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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have questions?
We have the answers!

With over 30 years experience, the team at Phoenix Containers are your local experts who know everything there is to know about shipping containers.

What Does GP And HC Mean?

GP and HC refer to the height of the container, all other dimensions are the same except the height.
GP= General Purpose. 8ft6′ / 2.6m in height.
HC= High Cube. 9ft6′ / 2.9m in height.

How Do I Pay For My Shipping Container?

We accept credit card payments or EFT. Payment is required prior to delivery.

How Does A Shipping Container Get Delivered?

We have a dynamic fleet of trucks available for delivery. We can arrange via tilt tray, sideloader, hiab (crane truck) and flat beds. Whatever means suits you best.

Is There Lock In Contracts For Hiring A Shipping Container?

In most cases we only have a minimum of 30 day hire. This may vary on some specialised equipment but this will be stated at the time. Once the minimum period has elapsed you are free dehire the shipping container or keep as long as you like with no lock in obligations.

When Do I Get Charged For My Container Hire?

The initial invoice will consist of both delivery and collection freight charges, plus the hire fee to the end of the following month. Every invoice thereafter, should you still have the container on hire will be generated monthly in advance.

How Much Weight Can I Put Inside A Sea Container?

Typically 20ft and 40ft containers take the same amount of gross weight, what varies is the tare weight of the container which will affect the payload weight.
20ft- Max Gross Weight 30,480 kg’s Tare 2200 kg’s…therefore you can put in 28,280 kg’s.
40ft- Max Gross Weight 30,480 kg’s Tare 3,980 kg’s…therefore you can put in 26,500 kg’s.
*Weights are estimates only as containers may vary in weight depending on time of manufacture

How Much Do Empty Shipping Containers Weigh?

Weights do vary slightly from different manufacturers, but minimal. A great rule of thumb for the weight of empty general containers is;
20ft = 2200 kg’s.
40ft = 3,980 kg’s

What Are Sea Container Floor And Bases Made Of?

Typically, most shipping containers have a treated timber 28mm ply floor. The ply is attached to steel C-channel cross members that run horizontally every 300mm the full length of the container. The underside of the container, when manufactured, is sprayed with a bitumen tar finish to seal. There are cases, in specialised shipping containers or offshore containers designed for the oil and gas industry that the floor will be steel not treated timber, however the steel C-channel cross members are still used.

What Is The Opening Door Size Of A Shipping Container?

It is very important to note the opening size of the container doors, as this is the smallest width and height, many people aren’t aware of this and find themselves with goods that will not fit through the doors. Door openings below.
General Purpose Container – Door Height 2280mm | Door Width 2335mm
High Cube Container – Door Height 2580mm | Door Width 2335

Are Shipping Container Doors Hard To Use?

No they are not. However, there is a certain way of using them. Start by opening the right hand door (as you look at it front on) first. This overlaps the left so this one must be opened first. It’s the opposite when closing. The left hand door must be closed and locked fully before being able to close and lock the right hand door.
It is also imperative that the container is level, if the container isn’t we call this ‘racking’. ‘Racking’ is when the container is not level and doors move slightly within the frame making them very difficult to open and close.

What Is The Temperature Range Of A Refrigerated Shipping Container?

Standard refrigerated containers have a range from -25° up to +25°.
We do carry specialised equipment which have a larger temperature range, please contact one of our staff for further details.

Is It Best To Place My Shipping Container On Level Ground?

Absolutely. We advise putting containers on footings. Examples of footings are concrete blocks, bricks or timber sleepers. Please ask us about our range of footings available. The benefits of footings include but are not limited to-

• Airflow beneath the container. This helps reduce the condensation below the container floor (usually timber) coming off the ground when the temperature fluctuates. Giving the timber floor a longer life span.

• Reduces the risk of ‘racking’- ‘Racking’ is when the container is not level and doors move slightly within the frame making them very difficult to open and close.

Can I Come And View The Containers Before I Buy?

Absolutely, just give us a call to arrange a viewing time.