Are you in the market for a shipping container? Several factors must be considered before purchasing a shipping container, whether you need it for storage, transportation, or as a foundation for a shipping container home. How do you ensure that you get the right container for your needs? Here are the key considerations when buying shipping containers to make an informed decision and get the container that best fits your needs.
When it comes to purchasing a shipping container, the very first thing to take into account is the intended purpose. If your goal is to use the container for shipping or building purposes, it’s crucial to ensure that it complies with all the necessary safety standards and regulations. There are other purposes you can take into account such as for personal storage, aesthetic installation, and so on.
One crucial factor is the seller or supplier of the shipping container. Working with a reputable company with a proven track record of shipping container sales is essential to ensure that you receive a high-quality container that meets your needs.
Choosing a supplier that provides excellent customer service and flexible delivery options is essential. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re in good hands throughout the process while doing market research and choosing a company you feel comfortable working with.
Shipping containers are available in a range of standard sizes, including 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft, and typically come in widths and heights of 8ft or 9ft. While the 20ft container is the most popular choice and is suitable for most storage needs, it’s essential to consider a larger size if you require additional space for storage or transportation purposes. Hence, before you purchase, you must assess your requirements and determine which size best meets your needs.
One important thing to remember when shopping for a used shipping container is its condition. While used containers can be great value, they may come with visible signs of wear and tear. Check for rust, holes, and other damage affecting the container’s structural integrity. If you can, it’s always a good idea to check out the container in person before you buy it.
Did you know that shipping containers are made from a variety of materials? You’ve got steel, aluminium, and even composite materials to choose from.
Steel is a popular option thanks to its strength and durability but consider an aluminium container if you’re looking for something lightweight and corrosion-resistant and need a container for transportation purposes, composite materials are the perfect fit with their high strength-to-weight ratio.
It’s important to remember that transporting shipping containers can be quite a challenge, not to mention expensive – especially if you need to move them over long distances. Luckily, many suppliers offer delivery services, so ask about that when shopping around.
Nonetheless, some suppliers may require you to arrange transportation yourself, so it’s good to be prepared for that possibility. Remember to factor in the cost of transportation and any additional equipment you might need, like a crane or forklift, to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible when buying shipping containers.
If you have a specific purpose for your shipping container, like turning it into a cosy tiny home or a workshop, you may need to spruce it up a bit. Adding windows, doors, and ventilation systems can make all the difference.
When buying a shipping container, check whether the supplier offers modification services or if you must hire a contractor to make the necessary changes. And it’s important to consider the cost of modifications and whether they’ll affect the container’s overall strength and durability.
When buying a shipping container, the price can depend on a few factors, such as shipping container size, condition, and the material it’s made from. Generally, new containers are more expensive, yet they might be worth the investment if you use them for transportation. Keep your budget in mind and make sure the cost aligns with what you need the container for. Remember to factor in any additional fees, like delivery or modifications.
Shipping containers have become increasingly popular for storage or building purposes due to their durability, security, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and sustainability. These containers are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, are difficult to break into, and can be repurposed or recycled, making shipping containers a practical and eco-friendly choice for various needs.
Why settle for traditional building materials when you can harness the power of shipping containers? Go for shipping containers for your storage or building needs today.
Buying a shipping container can be a significant investment, and it’s essential to consider all the critical factors before purchasing, like purpose, shipping supplier, and others. With these factors in mind, you can ensure that you get the right shipping container for your needs, whether you plan to use it for storage, transportation, or building purposes.
When it comes to shipping containers (also known as storage containers, ISO containers or CONEX boxes), buying used is a great way to go. It’s much more affordable (new containers can cost as much as $10,000!). Because containers are made of heavy-duty steel, they are built to last. That being said, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you start shopping. Here are 10 helpful questions to ask when shopping for a used container:
Storage containers can be used for a matter of weeks, months or years. If you plan on using the container for less than a year, you might consider renting. There are a lot of reasonably priced containers (both new and used) for rent. With most rentals, you are going to pay for the cost of the container plus a delivery fee. In some cases, you may have to pay a permitting fee to place the container on your property.
But if you plan on using the container for more than a year or you aren’t sure how long you will need the container, you might want to buy. The average breakeven number for renting versus buying is between 2-3 years, depending on the price of the container plus the rental fee of the supplier you choose. Talk with several container suppliers in your area to find the best option for you. Many suppliers offer containers to rent or to purchase.
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Standard
There are two standard lengths for storage containers: 20-footers and 40-footers. Their height and width may vary, but they are usually 8 feet wide x 8 feet 6 inches high. Most standard shipping containers have been approved by the International Standards Organization (ISO) to ensure safety, quality and consistency across the industry. Because of their standard sizes, they easily fit together and can be stacked up to 7 units high.
Custom
In today’s container market, you can also find a number of non-standard, customized sizes. Just know that you will probably pay more because of the labor required to weld them together or cut them down to the size you want. Generally speaking, a custom-size container usually costs 20-30% more than a standard size container.Some of the most common custom sizes include:
Some suppliers offer an extra wide container that is usually 10 feet across. This feature is popular in the construction and retail industry because it allows for the storage of bulkier items, like heavy machinery or seasonal inventory that may not fit into a standard width container. If you are interested in the extra wide option, be sure to ask your local suppliers about their customized options.
In addition to knowing the size of container you need, it is helpful to know what features are important to you and your business. Some of the most common features (also known as add-ons) include:
Of course, when you are buying used, you may not be able to find a container with the exact features you need. But there are plenty of used containers out there that do have some of the features listed above. If you choose to go through a local supplier, often times they will offer a wider range of features on their used containers than you could find buying from a third party site like eBay or Craigslist. Learn more: Customize Your Container.
Many container suppliers will tell you a container is only as good as the lock that is on it. Security is often a customer’s number one concern when it comes to storage containers.Locks
There are usually two types of locks available:
If you choose to purchase an exterior bolt lock, be sure to research all of your options and find one that is of good quality. Many of the exterior locks out there can be cut through with a pair of bolt cutters. If your container will be stored on a property where security is carefully monitored, an exterior bolt lock is probably sufficient.
But if security is a concern, you might consider an interior locking mechanism. They usually cost more, but it could be worth the price to know your valuables will be safe.
It depends. In some cases, you will need to obtain a temporary permit from the city to store a container on your property. This is usually the case for containers that will be stored in highly trafficked areas or residential locations (not everyone wants to stare at a steel container from their kitchen window!).
Most retail and construction sites are required to pull a temporary permit from the city. But on an agricultural property or an area that doesn’t get a lot of traffic, a permit may not even be required. It’s important to contact your city, county and neighborhood association to find out their exact requirements before buying a container and having it delivered to your property. Check out the article: Helpful Hints on Storage Container Permits.
It depends on the condition of the site and the amount of time the container will be stored there. Generally speaking, if the land is fairly level and dry, the site is ready to go. On construction sites, for example, the general contractor will find the flattest, most convenient space for the container and have it delivered there. That is sufficient site prep for a container that will only be there for a matter of months.
But if your container will be there for more than a few months or if it will be stacked on top of other containers, a more thorough site prep is needed. Most container suppliers will talk you through what is needed for delivery. In cases where delivery could be challenging due to narrow fencing or sloping ground, many suppliers will offer to come out and inspect the property. Keep in mind that sloping ground, rocky land or areas that flood easily are not ideal for storage containers. Read more: Things to Know Before Delivery.
It depends on how many miles the container has to travel to get to your site. The higher the mileage, the more you are going to pay. Additionally, if it is difficult to access your property, it could cost you more.
Most suppliers set a flat delivery fee for a certain mile radius and will charge more for anything that goes beyond that. But in some cases, suppliers offer a discounted rate for large orders. Be sure to ask about delivery fees upfront, as this can significantly increase your total cost. If you really want to save on delivery, find a supplier near you.
Shelf Life
Most used containers shipping containers have ‘retired’ or outlived their shelf life in the shipping industry. The shelf life of a storage container is determined by the conditions it has been exposed to, any damages incurred, miles traveled and the age of the container. Based on these factors, the container is assigned a grade. Eventually, the container reaches a point where it is no longer approved for international transport, but still suitable as a storage unit.
Most retired containers are still in good condition and make great storage units. They may be too old to be shipped across international waters, but they are made of galvanized steel. This makes them a secure and durable option for storing your stuff.
Container Descriptions
Used storage containers come in a wide range of conditions and are often categorized by descriptive terms such as: ‘like new,’ ‘ISO approved,’ or ‘lightly damaged.’ This can be confusing to a buyer who doesn’t care about a little rust, but wants to make sure their items stay safe and dry.How to Determine the Condition of the Container
Here are some helpful questions to ask the supplier about your container:
It depends on the seller. Here are a few things to determine before buying:
There are generally two options when buying a used container:
Third Party Seller
You can find plenty of used containers available for purchase on sites like eBay and Craigslist for a great price. However, the challenge with buying containers from 3rd party sellers is this: you don’t know who you’re buying from, what their history is, or the condition of the container. If you can meet the seller in person and inspect the container, then it might be a great deal. It’s also important to find out the cost of delivery. What sounds like a great price may not be in the end once you add the cost of delivery. Make sure and ask plenty of questions before purchasing.
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