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8ft Shipping Containers

Compact, secure, and durable, our new and used 8ft shipping containers are the ideal solution for tight spaces or smaller storage needs. Whether

4.9 of 5, Google rating score

ISO Certified Quality

Built to recognised international container standards.

40+ Years of Experience

Supplying containers for homes and businesses across the UK.

Structural Guarantee

Inspected for strength, security and durability.

Nationwide Delivery

Delivered to your door across mainland UK.

Sale! 8ft NEW one Trip Green

New 8ft One Trip ISO Shipping Container

Our smallest container range.

Starting from £1,450.00 ex. VAT £1,740.00 inc. VAT
External 8ft Container

Used 8ft Cut Down Container

Our smallest container range.

Starting from £1,450.00 ex. VAT £1,740.00 inc. VAT

Large selection of new and used 8ft shipping containers

Our 8ft shipping containers for sale are the perfect choice for tight spaces. They offer durability, security, and all the strength of a standard container in a smaller footprint. All our 8ft units are built from tough, weather-resistant Corten steel and available in both new and used options.

Great for personal, commercial, or on-site use, these containers deliver big performance in a small package.

Why buy an 8ft shipping container from Universal Containers?

Choosing to buy a new or used 8ft shipping container from Universal Containers ensures you receive a high-quality product backed by exceptional service. Our containers are built to the highest standards, offering durability and reliability for a variety of uses. With a focus on customer satisfaction, we provide expert guidance to help you select the perfect container for your needs.

Quality you can trust

All our new and used 8ft shipping containers are manufactured to the highest industry standards, ensuring reliability and long-lasting durability. You can trust that your valuables are secure and protected from the elements and other external factors.
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Competitive pricing

We provide competitive prices for all our 8ft containers, reflecting our commitment to delivering high-quality products at budget-friendly rates. With our transparent pricing structure, you won’t encounter any unexpected costs or hidden fees – only a straightforward and trustworthy purchasing experience.
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Premium customisation options

We offer a range of customisation to meet your specific needs, including lining and insulation, racking and shelving solutions, utility installations, painting and branding, additional features such as gas strut-operated hatches, manual or automatic roller shutters, additional doors, windows, and skylights, and any other unique fabrications you need.

Industry expertise & dedicated support

With over 40 years of experience in the shipping container business, we have served a wide range of industries, providing custom solutions and unrivalled service. Our specialist team is dedicated to assisting you with everything from selecting the right size to finalising your purchase and the  delivery of your container.

8ft shipping container dimensions

Specification8ft Standard
External Length2.438m (8ft)
External Width2.184m (7ft 2in)
External Height2.591m (8ft 6in)
Internal Length2.235m (7ft 4in)
Internal Width2.108m (6ft 11in)
Internal Height2.057m (6ft 9in)
Door Opening Width2.032m (6ft 8in)
Door Opening Height1.930m (6ft 4in)
Floor Space5.39 m² (58 ft²)
Internal Capacity~12.8 m³ (≈452 cu ft)
Tare Weight~800 kg (≈ 1,764 lbs)*
Max Payload~5,000 kg (≈ 11,023 lbs)*
Max Gross Weight~6,150 kg (≈ 13,558 lbs)*
*Tare weight, max payload & max gross weight are estimates. Please contact our team for exact values.

We prioritise offering value for money, and providing affordable solutions that suit all budgets and needs.

Should you have any inquiries about buying a new or used 8ft shipping container online, require a personalised quote, or simply wish to discuss your options with our expert team, do not hesitate to contact us via the contact form or give us a call at 0161 775 3217 and speak to one of our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much does an 8ft shipping container cost?

Our 8ft shipping containers start from £1,375 ex. VAT (£1,650 inc. VAT) for used units, and £1,500 ex VAT (£1,800 inc. VAT) for new one-trip containers. Final pricing depends on condition and specification.

What is an 8ft shipping container used for?

8ft containers are great for compact storage applications including tool storage, garden storage, hobby equipment, and small site uses. Their compact footprint makes them practical for residential gardens, smaller commercial yards, and sites where a larger container would not fit.

How much can you fit inside an 8ft shipping container?

An 8ft shipping container is ideal for storing garden tools, outdoor furniture, bicycles, DIY equipment, seasonal items, and smaller household or business belongings. It offers approximately 12.8 m³ (452 cu ft) of internal storage space, making it a practical choice when space is limited. If you need to store larger equipment or a greater volume of items, a 9ft, 10ft or 20ft container may be a better option.

How much does an 8ft shipping container weigh?

A standard 8ft container has a tare weight of approximately 800kg when empty. Specialised variants such as COSHH chemical stores will be heavier depending on the modifications involved.

What is the maximum payload of an 8ft shipping container?

A standard 8ft container has a maximum payload of approximately 5,000kg, giving a maximum gross weight of around 6,150kg.

Can an 8ft shipping container be delivered to a residential address?

In many cases, yes. An 8ft shipping container is often the preferred choice for residential properties because its compact size makes it easier to deliver and position than larger containers. Before delivery, we’ll discuss access requirements such as driveway width, gate clearance, overhead obstacles and ground conditions to help ensure the container can be delivered safely.

Looking for a completely custom solution?

We have a wide range of base containers that can be customised to your needs, however we realise that sometimes you need something completely ‘Outside the box’.

Contact us and one of our experts will be in touch to help design the container of your dreams

Don’t just take our word for it

Find out why our customers love us and our products

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Stephen Edwards
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Stephen and the team at Universal Container Services Limited have been super efficient and very helpful, I would recommend this company to anyone thinking about purchasing a container for any multi-use purpose.
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Sales @ H and B Electrical
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Great service from start to Finish, Stephen Woolley was very thorough and professional. Thanks for all your help Stephen H&B Electrical Services
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David Wilden
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Very impressed with the quality of the containers and the facilities they have for insulating and boarding them. Many thanks to Stephen for spending time showing us around and helping us get a great deal.
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Mike Gathercole
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We have just purchased a fully insulated container from Universal we visited the site prior to our order Colin and Stephen both in the sales office we brilliant they answered all our questions and were very helpful in processing our order thanks again lads really appreciated
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Graham Sanderson
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Scarcroft and District Allotments Association in York have used two containers from Universal - one 20' unmodified new container as a store and one 40' new container insulated and supplied with electrics package and two secure windows and a secure accessible door as a shop- to replace their 50+ year-old wooden hut used as a shop and association base. Shaun McWilliams (project engineer) has been our main contact at Universal with oversight and support from Carl Jeffries (project manager). They have been hugely supportive through a long process. Nothing has been too much trouble for Shaun, adapting plans and offering choices at every stage - always friendly, imaginative and flexible. We'd recommend Universal without reservation for any project involving shipping containers.
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My AIMS Ltd Manchester
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We recently got in touch with Universal Containers Services as we were looking to stack two Containers Excellent service provided by universal containers. We dealt with Vanessa and her communication was excellent she kept us informed from point of order upto delivery. Delivery was fast and I would definitely recommend using this company.
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nick curtis
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Great and quick service.. Colin was really helpful and knowledgable
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zeshan s
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prompt service, Colin was very helpful
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David Heath
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Ordered a container for a Scout group, we are so pleased with the service and the container. Very helpful and nothing was a problem, arrived on time and looks amazing. We would definitely recommend and use again.
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Richard Banning
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We were impressed with the service provided by Stephen on our first order , we have purchased another 2 containers , the service and quality was very good and would recommend the company if you are looking to purchase.

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