Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers on buying, hiring, storing, moving and safely storing dangerous goods in shipping containers across Perth and WA. Can’t find what you need? Get in touch or call (08) 9418 8001.
Container Sales
How much does a shipping container cost in Perth?
A second-hand 20ft container in good condition typically runs from $3,200 to $3,900, and a new build 40ft high cube starts from around $5,500. Exact pricing depends on size, condition and delivery location, so we confirm the full cost, including transport, with a free quote. Get in touch and we will get a quote back to you quickly.
Do you sell new and used containers?
Yes, we sell new build containers straight from the manufacturer alongside used shipping containers that have been tested and inspected for quality and condition. New builds suit buyers who want the cleanest presentation and the longest resale life, while used containers are a more budget-friendly option that still holds up well for storage and worksite use. We can quote both side by side so you can compare.
What condition options are there?
We stock four condition grades: new build, Premium A Grade (refurbished and repainted inside and out), B Grade (good condition, wind and watertight) and As Is (wind and watertight, when available). Every container we sell, whatever the grade, is wind and watertight. Let us know what you are storing and where the container will sit, and we can recommend a grade that suits your budget.
Can I inspect a container before buying?
Yes, you are welcome to visit our Bibra Lake yard at 7 Timberyard Way and pick your own container. Seeing the exact unit before it is delivered is something our customers value, and it is part of why we can offer a complete satisfaction guarantee. Give us a call to arrange a time that suits.
What should I check before buying a used container?
Check the interior and exterior walls for chipped paint, rust spots, mould smell or light coming through gaps, then test that both doors open fully, close easily and seal tight. Every used container we sell has already been inspected for structural integrity and sealed against the elements, but it is still worth having a look yourself at the yard. We are happy to walk you through what to check when you visit.
Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?
Yes, we offer bulk pricing and discounts for trade customers. Get in touch with our team to talk through your project volume and timeline, and we will put together a quote that reflects it.
Container Hire
Do you hire as well as sell containers?
Yes, you can buy, hire or store with us, including a try-before-you-buy option where you hire a container first and purchase it later if it suits. This means you are not locked into a decision before you have actually used the container on site. Talk to our team about which path makes sense for your project.
How long can I hire a container for?
Hire is available short term or long term, for just the amount of time you need, with the option to extend if your plans change. Many customers end up hiring for longer than expected, especially during renovations or busy trading periods, and our agreements are built to flex with that. There is no need to worry about selling the container on when you no longer need it.
How fast can a hired container be delivered?
Most Perth metro deliveries are organised within 24 to 48 hours of confirming your hire, with prompt service to regional WA as well. Delivery is by tilt tray, side loader or HIAB, matched to your site access. We will talk through timing as part of your quote.
Can I switch from hire to purchase?
Yes, our try-before-you-buy option lets you use a container on hire and purchase it later if it turns out to be the right fit for your site. Just let our team know when you are ready and we will talk you through the purchase options.
What sizes and types are available for hire?
We hire out 6ft, 8ft and 10ft small containers through to 20ft and 40ft general purpose or high cube units, plus special purpose types including refrigerated, dangerous goods, flat racks, bolsters, open tops and site offices. Whatever you are storing, we can recommend a size and type that fits both your goods and your site access. Let us know what you need and we will match you with the right option.
Self Storage
Is container storage cheaper than a traditional storage unit?
Yes, container-based self storage with ABC Containers is generally around half the price of a traditional Perth self storage unit. That gap adds up quickly over a few months, which makes it a strong option for both short-term gaps and ongoing storage needs. Get in touch for a free quote and we will show you the numbers.
Can a container be delivered to my house for packing?
Yes, our mobile storage option delivers a container directly to your site so you can pack at your own pace, then we collect it and take it to secure storage at Bibra Lake. This suits anyone who would rather not load a trailer and drive across Perth. Once you are finished, just get in touch and we will arrange collection.
Is the Bibra Lake storage facility secure?
Yes, the facility is CCTV monitored with drive-in access, so you can load and unload at your own container without needing to manage security yourself. It sits in a low-crime part of Bibra Lake, and drive-in access means you are not waiting on anyone to bring your container to a loading dock. It suits both personal and business storage needs.
Can I store business stock as well as personal items?
Yes, our self storage options cover personal, commercial and industrial storage, from household boxes after a move through to business archives and industrial stock. Sizes range from 6ft up to 40ft to suit whatever you are storing. Let us know your volume and timeframe and we will recommend a size.
Is there a minimum storage term?
No, both short-term and long-term storage are available, so the arrangement can flex to suit a few weeks during a move or an ongoing business need. There is no need to commit to a facility built for only one or the other. Get in touch and we will set it up around your timeline.
Dangerous Goods Containers
What is a dangerous goods container?
A dangerous goods container is a bunded, ventilated container built to Australian Standard AS 1940-2017 for storing hazardous materials in classes 3, 6 and 8. It is not just a standard container with a warning sticker; the bunding, ventilation and signage need to be properly built in, not added as an afterthought. We build and modify these units at our Bibra Lake yard covering classes 3, 6 and 8.
What sizes are available?
Dangerous goods containers are available in 10ft, 20ft and 40ft, as new builds or as modified conversions from general purpose, high cube or pallet wide stock. The right size depends on usable internal space, bund capacity and your site’s footprint. We can talk through which size suits your volume and layout.
Do I need a certified dangerous goods unit for my site?
If you are storing hazardous materials covered by AS 1940-2017, yes, a compliant unit is required. Speak with our team about the classes and quantities involved and we will confirm exactly what your site needs.
How fast can a dangerous goods container be delivered?
Most Perth metro deliveries land within 24 to 48 hours. Build times vary by size, from around 2 days for a 10ft unit up to around 5 days for a 40ft unit, so it is worth flagging your timeline early. We will confirm delivery as part of your quote.
Can a dangerous goods container be further modified?
Yes, options include insulation, shelving, side doors, personnel access, roller doors, lighting, specialised electrical work, equipment racks and air conditioning, where your risk assessment and specification allow them. All modification work is done in-house at our Bibra Lake yard. Let us know what your site needs and we will quote the build.
Is a yellow container automatically compliant?
No, yellow paint and warning labels improve visibility, but compliance depends on the complete build and operating setup, including bunding, ventilation, access, signage, documentation and site controls. A general purpose container with a coat of paint and a sticker is not a compliant dangerous goods container. Ask us to confirm compliance in writing before you sign off on a quote.
Container Transport
How is container transport priced?
Transport charges depend on the kilometres travelled plus a fuel levy applicable at the date of delivery, along with the truck type your site needs, tilt tray, side loader or HIAB. We confirm all three factors upfront as part of your quote so there are no surprises on invoice day. Get in touch with your delivery suburb and we will work out the cost.
How quickly can a container be delivered?
Delivery is usually organised within 48 hours of your purchase or hire being confirmed for the Perth metro area. Regional WA towns including Albany, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland are all serviced too, though timing depends on distance. We will confirm your delivery window as part of the quote.
Do you service regional WA?
Yes, we deliver beyond Perth metro to regional towns including Albany, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland, as well as remote WA and interstate where needed. Pricing reflects the extra distance and fuel involved. Let us know your location and we will quote the job.
What truck is used for delivery?
We use tilt tray, side loader or HIAB trucks, matched to your container size and site access. Tilt tray suits open, level blocks with clear straight-line access, side loader suits tighter sites with fences or power lines nearby, and HIAB suits placement over a fence, kerb or into a hard-to-reach spot. We will help you work out which one your site needs before delivery day.
Is transport covered under the satisfaction guarantee?
Yes, our complete satisfaction guarantee covers the transport costs of any exchange. This takes one of the more unpredictable costs off the table if a container needs to be swapped. Ask our team for details when you get your quote.
Still Have A Question?
Get a free quote on sales, hire, self storage, transport or a dangerous goods build, or call our Bibra Lake team direct.
