Frequently asked questions about shipping containers

We deliver shipping containers to accessible sites in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany when the route, ground and unloading area suit heavy transport.

Delivery site requirements:

• Access: Allow at least 3.55 metres of clear passage width and enough room to manoeuvre.
• Ground: The route and unloading area must be level, firm and suitable for heavy vehicles.
• Placement: Allow about 5 metres of working width for the self-unloading crane truck and keep trees, cables and other obstacles clear.

Placement near a fence, ditch or other obstacle requires advance assessment. Send photos and dimensions so we can check reach, ground conditions and safety.

Yes, collection is available by appointment at our Rotterdam depot.

• A passenger car and trailer are only possible after an advance assessment of dimensions, weight, load and safety.
• The depot may refuse loading if the vehicle or combination is unsuitable or unsafe.
• Confirm the appointment in advance and bring the confirmed container release document.

Delivery rates are calculated automatically based on your destination postcode and container model. Use our online transport calculator on product pages or in the menu to check rates.

Displayed delivery costs exclude VAT. Shopify calculates the applicable VAT at checkout using the delivery country and customer details.

Our default delivery method is a self-unloading truck-mounted crane. We use a sideloader only when it is faster and the access route, ground and space directly beside the truck make it safe and feasible.

We confirm the exact method and placement options during transport planning. If unsure, send photos and dimensions of the access route and unloading area in advance.

Shipping container prices fluctuate according to global steel prices, fuel surcharges, international demand, and EUR/USD exchange rates. We never alter prices based on user browsing history.

Full payment is required prior to delivery or depot release. Transport dispatch is scheduled immediately once payment is received.

You will receive your tax invoice via email on the morning following your order and payment. Invoices are issued under our registered company name Know How Trading B.V.

You can complete payment via iDEAL or direct Bank Transfer (pre-payment invoice).

The website displays prices excluding VAT. Shopify calculates the applicable VAT at checkout using the delivery country and customer details. The final VAT amount appears in the order summary and on the invoice.

If you choose bank transfer, transport dispatch will occur after funds settle on our bank account. For urgent orders, we recommend paying via iDEAL.

Delivery conditions are displayed during checkout and can be reviewed prior to placing your order.

No, we operate strictly on a pre-payment basis to eliminate credit risk and maintain the lowest possible container prices for all customers.

Yes. Zeecontainer Discounter is an official trading name of Know How Trading B.V. All official invoices and bank details are registered under Know How Trading B.V.

Used containers have typically spent years in international transport. We select them for the stated application. When you request CSC, we inspect the allocated unit before sale and supply it with twelve months' CSC validity.

Dents, scratches, surface rust and repainted logos are normal signs of use. Choose photo selection when appearance matters.

New containers ('One-Way' or 'First Trip') are newly manufactured and normally make one cargo journey to Europe, so minor handling marks can occur. Our new containers have initial CSC validity for five years from their production date. We confirm the allocated unit's production date when CSC is required for your use.

Yes. The container is newly built in the factory and utilized for a single cargo transit to Europe to avoid empty sea shipping emissions and costs.

CSC stands for the Convention for Safe Containers. A valid CSC marking is relevant when a container is used in international transport; its current status is specific to the container and intended use.

Tell us before ordering when you need CSC. New containers have five years' CSC validity from their production date. We inspect used containers before sale and supply them with twelve months' CSC validity when requested. CSC is usually not required for static storage.

New containers: One-way condition, limited handling marks and a long useful life.

Used containers: Lower-priced and selected for the stated application, with visible cosmetic wear. Check each product for its grade, CSC status and included options.

The included lock provision varies by model. Check the product page or quote: a lockbox is often included with new containers, and is included with used containers only when explicitly listed or added as an option.

For new containers, you can choose from select RAL shades (such as RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey or RAL 5010 Gentian Blue). Used container colors depend on current depot stock.

Yes. You can select the 'Pre-delivery photo selection' option during checkout to review and approve photos of your assigned container before transport dispatches.

Depots are restricted industrial sites. Unannounced visits are not permitted for safety reasons. Inspection appointments can be scheduled upon request.

Our website lists fixed competitive prices for individual units. For multi-container orders, custom bulk quotations can be requested through our sales team.

If you buy a standard container online as a consumer, you generally have fourteen days after delivery to withdraw from the contract. This statutory right does not apply to business purchases.

We charge no return or handling fee for an eligible return. We refund the product price and standard outbound delivery charge. You pay the transport back to our depot. If the container remains at its original delivery address, we estimate this at the same amount as the outbound delivery charge. If it has moved, we calculate transport from its new location.

The withdrawal right does not apply to a container made to your individual specifications or clearly personalised. Selecting only from standard pre-set options does not automatically make a product bespoke. An available RAL colour from stock is a standard option. Adding a modification to repaint the container in a different colour is custom work. We may deduct depreciation caused by use beyond inspection or by damage. Contact us before arranging return transport.

From five years after purchase, you can submit a written request for a buyback proposal. Buyback is not automatic and no amount is guaranteed in advance. See the buyback page for the current process, assessment criteria and conditions.