Shipping containers Koper Slovenia
Shipping containers in Koper represent one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to acquire a quality shipping or storage container for customers from the Czech Republic and all of Central Europe. The Slovenian port of Koper, located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, is home to an extensive container depot that supplies the market with both used and new containers of all common sizes and quality grades. This guide answers all the essential questions — from the history of the port through the types and prices of containers to the practical procedure of purchasing, pickup, and transport to the Czech Republic.
What are shipping containers in Koper and why are they so sought after?
Shipping containers in Koper refer to shipping and storage containers that are physically located in the container depot near the Slovenian port of Koper and offered for sale. This depot is one of the most significant distribution points for both used and new containers for customers from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Poland.
There are several reasons for its popularity. The strategic location of Koper on the Adriatic means that containers flow here directly from maritime routes from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. After unloading the cargo, containers that are no longer needed for further maritime transport become available for sale. The customer thus obtains a container “first hand” — directly from the logistics chain, not through several intermediaries.
Key advantage: Containers in Koper are often cheaper than the same models sold at inland depots, because the costs of transshipment and additional storage are eliminated.
The port of Koper also has excellent road and rail connections. The distance from Koper to Prague is approximately 700 kilometers, to Vienna 500 kilometers, and to Bratislava about 450 kilometers. Thanks to this, transport of the container to Central Europe is efficient and cost-effective.
What is the history and significance of the port of Koper?
The port of Koper has a rich history dating back to Roman times, when it served as a trading port under the name Aegida. However, the modern era of the port began after World War II, when it gradually transformed from a small regional port into one of the most important logistics hubs of the Adriatic Sea.
A fundamental turning point came in 1957, when a railway connection to the interior was built, enabling efficient transshipment of goods from ships onto trains heading to Central Europe. In the following decades, the port grew continuously and today it is operated by Luka Koper, which is listed on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange.
The current significance of the port of Koper is documented by the following figures:
- In 2023, the container terminal handled 1,066,093 TEU (a unit corresponding to one twenty-foot container).
- Total maritime throughput in the first half of 2024 reached 11.3 million tons of cargo.
- The Luka Koper Group achieved net revenues of 136.3 million EUR and a net profit of 32.8 million EUR in the first half of 2024.
The port is also undergoing massive modernization. By 2027, the expansion of the northern part of Pier I is expected to be completed, which will increase the annual capacity of the container terminal to 1.75 million TEU. At the same time, the construction of the second Divača–Koper railway track is underway (completion 2026), which will double the rail capacity and further streamline container transport to the interior. By 2028, Luka Koper plans to invest more than 700 million EUR in infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainable projects, including photovoltaic power plants.
What types and dimensions of shipping containers are available in Koper?
In the Koper depot, you will find practically all standard types of shipping containers. Most often, you will encounter these categories:
| Type of container | Designation | External dimensions (L × W × H) | Internal volume | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft standard | 20′ DC | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | ~33 m³ | Storage, workshop, garage |
| 40 ft standard | 40′ DC | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | ~67 m³ | Large-capacity warehouse, conversion |
| 40 ft High Cube | 40′ HC | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | ~76 m³ | Conversions to housing, offices |
| 20 ft Open Top | 20′ OT | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | ~32 m³ | Bulk materials, oversized cargo |
| 20/40 ft Flat Rack | 20′/40′ FR | depending on type | — | Heavy equipment, machinery |
| 20/40 ft Reefer | 20′/40′ RF | depending on type | ~28/58 m³ | Chilled and frozen goods |
The most sought-after variants are the 20-foot standard container (ideal for smaller storage, workshops, garages) and the 40-foot High Cube (maximum volume, suitable for conversions to residential or office spaces). The standard width of all containers is 8 feet (2.44 meters), which corresponds to the width of a regular roadway and allows for trouble-free truck transport.
In addition to the basic closed containers (referred to as Dry Container or DC), special variants are occasionally available in Koper:
- Double Door (DD) — a container with doors on both ends for easier loading
- Side Door (SD) — a container with side opening for forklift handling
- Open Top (OT) — a container with a tarpaulin roof for oversized cargo
- Flat Rack (FR) — a platform container for heavy and oversized equipment
What quality grades of containers can be acquired in Koper?
When purchasing a shipping container in Koper, you will encounter several quality categories that define the technical condition, appearance, and suitability for further use. The classification system is based on the standards of the International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL), which sets uniform standards for container repairs and maintenance.
| Grade | Description | Condition | Suitable for | Approximate price (20′) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IICL 6 / One Trip | One shipping trip from production, almost new | Minimal scuffs, perfect floor, clean appearance | Conversions, representative purposes, long-term investments | 55,000–75,000 CZK |
| IICL 5 | Several trips, regularly maintained | Minor scratches, fully functional, nice appearance | Storage, workshops, standard commercial use | 40,000–55,000 CZK |
| Cargo Worthy (CW) | Suitable for maritime transport | Visible wear, minor dents, functional doors, watertight | Storage, construction back-up, transport | 28,000–40,000 CZK |
| AS IS | Sold “as it stands” | May have rust, dents, repairs needed | Low-demand storage, construction cabins with modifications | 20,000–28,000 CZK |
Important: The Cargo Worthy (CW) grade means that the container is still certified for international maritime transport and has passed inspection according to CSC (Container Safety Convention) standards. This is essential if you plan to continue using the container for transport.
For most customers from the Czech Republic looking for shipping containers in Koper for storage or conversion, the ideal choice is the IICL 5 or Cargo Worthy grade. The price-to-quality ratio is the most favorable for these grades. If you are planning a container office, residential space, or representative facility, it is worth investing in IICL 6 / One Trip.
How does the purchase and pickup of a container in the Koper depot work?
The process of purchasing and picking up a shipping container in Koper is relatively straightforward, but requires following several key steps:
1. Container selection and reservation
The first step is to select a specific container from the seller’s offer (for example, HZ Containers, which has the largest presence in Koper). Selection is made according to size, type, and quality grade. Each container has its unique identification number (e.g., HZKU 257 912-6), under which it is registered in the depot. After selection, the seller will issue you a price quote including the terms.
2. Payment and issuance of a reference number
After paying the invoice, you will receive from the seller a reference number for pickup (the so-called release number). This number is essential — without it, the depot will not release the container to you. The reference number usually arrives by email along with the exact address of the depot and pickup instructions.
3. Arranging transport
Transport is usually arranged by the buyer himself.
4. Pickup at the depot
After arriving at the depot, the driver (or you personally) presents the reference number. The depot staff will verify the document, locate the container by the identification number, perform a visual inspection, and hand over the container. The process usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on the depot’s workload.
5. Documents you will need
- Reference number for pickup (release number) — the most important document
- Invoice / proof of purchase — for possible customs inspection
- Carrier’s accompanying documents (CMR, waybill)
- Valid identity card or passport of the driver
Transport costs
Shipping container transport from Koper to the Czech Republic ranges from 10,000–18,000 CZK excluding VAT depending on the exact destination and current fuel prices. The main factors affecting the price:
- Distance — Koper–Prague approx. 700 km, Koper–Brno approx. 550 km, Koper–Ostrava approx. 800 km
- Container size — transport of a 40′ HC is more expensive than a 20′
- Mode of transport — truck transport is the standard, rail transport may be more advantageous for larger volumes
The total price for the container including transport for the most sought-after 20′ Cargo Worthy variant is therefore around 38,000–56,000 CZK excluding VAT.
How does container transport from Koper to the Czech Republic work?
Container transport from Koper to the Czech Republic is most often carried out by road, or by a combination of rail and road transport.
Road transport
Standard procedure: the carrier arrives at the Koper depot with a truck equipped with a hydraulic arm (hooklift) or with a flatbed trailer. The depot staff loads the container onto the vehicle using a crane or a reach stacker. The journey from Koper to Prague itself takes approximately 8–10 hours including breaks. The route typically leads through Ljubljana, Graz, Vienna, and Brno.
Rail transport
The port of Koper has a direct rail connection to Central Europe. Rail transport is advantageous particularly for transporting multiple containers at once — the unit price per container is lower than with a truck. The container is unloaded from the train at one of the inland terminals (e.g., Praha-Uhříněves, Brno, Ostrava) and from there transported to the destination by truck on the last mile.
Things to watch out for
- The container must be properly secured on the flatbed or vehicle (twist locks).
- When transporting across EU borders (Slovenia → Austria → Czech Republic), no customs formalities are required, as all three countries are part of the Schengen area and the EU single market.
- It is recommended to verify that the carrier has experience with loading at the port of Koper — this will help you avoid unnecessary delays.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying in Koper compared to other depots?
When deciding where to acquire a container, it is useful to compare Koper with other major European ports:
| Factor | Koper (Slovenia) | Hamburg (Germany) | Rotterdam (Netherlands) | Trieste (Italy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Prague | ~700 km | ~650 km | ~900 km | ~750 km |
| Transit time from Asia | Shorter (Suez–Adriatic) | Longer (Suez–North Sea) | Longer | Comparable to Koper |
| Container availability | High | Very high | Very high | Medium |
| Container prices | Low to medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Transport costs to CZ | ~10–18,000 CZK | ~12–20,000 CZK | ~16–25,000 CZK | ~12–18,000 CZK |
| Rail connection | Good, undergoing modernization | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Terminal congestion | Low to medium | High | High | Low |
Main advantages of Koper: Lower container prices, shorter transit time from Asia (compared to Northern European ports), less terminal congestion, favorable geographic location for Central Europe.
Disadvantages: Smaller total volume of handled containers (and therefore potentially smaller selection of specific types), ongoing construction works until 2027 may temporarily complicate logistics.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to pick up a container at the Koper depot?
The essential document is the release number (reference number) from the seller, along with the purchase invoice and the carrier’s documents (CMR).
What types and dimensions of containers are most commonly available in Koper?
The most commonly stocked are standard dry containers 20′ DC, 40′ DC, and 40′ HC. Less common, but still available, are the Open Top, Flat Rack, Reefer, and Double Door variants. Specialized types should be inquired about in advance.
What is the difference between the IICL 6, IICL 5, Cargo Worthy, and AS IS grades?
The difference lies in the technical condition and age. IICL 6 is an almost new container after one trip. IICL 5 is slightly used, in nice condition. Cargo Worthy is fully functional, certified for transport, with visible wear. AS IS is sold “as it stands” without a condition guarantee.
How much does it cost to transport a container from Koper to Prague?
The indicative price for truck transport from Koper to Prague ranges between 12,000 and 18,000 CZK excluding VAT, depending on the size of the container and current fuel prices.
Can a container from Koper be transported by rail?
Yes, the port of Koper has a direct rail connection to Central Europe. It is particularly worthwhile when transporting several containers at the same time. After unloading at an inland terminal (e.g., Prague, Brno), the container is delivered to the destination by truck.
Is it safe to buy a container in Koper?
Yes, if you buy from a verified seller with a history and references (e.g., HZ Containers). Avoid suspiciously cheap offers from unknown entities and always require an invoice with the container’s identification number.
Do I have to pay customs duties when transporting a container from Koper to the Czech Republic?
No. Both Slovenia and the Czech Republic are member states of the European Union and part of the single market. When transporting goods between EU member states, no customs duty is paid.
Koper, Slovenia 
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