Differences Between a Shipping and Storage Container

Article Written By: Bobby Addis
Date: 01/11/2024

Introduction

It’s a common question – and the answer is, not much on the surface. But while they might look similar, the differences between a shipping container and a storage container can significantly impact how you use them. These differences go beyond simple terminology. From build quality to intended use, understanding what sets them apart helps you choose the right option for your needs – whether you’re storing tools on a building site, securing stock, or planning a conversion project.

Table of Contents

What makes a container a shipping container?

First of all, shipping containers have several different names, depending on where you are in the world. In the UK, we tend to use ‘shipping container’ to describe the containers that are used in international shipping. These containers have very specific criteria to be described as a ‘shipping container’ – such as:

  • They must conform to the International Maritime Organization’s ISO specifications, which include standardised sizes and stacking strength. In some countries, shipping containers are referred to as ‘ISO containers.’ The standard is to maintain safety, ensuring that loading, transporting and unloading of shipping containers around the world is consistently safe – no matter if you’re at a port in Germany or Thailand – the international standard is there to maintain the same level of safety regardless of where you are in the world.
  • Furthermore, to maintain ISO certification of the ISO container, it must be inspected by a certified inspector every 30 months to ensure the container still conforms to ISO standards. In some places, when an ISO container is certified the container may be referred to as ‘cargo worthy’. To check if a shipping container is ‘cargo worthy’ you will want to look for a CSC Plate.

All the shipping containers for sale on Containers4Sale on the Shipping container page have a CSC Plate and are therefore ‘cargo worthy’ and suitable for international shipping. We offer both 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers for sale.

What makes a container a storage container?

Storage containers are shipping containers without the CSC Plate, and therefore are unsuitable for international shipping because they do not conform to the ISO standards for international shipping.

They can still be transported by lorry within the UK, but loading one onto a ship for international shipping would violate international regulations.

Typically, shipping containers are repurposed as storage containers once they can no longer be used for international shipping. This allows them to have a long and useful life as storage units. By being reused or repurposed, they become environmentally friendly and sustainable options for storage, eliminating the need to construct new storage facilities from scratch.

Why get a storage container over a shipping container?

Purchasing a storage container rather than a shipping container offers several key benefits, especially for domestic or business use. Storage containers are often cleaner, more presentable, and tailored for easy on-site access, making them ideal for storing tools, equipment, or household items.

Unlike shipping containers, which are built for international freight and may show signs of heavy wear, storage containers are typically kept in better condition and may include features such as ventilation, shelving, or easier-to-use doors. They also come in a wider range of sizes and finishes suited to non-industrial environments, offering a more convenient and aesthetically pleasing solution for everyday storage needs.

What do shipping containers and storage containers have in common?

As stated, the main difference between shipping containers and storage containers is purely whether the container conforms to ISO standards for international shipping. Additionally, both types of containers can withstand extreme weather thanks to their construction from weather-resistant steel. Both shipping and storage containers are highly secure – they have been designed to be kept in depots all over the globe, so security is vitally important. They are designed to keep rodents and other pests out, when you consider how many rats there are at ports all over the world then you will understand why shipping containers are designed to keep those horrible little critters out!

The only tangible difference between a shipping container and a storage container is the CSC Plate proving the ISO certification – and if you don’t need to transport the container in international waters then that certification is not required.

Buying, Hiring or Converting a Container?

Speak to Containers 4 Sale UK today and get a same-day quotation for your project.

Thief breaking into a shipping container at night.

How To Secure a Shipping Container

Shipping containers are a popular choice for storage, site offices, and transport. While they are built with strong steel walls, thieves often target them because

Google
Read our
Google Reviews
★★★★★