure if hiring or buying is right for you? Our team will advise on the most cost-effective option for your needs.
We supply new and used shipping containers, bespoke container conversions, and modular building solutions across the UK.Fill in the form below to start your enquiry, and our team will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
Just get in touch and we’ll guide you to the best option.
Most hired shipping containers cannot be permanently modified, as they must be returned at the end of the hire agreement. However, many rental containers are available with useful features such as shelving, lighting, or ventilation already installed. If you want to make major changes, for example, adding electrics, insulation, windows, or converting a container into a workshop or laboratory, it’s usually best to buy a shipping container, as this gives you full ownership and freedom to adapt the unit to your exact requirements.
The cost of hiring a shipping container in Great Britain is typically lower upfront, with payments made monthly or weekly, depending on the supplier. This makes hire ideal for temporary projects. By contrast, the cost of buying a shipping container involves a larger one-off investment, but it becomes more economical if you plan to use the unit for 12 months or longer. Prices vary depending on size (10ft, 20ft, 40ft), condition (new or used), and whether you need a standard storage container or a specialist model such as refrigerated or side opening.
Whether it’s better to hire or buy a shipping container depends on your needs. If you only need a container for a short period, such as during a house move, building project, or event, then container hire is usually more cost-effective. However, if you require long-term storage, permanent space, or want to convert a container into a workshop, office, or plant room, then buying a shipping container will save you money in the long run and give you full flexibility for modifications.
Great service from start to finish. Made sure everything was as we requested. Great customer service
really pleased with every aspect. Customer team excellent and deliveries good and excellent quality containers
Positive experience – excellent customer service and very helpful delivery driver
Splendid company to deal with, great delivery driver, very helpful and polite. Container came as it should and was good quality from a one trip, very tidy indeed 🙂
I had a great experience with S Jones shippping containers. Shazia was amazing from the very start extremely helpful, professional, and always quick to respond. The follow-up emails and the way she kept me fully in the loop throughout the process genuinely impressed me. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for shipping containers. Outstanding service all round.
