FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Dimensions, prices, delivery, permits, insulation: the most frequent questions, with straight answers. If yours is not here, write to us.
SHIPPING CONTAINERS
What is the difference between a one-trip, last-trip and used container?
A one-trip container has made a single crossing: nearly new condition. A last-trip container leaves shipping after a few years, with signs of use but a sound structure. A used container has served longer; it remains watertight and usable, at a much lower price.
What types of shipping containers are there?
Standard (dry), high cube (30 cm taller), open side (full side opening), open top (tarpaulin roof), flat rack, double doors, reefer (refrigerated), tank and platform.
What are the standard dimensions of 10, 20 and 40 ft containers?
External lengths: 2.99 m for a 10 ft, 6.05 m for a 20 ft, 12.19 m for a 40 ft. Width 2.43 m. Height 2.59 m, or 2.89 m for high cube.
What is a shipping container made of?
A Corten steel frame and walls, a 28 mm marine plywood floor on steel cross-members, door seals and paint designed for salt air.
How long does a shipping container last?
25 to 30 years with normal maintenance. In static use on land, away from sea spray, even longer.
Can containers be stacked?
Yes, that is what they were built for: up to nine loaded units. On land, stacking requires a level base, connecting parts (twist locks) and, once people use the space, an engineering study.
BUYING A CONTAINER
How much does a new or used shipping container cost?
The price depends on type, size and condition. A used 20 ft is the most affordable option, new special models (reefer, tank) the most expensive. All our prices are shown on the product pages, including VAT and delivery.
Are used containers refurbished?
They are inspected, cleaned and delivered watertight. A full repaint or floor replacement can be added to a quote.
Can I choose my container's colour?
Yes, on request, in any RAL shade. Allow extra time for painting.
How soon is a container available?
In-stock products are delivered within 14 days of ordering; large made-to-order CUBO models within 10 weeks. A specific configuration or custom paint has its own lead time, stated on the quote.
DELIVERY, TRANSPORT AND INSTALLATION
How does delivery work?
By crane truck for a 10 or 20 ft, by container carrier with a lifting crane for a 40 ft. We check access and the drop zone with you before sending the truck.
How much does transport cost?
Nothing: delivery is free on all our products — shipping containers, CUBO models and accessories — to France, Germany, Spain and Belgium; other countries on quotation.
Is unloading included?
Yes: our delivery vehicles have a crane. If site access requires an additional mobile crane, we tell you before you order, with a quote.
My site is hard to reach — is that a problem?
Rarely. Photos and an access plan are usually enough for us to suggest a suitable method: lifting arm, mobile crane, or drop-off nearby followed by skidding into place.
Do I need a slab or foundations?
No slab is required. Stable, level ground is enough, with concrete pads at the four corners. For a permanent, occupied installation, a soil survey is recommended.
Can a container be moved after installation?
Yes, that is one of its advantages. Utilities must be disconnected and lifting equipment arranged.
How long between ordering and receipt?
14 days for in-stock products (shipping containers, in-stock CUBO models and accessories), 10 weeks for large made-to-order CUBO models. A custom fit-out follows the lead time stated on its quote.
CONVERSION AND FIT-OUT
What conversions are possible?
Office, home, technical room, food outlet, bar, shop, changing room, restroom, gym, grandstand, secure storage.
Are converted containers well insulated?
Yes. Thermal and acoustic insulation is fitted in our workshop, with thermal bridges treated and airtightness checked.
What materials do you use inside?
Panels and finishes chosen to withstand use and transport: wood, laminates, technical vinyl floors, stainless steel for wet and food areas.
Can windows, glass doors or shutters be added?
Yes. Openings are cut and reinforced in the workshop, then fitted with aluminium or PVC frames, with shutters or grilles as needed.
Can water, electricity and drainage be connected?
Yes. Utilities are prepared in the workshop with connection points on the outside; final connection is made on site.
What equipment can be added?
Kitchen, toilets, shower, heating, reversible air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, IT network, alarm, solar panels and batteries.
Can a converted container be used all year round?
Yes, as long as insulation and heating or air conditioning are sized for the local climate.
What are the advantages over conventional building?
Shorter lead time, a price known in advance, brief on-site work, and a structure that can be moved or resold.
How long does a conversion take?
From a few weeks for a simple fit-out to a few months for a complete custom project.
Can I order a turnkey converted container?
Yes. We deliver it ready to use, connections included.
Does CUBOXO do custom builds?
Yes. Each CUBO model is a starting point whose dimensions, openings and equipment can be changed.
REGULATIONS AND PLANNING
Do I need planning permission?
In France, above 20 m² of footprint a building permit is generally required; between 5 and 20 m², a prior declaration is often enough. Rules differ by country and municipality: check with your local planning office before ordering.
Can a container be placed on non-buildable land?
In principle not for living use. Some agricultural or temporary uses are tolerated, always subject to local conditions.
Is a container subject to property tax?
Once fixed to the ground and used permanently, it is generally treated as a building and taxed accordingly.
What rules apply to a shop or food outlet?
Food hygiene standards, accessibility, fire safety, and a permit to use public space if the unit stands on a public road.
Can a container be used as a temporary structure on a building site?
Yes, it is one of the most common uses, and formalities are lighter for an installation limited to the duration of the works.
Can converted containers meet public-building and accessibility rules?
They can. Step-free access, passage widths, adapted toilets and signage are built in from the design stage when the use requires it.
Can a container be moved without paperwork?
If the installation was declared, the move must be too. A mobile container that is not fixed falls under more flexible rules.
CONTAINER SECURITY
How can I protect a container against theft?
A high-security padlock under a lockbox, locking bars, placing the doors against a wall or another container, and lighting and detection if the site is isolated.
Which security accessories do you recommend?
The reinforced padlock, the lockbox that protects it, and the bar lock. All are in our accessories range.
DURABILITY AND MAINTENANCE
Does a container need regular maintenance?
Very little: a yearly check of seals, hinges and corrosion spots, and a paint touch-up wherever steel is bare.
Is the floor durable?
Yes, the original marine plywood bears heavy loads. It can be replaced if needed and covered with a technical floor.
Can a container be repainted?
Yes, after sanding and applying an anti-rust primer, with paint suited to steel and outdoor use.
Can spare parts be replaced?
Yes: doors, seals, hinges, locks, corner castings and floor parts are available.
RECYCLING
Can a container be recycled or resold?
Yes. It keeps a resale value throughout its life, and its steel is recyclable at the end. Reusing a container is already recycling.
Design your custom container with CUBOXO
Private buyers, businesses and public bodies: request a personalised quote and we will reply quickly by email.