Cost guide
Shipping Container Removal Cost
What decides the cost of removing a shipping container or portable cabin, why some removals are free, and when we buy the unit instead.
A portable cabin being lifted for removal
The short answer
Shipping container removal cost depends mainly on the condition of the container, along with its size, its location and the access to it. Because of that, there is no single price. Depending on those factors, you pay for disposal, the removal is free, or we buy the container from you.
We work out which applies from your photos and details, and we tell you before anything is booked. Once a quote is agreed, it does not change.
Three possible outcomes
Once we have seen photos and know where the container is, we tell you which of these applies.
You pay for disposal
For units in poor condition, where the cost of lifting, transporting and disposing of them is more than they are worth. We quote a price before anything is booked.
Free removal
Where a container or cabin still has enough value to cover the cost of collecting it, we can take it away free of charge.
We buy it
Where the unit is in good enough condition, we may make you an offer and pay you for it, as well as collecting it.
Which one applies depends on condition, with size and location also playing a part. Send us photos and we will tell you.
Four things that decide the cost
These are the points we look at for every container and cabin.
Condition
The biggest factor. A sound, wind and watertight container is worth more than one with rust holes, seized doors or a rotten floor.
Size
Every size from 8ft to 45ft, including 40ft high cube. Size affects the vehicle we send and what the container is worth.
Location
Where the container is in England, Scotland or Wales, taken from your postcode.
Access
The route from the road, where the lorry can stand, and anything overhead such as cables or trees.
Why condition matters most
Many used shipping containers can be sold on and used again by another person or business. The better the condition, the more likely that is, and the more the container is worth. That value can cover the cost of collecting it, or more.
Things that lower the value:
- Rust holes in the roof, walls or floor
- Doors that are seized, bent or no longer seal
- A damaged or rotten floor
- Damage to the frame or corners
Things that raise it: a container that is wind and watertight, with doors that open, close and seal, and a sound floor.
When the removal pays you
If your container is in good enough condition to be used again, we may buy it from you and collect it on our own HIAB lorry. Some containers are repaired and repainted before they go back into use, so a container does not need to be perfect to be worth something.
The same applies to portable cabins, site offices and welfare units: condition, size, location and access decide whether you pay, the removal is free or we make an offer.
What to send for an accurate quote
The more we can see, the quicker we can give you an answer. Please include:
- Photos of the outside from each side, the doors and the inside, including the floor
- Close-ups of any rust, holes or damage
- The postcode where the container is
- The size, if you know it, or a rough measurement
- Photos of the route from the road and anything overhead
- Anything that will be left inside
Send your photos with the quote form, or read our guide on how to get rid of a shipping container.
Shipping container removal cost: questions
What does it cost to remove a shipping container?
There is no fixed price, because every container is different. The cost depends mainly on its condition, along with its size, where it is and the access to it. Some removals cost money, some are free and some containers we buy.
Is shipping container removal ever free?
Yes, when the container still has enough value to cover the cost of lifting and transporting it. Condition decides it more than anything else.
Will the quote change on the day?
No. We quote from your photos and details before anything is booked, and once a quote is agreed, it does not change.
Does removing more than one container change the price?
Each container is assessed on its condition, size and location. Several containers on one site can often be planned as one collection, so tell us how many there are when you ask for a quote.
Does distance from Manchester affect the cost?
Location is one of the factors, along with condition and size. We cover England, Scotland and Wales and take your postcode into account when we tell you which outcome applies.
Is portable cabin removal priced the same way?
Yes. Cabins are assessed on condition, size, location and access in the same way, and the same three outcomes apply: you pay for disposal, removal is free or we make an offer.
Find out what your container removal will cost
Send us a few photos, the postcode and a rough idea of access. We will tell you whether you pay for disposal, whether removal is free or whether we can buy it.