Planning to buy a shipping container for storage, a work area, or to construct an extraordinary living space? Shipping containers have been trending recently and are widely used for many purposes. Before you commit to buying one, there’s some essential information that needs your attention.
Knowing the container size and type options, inspecting it for damages–the process of acquiring a container can be overwhelming. This guide will provide an overview of all aspects to consider before making your purchase in order to guarantee that you receive superior quality that suits your requirements perfectly.
How To Buy Shipping Containers in 6 Easy Steps
1. Consider your purpose in buying a shipping container
Before you make any decisions, you must ask yourself why you need a storage shipping container. What do your plans include? Is it for storage purposes only or are there more creative ideas such as using the space as an office or even making it into a home?
Knowing your intention can help you determine the proper size and kind of container for your purpose, as well as how dedicatedly you must be to guarantee that you acquire the best quality container available.
2. Determine the size of the shipping container that you need
When searching for the appropriate shipping container to meet your needs, you have numerous sizes at your disposal. 20 or 40 ft containers are typically considered the ideal combination between capacity and affordability. They’re also easy to find due to their immense popularity compared with other specifications that may be hard to come by in certain areas.
There are also other sizes available, such as 10-foot and 45-foot containers. If you need more height, a high cube container gives you an extra foot of space at 9 feet 6 inches.
If you’re curious to discover more about shipping container dimensions, click here for further details and knowledge.
3. Which container type of shipping container do you need?
Choosing the right shipping container for your needs can save you money, but it’s important to consider any special features that may add to the cost. If you need temperature control, a refrigerated container is necessary and will be more expensive than one without this feature. Insulated containers also come with an additional price tag due to their materials used for keeping the air in or out as needed–so think carefully before making a purchase!
4. Choose the condition and grading of the shipping container
After you figure out the ideal container size for your needs, it’s time to select the grade and condition of that container. This is essential in order to ensure that all your cargo passes through customs with ease. You should carefully consider what purpose you will be using this shipping container for before making any decisions.
Here are the conditions of shipping containers:
One-Trip Containers are the latest shipping containers available on the market. These containers are used only once to transfer goods from China, and then they will be sold. The voyage across the ocean can last anywhere between 75-90 days with substantial handling along the way that might produce some dents, scratches, and rust but still maintain exceptional condition. These containers have been labeled as IICL or Grade A for top quality assurance.
Used Shipping Containers are an affordable choice for those who prioritize performance over aesthetics. These sturdy vessels have previously been used in cargo transport and may exhibit signs of wear, including dents and rust. But they can still stand the test of time – with proper care, they will last up to fifteen years! Typically sourced from global shippers, these containers are usually 8-15 years old.
Used shipping containers come in four types: cargo-worthy, wind and watertight, used iicl, and as-is. Cargo Worthy shipping containers have passed strict inspection processes to be used for transport by air, rail, or road. Wind and Water Tight vessels are guaranteed not to leak. IICL-Certified Shipping Containers are new and used containers that have been verified to meet or exceed the most stringent standards of the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) while As Is storage containers are typically the oldest options whose structural damage may be too costly to repair back into a water-tight wwt vessel.
Refurbished Shipping Containers are a perfect example of sustainability and extendibility: each container is thoroughly cleaned, primed, and painted to restore them to their original condition so they can be used again.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of container types, be sure to check out our informative blog post. It will provide you with all the information and knowledge required for making an informed decision!
5. Find out how much a shipping container costs
To ensure the most cost-effective outcome, invest in understanding shipping container prices before making any negotiations with sellers. By doing this, you will have greater leverage to secure desirable deals.
Use this breakdown of shipping container prices to help plan for your upcoming project and ensure that you stay within budget:
- Used Shipping Container: Prices range from $1500-$5000 depending on condition.
- 20-foot Standard Shipping Container: Prices range from $1,500 – $3,000
- 40-foot Standard Shipping Container: Prices range from $2,600 – $4,200
- New or one-trip Shipping Containers: Price range of $3000-$5000.
- Refrigerated Shipping Containers: Prices range from $3,500 – $7,000
- Specialized Shipping Containers: Prices vary depending on features and can cost significantly more than standard containers.
- Delivery Fees: Prices range from $600 – $1,000 for a single container depending on your location or how far away it needs to be transported.
6. Where to buy a shipping container?
Once you’ve determined your purpose, size, type, and grade of shipping containers, it’s time to start looking for where to purchase them. You can find quality shipping containers with a simple online search – there are plenty of options available ranging from classified websites to dealers that specialize in selling these products.
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Google are perfect places to discover affordable shipping containers for sale. With just a few clicks, you can effortlessly uncover a large number of containers nearby.
- If you’re hoping to compare various options or require multiple containers, shipping container dealers are your go-to. Most of them offer a range of sizes for customers who might not be sure exactly which size is suitable for their needs.
- Look around your local area for any unused containers that may be lying about. It could pay off to check with the businesses and inquire whether they are open to selling them.
For comprehensive advice on acquiring shipping containers, this link will assist you in making an informed purchasing decision.
On-Site Storage Solutions
On-Site Storage Solutions offers a broad selection of shipping containers at competitive prices. With over 60 depot locations in the United States and Canada, you can count on us to provide top-notch customer service so that you find the perfect container for your needs! Give us a call now at (888) 405-8772 and take the first step towards obtaining secure storage solutions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When buying a shipping container, important factors to consider include the size, condition (new or used), intended use, required modifications, delivery options, and budget.
Shipping containers come in various sizes, including 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet, and even larger. The most common sizes for purchase are 20 feet and 40 feet.
Regulations and permit requirements for purchasing a shipping container can vary by location. It’s advisable to check with local authorities or consult professionals to ensure compliance with any necessary regulations.
On-Site Storage Solutions is a highly recommended company to explore when looking to purchase shipping containers. They provide a wide range of options, including both new and used containers for sale or rent. With their extensive network of over 60 depot locations, they offer convenient access throughout the United States and Canada.
