Hire vs Buy Shipping Containers: Which is Best for You? 

When sourcing a shipping container, one of the first decisions is whether to hire or buy. The right choice depends on your budget, how long you need the container, and whether you want the flexibility to adapt it. 

At S Jones, we supply shipping containers for sale and hire across Great Britain, with popular sizes including 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft units. We also stock specialist containers such as open-top, side-opening, and refrigerated models. 

This guide compares the pros and cons of buying vs hiring containers, so you can choose the most cost-effective option for your project. 

Buying a Shipping Container 

Buying is usually best if you need a container for the long term, or if you want to make permanent modifications. 

Advantages of Buying 

  • Full ownership – modify your container with electrics, insulation, shelving, or convert it into workshops and offices. 
  • Cost-effective over time – works out cheaper if you require long-term or permanent use of a container. 
  • Resale value – recover part of your investment by selling the unit on. 
  • Choice – available in new or used condition, with access to specialist designs. 

Disadvantages of Buying 

  • Larger upfront investment than hiring. 
  • Disposal responsibility – you’ll need to arrange resale, relocation, or recycling when finished. 
  • Maintenance required – owners are responsible for upkeep, such as painting or rust treatment. 

Best For 

  • Businesses needing long-term storage solutions. 
  • Container conversions (boiler rooms, laboratories, R&D facilities, workshops). 
  • Long-term logistics or shipping needs. 

Hiring a Shipping Container 

Container hire is a smart choice for short-term or temporary projects when you don’t want to commit to ownership. 

Advantages of Hiring 

  • Lower upfront cost – pay only for the time you need. 
  • Convenient collection – containers are removed once you’re done. 
  • Flexible – ideal for seasonal demand, events, or home renovations. 

Disadvantages of Hiring 

  • Limited customisation – hired units cannot usually be permanently modified. 
  • More expensive long-term – if used for several years, buying is usually cheaper. 
  • No resale value – you cannot recover costs once hire ends. 

Best For 

  • Short-term site storage for building or construction. 
  • Domestic projects like moving house or renovations. 
  • Events and exhibitions needing secure, temporary storage. 

Hire vs Buy: Quick Comparison 

Factor Buying a ContainerHiring a Container
Upfront CostHigherLower
Long-Term Cost More cost-effective Higher if used long-term 
Modifications Unlimited Limited 
Disposal Your responsibility Supplier collects 
Best For Permanent use, conversions Temporary projects, events 

Why Choose S Jones Containers?

Whether you choose to buy or hire, we offer: 

  • Expert guidance on container sizes, specifications, and accessories. 
  • Professional delivery across Great Britain with crane-fitted lorries. 
  • Flexible scheduling to fit your timeline. 
  • Trusted experience – decades of supplying containers to businesses, homeowners, and contractors. 

Not sure if hiring or buying is right for you? Our team will advise on the most cost-effective option for your needs.

S Jones Containers forklift truck stacking shipping containers at the Aldridge, Walsall depot for container hire and storage solutions

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Simply enter your details below, and you’ll receive a price quote on the shipping container that’s right for you. With a range of single trip (new) and used shipping containers for sale, we provide quality storage solutions for all budgets and needs.

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Can you modify a shipping container if you hire it?

Most hired shipping containers cannot be permanently modified, as they must be returned at the end of the hire agreement. However, many rental containers are available with useful features such as shelving, lighting, or ventilation already installed. If you want to make major changes, for example, adding electrics, insulation, windows, or converting a container into a workshop or laboratory, it’s usually best to buy a shipping container, as this gives you full ownership and freedom to adapt the unit to your exact requirements. 

How much does it cost to hire or buy a shipping container?

The cost of hiring a shipping container in Great Britain is typically lower upfront, with payments made monthly or weekly, depending on the supplier. This makes hire ideal for temporary projects. By contrast, the cost of buying a shipping container involves a larger one-off investment, but it becomes more economical if you plan to use the unit for 12 months or longer. Prices vary depending on size (10ft, 20ft, 40ft), condition (new or used), and whether you need a standard storage container or a specialist model such as refrigerated or open-top. 

Is it better to hire or buy a shipping container in Great Britain?

Whether it’s better to hire or buy a shipping container depends on your needs. If you only need a container for a short period, such as during a house move, building project, or event, then container hire is usually more cost-effective. However, if you require long-term storage, permanent space, or want to convert a container into a workshop, office, or plant room, then buying a shipping container will save you money in the long run and give you full flexibility for modifications. 

Some of Our Valued Customers

What Our Customers Say

Patrick26th November 2025

Unfortunately our delivery was delayed by several hours but the driver made up for lost time, he was very polite and proffessional and sited the container inch perfect.

Rose25th November 2025

I was treated extremely well they took care of what I needed without any fuss.

Nancie24th October 2025

I cannot thank the staff at S Jones Containers enough. Everyone I spoke to went over and above to help. The containers were ordered and delivered in a very timely manner. We were kept informed at all times. The containers arrived at the time expected and were very easy to install. Thank you to everyone at S Jones Containers. I would highly recommend this company, it was a pleasure doing business with them.

Christine1st August 2025

Shazia was helpful from my first enquiry to the delivery of my container. She sorted any query and enabled me to buy exactly what I was looking for. The driver who delivered container was also a credit to his company. Nothing was too much trouble and everything done with a smile .

Phil20th June 2025

Got in touch with Shazia at the depot she organised everything delivery was a bit worrying as the area was tight but the delivery guy was amazing and got them exactly where we wanted them ,, all a very good service provided