Quick Answer
A shipping container is a strong, secure, and weatherproof steel box designed for transporting goods by sea, land, or rail. Today, they’re used far beyond shipping; from storage containers and temporary offices to homes, retail shops, and classrooms.
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Built from corten steel for durability.
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Available in standard 20ft and 40ft sizes (with high cube variations).
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It can be rented or purchased, depending on your needs.
For temporary use, explore our container hire options. For permanent solutions, check our steel shipping containers available for purchase.
A Brief History of Shipping Containers
Before standardized containers, goods were loaded and unloaded manually, a slow and costly process. In the 1950s, American businessman Malcom McLean introduced the intermodal shipping container, which revolutionized global trade.
Since then, containers have become the backbone of logistics, ensuring goods move seamlessly across ships, trains, and trucks. Today, retired containers are widely repurposed for storage and construction projects in South Africa.
What Makes Shipping Containers Unique?
Containers stand out because they’re:
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Durable: Made from corten steel to withstand harsh weather.
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Secure: Lockable double doors protect goods from theft.
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Modular: Standardised sizes make them stackable and easy to transport.
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Versatile: Suitable for storage, transport, or conversion.
This combination of strength and flexibility makes them ideal for both industrial and personal projects.
Standard Sizes of Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are globally standardized, but the two most common sizes are:
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20ft Container
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Approx. 6m long, 2.4m wide, 2.6m high
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Capacity: ~33m³
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Perfect for small businesses, residential storage, and compact conversions.
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40ft Container
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Approx. 12m long, 2.4m wide, 2.6m high
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Capacity: ~67m³
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Best for large-scale storage, logistics, or bigger projects.
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High Cube Containers
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Similar footprint but taller (2.9m high).
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Extra space makes them popular for container homes and workshops.
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Need help choosing? See our guide on container sizes and specifications (internal link).
What Can Containers Be Used For?
Originally designed for cargo transport, containers today serve countless purposes in South Africa:
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Storage: Affordable short- and long-term solutions for households and businesses.
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Offices: Construction site offices, portable workspaces, and classrooms.
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Retail: Pop-up shops, exhibition stands, and market kiosks.
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Residential: Cost-effective housing, student accommodation, and guest units.
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Agriculture: Secure space for equipment, feed, and harvest storage.
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Events: Mobile bars, ticket offices, and exhibition stands.
For short-term projects, see our containers for rent options. If you want something permanent, browse our containers for sale near me.
Should You Rent or Buy a Shipping Container?
This depends on your needs:
Rent a Container:
- Best for temporary storage, events, or construction sites.
- Flexible contracts with no large upfront costs.
- Ideal if you’re searching for container rentals near me.
Buy a Container:
- Long-term investment.
- Perfect for permanent storage or conversions.
- Available in both new steel shipping containers and used containers for sale.
Compare options in our detailed guide: [Should I Buy or Rent a Shipping Container?] (internal link).
Benefits of Using Containers in South Africa
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Cost-Effective: More affordable than building permanent structures.
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Portable: Can be delivered almost anywhere in the country.
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Customizable: Easy to modify with doors, windows, insulation, and branding.
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Fast Setup: Containers are ready to use immediately after delivery.