For Tradies & Contractors
Stop paying for a shed you don't own
Commercial shed leases lock you in for 12+ months, demand a bond upfront, and cost tradies thousands before they've turned a single dollar. There's a smarter way to store your tools and materials — delivered to your site, no lease required.
✓ No lock-in lease
✓ No bond required
✓ Delivered to your site
✓ On-hire in days
📍 Compare your location
Commercial shed leaseTypical small industrial unit
$1,200/moABC 20ft container hireInc GST, no bond, no lock-in
$87/moUpfront bond (shed lease)Typically 3 months rent
$3,600Buy outright fromOwn it forever
$2,722The Hidden Cost of a Commercial Lease
What your shed lease actually costs you
Most tradies don't add up the full bill until they're already locked in. Here's what a typical commercial shed lease really involves.
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12-month minimum lock-in
Commercial leases rarely offer month-to-month flexibility. You're typically committed for 12–36 months — even if your project ends early, your workload changes, or you want to relocate to a new area.
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Bond + upfront costs
Before you've stored a single tool, you're out of pocket. A standard commercial lease demands 3 months bond upfront — that's often $1,500–$3,600 tied up before Day 1, plus insurance and fit-out.
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You drive to the shed
A commercial shed is a fixed location you have to travel to. An ABC container can be placed directly on your worksite, your yard, or your block — so your gear is always right where you need it.
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Fit-out is your problem
A bare shed doesn't come with shelving, workbenches, or lighting. You'll typically spend $2,000–$5,000 fitting out a commercial unit before it's actually useful as a tool or materials store.
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Landlord says no
Need to sublet part of the space? Store dangerous goods? Install your own security? With a leased shed, everything needs landlord approval. With ABC, it's your container — you run it your way.
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Costs only go one way
Commercial industrial rents in QLD have risen significantly over the last 5 years. When your lease renews, expect a higher rate — and no option to scale down if work slows.
The real first-year cost of a Brisbane shed lease
Bond ($3,600) + 12 months rent ($14,400) + basic fit-out ($3,000) = over $21,000 before you've made a dollar. An ABC 20ft container in Brisbane costs from $87/month — delivered, weathertight, and ready to use.
$21,000+
Year 1 shed lease cost in Brisbane
Side by Side
Container vs commercial shed lease
Not all storage is created equal. Here's how ABC containers stack up against a typical commercial shed lease for tradies.
| Feature | 🏠 Commercial Shed Lease | 🚚 ABC Container |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum commitment | 12–36 months | ✓ Month to month |
| Bond / deposit required | ✗ 3 months upfront | ✓ No bond required |
| Delivered to your worksite or yard | ✗ Fixed location only | ✓ Delivered anywhere in QLD |
| Can relocate when your work moves | ✗ Stuck until lease ends | ✓ Pick up & redeliver |
| Secure & weathertight out of the box | Varies — often basic | ✓ ISO steel, lockable, sealed |
| Fit-out / shelving included | ✗ Extra cost to you | ✓ Modified options available |
| Scale up with extra units | ✗ Locked to one space | ✓ Add containers as needed |
| Scale down when work slows | ✗ Lease continues regardless | ✓ Return with short notice |
| No landlord or body corporate | ✗ Rules & restrictions apply | ✓ It's your container |
| Buy option available | ✗ You never own it | ✓ Hire-to-buy or buy outright |
| On-site in days | ✗ Weeks of paperwork & negotiation | ✓ Call today, delivered fast |
| Available across regional QLD | Limited in regional areas | ✓ 28+ locations across QLD |
The Tradie Upgrade
Your container, fitted out your way
Need more than basic tool storage? ABC's modified containers are built for working tradies — shelving, workbenches, lighting and security all in a steel box that goes where you go.
Most Popular
20ft Standard Container
The everyday tradie workhorse. Enough room for tools, materials, and equipment. Weathertight, lockable, delivered to your site or yard. Floor area: 14.5m².
From $87/mo inc GST · Brisbane
Best for Site Offices
Site Office Container
Purpose-built for tradies and contractors who need an on-site office. Includes air conditioning, lighting, power points, and locking door. Fully fitted and delivered.
From $762/mo inc GST · Brisbane
Buy Outright
Own It Forever
Tired of paying rent forever — to anyone? Buy a 20ft container outright from $2,722 in Brisbane and never pay another storage bill. It's an asset, not an expense.
From $2,722 inc GST · Brisbane
Who uses ABC containers?
Who uses ABC containers?
From solo operators to multi-crew contractors, tradies across QLD use ABC containers as their secure, flexible alternative to a fixed shed lease.
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Builders & Carpenters
Secure timber, tools, and fixings on-site. Move the container as your project progresses — no more driving across town to grab what you need.
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Electricians & Plumbers
Cable, conduit, pipe, and fittings take up room. Keep a container at your main job or home base — secure, weathertight, and ready when you are.
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Landscapers & Groundskeepers
Equipment, chemicals, and seasonal gear need proper storage. A container on your property or block beats renting a commercial unit across town.
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Multi-Trade Contractors
Running a crew across multiple sites? Hire an extra container for each site, return them when the job's done — no lock-in, no fuss, no unused rent.
Real Customers
What tradies say
Don't take our word for it. Here's what real ABC Container customers have to say.
★★★★★
"Needed somewhere to keep materials and tools secure at the build site. Had a container delivered in a couple of days — saved me doing a 45-minute round trip to a shed every morning. Absolute game changer for site management."
Google Review
★★★★★
"Was paying way too much for a small industrial unit that I barely filled. Switched to an ABC container on the back of my property. Cheaper, more convenient, and I can expand or shrink depending on what's on. Should have done it years ago."
Google Review
★★★★★
"Great experience from quote to delivery. The team helped me figure out which size I needed and had it on-site within the week. No nonsense, no hidden costs, just a solid container ready to go. Highly recommend for any tradie in QLD."
Google Review
FAQ
Common questions
Can I put a container on my property instead of leasing a shed?▼
In most QLD councils, a shipping container on private property is permitted for storage purposes, often without requiring council approval — particularly for rural or semi-rural properties. For residential blocks, a quick check with your local council is worthwhile. Many tradies place containers on their own block or yard to avoid leasing altogether. Our team can advise on typical site requirements.
How long is the minimum hire period?▼
ABC containers are available on a monthly hire basis with no minimum lock-in period. Unlike a commercial lease, you can return the container when your project is complete — you only pay for the months you actually use it. There are no break fees or penalties for returning early.
What if I need to move the container to a different site?▼
That's one of the biggest advantages over a shed lease. We can pick up and redeliver your container to a new location. Transport fees apply, but you're never locked to a fixed address. This is particularly useful for contractors running multiple projects across different suburbs or regions.
Can I add shelving or customise the inside?▼
Yes. You're welcome to add your own shelving, hooks, and fittings to a hired container. If you want a fully fitted solution from day one, our modified containers (including site office units) come pre-fitted with shelving, workbenches, lighting, and power. Ask about our modified options when you get a quote.
How does hiring compare to buying outright?▼
Hire is ideal when your storage need is project-based, seasonal, or you're not sure how long you'll need it. Buying makes sense if you need permanent storage — you pay once and own an asset with real resale value. Many tradies start on hire and then buy when they're sure about their needs. We offer both options, and our team can help you figure out what makes the most financial sense for your situation.
What areas of QLD do you service?▼
ABC Container Hire & Sales operates from 28+ locations across Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, and beyond. Call us on 1300 22 22 66 or fill out the quote form and we'll confirm availability in your area.
Get a Free Quote
Tell us what you need
No lock-in. No bond. No landlord. Just a straight answer on price and availability in your area.
1300 22 22 66Call us directly — our team knows containers.
Fast responseWe aim to call back the same business day.
28+ QLD locationsWe deliver across all of Queensland.
Hire or buyWe'll help you figure out which makes more sense.