Frequently Asked Questions

STANDARD

1. Are your containers downgraded?

NO, under no circumstances will you receive a downgraded container. This category of container does not fit into our quality specifications.

We only offer second-hand containers of CWO quality and this translates into several mandatory checkpoints:

– The container is watertight without perforation (doors closed = dark night)

– The locking bars (container closing bars) are in good condition,

– The door seals (with 2 lips) are in perfect condition,

– Doors open and close normally,

– The container is CSC certified with its plate

2. How much does a used container cost?

The prices of second-hand containers vary greatly.

They follow a rather complex logic between the availability on the ports and the number of containers returned.

You can consult our prices directly on our website.

You can also make a request from our "request a quote" page.

3. Where do used shipping containers come from?

Second-hand containers are rental fleets. At the end of the contract (between 12 and 13 years) we intervene to collect them directly from the ports.

But be careful, we make a scrupulous selection to only take first choice containers. At Prcontainers, this is called the CWO category (for Cargo Worthy – Ready for Maritime Embarkation)

Depending on the period, the containers are available in the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Italy, or even in Spain and Germany

4. Do you have last trip containers?

Yes. But be careful with this category of container that we do not guarantee waterproof, because it does not fit into our quality specifications.

Often, this category of container is very worn.

5. Can I see the containers?

On request, we take care of everything.

To contact us: +44 752 069 2419 or via the live chat service and or by email contact@prcontainers.com

6. How do I protect my container from theft?

A container is inherently very secure. Its double door makes it a very good barrier against theft. He's a break-in latecomer.

You can also padlock your container, as each door bolt has a padlock slot.

Despite this, we advise you to secure your container as much as possible with our special container padlocks:

– BARLOCK: the most compact padlock in our range

– SECUPLUS: the best-selling of our range (7.5kg of stainless steel)

– SECURLOCK: the strongest from Prcontainers. High security removable padlock cover.

For more info, prices, contact us: on +44 752 069 2419 or via the live chat service and or by email contact@prcontainers.com

7. How long does a container last?

The lifespan of a container varies greatly depending on its use.

It is common to see containers over 30 years old in very good condition. If cared for, it will last as long as you do!

This is our commitment at Prcontainers.

8. What is a shipping container made of?

The container is made of CORTEN steel.

CORTEN has an important advantage: it is a self-patinating steel with surface corrosion. It is used in maritime transport for its physical resistance to atmospheric conditions.

That is to say that the rust it will develop will provide it with protection against the weather.

It has been used in construction for many years, in modern architecture as well.

It is an alloy of copper, phosphorus, nickel and chromium.

9. What is a first trip container?

The first trip container (or new maritime container) is a container that arrives directly from China (where it was manufactured). It was filled for the first time (stuffing) then unloaded (stripping) once it arrived at its destination port. It is then stored before being sold.

These containers are in perfect condition, but may still have traces of use.

10. Where are shipping containers made?

No mystery for this question. All shipping containers without exception are made in China.

But beware, they follow their ISO construction standards and are inspected throughout the manufacturing process.

11. How much does a 20ft container weigh?

The average weight or TARE of a 20ft container is 2350 kilos.

12. How much does a 40ft container weigh

The average weight or TARE of a 40 foot container is 3350 kilos.

13. Why choose a Prcontainers container?

Because with us, you will be sure to receive a container that meets our quality criteria.

Our criteria are:

Robustness,

Waterproofing,

Perfectly flat floor,

Delivery on time.

We follow our commitments from A to Z.

Offering a quality container is a religion for us. YOU are at the center of our relationship.

14. What is the difference with a storage container?

Everything! Only the shape, dimensions and appearance are identical.

These are not the same containers. The storage container is manufactured in Eastern European countries and does not follow the ISO standard for the manufacture of maritime containers.

All the opposites, thickness of sheet metal, paint, floor. The construction materials are different (conventional steel, single 23 mm plywood floor).

We offer these containers as an alternative to the maritime container in the case of customers wishing to make simple and light storage.

15. What is the CSC plate of a container used for?

The CSC plate (or CSC plate) of a shipping container is a first guarantee of quality. But not sufficient for our specifications.

It indicates the manufacturer of the container, the year of manufacture and other references.

16. Can I pick up the containers at the depot?

Of course. No obligation at Prcontainers. You are free to choose what is best for you.

No additional costs, pay only the price of the container without supplement.

That’s Prcontainers quality too.

17. Why do you clear containers?

The customs clearance of a container allows it to be francized. Indeed, when it is in the ports, it is considered a means of transport and not a good.

Clearing our containers allows them to be sold as a clean and unique commodity. It is a paid act.

The price of customs clearance is included in the price of the container.

18. What condition are your used containers in?

Our second-hand containers are generally about ten years old.

The paintwork is original. They are very well maintained throughout their lifespan.

They have traces of rust and dents.

Nevertheless, they are perfectly airtight and lightproof.

19. Do we need planning permission for a container?

Since January 1, 2012, a prior declaration of work is sufficient up to 40 m2.

In any case, we strongly advise you to contact your town hall or municipality.

Find all the dimensions of the containers to find out their surface area on our website.

20. Is a screed required to install it?

Not at all! Concrete pads at each corner of the container are sufficient.

Ask us for our plans!

21. What can I put the container on?

A stable surface is recommended.

Gravel, concrete, limestone, etc. type

It doesn't prevent you from putting it on grass as long as the ground is stable and level (the most important).

22. Are your containers repainted?

Our containers are original and perfectly maintained. This includes painting.

If for you the aesthetic aspect of the container is important, we repaint (additional service) in your colors.

Ask us for your container.

23. Do you have used 10ft containers?

Unfortunately, this type of container is rarely available USED.

We can offer you NEW 10-foot containers for the moment.

24. Can we choose the color of our container?

In some cases, we can offer you containers in the color of your choice in our availability.

Attention all the same, the available colors are: blue, red, green and yellow.

25. Is the floor the original wood?

Yes, all Prcontainers have a 28 mm thick marine plywood floor.

26. What is the maintenance of a shipping container?

Pretty simple and basic! Your container is maintained throughout its life as a means of transport.

Regular cleaning with water prevents moss from setting in and preserves its external appearance. Speaking of which, we have a special container cleaner.

You can also grease the levers once a year to ensure easier opening and closing.

27. Do you sell spare parts?

Yes, we can supply all parts of the containers. It doesn't matter where the container comes from, whether it comes from Prcontainers or elsewhere.

28. Do the containers have the same dimensions?

Yes and no. The containers have standards to be met in terms of dimensions (ISO STANDARD). Only the length changes.

A standard 20-foot dry container: 6 x 2.45 x 2.6 m (Length x width x Height)

A standard 40-foot dry container: 12 x 2.45 x 2.6 m (Length x width x Height)

Then depending on the variations, only the width will change, for example:

– High Cube +30 cm in height

– Pallet Wide +10 cm width

etc.

29. How is the structure of a standard shipping container made?

The shipping container is fully welded. Its structure is self-supporting.

That is to say that its rigidity is ensured by its shape

30. What does container DRY mean?

It is simply English and means SEC. It is a standard shipping container.

The 10ft, 20ft and 40ft High Cube containers can be DRY, but also REEFER (refrigerated).

REFRIGERATED CONTAINER

1. What is a REEFER container? or refrigerated container

The REEFER container is a refrigerated container, cold room container or freezer container.

Its cold unit (electric) can produce negative cold at -25° or positive cold at +25°.

The interior of a refrigerated shipping container is made of stainless steel (walls and ceiling) and its floor is made of aluminum (T-shaped rail).

Find the details of a Reefer container by referring to our product sheets.

2. What is the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration units of a refrigerated container?

The gas we use is R 134 A.

This is the same gas that is used in your car air conditioning or refrigerator.

Why this gas? Because it is approved until 2020 on the one hand and on the other hand, it makes it possible to generate negative and positive cold.

3. How is the structure of a reefer container made?

The container is fully welded. Its structure is self-supporting.

That is to say that its rigidity is ensured by its shape. A shipping container is built with noble materials such as CORTEN (steel alloy) which is highly resistant to corrosion and the interior panels are entirely in STAINLESS STEEL (raw or painted).

4. What are the rails or floor of a reefer container used for?

The rails are very important for maintaining the temperature.

They serve as a cold channel to ensure an even temperature in the container. They are made of aluminum to avoid the frost effect and make the floor slippery.

5. How does a refrigerated container chiller work?

The REEFER refrigerated container produces cold with an electrical unit.

We can also deliver it with an autonomous generator (GENSET Container) which works with a heat engine like a generator set for container. They are equipped with a large capacity tank for significant autonomy.

6. How powerful is a reefer container?

The cooling unit of a REEFER shipping container has an average power of 12 kW (supplier data).

For more information, see the technical data sheet for a refrigerated container.

7. How much does a refrigerated container consume?

The consumption of a refrigerated shipping container varies according to the set temperature. The average consumption of a second-hand container varies from 9 A/h to 11 A/h, actual consumption in operation.

DELIVERY

1. Do you deliver your refrigerated containers?

Of course!

This is surely the most important point and where we will be able to bring you our know-how.

The delivery of a shipping container is a point not to be overlooked. It is the culmination of our relationship and the trust you have shown in us.

At Prcontainers, it's when you want, where you want.

We deliver throughout the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Italy, or even Spain and or Germany, in the most remote or even inaccessible places.

Whether the container is to be delivered indoors or outdoors, we will be able to find the solution.

For more information on the transport of maritime containers, consult our delivery policy.

2. Can you unload your containers?

YES. With us, transport remains very flexible and this is an important point not to be overlooked. Our trucks are equipped with a crane to be able to unload the containers within a reasonable radius (about 5-6 meters) around the truck.

We unload our containers always looking together for the most economical solution for your budget.

In case of concerns for a specific or complex unloading, our experts are at your disposal to offer you a fallback solution with an autonomous crane for example.