Shipping Containers to Africa

The export market to Africa has been the only area of steady growth both before and after the recent recession. As with all global trade, shipping containers are the most common means to move freight, and many customers choose to buy and send their own shipping containers to Africa. In this guide we discuss some of the main reasons you may want to buy a shipping container for your export shipment to africa, and how we can help.

Reasons to buy your own shipping container to export to Africa

1. Take the container out of the port at your destination. Many ports will either make you unload the container at the port itself or they will levy a very hefty deposit to take the container out of the port – on top of hefty daily rental charges. If it’s yours then you can do what you want.
2. Sell your container for a profit at your destination. Why just sell your cargo for a profit if you can also make money from the shipping container? As containers are so versatile and relatively inexpensive they can be re-fitted at your destination for a number of uses. Many of our shippers report that there is a strong demand for re-use applications. As most major lines and leasing companies do not keep stocks of sale containers in African locations this means a shipping container purchased in the UK can often be sold on for a profit.
3. Better control of your shipment. If required your can switch between shipping line services. While not usually a consideration, this can offer greater flexibility when shipping to areas that may be subject to ‘changing ground conditions’ e.g. conflict areas or area of political instability
4. Re-use as walk-in fridge or freezer. It’s common to buy a used refrigerated shipping container, ship it to Africa with general cargo and then use it at destination as a walk in fridge or freezer.

Recommended Shipping Containers for export to Africa

Used 40ft high cube shipping containers are the most popular choice for anyone wanting to buy their own shipping containers to export goods to Africa. They cost about the same price as the standard height 40ft units but have about 12% more space inside. The extra high ceiling is also especially useful if the container is to be converted at your destination. 40ft high cubes will typically be the best value large container to buy when looking to purchase and send a shipping container to africa

Fortunately, if you need to buy a container for shipments to Africa you’ve come to the right place! With 16 depots nationwide we offer both new and used export spec (CSC plated) shipping containers from all locations with typical minimum 6 month CSC plate validity from date of purchase.

We also have a range of haulage options available across the UK, so as well as standard ‘on trailer’ export loads, we can also drop off a shipping container at your site and leave it on the ground for a period of time whilst you load it. (Subject to suitable access). We can also deliver your container to any UK port for export, although we do not offer shipping services ourselves.

Note: If you need to export your cargo to Africa – as well as a shipping container you will also need a freight forwarder and you will likely need a customs agent at destination to clear your goods through local customs (your freight forwarder may or may not offer customs services at destination).

Budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk offer the UK’s largest online range of shipping containers for sale with a nationwide network of storage and conversion yards and crane equipped delivery vehicles.

If you need a shipping container feel free to browse our online range of shipping containers for sale. You can also call us on freephone 0808 1234 215 any time 9am – 5pm weekdays and our team will be happy to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, you can use our online shipping container quote form or request a telephone callback. In both cases we aim to get back to you within 1-2 working hours (may take longer for more detailed quotes).