FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

By appointment, you are welcome to come along to our headquarters in Suffolk, to meet our knowledgeable team and discuss your accommodation and storage requirements face to face. One of the benefits of dealing with Och Metals is that unlike most companies, we hold large stocks of both hire and sales cabins, containers and flat packs. We are not based at a port, so as long as it’s safe to do so, we can even let you select your own cabins and containers from our stock. If you would like to physically view the containers, please make sure that you wear strong walking-type boots to comply with health and safety requirements.

The best place to browse detailed product information is ochmetals.com where you can look at different hire and sales products and find lots of useful information. When you find items that you like, add them to your card and then order the sale products online. For hire items, you can also order online or place an enquiry.

We require a written order for both hire and sales purchases, usually by email and if you have already received a quotation, please use the reference when ordering. The quickest way is to purchase directly is through the website (24/7), where you can add items to your shopping cart in the usual way and check out. We can also take your order verbally as long as you follow this up straightaway with email confirmation. For orders involving detailed conversion work, we will require you to send back a signed copy of the agreed CAD drawing detailing all the planned works.

As with any online shopping, we require payment in advance for all purchases. For new hire customers and subject to a credit search, we usually require payment in advance for the delivery and collection costs in addition to the first four weeks’ hire. Once we have a satisfactory payment history and credit rating, you can ask us for a 30-day account. If you are a large business, depending on your credit score we may be able to set up an account straightaway. Please discuss payment options with your Sales Advisor or directly with info@swiftpups.com

We accept payment by bank transfer or for debit and credit card payments, with the exception of American Express, we will send you a link to Sage Pay. All you need to do is to follow the link and enter all your personal and card details. For security and data protection reasons we do not take payment by credit card over the telephone. Credit accounts must be paid within 30 days and we can accept bank transfer, debit or credit card, Paypal or cheque.

We can obtain a lot of information about access over the telephone and using Google mapping; if we are still not sure, then we will undertake a site visit. The main things that cause us problems are weak or low bridges, overhanging branches and trees, underground services and man holes, overhead cables and electrics and restricted entrances less than 10ft (3m) wide, especially if they are not in a straight-line.

We offer a survey service, the cost of which will, in most cases, be refunded if you proceed with the quotation.

Delivery cost is affected by the size and number of units being delivered to a single location, how quickly you need the units and if you are flexible with the delivery date and time. Basically the more time and notice you give us, the greater the chance that you will receive your delivery exactly when you need it at the best possible delivery rate. We are usually booking transport at least three to five days ahead, but at peak times this can be longer.

We are not normally able to leave made-up ground, tracks or roads, as our lorries have a very high front axle weight as a result of the heavy crane just behind the cab. Please contact us to discuss your requirements so that we can find a solution.

Our drivers carry all health and safety, training and inspection certificates with them in the lorry and they also have a generic risk assessment suitable for most standard delivery operations. Please let our Business Development Advisor know beforehand if you know of any site restrictions or special requirements such as traffic plans, weak or low bridges or obstructions so that we can manage these. Unless otherwise instructed, our drivers will report to the Site Manager on arrival to agree a plan before starting work. Och Metals is ISO 9001:2017 and CHAS and Safe Contractor accredited so you can be confident that you are dealing with a responsible and careful business. For more information please refer to health and safety or discuss this with us to avoid unnecessary delays or costs on arrival.

We do not make any electricity, water or waste connections; it is your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements with a suitably qualified person. For sites which do not have access to water we can supply bowsers and booster pumps, where there is no mains sewage or underground septic tank you will need our waste tank and emptying service and for sites without electrics, we can arrange for a generator . If you do not have any services then you probably need a static or towable welfare unit . Please ask us for further details.

All our hire units fall outside building regulations, as they are below the required size. Please see details at MPBA-EPC Building Control Modular and Portable Guidance February 2011. However some of the larger units and most of the modular buildings that we sell require building regulations and although we can provide basic information, you will need to check with your local planning authority as it’s a complex area with rules varying from site to site and what the building is being used for.

If the unit is being used as part of a construction project on a temporary basis then it is not normally necessary to have planning permission. However if you have any doubt, it’s your responsibility to check with the relevant planning authorities (usually your local council) which is responsible for your area. Regional rules vary so please do not assume that because the container is portable, that you do not require planning permission.

Most of our units are designed to be supported on the four corners; hire units do not come with jacklegs as standard (although we can fit these to hire steel cabins for a small weekly charge). We normally level up units on the corners by using pre-cut wooden shims that our drivers keep in stock on the lorry. For individual units hard standing is usually sufficient and our drivers carry enough wood to level up a cabin with a 300mm fall over its whole length for example over a kerbside. We can double stack units on smooth level concrete or tarmac. For units placed on soft surfaces and especially for double stacked units you will need to provide additional purpose-built foundation pads. Requirements vary significantly between sites, products and uses, so please be sure to discuss this with our Business Development team who will arrange a site visit to advise if necessary.

One trip’ containers are manufactured in China and have been used to bring cargo into the country on a single journey from China to Europe, i.e. ‘one trip’. These containers are built to exacting ISO standards but are much cheaper than a container built in Europe. ‘One trip’ containers are the standard ‘new’ container supplied in Europe.

Used containers have normally been in service with the shipping lines for a longer period of time rather than just ‘one trip’. Typically Grade A containers will have been used for less than eight years and/ or maintained to a high standard. Standard used or wind and watertight containers  have been used by the shipping lines for around 10-15 years. Structurally sound but showing signs of age, they are the most cost-effective form of container storage.

The life expectancy of a container will depend on its condition at the point of sale. A a ‘one trip’ container with careful use and regular maintenance, such as painting and servicing, can provide 20-25 years of service. A used container is sold wind and watertight and would have a much lower life expectancy which is also affected by local climatic conditions.

Our standard ‘one trip’ containers are usually available in Dark Blue RAL5013 but we also stock some containers in Mid Blue RAL5010 and Dark Green RAL 6007. Used containers are in the colour of the original shipping line and usually have large decals (stickers) on the side. If you have a special paint requirement we can repaint the container in any RAL colour of your choice, or we can repaint in two pack painting systems in order to reduce the paint maintenance required.

All shipping containers have baffled vents to let air in and keep water out. Any steel box has a risk of condensation. The air in the container warms up during the day and moisture in the surroundings is released as vapour becomes water droplets when the temperature falls again (normally overnight).

From our experience ‘one trip’ containers are not significantly affected by condensation, but this can depend on their location. If the items you store are likely to be affected by condensation then we suggest you choose a ‘one trip’ container and ask us to quote for a grafotherm coating to the ceiling of the container which will help to eliminate droplets forming on the ceiling. Either way we recommend that you undertake regular inspections to monitor conditions and also to refresh the air inside.

If you experience problems we can either supply container desiccant to absorb the moisture or fit more vents to remove excess moisture. In extreme circumstances our container conversion division can line out and insulate the containers with rockwool and plywood or spray insulate the whole of the inside of the container, but this is only necessary in unusual climatic situations.

‘One trip’ containers normally smell like new, just like walking into a timber yard. Used containers which have carried many different items in their life can have a slight nose. If a smell is likely to cause a problem please let us know when you place your order and we will select a suitable container.

The delivery charge depends on the type and size of container you are buying and your location. We will provide a fixed quote for your container including delivery.

If you are looking to sell a container we do buy back containers of all types and sizes, whether or not it was supplied by us. Please email photos, together with a description of the condition, details of any damage, site postcode, and whether the doors operate correctly. With this information we can normally offer you a price to collect and remove the container over the telephone, although in some circumstances we might need to carry out a site visit as the offer is subject to access, condition and location.

If you would like doors and windows, please speak to our container conversions team or email info@swiftpups.com

Some people find this more difficult than others, but please ask about our easy-opening doors which are usually available from stock.

Our ‘one trip’ containers come complete with a factory-fitted lockbox and we can supply a padlock to fit inside. If you are buying a used container, we can fit lockboxes as an optional extra.

We are one of very few companies that hire flatpack cabins and hire flatpack containers.

Chemicals and liquids can be stored safely in a bunded flat pack container from our bunded range.

It depends on the size and type of container, but typically one to two hours for a flat pack container and two to three hours for a flat pack cabin with two to four people. Please refer to the assembly instructions for the relevant product.

You will need a 13mm and 19mm socket and spanner, as well as a PZ2 screwdriver and minimum five tread stepladder.

The pack can be broken down and each component lifted by hand. The floor and roof sections are the heaviest part and will need at least four to six strong people to lift it.

In a pack, craned off our lorry as near as possible to the delivery site.

This is because the portable and transportable nature of the cabins means that they need to be tested more frequently than a fixed building. In any case it is your responsibility to retest the cabin after delivery and then decide a suitable inspection frequency after that depending on how you are using it.

All portable units with electrics are tested by a qualified electrician prior to delivery or when manufactured new. However during the transportation process it is possible that electrical components might become disturbed, so it is you and your connecting electrician’s responsibility to retest the cabin on delivery.

We cover all basic maintenance, for example if an electrical item breaks we will replace it, or if the unit develops a leak we will repair it. We will repair any requested items but will have to charge for damage caused by: misuse, vandalism, power surges or damage caused to water heaters due to interrupted water supply, overtightening of water heater taps (which are designed to trip as required), or damage to convection heaters caused by clothes or gloves being placed directly onto them. We do not redecorate units on site and on-going inspections are the responsibility of the hirer.

Many of our customers choose to hire, especially if they are not sure how long they will need the container. We undertake any maintenance issues and offer competitive hire rates with personal customer service and professional peace of mind invoicing. Our minimum hire period is only four weeks.

We usually keep spares for our hire units and can send additional copies out for a small charge. If you need a same day key delivery service then the best solution is to check first and then pick up the keys from our head office. If you require us to deliver same day, we will do our best to keep the cost to a minimum but if a special trip is needed, deliveries will be charged at our standard hourly rate. For sold units we do not keep any spare keys so if you are locked out, you may need our team to remove and refit the lock.

All standard hire units are normally painted Dark Blue RAL5013 or White RAL9003 and the higher specification ECO units are usually painted Green. If you need hire units painted in corporate colours then we can quote you the cost which will be the cost of painting in your colours and then painting back to standard colours at the end of the hire.

On the hire quote we will indicate the furniture that is included. As standard we quote for furniture suitable for project management uses to reflect the fact that most hire units are used in building or construction in some way. If you are looking to create more of a more luxurious environment then please let us know – we can also sell or hire top grade furniture.

For an overview of sizes see our container dimensions page. For detailed measurements, weights and capacities for specific containers please refer to the specification tab on each of the product pages. If you cannot find a container that meets your needs please have a look at shipping container conversions where we can modify containers to meet your needs.

Depending on complexity, once the final drawings are agreed, typical build time is between two and ten weeks. We cannot agree an exact date until you actually place an order and we raise a proforma invoice which would need to be paid by return to guarantee the agreed date.

By prior appointment, you are welcome to come along to our Belgian headquarters and see how your container conversion is progressing. You will need to wear protective clothing and time in the workshop will be limited as otherwise it could affect our works programme.

We can clad the external walls of the container with either timber or UPVC to suit your needs.

Any configuration of windows or doors may be fitted, from simple glazed panels to full side opening bi-folding doors.

We offer a full 12 month guarantee.

Any groundworks would need to be completed prior to delivery. For more complicated conversions such as stacked or extremely heavy units, you may even need a ground survey to ensure that the loads would be supported sufficiently. However for most basic conversions, a firm flat hard core base would suffice.

Och Metals has trained staff to inspect, repair and certify shipping containers. We can also renew the CSC shipping plate for overseas shipping use if required.

Follow this link for the history of the ISO shipping container

We can build container homes to architect drawings or if necessary we can work with you to produce suitable designs. Please remember that homes will need to conform to the relevant building regulations

We have a specialist in-house team of welders, carpenters, floor layers, paint sprayers and electricians which means that our work can be monitored throughout the conversion process to ensure it meets our high quality standards.

There are many rules affecting certification for shipping, as this requires significant structural integrity. The container could be at the bottom of a stack of six containers all with 30 tonnes in and therefore for domestic markets we do not build to this specification. Please tell us at the beginning of the project if you need to ship the container and it is also worth noting that container conversions including openings and apertures are not suitable for rail transport due to the excessive air pressure created by passing trains.

There are numerous benefits to off-site manufacture. These include speed of delivery, factory controlled quality and checking, improved health and safety, reduced waste and minimised on-site disruption, among others.

Civils works can be undertaken at the same time as the Building structure is being manufactured reducing works programmes.

Our Euro range also offers the ability to position buildings into restricted access areas, for example rural based schools. It is also extremely useful for emergency and disaster requirements – the wall, door and window panels can be positioned and moved on-site and the 6m modules are often available on short delivery times.

Any building, including modular buildings located in the same position for more than 28 days requires planning permission.

The planning process can be simplified by checking the options that may be available under permitted development rights. The main purpose of this is to grant planning permission for certain classes of development without the requirement for a planning application to be made. The planning permissions granted are subject to some provisions.

It is important that you have planning approval prior to placing your order for the modular building. If planning was refused for any reason you do not want to pay for a modular building that you cannot use.

If your project proceeds without proper approval, you can be served an enforcement notice ordering you to undo all the changes you have made. It’s illegal to ignore an enforcement notice, but you can appeal against it.

Our advice is to ensure your local planning authority has been contacted to discuss your proposal before any work begins. They will be able to inform you of any reason why the work may not be permitted and if you need to apply for planning permission for all or part of the work.

Building control approval will almost every time need to be conformed to if planning is required. There could also be other occasions where building regulations is required depending upon industry sectors. Please refer to the Local Authority Building Control advice link for further information or Guidance. Building regulations do not always apply when a building is being used as part of a construction project in a short or medium term project. This is a complex area and initial advice can be found from following this link to view Building Control Guidance (PDF) and following the flowchart.

Och Metals modular buildings can be specified to fully comply with the latest building regulations and standards. Please let us know this is necessary when you discuss the project with us.

With our pre-owned refurbished units however changes to the building regulations in October 2011 have made it easier for portable buildings to be refurbished and re-used. Older buildings do have to meet the latest regulations but a correction factor is built into the SBEM calculations, dependent on the age of the building, giving some leeway to older units with fabric that does not quite meet current standards in terms of u values. This correction factor, together with care given to the choice of mechanical and electrical installations means than no building need be deemed obsolete.

Our advice is to ensure your local authorities have been contacted before any work begins.

The lead time is dependent on the size and type of units ordered. A small modular building (up to 150m²) will have a typical lead time of 5-6 weeks from point of order. A mid-sized modular building (150-300m²) will be up to 12 weeks. Footprints in excess of 300m² to be confirmed depending on complexity.

Yes, all new build modular units have a 12 month product warranty. In some situations for certain building types we can offer a much longer warranty package. Please ask us for further details and a full explanation can be issued upon request.

This depends on the type of building and the type of ground the building sits on. Smaller modular buildings located on a hard-standing can use metal shims or adjustable stands but for larger loads (or softer ground conditions) – suitable concrete pad foundations will be required.

Portable Space will be more than happy to assist or advise on a design to suit your required building.

Various types of external cladding can be chosen, from the standard plastisol coated steel bonded to plywood sheeting to a more traditional looking timber cladding option. The steel modular has a flat sided finish and can be painted in any RAL colour of your choice. Please contact the Modular Project team to discuss which options are available for the building best suited to your project and budget. Cladding can also be in the form of Fire Rated products.