The demand for shipping containers has gone up exponentially. And a lot of suppliers take advantage of this by selling rip offs and old containers like new ones. This is the reason why buying a shipping container requires asking the right questions, so that you get the best value for your money. Knowing the condition, pricing from various suppliers, available customizations, delivery charges, etc, are crucial to know before making a purchase. Investing a good container helps with transportation, seasonal or permanent storage, living & renting, custom pop-up cafes and much more.
1. What Will You Use the Shipping Container For?
Uses of shipping containers are highly varied. From being the conventional transportation and storage solution to luxurious houses and portable workshops, shipping containers have entered almost every sector.
Common Uses of Shipping Containers
Containers can be used for storage in various forms. From storing valuables all year to fulfilling warehouse needs for business during high-demand periods, they are still very useful in their basic form. Customizations make for safe container sheds for cattle, portable office spaces for construction companies and even affordable housing options.
Is It for Personal, Business, or Industrial Use?
Since they come in different sizes, features and customizations, container use cases are extensive. It can be used personally, for small & medium scale businesses and large manufacturing industries for both storage of sensitive items as well as overseas transportation.
Personal Use: With time, every house needs space for safe storage. Buying a shipping container for personal home storage keeps your valuables secure from extreme wind and weather. They also make for affordable container rental for homeowners during renovations or shifting, especially long distance or out-of-state moves.
Business Use: Businesses often need extra storage space during peak times like Christmas, black friday sales, etc. You don’t need to pay the whole amount either. Simply rent a shipping container for small business storage and return it as per your needs. A lot of cafes or popup shops now-a-days in fact buy a shipping container to customize it, which makes the aesthetic even better, let alone the safety perks of it.
Industrial Use: Industrial-grade containers for machinery storage allow businesses to safekeep valuable equipment in the long run. Construction companies too use heavy-duty container rental for their projects and return them after completion. Apart from this, high cube containers and reefers are constantly used for transporting heavy or sensitive cargo over long distances.
2. Should You Rent or Buy the Container?
There is no objective answer to this question. To rent or buy a shipping container depends on your budget, type of usage and the duration of need. Ask yourself: How long do you need the container? Because while renting has much lower upfront costs, renting in the long term can be even more expensive than buying. Uses like pop-up cafes and portable offices require heavy customizations, for which buying shipping containers is needed. A rented container on the other hand doesn’t need extensive maintenance as it is usually covered by the suppliers.
3. What Shipping Container Size Do You Need?
Choosing one between a 20ft vs 40ft container simply depends on your type of use and budget. For basic storage and transportation, the 20ft shipping container dimension would be right for you. But if your cargo is bigger or you simply have the budget, a 40ft container will suit you better. Kindly note that the cargo container weight capacity of a 40ft container is not double that of 20ft, so while you can add more volume, the total weight should not exceed the given limit.
20ft Shipping Container:
These are the most basic containers, mostly used for storage personally as well as by SMEs. A 20ft storage container for sale or rent has a volume of 1,170 ft³ with dimensions being 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft. Since the space is lesser on these, they are mostly used for storage purposes instead of transportation.
40ft Shipping Container:
Being double in length and having a volume of 2,390 ft³, a 40ft storage container for sale or rent can accommodate way more cargo. However, since the payload capacity has restrictions, cargo such as furniture, textile, light electronics, are majorly transported because of higher volume.
High Cube Container:
With a dimension of 40ft x 8ft x 9’ 6”ft, high cube containers for sale or rent allow for 2,390 ft³ of volume, 12% of more than standard 40ft containers. This added volume not only helps ship more cargo at once, but lets tall machinery, furniture, etc, to reach its destination without any damage.
4. What Condition Should the Container Be In?
New/one-trip containers have the best condition since they are used mostly once. Used containers are naturally subject to maximum wear and tear. However, the latter is often a good choice between new vs used containers as you can get almost the same features at a much lower cost. If you are low on budget, try to find a used container with only scratches or dents, without holes or rust. This way you get the full safety with minimal cost and wear. Always remember to inspect rust, flooring, doors and ceiling, both inside and out. Buying a new container on the other hand is much safer and simpler if you either have the budget or need a container for a lengthy period of time.
5. What Are the Delivery and Pickup Costs?
Container delivery charges are subject to your location, type of container and even availability at times. Suppliers often charge more during peak seasons, which is why customers often get their units delivered separately. The mode of delivery is equally important, as it decides the total cost and duration of the shipping container transportation. Even though freight transport is costlier, it tends to be a better option over very long distances.
6. Do You Need Any Modifications?
If you are planning a container office setup, or any other particular use, explore container customization options. Your modified shipping container can have insulation for temperature control, ventilation for air flow, and additional doors or windows for ease of accessibility or light. Perhaps you need shelving, or electrical fittings for electrical power or extra storage. Make sure your vendor can either offer upgrades or direct you to reputable partners. Customizing with upgrades will be time and cost effective in the long run, especially if the container will be put to frequent use, or if they will be used in a commercial capacity.
7. Is the Vendor Reputable and Transparent?
There is a lot of competition and there are far less trusted container dealers. Try to find a genuine container vendor as an effective filter. There are certainly more reputable dealers that are known for their transparency, pricing, and container quality, like ContainersX. Stay away from sellers that are vague in their listing, offer no warranty, or exert pressure on the sale. Everything from their credentials, customer feedback, and the nature of their service terms should be verified. A reputable shipping container vendor should allow you to visit, should provide you with sufficient photos, and should offer after-sale support or warranties. The diligence you exert verifying a seller is helpful not only in protecting you from scams but also in making sure you have a quality container at fair value.
Conclusion
When renting or purchasing a shipping container, there are a lot of questions to ask. Be clear about the dimensions, the condition of the container, the delivery procedure, what the legal requirements will be, and most importantly – vendor trustworthiness. Whether you need a modified shipping container for an office on site, or just for storage, when you have the right questions aligned before making a purchase, there will be minimum surprises. Reputable container dealers like ContainersX explain everything important to you, have quality shipping containers and experience in providing shipping containers. The right questions can help you make an informed decision, saving both your money and time that would otherwise be spent in the future dealing with problems.
