Mainz (Mainz) – Germany container depot
Are you looking for decommissioned shipping containers in Mainz and the surrounding area? On this page you will find all the information you need about purchasing decommissioned transport containers from the container depot in Mainz. HZ-Containers offers the option of selling high-quality 20-foot, 40-foot and High Cube containers ready for immediate pickup. Below in the article you will find a complete overview of the containers currently available at this depot – we add their exact specifications, prices and condition manually on an ongoing basis.
Mainz – the logistical heart of the Rhineland and an ideal place to buy a container
Mainz, the capital of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers. It is one of the most advantageous locations in Germany for purchasing a shipping container. The reason is simple: it is home to one of the most powerful inland container terminals in Europe.
Mainz Container Terminal at Ingelheimer Aue
On the island of Ingelheimer Aue, the company Frankenbach operates the largest trimodal container terminal on the middle Rhine. The terminal was opened in 2011 and today handles approximately 280,000 TEU per year (TEU = twenty-foot equivalent unit). It covers an area of 160,000 m² and features four gantry cranes with a load capacity of 40 tons, one double-beam gantry crane for rail transshipment with a load capacity of 50 tons, and five tracks with a total length of 1,600 metres for parking wagons.
The terminal is trimodal – meaning containers are transshipped here between water, rail and road transport. Three berths for inland vessels, a direct connection to the Deutsche Bahn rail network and quick access to the A643 motorway create an environment where containers move efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Transport connections – motorway, railway, Rhine
For a customer coming to pick up a container, accessibility is key. The Mainz depot has a direct connection to the A643 motorway, which within a few minutes links to the key German motorways A60 and A63 – and through them to the A3, A5 and A61. The city of Mainz lies in the very centre of the Rhein-Main region, to which over 75,000 people commute daily. Mainz Hauptbahnhof railway station is among the busiest in the region. And thanks to its location on the Rhine, one of Europe’s most important waterways, Mainz is a natural logistics hub.
| Transport mode | Key connection | Use for containers |
|---|---|---|
| Road | A643, A60, A63 → A3, A5, A61 | Personal pickup, truck transport |
| Rail | DB Netz, 5 tracks in the terminal (1,600 m) | Bulk transport, lower costs |
| Water | Rhine, 3 berths in the terminal | Delivery/removal of containers by water |
All this means that the container depot in Mainz is a place where containers naturally flow through. For the buyer, this brings an advantage: a wide selection, lower logistics costs and fast availability.
- Mannheim, Germany – IICL 6 enlarged 40 m High Cube shipping container, HZKU 330 975-5 – Without transport, 68,864 CZK excl. VAT, 83,326 CZK incl. VAT – ORDER / Request
- Hamburg, Germany – Decommissioned container size 20′ AS IS 5, without transport, HZKU 003 904-1 – Without transport, 22,910 CZK excl. VAT, 27,721 CZK incl. VAT – ORDER / Request
- Hamburg, Germany – Decommissioned shipping container 40 ft, HZKU 477 818-9 – Without transport, 30,203 CZK excl. VAT, 36,546 CZK incl. VAT – ORDER / Request
- Hamburg, Germany – Three-metre storage container of excellent quality IICL 6, HZKU 117 116-1 – Without transport, 75,861 CZK excl. VAT, 91,792 CZK incl. VAT – ORDER / Request
What is a container depot and why its selection matters
A container depot is a specialised space where shipping containers are stored, inspected, repaired and sold. It is not just an empty area – a quality depot has a solid surface (concrete or asphalt), organised rows of containers by size and condition, protection against theft and vandalism, and trained staff who handle containers with heavy equipment.
How to recognise a quality container depot
When you arrive at a depot, pay attention to several things. Organisation – containers should be sorted by type and condition, not scattered randomly across the site. Cleanliness – a quality depot has no rubbish, broken pallets or remains of old containers lying around. Access – a serious seller will let you approach the container and inspect it from the outside and inside. Equipment – a depot should have its own handling equipment (forklifts, reachstackers) so it can safely load the container onto your vehicle.
The depot in Mainz, where HZ-Containers offers the option of sale, meets these criteria. It is located in a site with a direct connection to the container terminal, which guarantees a constant supply of containers and professional handling.
Advantages of buying from a verified depot
When you buy a container from HZ-Containers from a verified depot, you avoid the risks that come with buying from unknown sources. The container has passed an initial inspection, has been assigned to the correct quality category (CW or WWT – see the next section) and its condition matches the description. You don’t have to worry about paying for a container with non-functional doors, a rotten floor or hidden corrosion. HZ-Containers guarantees that the container you order corresponds to the declared condition.
What decommissioned shipping containers we offer
HZ-Containers continuously has several basic types of decommissioned shipping containers available. Below we list the main categories – the exact current offer with photographs, prices and the specific condition of each container is in the list below this article (we add it manually).
20-foot and 40-foot standard containers
The most sought-after category. A twenty-foot container (20′, 6 metres) offers approximately 33 m³ of storage space and a maximum load capacity of around 28,200 kg. You can use it as a material store on a construction site, a garden storage space or the basis for a construction hut.
A forty-foot container (40′, 12 metres) provides double the volume – approx. 67 m³ with a load capacity of around 26,680 kg. It is suitable for large-volume storage, transporting oversized cargo or as the basis for a larger modular building.
| Container type | External dimensions (l × w × h) | Internal volume | Max. load capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ standard | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | ~33 m³ | ~28,200 kg |
| 40′ standard | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | ~67 m³ | ~26,680 kg |
| 40′ High Cube | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.89 m | ~76 m³ | ~26,580 kg |
| 20′ High Cube | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.89 m | ~37 m³ | ~28,000 kg |
High Cube containers – 30 cm taller
High Cube (HC) versions have 30 cm more height compared to the standard (2.89 m instead of 2.59 m). This difference is crucial if you plan to equip the container with insulation, ceiling, installations or need to place bulkier items inside. A 40-foot High Cube container provides approximately 76 m³ – that’s 9 m³ more than the standard version.
Special containers on request
In addition to the common standard and HC types, HZ-Containers can also provide special containers: refrigerated (reefer) for transport and storage at controlled temperature, open-top (with opening roof) for oversized cargo, or flat-rack for non-standard goods. Contact us for individual enquiries.
Quality of decommissioned containers – CW, WWT and what each category means
Every decommissioned shipping container falls into one of the quality categories. Knowing them will help you choose the right container for your purpose and avoid overpaying for features you don’t need.
Cargo Worthy (CW) – still suitable for transport
CW (Cargo Worthy) is the highest category of decommissioned container. A CW container has a valid CSC plate (Container Safety Certificate), which means it has passed an inspection and is approved for international maritime transport. It is structurally sound – the frame is not damaged, the floor is intact, the doors seal and function. Water does not penetrate inside. You can use such a container without worry both for transporting goods and for long-term storage of moisture-sensitive materials.
CW containers are younger (typically 5–12 years old), have a minimum of corrosion and look well preserved. They are somewhat more expensive than WWT – but if you need the certainty of watertightness and structural integrity, it is the right choice.
Wind and Water Tight (WWT) – watertight and durable
WWT (Wind and Water Tight) means that the container is resistant to wind and water – it does not leak inside. However, it may no longer have a valid CSC plate, so it cannot be used for international maritime transport. For dry storage, a construction hut, a workshop or a garden storage space, WWT is fully sufficient.
WWT containers tend to be older (10–20 years) and bear more visible signs of use – scratches, dents, surface rust, minor repairs. But as long as the doors seal and the floor holds, they serve reliably.
Prices of decommissioned shipping containers – how to navigate them
The price of a decommissioned shipping container depends on several factors. The main ones are size, quality class (CW vs. WWT), age and current market demand.
Indicative price range by size and condition
The following prices are indicative for the German market (year 2025/2026) and take into account pickup from the depot:
| Container type | CW (Cargo Worthy) | WWT (Wind & Water Tight) |
|---|---|---|
| 10′ container | from €1,600 | – |
| 20′ standard | €1,100 – €3,000 | €850 – €1,600 |
| 20′ High Cube | €1,800 – €3,500 | €1,200 – €2,000 |
| 40′ standard | €1,600 – €5,000 | €1,100 – €2,500 |
| 40′ High Cube | €1,800 – €5,500 | €1,300 – €3,000 |
Prices may vary depending on the specific condition, location and current availability. The exact prices of containers in stock at the Mainz depot are always listed in the current list below this article.
What affects the price of a container
In addition to size and quality, type availability also plays a role – 40-foot High Cube containers tend to be in higher demand, and therefore more expensive. Seasonal fluctuations: before the construction season (spring) demand rises. Location: depots in logistics hubs such as Mainz tend to have more favourable final prices thanks to lower transport costs.
How the container pickup from the Mainz depot works
The process of purchasing and picking up a container through HZ-Containers is straightforward. Here is the exact procedure:
Online reservation and order
- Choose a container – browse the current offer in the list below. Each container has a photo, price, condition and technical data.
- Submit a request – via the contact form, e-mail or by phone (+420 608 830 863). Provide the container ID you are interested in.
- Confirmation of availability – HZ-Containers will verify that the container is still available and send you a binding offer.
- Payment and invoice – after payment we will issue an invoice and arrange a pickup date.
Transport and pickup – what you need to know
The transport of the container from the depot is arranged by the buyer themselves. HZ-Containers sells containers, does not rent them, and does not organise transport as standard. When picking up:
- You need a vehicle with a load capacity corresponding to the weight of the container – an empty 20′ container weighs approx. 2,200 kg, 40′ approx. 3,700 kg.
- The container is loaded by crane – the depot has handling equipment that will safely place the container on your flatbed or trailer.
- Bring your ID and order confirmation with you – you will be asked to show it at the gate or to the depot staff.
- If you do not have your own transport, you can order a transport company to handle the removal. We will be happy to advise you on the choice on request.
Exact GPS coordinates and instructions for entering the depot will be sent to you in the confirmation e-mail.
Why buy a decommissioned shipping container through HZ-Containers
HZ-Containers operates as an international seller of new and decommissioned shipping containers with coverage in dozens of countries around the world. In Germany we currently have the option of selling containers at 74 depots across the federal republic – Mainz is one of them.
About HZ-Containers – a global seller with local availability
Our business model is simple: we sell containers to end customers without unnecessary intermediaries. Thanks to this, we can maintain competitive prices while guaranteeing quality that matches the description.
All containers in our offer have passed an initial inspection. For CW containers we check the validity of the CSC plate, for WWT we check the tightness and overall condition.
Advantages of direct purchase from the depot
- No hidden costs – the price is final, without handling surcharges for loading at the depot.
- Immediate availability – the container is physically present, you can take it away immediately after payment.
- Customer support in your language – you communicate with a team that speaks your language.
Do you have questions? Write to e-mail or call +420 608 830 863.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a 20-foot and a 40-foot shipping container?
A twenty-foot container has a length of 6 metres and an internal volume of approx. 33 m³. A forty-foot container has double the length (12 metres) and a volume of approx. 67 m³. The price difference is usually less than double, so a 40-foot container is more cost-effective in terms of price per cubic metre of storage space. The choice depends on your space and purpose.
What does the CW designation on a decommissioned container mean?
CW (Cargo Worthy) means that the container has a valid CSC certificate and is eligible for international maritime transport. It is structurally sound, watertight, the floor and doors are functional, the frame is undamaged. It is the highest quality category among decommissioned containers.
Does HZ-Containers arrange transport of the container from Mainz?
As standard, no. HZ-Containers sells containers; their removal from the depot is arranged by the buyer.
Are there any handling fees when picking up the container at the depot?
No. Loading the container onto your vehicle using the depot’s crane or reachstacker is included in the price. We do not charge any additional handling fees on pickup.
Are decommissioned shipping containers from Mainz also suitable for residential or construction purposes?
Yes. Decommissioned shipping containers (especially of CW quality) are commonly used as the basis for living units, offices, garden houses or construction facilities. The High Cube version is more suitable for these purposes thanks to the higher ceiling (2.89 m), which leaves space for insulation and installations.
How long does it take to process an order before I can pick up the container?
In a standard course of events – within 7 days of order confirmation and payment. We always confirm the pickup date individually.
Hamburg, Germany 
WITHOUT SHIPPING 
