A shipping container is a purchase that holds its value for years. If your situation changes, a good container needn't sit unused on your site: you can trade it in for a different size or have it taken back. Below you can read how this works at HEROX, roughly what your container could be worth and which conditions it needs to meet.
With a shipping container trade-in, you put your current container towards the purchase of another one. This happens, for example, when you want to move from a 20ft to a 40ft, or the other way round to downsize your storage. The residual value of your old container is then offset against the price of the new one, so you only pay the difference.
Returning a shipping container works on the same principle, but without a new purchase: you no longer need the container and HEROX buys it back. In both cases the local team assesses the state of the container and sets a fair value on that basis. Because a second-hand container holds its value relatively well, this is often a more attractive route than leaving it standing or scrapping it.
There is no fixed trade-in price, for the same reason there is no fixed sale price: the value depends on a number of concrete factors. The better the state of your container, the more it fetches. A used container that is still guaranteed wind and watertight and has a valid CSC plate is clearly worth more than one with heavy rust or a leaking roof. Anyone who looks after their container sees that reflected in the residual value — you can read more about this in our guide to shipping container maintenance and preventing rust.
| Factor | Raises the value | Lowers the value |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Wind and watertight, sound coating | Rust, dents, leakage |
| Certification | Valid CSC plate present | No certification or expired |
| Size and type | Common size (20ft, 40ft) | Rare or unusual type |
| Age | Recent, few sea voyages | Old, heavy wear |
| Modifications | Neat, usable alterations | Damaged or loose work |
For a trade-in or return, the basic requirement is that the container still has a usable second life. What matters are the same points you check yourself when buying: is it wind and watertight, is the CSC plate still present, and are the doors, seals and floor in good order? If you want to run through these points, our guide on what to look out for when buying a shipping container will help you on your way.
The location also needs to be accessible for transport: just as with delivery, the container is collected with a crane lorry or side loader, so the ground must be reasonably level and firm and there must be room for a lorry. If your container doesn't meet all the points, a trade-in is often still possible — it simply factors into the value.
Let us know the type of container, its condition and the location, and on working days we'll send a tailored valuation and proposal within one hour. Outside office hours we take down your request and call you back the next working day.
You can also put a used container on the market yourself. That may fetch more, but it takes time and effort: you arrange the asking price, the viewing, the payment and the transport yourself. Trading in or returning is less work and more certain, because you deal with a single, fixed party in one go. If you're unsure, weigh up the pros and cons.
If you're trading in because your storage needs are changing, it's worth taking a look at what's in stock. As a direct importer, HEROX keeps permanent stock at European depots, in new (one-trip) and used. Among the used containers you'll find cargo-worthy units that are guaranteed wind and watertight and CSC-certified — often the best value for money for storage. Otherwise, browse the full HEROX range or compare the options in our guide to the 20ft container.
Reliable 20ft standard container, wind & watertight, ideal for storage or transport.
Extra height 40ft HC container — 2.70m internal height for maximum volume.
Spacious 40ft standard container with double doors, perfect for larger storage needs.
The fact that you can trade in or return a container says something about the way HEROX works: transparent and without middlemen, from quote to collection. You see that same approach in the payment methods, where you can pay after delivery or spread the cost through a licensed partner. That way you know where you stand in advance — exactly what you want when buying a shipping container safely without a middleman.
Leave your details with the type of container, its condition and the delivery location. On working days you'll receive a valuation and a tailored proposal within one hour, whether it's a trade-in for a different size or a return.
With a trade-in you put your current container towards the purchase of another one, with the residual value offset against the new price. With a return, HEROX buys your container back without you buying anything new. In both cases the state of the container is assessed to set a fair value.
That depends on the size, the condition, the age and whether the container is still wind and watertight and CSC-certified. We never quote a fixed amount in advance, because every container is different. Give us your details and, on working days, you'll receive a valuation and a tailored proposal within one hour by email.
The container must have a usable second life: ideally wind and watertight, with a valid CSC plate and the doors, seals and floor in good order. The location must also be accessible for a crane lorry or side loader. If not everything is met, a trade-in is often still possible and factors into the value.
Once you've given us the type of container, its condition and the location, the local team assesses the state, if needed using photos. You'll receive a valuation and a proposal by email within one hour on working days. Outside office hours we take down the request and get in touch the next working day.
Yes, that is a common reason to trade in, for example from a 20ft to a 40ft. The value of your old container is offset against the price of the new one, so you only pay the difference. HEROX keeps permanent stock in 10, 20, 40 and 45ft, new or used, usually deliverable within 3 to 7 working days.
View live stock with prices, or get a tailored quote within one business hour.
