Shipping Containers for Agriculture: A Farmer's Guide

Cleveland Containers supplies shipping containers for agricultural use across the UK, available for hire or purchase from 20+ depot locations nationwide.

Farmers and landowners use containers for secure on-farm storage, COSHH-compliant chemical storage, seasonal equipment storage, and machinery protection. 

This guide covers the main use cases, what to consider when choosing a container for agricultural use, and how delivery works on rural and remote sites.

How Farmers Use Shipping Containers

Shipping containers suit agricultural environments because they are robust, weatherproof, relocatable, and available in a range of sizes. The main on-farm uses are:

• Feed and crop storage. Dry, secure containers protect animal feed, seed, and harvested crops from weather, pests, and theft. Standard containers from 10ft to 40ft are used depending on volume requirements and available space.
• Machinery and tool storage. Containers provide secure overnight and off-season storage for hand tools, small machinery, parts, and equipment that would otherwise be exposed to weather or left unsecured.
• COSHH chemical storage. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, and fuels require compliant storage on farm sites. Purpose-built chemical storage containers with bunded flooring, ventilation, and hazard signage meet these requirements. Covered in more detail in the section below.
• Seasonal storage. Containers are well suited to farms with fluctuating storage needs across the year. Units can be hired for peak seasons and returned when no longer needed, or purchased for permanent on-site use.
• Equipment and vehicle shelter. Larger containers, including 40ft and 45ft units, provide covered storage for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), trailers, and agricultural implements where a permanent building is not practical.
• Site security. A lockable steel container on a farm boundary or access point provides secure storage and acts as a deterrent. All new (one trip) container units include a lockbox as standard.
  

COSHH Chemical Storage on Farms

Farms handling pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, and fuels are required to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). Adequate storage is a core part of meeting that obligation. Chemicals stored incorrectly risk environmental contamination, regulatory breaches, and harm to farm workers.

A COSHH-compliant storage unit for agricultural use requires bunded flooring to contain spills, ventilation to prevent dangerous fume build-up, secure access to restrict unauthorised entry, and appropriate hazard signage.

Cleveland Containers converted a 20ft side opening container into a chemical storage unit for a farm in Birmingham. The unit was fitted with bunded flooring and a drain valve, aluminium louvre vents, lighting, heating, sockets, heavy-duty shelving along one long side, and Grafo-Therm anti-condensation coating on the roof. The side opening configuration gave full-length access along one side, making it practical to load and unload chemicals safely. See the full agricultural chemical storage case study.

Chemical storage containers are available from Cleveland Containers in standard 8ft units for hire or sale, with bespoke options in larger sizes. Flat pack COSHH units are also available for sites where vehicle access is limited. 

For a full guide to COSHH storage requirements, see the COSHH Storage: A Complete Guide for UK Businesses.

What Size Container Do Farmers Typically Use?

The right size depends on what is being stored, how much space is available on the farm, and whether the container will be a permanent fixture or moved between locations.

• 10ft containers suit compact storage needs: hand tools, small equipment, chemicals, or seasonal supplies where a larger unit would take up too much yard space.
• 20ft containers are the most commonly hired and purchased size for agricultural use. They hold up to 10 standard pallets and suit the majority of on-farm storage applications, from feed and seed through to tools, parts, and chemicals.
• 40ft containers are used where higher volume storage is needed: bulk feed, large equipment, or farms running multiple storage functions from a single unit. A 40ft container holds up to 20 standard pallets.
• 45ft containers are the largest size Cleveland Containers stocks. They suit farms with bulk storage requirements or operations needing maximum internal volume.

For farms where standard end-door access is not practical, side opening containers provide full-length access along one side, making them well suited to loading and unloading bulky or heavy items. For full dimensions across every size, see dimensions page.

Getting a Container Delivered to a Farm or Rural Site

Cleveland Containers delivers from 20+ depot locations across the UK, including coverage for rural and remote sites. Most containers are delivered by HIAB lorry, which can lift and position a container precisely on site without additional equipment. HIAB delivery typically requires reasonable vehicle access and a stable, level surface.

Rural and agricultural sites present specific delivery considerations:

• Track and lane access. Farm tracks and narrow lanes may restrict the turning circle or overhead clearance needed for a HIAB lorry. Discuss access specifics with the Cleveland Containers team before ordering.
• Ground conditions. Soft ground, mud, or uneven surfaces can prevent safe delivery or the doors from opening and closing. The ground where the container will be placed needs to be firm and level. See the Cleveland Containers delivery guide for full site preparation guidance.
• Flat pack containers. For sites where HIAB access is not possible, flat pack containers arrive as individual panels that can be carried through restricted access routes and assembled on site without lifting equipment.

If you are unsure whether your site can accommodate standard delivery, contact the Cleveland Containers team before placing an order.

Hire or Buy a Container for Agricultural Use?

Both options are available from Cleveland Containers, and the right choice depends on how long the container is needed and how frequently requirements change.

Hire

Hire suits farms with seasonal or short-term storage needs: additional capacity during harvest, temporary storage during a building project, or cover while a permanent solution is arranged. Containers can be collected at the end of the hire period.

Buy

Buying suits farmers that need permanent on-site storage or want to invest in a modified unit built to a specific requirement, such as a COSHH chemical store or a fitted workshop. Finance options may be available on purchases. Speak to the Cleveland Containers team to discuss eligibility and terms, or see the finance page for details.

For a fuller comparison of both options, see the buy vs hire guide.

Container self storage for farm diversification

For farmers and landowners with unused land, container self storage can create an additional revenue stream alongside the core farming business.

Shipping containers provide secure, flexible storage for local customers, tradespeople and businesses, with units added gradually as demand grows.

This makes it a practical diversification option for farms with suitable access, hardstanding and available space. Cleveland Containers also provides guidance on farm diversification and BOX+ support for landowners entering the self storage market.