Pop-Up / Retail Shipping Containers

Container Projects supplies specialised pop-up retail units across the United Kingdom. If you need to buy containers or rent containers, our team manages the modifications and logistics. You can get a quote for your retail project today. We transform standard steel boxes into functional brand spaces for cafes, shops, and exhibition stands. Our logistics network ensures every unit reaches its destination on time and ready for use. We prefer using one-trip units for retail projects. A one-trip unit is a new container that has made a single journey from the manufacturer.

Choose the right container size and type

Container Projects offers a range of sizes to suit varying footfall and site constraints. Retail units must balance internal floor space with the external footprint.

10ft and 20ft retail units

The 10ft unit is ideal for coffee kiosks or ticket booths where space is limited. The 20ft unit provides significant floor space for full retail fit-outs. We also provide cladded and painted containers to improve the aesthetic appeal of the steel structure. Internal heights vary, but standard units provide approximately 2.39m of vertical space. For extra headroom, we recommend high-cube options, which add 30cm to the total height.

Custom access and openings

Retail units often feature serving hatches, glass bi-fold doors, or full side-opening panels. These modifications are carried out by Container Projects to ensure structural integrity is maintained. We provide technical drawings showing door access and internal space for every project.

Hire or buy

Container Projects assists clients in deciding between ownership and rental. Buying is suitable for permanent installations on private land where long-term branding is required. Hire is often preferred for seasonal markets, music festivals, or short-term marketing campaigns. We provide a full support package regardless of the contract type chosen. Our container conversions service covers both permanent and temporary specifications.

Condition grades and what they mean

The condition of the container impacts both its lifespan and visual finish. We typically supply retail units in two main grades. New one-trip stock provides the cleanest surface for painting and branding. Used stock is often graded as wind and watertight. A wind and watertight unit is a grade ensuring the container is sealed against weather and light. For units returning to the shipping loop, we follow IICL guidelines. IICL refers to a high standard of container repair set by the Institute of International Container Lessors.

Delivery access, siting, and placement

Container Projects manages the transport through our container haulage partners. Proper site preparation is essential for a successful placement. The delivery vehicle requires a minimum width of 3m and a clear vertical space of at least 4.6m. The ground must be firm, level, and capable of supporting the gross weight. Consider these factors before the truck arrives:

• Turning space: Large hiab vehicles need room to manoeuvre into position.
• Surface: Concrete or hardstanding is preferred over soft grass or mud.
• Obstacles: Check for low-hanging branches or overhead cables.
• Levelling: Units must be levelled to ensure doors and serving hatches operate correctly.

Security, condensation, and aftercare

Security is a priority for retail units containing stock. Container Projects installs heavy-duty lock boxes to protect padlocks. We manage condensation through internal lining and insulation, which is vital for retail environments. Standard insulation options include ply lining or wipe-clean surfaces. The tare is the weight of the empty container, and the payload is the maximum weight of cargo the container can carry. We provide these figures to ensure safe loading of retail equipment and shop fittings. Aftercare includes advice on seal maintenance and hinge lubrication.

Export use and compliance

If your pop-up retail unit is for an international event, it must comply with shipping regulations. A CSC plate is a safety approval plate required for international shipping. If modifications involve cutting large sections of the steel, the unit may need re-certification to maintain its CSC status. Container Projects provides guidance on export compliance for all modified units.

How Container Projects handles supply and delivery

1. Specification: We confirm the size, modifications, and finish for your retail unit.
2. Source: We select a suitable unit from our nearest UK depot to minimise transport distance.
3. Modification: Our engineers install hatches, doors, and electrical systems.
4. Logistics: We review site access and coordinate the delivery date.
5. Site Placement: The hiab driver positions the unit and confirms it is level.

Learn more about us and our history in container logistics.