Frequently asked questions

A used 20-foot container starts from €1,400, and a new one (One-Trip) from €2,400. A 40HC container costs from €1,650 used and from €3,100 new. Prices exclude VAT and delivery. The exact price depends on the container’s condition, year of manufacture, colour and order volume.

“New” on the shipping-container market means One-Trip — a container that has made a single voyage from the factory in Asia to Europe. It is practically unworn, with clean paintwork and no corrosion. A used container has served 8–15 years at sea: it may have dents, rust spots and signs of repair, but it remains watertight and suitable for storage.

These are designations of a container’s technical condition. IICL — the highest used-container category, meeting international leasing standards, with minimal wear. CW (Cargo Worthy) — fit for carrying cargo by sea, with a valid CSC plate. As Is — sold in its current condition; usually suitable for storage, but not for sea transport.

Yes. All containers are located at our terminal in Riga, Kundziņsala, 2nd line 5. Contact us in advance on +371 26 959 689 and we will arrange a viewing time. You can inspect the containers in person, and also receive additional photographs via WhatsApp.

Yes. 4WARD SIA is a VAT payer (LV40103602645); we issue a VAT invoice and work by bank transfer. For EU businesses with a valid VAT number, reverse-charge VAT is possible in accordance with legislation.

Yes, subject to availability. Renting is worthwhile for short-term projects — a construction site, seasonal storage or a relocation period. For long-term needs, buying usually pays off sooner. Get in touch and we will calculate both options.

The delivery price depends on the distance and the size of the container. Within Riga and its immediate surroundings, delivery is usually the cheapest, while for the regions the price is calculated by distance. We quote the exact delivery price together with the container offer — send us the address and we will work it out.

We deliver the container using a lorry equipped with a crane arm (manipulator) or cables, which places it directly onto the prepared spot. A 20-foot container can in most cases be unloaded with a crane arm. A 40-foot container requires clearer access and larger equipment. It is important that the access road is wide enough and has a firm surface.

A crane-arm lorry needs an access road roughly 3.5 m wide and clear space to set the container down, with no power lines or tree branches overhead. Delivering a 40-foot container practically requires a straight access road at least 20 m long. If access is difficult, send us a photo or the location and we will assess it in advance.

A conventional foundation is not needed. A level, stable surface with support at the four corners is enough — concrete blocks, slabs or a gravel base. The main thing is that the container stands level and does not touch the ground around its whole perimeter: this provides ventilation, prevents corrosion forming underneath, and allows the doors to open properly.

For temporary storage on your own property, a building permit is usually not required, as a container is not considered a permanent structure. However, if you intend to convert the container into living or office space, connect utilities or install it long-term, the requirements are set by the building authority of the particular municipality. We recommend checking with your local municipality before ordering.

20DC external dimensions: 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm, internal volume approximately 33 m³. 40DC: 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm, approximately 67 m³. The 40HC (High Cube) is 30 cm taller — 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm, approximately 76 m³. A High Cube is advantageous if insulation is planned: after fitting-out, a full ceiling height remains.

Yes. A shipping container is designed for ocean transport, so it withstands rain, snow and wind. The doors have rubber seals, and the body is made of Corten steel, which is corrosion-resistant. We check the seal before sale. The only thing to bear in mind is condensation: in an enclosed metal space, moisture can form due to temperature fluctuations, so for storage we recommend ventilation grilles.

A CSC plate is a container’s safety certificate under the international convention. It confirms that the container has been inspected and is fit for carrying cargo. A valid CSC plate is mandatory if the container is to be used for sea or international transport. If the container is bought solely for storage on site, a CSC is not mandatory.

Yes, a container is convenient to convert. Most often it is insulated with polyurethane foam or mineral wool, with windows and doors cut in and electricity run to it. The structure is load-bearing, so where larger openings are cut, reinforcement must be left in place. For conversions, a 40HC is most often chosen — after insulation, a comfortable ceiling height is retained.

On land, away from the aggressive marine environment, a quality container lasts 20–30 years or more. The key condition is correct installation on supports so that there is ventilation underneath, and timely touching-up of the paintwork on damaged areas. Corten steel itself forms a protective oxide layer that slows corrosion.

The difference is in the height. The standard height of a DC (Dry Cube) is 2,591 mm, and of an HC (High Cube) 2,896 mm — about 30 cm more. The width and length are identical. An HC is more advantageous for bulky but lightweight cargo and for conversions where internal height matters.

In most cases, yes. A container arrives ready to use — no construction work, foundations, roofing or several weeks of labour are needed. It can be locked immediately, it withstands the weather, and if necessary it can be moved to another location or resold, retaining much of its value. A wooden shed does not offer this.

Yes, a container is one of the safest ways to store things: a steel body, lockable doors and protection from the weather. When storing moisture-sensitive items — furniture, electronics, documents — we recommend fitting ventilation grilles or using moisture absorbers to avoid condensation.

Yes. This is one of the container’s main advantages over a fixed structure. A container can be lifted with a crane arm and transported to a new location. If the container has been converted and connected to utilities, these must be disconnected before moving, and the structural strength checked.