Buying a 20-foot container in Switzerland: the example of Morges

A private individual living in Morges, on the shores of Lake Geneva, was looking for a 20-foot container in Switzerland to transform part of his garden into a storage area. Eleven days after ordering, the container was installed.

This article looks back at this cross-border project: why the client chose a used shipping container, how the delivery from France to Switzerland went, and what you need to plan for when you want to receive such a unit at home.

The need: a used 20-foot container for outdoor storage

Morges is a town of approximately 17,000 inhabitants, the capital of the district of the same name, located about twelve kilometers west of Lausanne. The client lives in a leafy residential area, with a garden large enough to accommodate a spacious unit.

The need was simple: a closed, dry, and secure space to store bulky equipment. Rather than a traditional wooden or plastic garden shed, the client opted for a shipping container. 20-foot used.

Three main reasons motivated this choice:

• a usable volume of approximately 33 m³ (≈ 14,8 m² floor area)
• a Corten steel structure, waterproof and weather-resistant
• far superior security compared to a prefabricated shelter, thanks to lockable doors of maritime origin.

Delivery from France to Switzerland in 11 days

Order placed on April 17th, container delivered on April 28th, 2026.

Between the signing of the quote and the installation in the client's garden, exactly eleven daysThis timeframe includes preparing the unit at the depot, logistical coordination, and cross-border transit (and especially the mandatory border customs clearance).

For standard delivery in France, Cubner typically delivers within 5 to 10 business days from its 13 warehouses. For delivery to Switzerland, the timeframe is slightly longer due to customs coordination, but remains manageable when the order is prepared in advance.

Cross-border logistics from our French warehouses (Lyon in this case)

Cubner book throughout France and abroadincluding in French-speaking Switzerland. Delivery is made from the French depot closest to the point of arrival, by crane truck specifically chartered for the operation.

Customs clearance formalities are handled in advance as soon as the order is registered. For Swiss individuals, it is recommended to contact the Federal Customs Administration to determine the import regulations applicable to their specific situation. Our teams support the client at every stage of the process.

💡 A similar customer case is coming soon. For a project in French-speaking Switzerland, contact our teams in advance: we study access, schedule and customs constraints before issuing the quote.

Installation by crane truck in the garden

The unloading was carried out by a crane truck parked at the edge of the property. Photos from the construction site show the container suspended above the hedge, slung by the upper ISO corners, then precisely lowered onto wooden stringers prepared in advance by the client.

This installation technique is the most common for deliveries to gardens:

1. the container arrives flat on the truck bed
2. the auxiliary crane lifts it vertically by its four corners ISO
3. The operator guides him to the exact location using a remote control.
4. The container is placed on the stringers, which distribute the load and isolate it from the damp ground.

To ensure the success of this type of delivery, the client must anticipate three points:

• Sufficient access for the crane truck (width, height, turning radius)
• An aerial clearance without power lines or low branches above the installation point
• A stable surface : wooden beams or concrete blocks, on level ground

Why a used shipping container is suitable for storage (even in Switzerland)

For garden storage, a used container is often the most suitable solution. The customer from Morges received a unit of grade CWO (Cargo Worthy).

A CWO container is a container that has already been used for maritime transport, but has been inspected and certified suitable for a new cycle of use. Its hull may show surface marks (scratches, traces of oxidation), but its structure remains sound. waterproof, welded and functional.

Specifically, what the customer receives:

• a corten steel case 6,06m × 2,44m × 2,59m
• watertight swing doors, equipped with original seals
• a treated wooden floor, compliant with phytosanitary standards
• original exterior paintwork, functional but not renovated

20 feet vs 40 feet: what are the size differences?

The client opted for a 20-footer here, but the 40-footer remains a relevant alternative when the need for volume increases. Here are the main differences between the two most common sizes:

For garden storage, this quality is more than sufficient. The container will protect its contents for years, without any special maintenance.

For the most demanding uses — fitted office, workshop, conversion into a living space — Cubner offers containers first voyage (new), with a lifetime warranty.

FAQ

Conclusion: a storage project in French-speaking Switzerland?

This delivery to Morges illustrates Cubner's ability to operate in French-speaking Switzerland as well as mainland France, within short timeframes and with controlled logistics. Eleven days between order and installation, a used 20-foot container installed in a residential garden, without complex work: the solution is accessible to individuals as well as professionals.

Whether you are in Morges, Lausanne, Geneva, Nyon, or elsewhere in French-speaking Switzerland—or even in France—our teams will study your project, your access, and your needs, then provide you with a personalized quote. Cubner is also committed to reusing shipping containers, which is part of its CSR commitment.