Frequently Asked Questions
At Green Yards Containers, we understand that purchasing a shipping container—whether you’re looking for a 20ft shipping container for sale, bulk cargo shipping containers, or affordable used shipping containers—can come with important questions.
To make your buying experience simple and hassle-free, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about our shipping containers, product quality, warranties, delivery options, shipping timelines, and customer support.
Whether you need a container for storage, transportation, business use, or a large-scale project, our team is available to help you choose the right solution for your requirements. With reliable service, transparent information, and customer-focused support, Green Yards Containers aims to make purchasing your shipping container straightforward and convenient.
DELIVERY OF CONTAINERS
How Soon Can it be Delivered
Delivery timelines at Green Yards Containers can vary depending on several factors, including your delivery location, payment confirmation, weather conditions, and other logistical requirements.
Our Delivery/Dispatch team will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery date and time. Please provide a valid phone number and email address when placing your order so our team can reach you without delay.
For urgent requirements, expedited delivery options may be available. We recommend contacting our team in advance to discuss your delivery needs and available options.
Orders placed before 12:00 noon may be eligible for delivery to the specified location after 3 working days, subject to availability, payment confirmation, and delivery conditions.
Container deliveries are generally scheduled on working days between 08:00 and 17:00, excluding official public holidays. Delivery schedules may also vary depending on local transport and operational conditions.
For more information or to arrange your container delivery, please contact the Green Yards Containers team.
How are shipping containers delivered to me?
Green Yards Containers offers several delivery methods to help customers choose the most suitable option based on their site conditions, container size, and available equipment.
Tilt Bed / Roll-Off
Tilt bed or roll-off delivery is one of the most common options because it generally does not require customer assistance. The container arrives on a specialized trailer, which tilts to place the container’s edge on the ground. The truck then moves forward, allowing the container to slide or roll safely onto the delivery surface.
Customer Assist
This delivery method requires a suitable anchor point at the delivery location. A chain is connected to the container and secured to the anchor point. As the trailer moves away, the container slides onto the ground. Customers should ensure the site and anchor point are suitable before delivery.
Flatbed
20ft and 40ft shipping containers can be transported on a flatbed trailer attached to a semi-truck. Customers are responsible for arranging suitable lifting equipment, such as a crane, forklift, or other heavy-duty machinery, to safely remove the container from the trailer.
Customer Pickup
Customers can arrange a convenient date and time to collect their shipping container directly from the depot. Proper handling and lifting equipment should be available before attempting to move the container. Customer pickup may also offer faster collection times and potential pricing savings, depending on availability and depot conditions.
Our team can help you select the most appropriate delivery method for your location and requirements.
How should I prepare the site for delivery?
When preparing your site for a shipping container, it is important to choose a flat and level surface that can safely support the container. Depending on your requirements and site conditions, you may use a gravel or concrete foundation. In some situations, a prepared foundation may not be necessary, and the container can be placed directly in a suitable yard area.
Access & Unloading Requirements
Before delivery, make sure there is sufficient space for the delivery truck and container to safely access and unload at your location.
- 20ft Container: Requires approximately 110 ft of straight, unobstructed space.
- 40ft Container: Requires approximately 130 ft of straight, unobstructed space.
- Driving Clearance: Minimum 15 ft of vertical clearance.
- Unloading Clearance: Minimum 22 ft of vertical clearance along the entire unloading path.
- Width Clearance: Minimum 10 ft of clear width.
Customers should check the complete delivery route for obstacles such as trees, buildings, gates, utility lines, narrow entrances, and other structures before scheduling delivery.
For assistance with site preparation or delivery requirements, contact Green Yards Containers before placing your order.
What if the container arrives damaged or not as expected?
At Green Yards Containers, every shipping container undergoes a two-stage inspection process to help ensure you receive the quality and condition you ordered.
The container is inspected once at the depot before dispatch and checked again during on-site delivery. This process helps verify that the container meets the selected grade and agreed specifications.
If the container does not match the grade you purchased, you have the option to refuse the delivery. We will then work with you to arrange a suitable replacement or provide a full refund at no additional cost, subject to the applicable order terms.
Our goal is to provide a transparent and reliable container-buying experience, giving customers confidence from order placement through final delivery.
I already have a shipping container. Can you move it? What if the container is loaded?
Green Yards Containers does not provide container moving or relocation services directly. However, we can provide customers with a list of trucking companies that may be able to assist with transporting or relocating their shipping container.
If your container is already loaded with goods or equipment, please discuss the transportation requirements with the trucking company before arranging the move. Loaded containers may require specialized equipment, suitable vehicles, and additional handling arrangements depending on the container size, weight, and destination.
Our team can help point you toward suitable transportation providers so you can arrange the necessary moving services with confidence.
I need to export my shipping container, can you help with that?
Absolutely! Green Yards Containers can refer customers to experienced international freight forwarding partners who can assist with their global shipping requirements.
Whether you need help with international transportation, export arrangements, documentation, or coordinating your container shipment, a professional freight forwarder can guide you through the process and help arrange the necessary logistics.
Contact Green Yards Containers to learn more about international freight forwarding options and available shipping support.
Purchasing a Shipping Container
How do I buy a shipping container?
Buying a shipping container from Green Yards Containers is simple, secure, and convenient. Browse our range of 20ft shipping containers for sale, bulk cargo shipping containers, and used shipping containers for sale to find the option that best suits your requirements.
Once you have selected the appropriate container grade, you can place your order through our secure online checkout process. After your order is confirmed, you’ll receive secure payment options, transparent pricing, and order confirmation.
Our logistics team will then coordinate the delivery and keep you informed throughout the process. Delivery timelines may vary depending on your location, container availability, payment confirmation, and transportation requirements.
If you need assistance selecting the right container or require a custom shipping container quote, our support team is available to help with your questions and guide you through the purchasing process.
Choose Green Yards Containers for a straightforward way to purchase quality shipping containers with dependable customer support and delivery coordination.
What shipping container grades do you offer?
Green Yards Containers offers several shipping container grades to help you select the right option for your project, intended use, and budget.
- New / 1-Trip: Nearly new containers that have typically been used only once for their initial journey from the factory. Includes a 10-year structural warranty and 10-year no-leak warranty.
- Multi-Trip: Containers that have completed several voyages but remain in excellent and dependable condition. A practical choice for customers looking for strong performance at a lower cost than a new container.
- Cargo Worthy (CW): Used containers that are suitable for international shipping and can pass an applicable marine survey. Includes a 5-year structural warranty and 5-year no-leak warranty.
- Wind & Water Tight (WWT): Structurally sound containers designed to remain wind and water tight. An excellent option for general storage applications. Includes a 5-year structural warranty and 5-year no-leak warranty.
- Economy: Our most budget-friendly grade. These containers may show more visible signs of use and wear but remain functional for suitable storage purposes. Includes a 1-year no-roof-leak warranty.
With multiple grades available, Green Yards Containers makes it easier to find a container that balances condition, performance, and price.
Can I look at the shipping container before I buy it?
Unfortunately, customers cannot visit container depots to inspect containers in person before delivery. Container depots are busy commercial facilities, and access for the general public may be restricted for safety, security, and insurance reasons.
To provide customers with greater confidence when purchasing, Green Yards Containers may offer convenient payment options, including pay-on-delivery where available and applicable to the order.
Every container is sold according to a clearly defined condition grade, making it important to choose the grade that matches your intended use and budget. Understanding the differences between grades such as New/1-Trip, Multi-Trip, Cargo Worthy, Wind & Water Tight, and Economy can help you make an informed decision.
Our team is available to answer questions about container grades, condition, delivery, and ordering so you know what to expect before your container arrives.
What are the shipping container dimensions?
- 20 ft Standard Shipping Container: 20′ long, 8′ wide, and 8′ 6” tall
- 20 ft High Cube Container: 20′ long, 8′ wide, and 9′ 6” tall
- 40 ft Standard Shipping Container: 40′ long, 8′ wide, and 8′ 6” tall
- 40 ft High Cube Container: 40′ long, 8′ wide, and 9′ 6” tall
- 53 ft High Cube Shipping Container: 53′ long, 8′ 6″ wide, and 9′ 6” tall
Do I need permits for a shipping container?
Permit requirements for shipping containers can vary depending on your location and local regulations. In many areas, containers used for temporary or general storage may not require a permit, while permanent installations, structural modifications, or conversions into offices, workshops, or other occupied spaces may require local approval.
Before placing or modifying a container, we recommend checking with your local planning authority or building department to understand the applicable requirements, zoning rules, placement restrictions, and permits.
Green Yards Containers recommends confirming local regulations before installation to help ensure your container is used safely and in compliance with applicable requirements.
Can I customize my container?
Yes, Green Yards Containers offers container customization options to help you create a solution that matches your specific project requirements.
Depending on your needs, containers can be modified with a range of accessories and upgrades, including additional doors, windows, partition walls, shelving, ventilation systems, and other custom features.
For customers looking for a ready-to-use solution, pre-modified containers may also be available with features such as finished interiors, electrical systems, bathrooms, kitchens, and other practical installations.
Whether you need a simple storage modification or a more complete customized container solution, our team can help you explore suitable options. Customization availability, pricing, and installation requirements may vary depending on the container type and project specifications.
Ordering & Payment
How can I pay?
Green Yards Containers offers several convenient payment options to make purchasing your shipping container simple and secure.
We accept payments by bank transfer, debit card, and credit card, excluding American Express. For online orders, customers can securely complete payment using our online debit or credit card payment system.
For security and data-protection purposes, credit card payments are not accepted over the phone. Customers should use the approved online payment system or another available payment method.
Where credit account terms apply, payments are generally required within 30 days and may be made by bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or check, subject to the applicable account terms.
If you have questions about available payment methods or payment requirements, our Green Yards Containers support team can assist you before placing your order.
What are your standard payment terms?
As with any online purchase, Green Yards Containers requires payment in advance for container purchases and applicable hire services.
For new hire customers, and subject to a credit check, we generally require advance payment for the delivery and collection costs, along with the first four weeks of hire.
Once a satisfactory payment history and credit rating have been established, customers may request a 30-day credit account, subject to approval. For larger businesses, an account may be available from the outset depending on the company’s credit status and assessment.
For further information about payment terms or available account options, please speak with your Sales Advisor or contact the Green Yards Containers team directly at sales@greenyardscontainers.com
How do I place an order?
Green Yards Containers makes ordering containers for sale or hire straightforward and convenient.
Written Orders
Orders for container rentals and purchases should be submitted in writing, usually by email. If you have already received a quotation, please include the relevant order or quotation reference, which typically begins with the letter “Q”, to help our team process your request efficiently.
Online Ordering
The quickest way to place an order is through our website, which is available 24/7. Simply select the required products, add them to your basket, and proceed through the secure payment process.
Verbal Orders
Verbal orders may also be accepted, provided you send a written confirmation by email immediately after placing the order.
Custom Conversion Orders
For orders involving detailed container conversion or modification work, customers may be required to review and return a signed copy of the agreed CAD drawings. These drawings should clearly detail the planned modifications and agreed specifications before work begins.
Our team is available to assist you with your order and answer any questions about purchasing, hiring, or container customization.
How do I enquire about availability and get a quotation?
The best place to explore detailed information about Green Yards Containers products is our website, where you can browse a wide selection of shipping containers available for sale and hire.
Each product page provides useful specifications and information to help you make an informed decision. Depending on the product, you can also create a printable or email-ready PDF for your records and download additional technical information, including CAD drawings where available.
Once you find a container you’re interested in, simply add the available sale products to your basket and complete your order online.
For container hire products, online checkout may not be available. Instead, you can submit an enquiry and our team will contact you to discuss your requirements, pricing, availability, and delivery arrangements.
Browse Green Yards Containers online to compare options and find the right container solution for your project.