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Buying guide

Buying a shipping container

Container condition is described with a set of trade terms that are precise but rarely explained to buyers. Knowing them is the difference between a fair price and a surprise.

Buying guide

Buying a shipping container

Container condition is described with a set of trade terms that are precise but rarely explained to buyers. Knowing them is the difference between a fair price and a surprise.

What the condition grades actually mean

The international convention has four rungs. Sellers do not always name which one they are quoting, and the gap between them is thousands of dirhams.

GradeWhat it means
One-tripManufactured, shipped once with cargo, then sold. Sold as new. Cosmetically near-perfect.
Cargo-worthyCertified fit for international shipping. Structurally sound, doors and seals working, some cosmetic wear and repairs.
Wind and watertightKeeps weather out and is sound for storage, but not certified for shipping. This is the right grade for most static site storage.
As-isSold on its condition with no warranty of either. Inspect before you commit.

Our refurbished units are wind and watertight, structurally checked and repainted. Ask which grade you are being quoted — by anyone, including us.

Sizes and where the stock comes from

Used stock in the UAE comes from shipping-line off-hire and depot surplus through Jebel Ali, Khor Fakkan, Khalifa Port, Fujairah, Mina Zayed and RAK Port. Because the country is a net importer of boxes on trade imbalance, cargo-worthy units accumulate here rather than being shipped out empty. That is why used container supply is genuinely good in this market, and why a refurbished box is a sensible buy rather than a compromise.

TypeExternal lengthWidthHeight
20 ft6.06 m2.44 m2.59 m
40 ft12.19 m2.44 m2.59 m
40 ft High Cube12.19 m2.44 m2.90 m

High cube is 300 mm taller than standard — the difference matters for racking, machinery and any conversion with a ceiling.

Converting a container

Offices, site units, accommodation, storage, retail and kiosks all start from the same box. We run the refurbishment yard that does the cutting, framing, cladding and fit-out, and we already own the stock — so a conversion is quoted as one job rather than a box from one supplier and a fit-out from another.

  • Tell us the use, the number of doors and windows, and whether you need insulation, electrics or air conditioning.
  • A 40 ft High Cube is usually the better base for anything people will stand up in.
  • Ask about the container grade underneath the conversion. A good fit-out on an as-is box is a bad buy.
Questions

Straight answers.

What is the difference between cargo-worthy and wind and watertight containers?

Cargo-worthy is certified fit for international shipping — structurally sound with working doors and seals. Wind and watertight keeps the weather out and is sound for storage but is not certified for shipping. For static site storage, wind and watertight is normally the right grade and costs less.

How tall is a high cube container?

A 40 ft High Cube is 2.90 m externally, which is 300 mm taller than a standard 40 ft at 2.59 m. That extra height matters for racking, tall machinery, and any conversion where a finished ceiling will eat into the internal height.

Do you convert containers into offices or site units?

Yes. We run the refurbishment yard, so cutting, framing, cladding and fit-out happen in house and we already own the container stock. Tell us the intended use, the door and window layout, and whether you need insulation, electrics or air conditioning.

Can I rent a container instead of buying one?

Tell us the size, the duration and the delivery address and we will quote it. Minimum rental terms in the UAE are typically 30 days.

Now the prices

Containers & Cabins

20ft and 40ft shipping containers and portable cabins for offices, welfare and security.

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Get in touch

Ready to get your quote?

Tell us the size, quantity and delivery emirate — we'll come back with pricing and availability.

Mon–Sat, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM · +971 54 303 3119 (Operations Director) · +971 54 241 0599 (Managing Director)