Buying a Shipping Container for a Farm or Rural Business: What You Need to Know

In the heart of Suffolk, where agriculture meets innovation, finding efficient and secure storage is paramount for farmers and rural businesses. As the seasons change, so do the storage demands, and one versatile solution has become increasingly popular – the humble shipping container.

At Secure Stores Nationwide, a Suffolk based business with reach across England, Scotland, and Wales, we've seen first hand how shipping containers can transform rural operations.

Let's delve into what you need to know about buying a shipping container for your farm or rural business in Suffolk.

Why Shipping Containers are the Rural Hero

Suffolk's countryside is beautiful, but it can also be unforgiving. That's where the durability of shipping containers shines. Originally built to withstand the rigours of international sea travel, these steel structures are:

• Weather Resistant: Their heavy duty corten steel construction protects against wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, crucial for safeguarding valuable agricultural assets.
• Pest Proof: Unlike traditional wooden barns, steel containers are naturally resistant to rodents and insects, preventing damage to feed, seeds, and equipment. New ones are manufactured to international standards which include the prevention of pest access.
• Secure: Fitted with robust locking mechanisms and a lock box (secure padlock housing), containers provide a strong deterrent against theft, a growing concern in rural areas.
• Cost Effective: Compared to permanent structures, shipping containers offer significant cost savings, especially considering their longevity and low maintenance requirements.
• Versatile: Their adaptable nature means they can be re-purposed for countless uses (which we'll explore below!).

Finding the Right Fit: 20ft vs. 40ft Containers

The most common shipping container sizes are 20ft and 40ft, and both are excellent choices for Suffolk's rural landscapes. Whilst we do offer smaller sizes (8fts, and 10fts), these are comparatively high in cost because of the way they are imported from the container factories in China. 

20ft Shipping Containers:
Ideal for: Smaller farms, businesses with limited space, or specific, contained uses.

Common Applications:

• Feed and Equipment Storage: Perfect for storing bags of feed, tools, fencing supplies, and smaller agricultural machinery.
• Secure Chemical Storage: A dedicated chemical storage container will be bunded so that it can contains chemical spills, and fitted with additional ventilation. This means it complies with BASIS requirements for the safe storage of chemicals. 
• Secure Tool Storage: Containers make a solid and secure store for valuable tools, ensuring safety and preventing unauthorised access.
• Workshop Space: With some basic modifications, a 20ft container can become a compact and secure workshop for repairs and projects.

40ft Shipping Containers:
Ideal for: Larger farms, businesses requiring significant storage capacity, or those needing expansive workspaces.

Common Applications:

• Bulk Feed and Equipment Storage: Ample space for large quantities of feed, hay bales, mowers, and other machinery.
• Multiple Workstations: Create separate areas for different tasks, like machinery maintenance, fabrication, and product storage.
• Combined Uses: Section off areas for specific purposes, such as a lockable tool room within a larger workshop space. Many clients split larger units in to part office or tea break room, and part storage.

Used vs. New: Weighing the Options

When buying a shipping container for agricultural use in Suffolk, you can choose between new and used units.

Used containers are more affordable and ideal for basic storage, although they may show signs of wear such as dents or minor rust. At Secure Stores, all used containers are inspected to ensure they remain wind and watertight.

New containers, often called one-trip containers, offer the longest lifespan and require very little maintenance, but they come at a higher initial cost.

For basic agricultural storage, used containers are usually the more cost-effective choice. However, if durability, appearance, or a specialist conversion matters, a new container may be the better option

Key Considerations for Your Suffolk Rural Business

Before finalising your container purchase or considering shipping container hire Suffolk, keep these crucial factors in mind:

Security:
While containers are inherently secure, adding extra measures is highly recommended, especially in remote rural locations.

• Container Lock Box: A steel box welded to the container door prevents the padlock from being cut. These come fitted as standard on New One Trip containers, and all rental containers. They can be fitted to second hand units for purchase for a small additional cost.
• Heavy Duty Padlocks: Invest in high quality padlocks designed for container security. Some locks also have an insurance rating. 
• Security Alarms and Cameras: For added peace of mind, consider installing battery powered or solar powered security systems.

Access:

• Delivery: Ensure your property is accessible for the delivery vehicle. Secure Stores offers comprehensive container delivery in Suffolk, but we need to discuss access requirements beforehand. Consider things like gate widths, turning circles, and ground conditions. Farms usually have plenty of space, which can make life easier, but travel over grass needs checking with us in advance. 
• Daily Use: Position the container in a location that's convenient for daily operations. Think about proximity to work areas, electrical outlets (if needed), and vehicle access for loading and unloading.

Ground Preparation:
Proper ground preparation is crucial for the longevity and functionality of your container.

• Level Ground: The container must be placed on level ground to ensure the doors operate correctly.
• Adequate Support: Position the container on a hard standing surface like concrete pads, railway sleepers, or gravel. This prevents the container from sinking and allows for adequate airflow underneath, reducing the risk of rust.

Need to Hire a Container in Suffolk? We Can Help

If you require storage for a specific project, seasonal needs, or simply want to test out a container before committing to a purchase, Secure Stores offers flexible container hire solutions in Suffolk.

• Seasonal Demands: Hire containers for short term projects such as temporary events on your farm – pumpkin patches, PYO, mazes, lambing experiences or farm festivals. 
• Renovation or Expansion: Use a container for secure tool storage in remote places during farm building renovations.
• Try Before You Buy: Assess how a container fits your needs and space before making a permanent investment. If we know in advance, you can hire with the option to purchase later on. 

As a Suffolk-based business, Secure Stores understands the needs of local farmers and rural companies. We supply high-quality new and used containers, offer competitive pricing on both sales and hire, and provide reliable container delivery across Suffolk, along with expert advice to help you choose the right size and specification.

A Reliable Storage Solution for Suffolk Rural Businesses

Shipping containers offer a robust, versatile, and cost effective storage solution for Suffolk's rural landscapes. Whether you're looking to store feed, secure equipment, or create a new workspace, a shipping container can be a game changer for your farm or business.

Contact Secure Stores Nationwide today to discuss your requirements and find the perfect shipping containers Suffolk solution. We're here to support your rural enterprise, every step of the way.
 

Find the Right Container for Your Business