Shipping containers versus modular containers – how do they differ and which one should you choose?
The terms ‘shipping container’ and ‘modular container’ are sometimes used interchangeably, although they refer to two different products with distinct designs and purposes. A shipping container is used to transport goods by sea and land, whilst a modular container is designed for human use – as an office, staff facilities, temporary accommodation or a service point. The choice between them depends on what the space is actually intended to be used for. This guide explains the differences in design, dimensions, costs and applications of both types of containers. This will help you decide which solution best suits your specific needs and understand why a modular container is better suited to most practical applications.
What is a shipping container? Construction and purpose
A shipping container is a standardised transport unit made of Corten steel, which is resistant to corrosion and mechanical stress. Its design complies with ISO standards, which specify the dimensions, strength and method of securing the container, enabling it to be loaded onto ships, railway wagons and lorries at any port in the world. Sturdy corner fittings and a rigid frame allow containers loaded with goods to be stacked.
This durability comes at a cost in terms of usability. The steel walls of a shipping container have no thermal or acoustic insulation. The interior overheats in summer, becomes cold in winter, and moisture condenses on the walls. Converting such a container into a usable space requires insulation, the fitting of windows and doors, the installation of electrical wiring and interior finishing, all of which incur additional costs and take time.
Shipping container dimensions – 20 and 40 feet
The most common sizes of shipping containers are 20-foot and 40-foot units. A 20-foot container has external dimensions of 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m, whilst a 40-foot container measures 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m. The internal width of just under 2.35 m is determined by the thickness of the steel walls and is a fixed value for both sizes.
A High Cube (HC) version is also available, with an external height of up to 2.90 m. These extra 30 cm of internal height are important when converting the container into a living space, as a standard container offers limited headroom once the floor and ceiling have been insulated.
How much does a shipping container cost? Prices for new and used containers
The price of a shipping container depends on its condition, size and where it is purchased. Used containers, after many years of service in transport, are cheaper but show signs of wear and tear – dents, patches of corrosion, worn seals. New containers or those used only once (so-called ‘one-trip’ containers) cost more, but are usually in much better technical condition.
The purchase price must be supplemented by transport costs, which can be significant given the container’s dimensions, as well as the costs of conversion if the container is to serve a purpose other than storage. The sum of these costs means that a seemingly cheap shipping container ceases to be cost-effective when space is needed for people to work or stay in.
What is a modular container?
A modular container is a structure designed from the ground up as a usable space. Its construction is based on a steel frame with insulation in the walls, floor and roof, ensuring thermal comfort all year round. The modules are fitted with windows, doors, electrical wiring, heating and, where required, plumbing and water supply systems.
A key feature of modular containers is their ability to be joined together. Individual modules are arranged in horizontal and vertical configurations to form larger buildings – office complexes, staff facilities or multi-storey structures. As standard, Algeco constructs modular structures with a maximum of three storeys (although there are exceptions with four storeys), and the quality of production is confirmed by ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certificates.
How does a modular container differ from a shipping container?
As already mentioned, the fundamental difference lies in their intended use. A shipping container is used for the transport and storage of goods, whilst a modular container is intended for human occupation. This results in differences in insulation, finish and fittings. A standard Algeco module measures 6055 × 2435 × 2790 mm and is supplied ready for immediate use, whereas a shipping container requires adaptation.
A modular container also offers greater financial flexibility. Algeco offers modules for both sale and hire, allowing you to tailor the acquisition method to the duration of the project. In the case of a shipping container, purchase is the norm, and the subsequent resale of a used unit is carried out at a discount.
Comparison: shipping container vs. modular unit – table
|
Feature |
Shipping container |
Modular container |
|
Intended use |
Transport and storage |
Usable space for people |
|
Thermal insulation |
None (requires additional insulation) |
Fitted as standard |
|
Gotowość do użytku |
Wymaga adaptacji |
Gotowy po montażu |
|
External dimensions (20') |
6,06 × 2,44 × 2,59 m |
ok. 6,06 × 2,44 × 2,79 m |
|
Combining into larger structures |
Limited |
Full modularity, up to 3–4 storeys |
|
Method of acquisition |
Usually bought |
Rental or buying |
|
Installations (electricity, heating) |
To be done |
As standard or as an option |
What are shipping containers and modular containers used for?
A shipping container is ideal where durability and weather resistance are key, whilst interior comfort is of little importance. It is a good solution for storing tools, stocking building materials or providing secure storage for equipment on a building site. In these applications, the lack of insulation is not a problem, and the robust steel structure ensures the safety of the contents.
A modular container is the right choice wherever people are present. Offices, changing rooms, canteens, toilets, service points and temporary accommodation require thermal comfort, lighting and fittings which a shipping container cannot provide without costly adaptation.
Office, construction site, service point – which container should you choose?
For a temporary office, construction site facilities or a customer service point, a modular container is definitely the better option. It is ready for use from the very first day after assembly, provides suitable working conditions and can be fitted out according to your needs. Algeco’s industrial and welfare containers are available in sizes ranging from around 3 m² (compact site huts) to full-size modules of 15–18 m².
A shipping container is worth considering only as a supplement – for example, as a storeroom on a building site where the main facilities consist of staff and office modules. In practice, both types can operate side by side, each fulfilling its own role.
What should you know before making a decision?
Before choosing a container, it is worth determining how long it will be used for and what its specific purpose will be. A short-term project with a focus on practical functionality makes it sensible to hire modular containers, as this eliminates the need to purchase and subsequently dispose of the equipment. A long-term investment may justify purchasing the modules outright.
The total cost is also important, not just the purchase price. A cheap shipping container, once transport and fitting-out costs are added, often turns out to be more expensive than a ready-made module. It is also worth taking operating costs into account – an uninsulated shipping container results in high heating and cooling bills if people are staying inside it. Algeco does not offer shipping containers, focusing instead on modular solutions designed for practical use.
FAQ – Shipping containers versus modular containers
Is a shipping container suitable for use as an office?
A shipping container can be converted into an office, but this requires insulating the walls, floor and roof, fitting windows and doors, and installing electrical and heating systems. The cost and time involved in such a conversion mean that a modular container is a better option for a temporary office, as it is ready for use once assembled and provides standard thermal comfort.
What are the dimensions of a 20-foot and 40-foot shipping container?
A 20-foot shipping container has external dimensions of 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m, whilst a 40-foot container measures 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m. In the High Cube version, the external height of both sizes increases to 2.90 m. The internal dimensions are smaller due to the thickness of the steel walls.
How much does a second-hand shipping container cost?
The price of a second-hand shipping container depends on its technical condition, size and location. Units that have been in service for many years are cheaper but show signs of wear and tear. Transport costs and any adaptation costs must be added to the purchase price if the container is to be put to practical use.
How does a shipping container differ from a modular container?
A shipping container is used for the transport and storage of goods; it is made of steel without insulation and requires adaptation for practical use. A modular container is designed as a space for people – it has built-in insulation and services and is ready for use once assembled. Modules can also be combined to form larger, multi-storey structures.
Can shipping containers and modular units be combined?
In practice, both types can operate on the same site, fulfilling different roles – modules as utility facilities, and shipping containers as storage. However, directly joining a shipping container to a modular container is rare, as they differ in design and purpose. Full modularity – that is, joining them to form larger buildings – is provided by modular containers.