Buying a used shipping container from HEROX: range, quality and guarantee

What you get with a used container

A used shipping container from HEROX is always cargo-worthy or A-grade. Cargo-worthy means the container is still suitable for international sea transport: structurally sound, with a valid certification. A-grade is the tidiest selection within that category, with fewer signs of use on the walls. In both cases the same firm principle applies: the container is guaranteed wind and watertight at the moment of delivery.

Used containers usually have small dents, scratches and patches of surface rust in the coating. That is normal and purely cosmetic; it says nothing about the strength or the seal. If you want an almost flawless exterior, a new one-trip container is an option, or we can spray a used container in the RAL colour of your choice in our own workshop.

Used or new: which do you choose?

Our used range in stock

We hold permanent stock of used containers at the European depots, in the common sizes. Something smaller for the garden or a small yard? Then take a look at the 10ft container. The practical middle ground for tools and materials is the 20ft container, and for maximum volume you choose a 40ft container. Below you can see the current used containers from the shop for your region, with live prices and stock.

How we check condition and quality

Before a used container goes on sale and before it is delivered to you, it goes through a fixed inspection at our depot. That way you know exactly what you are getting in advance and there are no surprises after delivery. What we run through during the inspection and check is set out below.

The inspection step by step

1. 1
   CSC plate: we check whether the international certification is present and valid, the proof that the container is structurally safe
2. 2
   Roof and walls: check for rust-through, dents and damaged coating that could affect the seal
3. 3
   Doors and seals: the double doors must close properly and the sealing rubbers must be intact
4. 4
   Floor: the wooden cargo floor is checked for rotten or loose sections
5. 5
   Watertightness: with the doors closed we look from the inside for pinpricks of light that indicate leakage
6. 6
   Final inspection before delivery: every container is checked once more before it goes on transport

Guarantee, certification and safe payment

Every used container carries the guarantee that it is wind and watertight on delivery. The CSC plate on the door confirms that the container meets the international safety requirements. After delivery the local team remains available for service and questions, so you are not left on your own should anything unexpectedly come up.

In the container trade there are, unfortunately, fraudsters active who ask for full payment in advance and then fail to deliver. That is why at HEROX you can choose to pay after delivery: first see the container on site, then settle up. Trust and certifications are becoming ever more important in the transport sector; the industry platform Logistiek.nl covered this in June 2026 around ten years of the PayChecked payment-assurance certification. If you want to be sure you are dealing with a reliable party, always ask for the inspection report, CSC plate and payment terms.

What does a used container cost?

The price of a used storage container depends on the size, the condition and any modifications, plus the transport costs to your location. A used 20ft container starts at from €1.500 and a used 40ft container at from €2.000. If you pay in advance by bank transfer, you get 5 percent discount; spread payment up to 36 months via a licensed financing partner is also possible. You can read more about how the costs are built up in what a shipping container costs. Below are the current from-prices per size for your region.

From-prices for used containers

Order and have it delivered directly

If a container from the range suits you, we arrange the rest. We deliver across Europe by crane truck or sideloader and place the container exactly where you want it, usually within 3 to 7 working days. The condition is a reasonably level, paved surface and a location that is accessible for a lorry. Because we deliver straight from our own stock, there is no middleman and no unnecessary waiting time in between.