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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.
S Jones has been a trusted supplier of shipping containers across Great Britain for over 40 years. Whether you are buying, hiring, or converting a container, ensuring a smooth delivery is just as important as selecting the right unit.
Thanks to our nationwide depot network and professional haulage partners, we provide safe, efficient delivery of both standard shipping containers and bespoke container conversions to sites across the nation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about container delivery, including site preparation, access requirements, delivery vehicles, and key considerations. By following this advice, you can avoid unexpected costs, delays, or failed deliveries.
Shipping containers are heavy, industrial units that require careful handling. For example, a standard 40ft container typically weighs between 3.8 and 4.2 tonnes (empty).
While our expert hauliers manage transportation and offloading, site preparation is the customer’s responsibility.
Proper preparation ensures:
With the right preparation, your container delivery will be quick, safe, and hassle-free.
Most containers are delivered using a Hiab crane (lorry-mounted crane), which requires clear vertical space.
Ensure there are no:
If overhead clearance is restricted, the container may not be safely offloaded.
Container delivery vehicles are extremely heavy, particularly when loaded. Poor ground conditions are one of the most common causes of failed deliveries.
To prepare your site:
Unless agreed in advance, delivery will not take place on soft ground. If access is unsuitable, delivery may be aborted and charges will apply.
Shipping container delivery vehicles require adequate space to manoeuvre.
Check for:
If access is limited, a smaller delivery vehicle may be required – this should be discussed in advance.
Containers are typically side-loaded from the vehicle and can typically be rotated up to 90 degrees, depending on site conditions.
Before delivery, confirm:
Providing clear instructions helps ensure accurate placement first time.
To safely offload a container using a Hiab crane, the following minimum space is required:
These requirements apply to 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft shipping containers, although exact space needs vary depending on site layout and crane reach.
The type of lorry used will depend on your container size and site accessibility.
Articulated lorry is the most common option for delivering 40ft containers or multiple units. The Hiab crane is positioned directly behind the cab, enabling efficient side offloading onto hardstanding ground.
A wagon and drag lorry is typically used for multiple smaller containers, making it an efficient and cost-effective option for bulk orders. However, it requires more space to manoeuvre than an articulated lorry, so it is better suited to sites with wide entrances and good access.
Rigid lorries are shorter than articulated options and do not have a pivot between the cab and trailer. This makes them easier to handle in areas with restricted access or tighter turns, but they can only deliver containers up to 30ft in length.
Think our container delivery vehicle might struggle to access your site? Check out this guide to see how articulated and rigid HIAB lorries compare in size to standard waste management trucks.
Delivery costs are not included in the standard container price, as they depend on:
Request a tailored container delivery quote to get an accurate price based on your location and requirements.
In many cases, shipping containers are considered temporary structures and may not require planning permission.
However, permission may be required for:
We recommend checking with your Local Planning Authority (LPA) before installation.
Once installed, a container is not easily repositioned. A pre-delivery site survey can help avoid costly mistakes.
A site survey checks:
We can arrange a survey through our haulage partners if required; please note that this service incurs an additional charge.
We deliver shipping containers nationwide, including:
Whether you need a 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft shipping container, we ensure safe delivery and accurate positioning.
With over four decades of experience, we are one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers for container sales, hire, and conversions.
We offer:
Yes, and we strongly recommend it.
Sending photos or videos of your site helps us assess:
You can share these directly with your account manager. In some cases, we may also request images after reviewing your delivery questionnaire to ensure everything is suitable for a safe and successful delivery.
Yes, in many cases, a Hiab crane can lift a shipping container over a wall or fence, provided there is sufficient space and no overhead restrictions.
The delivery vehicle will typically park parallel to the barrier and lift the container up and over into position.
However, this depends on:
If you require a lift over an obstacle, it is important to inform us in advance so we can assess feasibility and plan accordingly.
Yes, shipping containers can be stacked, but there are important requirements.
Containers are stacked using twist locks, which secure one container safely on top of another. If you require stacking, this must be specified when ordering so the correct equipment is supplied.
Key considerations:
Yes, you can change your shipping container delivery date, but we require as much notice as possible.
Once your order is confirmed, our operations team schedules delivery with our haulage partners. If you need to amend the date, we will liaise with the haulier to rearrange your booking.
Please note that short-notice changes may not always be possible and could incur additional charges, depending on the delivery schedule.
No, you do not need to organise your own transport.
At S Jones Containers, we manage the entire container delivery process using our trusted nationwide network of professional hauliers.
All you need to do is:
After placing your order, we will send you a delivery questionnaire to gather key details about your site, access, and placement requirements. From there, we handle everything for you.
With proper preparation and expert support, shipping container delivery is simple and efficient.
Request your shipping container delivery quote today or call our team on 01922 741751 to discuss your requirements.
