Shipping containers Frankfurt am Main Germany
Are you looking for shipping containers in Frankfurt am Main and don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Frankfurt is one of the largest logistics hubs in Europe — and with that comes a wide range of containers, attractive prices, and the option of personal pickup. In this guide you will find container types, a practical purchasing guide, and everything you need to know about transport to the Czech Republic.
What are shipping containers?
A shipping container (also called a maritime container, transport container, in German Seecontainer) is a standardized steel transport unit designed for intermodal transport — i.e., transport by ship, rail, and truck without the need to reload the cargo itself. Thanks to extreme durability, water resistance, and modular dimensions, containers have found massive use beyond shipping: as warehouses, garages, workshops, offices, as well as residential units and construction modules.
Frankfurt as a logistics hub of Europe
Frankfurt am Main is not just the financial heart of Germany — it is also the third largest cargo airport in Europe, a crossroads of the busiest European highways (Frankfurter Kreuz), and home to an extensive container infrastructure. The Rhein-Main region, to which Frankfurt belongs, hosts container depots of global shipping companies as well as independent traders. In practice, this means two key advantages:
- Volume of supply — Thousands of containers circulate in Frankfurt and its surroundings every month.
- Proximity to the Czech Republic — Frankfurt is approximately 500 km from Prague (5–6 hours of driving), and even closer from Plzeň. Transport costs to the Czech Republic are therefore still reasonable.
What types of shipping containers can be purchased?
Standard containers
The most frequently requested types, which form the backbone of every Frankfurt dealer’s offering:
- 20′ DC (Dry Container) — Length 6.06 m, width 2.44 m, height 2.59 m. Volume approx. 33 m³. A universal choice for storage, workshop, garage.
- 40′ DC — Length 12.19 m, width 2.44 m, height 2.59 m. Volume approx. 67 m³. Ideal for larger warehouses or partition solutions.
- 40′ HC (High Cube) — Same length and width as 40′ DC, but height 2.90 m (30 cm more). Volume approx. 76 m³. Useful for taller cargo or more comfortable movement inside.
- 20′ HC — A less common but available variant in Frankfurt of a 20′ container with increased height.
Dimensions and parameters of individual types
| Container type | External dimensions (L × W × H) | Internal dimensions (L × W × H) | Volume | Load capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ Standard (DC) | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm | 5,898 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm | ~33.2 m³ | ~28,000 kg | Storage, garage, workshop |
| 40′ Standard (DC) | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm | ~67.7 m³ | ~28,000 kg | Large warehouse, transport |
| 40′ High Cube (HC) | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm | ~76.4 m³ | ~28,000 kg | Warehouse with higher ceiling |
| 20′ High Cube | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm | 5,898 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm | ~37.4 m³ | ~28,000 kg | Smaller storage with higher clearance |
| 10′ Standard | 2,991 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm | 2,830 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm | ~15.9 m³ | ~10,000 kg | Small storage, garden house |
| 45′ High Cube | 13,716 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm | 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm | ~86.1 m³ | ~28,000 kg | Maximum storage volume |
| 20′ Reefer | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm | 5,456 × 2,290 × 2,273 mm | ~28.4 m³ | ~27,000 kg | Refrigerated/frozen storage |
What influences the price of a shipping container?
- Condition category — The main factor. CW is significantly more expensive than AS IS (see the following chapter).
- Age — Containers older than 15 years are typically 30–50% cheaper.
- Seasonality — In spring and summer, prices rise (construction season, higher demand). The best prices are usually in winter.
- Color variant — Standard colors (gray RAL 7035, anthracite RAL 7016) are common. Non-standard colors may be more expensive.
- Depot location — Ex-depot Frankfurt prices are generally lower because transport from the seller is eliminated.
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What is the difference between container condition categories (Cargo Worthy, AS IS, One-Way)?
When purchasing a shipping container, you will come across three main condition categories. Each corresponds to a different purpose and budget.
Cargo Worthy (CW) category
A container labeled Cargo Worthy (“fit for cargo”) meets the CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) standard and has a valid CSC plate. This means:
- The container has passed a technical inspection, is structurally sound and watertight.
- It can be used for international maritime transport.
- The floor, walls, and roof are in good condition, without holes or heavy corrosion.
- Price: higher — suitable for companies that need a certified container, or for customers who want assurance.
AS IS category
AS IS (“as it stands”) means that the container is sold in its current condition without warranty. Typical signs:
- It may have dents, surface rust, minor leaks, or damaged door seals.
- The CSC plate is usually expired or missing — the container can no longer go on a ship.
- Price: the lowest — ideal for static use (storage, garage, workshop), where appearance and minor defects don’t matter.
- Recommendation: always inspect an AS IS container in person, as the quality varies significantly from piece to piece.
One-Way (after one trip)
A container after one maritime trip (English: one-way, one-trip) is practically new:
- It was manufactured, loaded in Asia, transported to Europe, and unloaded. Only one trip.
- Minimal signs of use — occasional small scratches, clean floor, unworn seals.
- Price: medium to higher — a great price/quality ratio for customers who want assurance without the price of a completely new container.
How to choose the right category for your purpose
| Use | Recommended category |
|---|---|
| Tool storage, seasonal items, garden house | AS IS |
| Workshop, garage, hobby space | AS IS (better pieces) or CW |
| Company storage, archive, secured storage | CW or One-Way |
| Residential container / construction cabin (after modification) | One-Way or new |
| International transport of goods | Cargo Worthy (with valid CSC) |
How does the purchase of a shipping container in Frankfurt proceed – step by step?
Buying a container in Germany is not complicated, but it’s worth following a proven process.
1. Inquiry and selection
- Define your requirements: type, size, condition category, budget.
- Contact the dealer HZ Containers. In your inquiry, please state:
- Type and size of container (e.g., “20′ DC, Cargo Worthy”).
2. Payment and invoicing
- Payment: Most often by bank transfer in advance.
- Invoice: The seller issues an invoice, and then you will receive a so-called release – a unique code for picking up the container.
Pre-purchase checklist
- I am clear on the type and size of container
- I know my budget including a reserve for transport
- I have contacted the dealer
- I have transport priced and arranged
- I have a hardened surface prepared for placing the container
- I have verified the access road for unloading
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 20-foot shipping container cost in Frankfurt?
In June 2026, the prices of used 20′ containers in Frankfurt range from €630 (AS IS, pickup from depot) to approximately €1,650 (Cargo Worthy, better condition). A new/one-way 20′ container can be purchased from €1,700 to €3,500 depending on the dealer and color variant.
Where are the container depots in Frankfurt am Main?
The main container depots are located in the areas of Frankfurt-Ostend (Ferdinand-Happ-Straße — CHS/DB Intermodal), Frankfurt-Höchst (industrial zone west of the center), and around the airport and Cargo City Süd cargo terminal.
What types of shipping containers can be bought in Frankfurt?
In Frankfurt, all common types are available: standard 20′ and 40′ DC, High Cube variants (20′ HC, 40′ HC), Open Top, Flat Rack, Open Side, Double Door, refrigerated (Reefer), office and storage containers, as well as custom special containers. The range of offerings in Frankfurt is significantly larger than in the Czech Republic.
What is the difference between a Cargo Worthy and an AS IS container?
Cargo Worthy has a valid CSC certificate, is structurally sound, watertight, and suitable for maritime transport. AS IS is retired from service, may have defects (dents, rust, leaks), and is sold without warranty at a lower price. For static use (storage, garage), AS IS is the most economically advantageous.
How does the transport of a container from Frankfurt to the Czech Republic work?
Transport can be arranged in three ways: by your own pickup (cheapest, but requires appropriate equipment), through the seller (convenient, more expensive), or through a forwarding company (professional, medium price). The journey from Frankfurt to Prague takes 1 day, with prices ranging between €350–€650 one way.
What are the dimensions and parameters of standard shipping containers?
The most common 20′ container has external dimensions of 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm and an internal volume of approximately 33 m³. A 40′ container measures 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm with a volume of approximately 68 m³. The High Cube variant adds 30 cm in height (2,896 mm total), increasing the volume to approximately 76 m³. A complete dimensions table can be found in the chapter above.
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