Absolute Containers has been supplying quality shipping containers for sale and rental throughout South Africa since 2008. A shipping container is a heavy-duty, steel unit built to ISO specifications for the safe transport and storage of goods. These containers are available in 6m and 12m sizes, in new (one-trip) and used condition, and B or C grades based on their cosmetic and structural condition.
No containers are manufactured in South Africa. What we refer to as "new" are one-trip units, containers that have completed a single voyage from an overseas factory to a South African port. These containers arrive in near-perfect condition and represent the highest quality available locally.
While both new and used shipping containers are structurally sound, choosing between the two typically comes down to how long the container has been in service, its intended use, and your budget.
| Comparison | New (One-Trip) | Used |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Minimal wear; used for a single cargo voyage from the manufacturer. | Varying condition; graded B or C based on wear, rust, and age. |
| Cost | Higher upfront investment. | More affordable; the price typically reflects the grade. |
| Availability | Subject to shipping schedules and port stock. | Generally available from depot stock. |
| Best For | Export-ready cargo and conversions. | Conversions and storage typically use B- and C-grade containers. C-grade containers are generally used for on-site storage. |
Practical, robust container solutions for storage, transport, cargo and commercial applications.
All our shipping containers for sale in South Africa are available in two primary ISO-standard sizes, with Dry Cargo and Reefer options available according to your requirements.
Standard 6m and 12m steel shipping containers for cargo, storage, logistics, conversions and commercial applications.
View Dry Cargo Specifications ↓
Mobile or static refrigerated container solutions for temperature-controlled storage applications.
View Reefer Specifications ↓
Available in 6m, 12m and 12m High Cube configurations.
| Specification | 6m (20ft Container) | 6m High Cube (20ft Container) | 12m (40ft Container) | 12m High Cube (40ft Container) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 6.096m (L) x 2.438m (W) x 2.591m (H) | 6.096m (L) x 2.438m (W) x 2.896m (H) | 12.190m (L) x 2.438m (W) x 2.591m (H) | 12.190m (L) x 2.438m (W) x 2.896m (H) |
| Internal Volume / Dimensions | 5.758m (L) x 2.352m (W) x 2.385m (H) | 5.758m (L) x 2.352m (W) x 2.650m (H) | 12.032m (L) x 2.352m (W) x 2.385m (H) | 12.032m (L) x 2.352m (W) x 2.650m (H) |
| Door | 2.28m (W) x 2.28m (H) | 2.28m (W) x 2.56m (H) | 2.28m (W) x 2.28m (H) | 2.28m (W) x 2.56m (H) |
| Tare Weight | 2,350kgs | 2,350kgs | 3,930kgs | 3,930kgs |
| Max Load | 24,250kgs | 24,250kgs | 28,800kgs | 28,800kgs |
| Common Applications | On-site offices, workshops, storage, small-scale logistics, spaza shops, small retail units and export cargo. | On-site offices, workshops, storage, small-scale logistics, spaza shops, small retail units and export cargo. | Larger storage operations, bulk logistics, accommodation units, event infrastructure, offices and export cargo. | Larger storage operations, bulk logistics, accommodation units, event infrastructure, offices and export cargo. |
Mobile or static cold storage units available in 6m and 12m configurations.
| Specification | 6m (20ft Reefer) | 12m (40ft Reefer) |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 6.096m (L) x 2.438m (W) x 2.591m (H) | 12.190m (L) x 2.438m (W) x 2.591m (H) |
| Internal Volume / Dimensions | 5.534m (L) x 2.316m (W) x 2.331m (H) | 11.563m (L) x 2.286m (W) x 2.532m (H) |
| Tare Weight | 3,030kgs | 4,360kgs |
| Max Load | 22,111kgs | 26,120kgs |
Used shipping containers for sale in South Africa are graded based on their cosmetic and structural condition. Grading systems are not standardised across all suppliers in the market. At Absolute Containers, we believe in being transparent about how our units are graded, as buyers who have dealt with inconsistent grading elsewhere deserve a supplier they can rely on.
All containers sold or rented by Absolute Containers are wind- and watertight, and we do not sell below C grade.
One-trip containers have completed a single voyage from the manufacturer and arrive with minimal wear, no significant dents, and full structural integrity. They are cargo-worthy and wind- and watertight.
Good used condition, with noticeable but moderate dents and surface rust. B-grade units are cargo-worthy, wind- and watertight, though faded paint or residual shipping-line branding may be visible. Can be exported with a CSC certificate.
Fair used condition, with more substantial dents, moderate to heavy rust, and possible patchwork repairs. C-grade containers are cargo-worthy, wind- and watertight. These units are sold as is and can be exported with a CSC certificate.
A CSC plate is a mandatory metal safety approval plate permanently fixed to a shipping container’s door. It certifies that the unit has been structurally tested, is free from major defects, and is capable of handling stacking, lifting, and sea transport.
A valid CSC plate and certificate are legally required any time a container is used for international shipping or export. At Absolute Containers, we first get the container verified and then obtain the CSC certificate, which is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
A CSC certificate is available on request and only after the container has been thoroughly inspected.
Pricing depends on the size, grade, and whether the unit is new (one-trip) or used. One-trip containers are more costly than B- or C-grade units. A 6m container is generally less expensive than a 12m unit of equivalent grade. Additional costs, such as delivery, possible modifications, or CSC certificates, will be quoted separately. Contact the team at Absolute Containers for a current, accurate price based on your specific requirements and location.
Yes, you can. As our new (one-trip) and used containers are inspected before purchase, we can arrange the CSC certificate on request. It is advisable to let our sales team know at quotation stage that you require the certificate to ensure that the specific container you are purchasing meets CSC requirements.
Yes, we service customers throughout Southern Africa, not only in Gauteng. Delivery logistics and costs will depend on your location. Get in touch with us beforehand to discuss your requirements, and we will advise accordingly.
Nesa Engineering (Pty) Ltd and Nesa Power (Pty) Ltd have rented containers from Absolute Containers for many years, and we continue to value their excellent speed and service. Whether we require rental storage containers for hire or high-quality converted containers for specialised projects, Absolute Containers has always delivered promptly and professionally. Their reliability, attention to detail, and ability to provide both standard rental units and custom converted containers make them our trusted partner in container solutions.
Speak to our team about new or used shipping containers, Dry Cargo units, Reefers, grades, delivery and CSC certification.
