Shipping containers’ primary function is transporting goods safely across different places. Aside from keeping cargo safe from harsh conditions, they also offer various uses due to their durability and structural strength. Some use shipping containers for storage and construction.
Buying shipping containers can take time and effort. In most cases, inspecting their conditions will require visiting various locations, including container depots, port facilities, and sometimes storage facilities. You can also purchase one online from a reliable supplier. However, there are crucial factors to consider when shopping for one to ensure quality and safety.
Here are key features to look for when buying shipping containers for sale:
- Structural Integrity
Shipping containers have unmatched strength due to their material and structure. These are made with corrosion-resistant steel, which allows them to withstand harsh conditions when crossing the ocean. The corrugation also gives them enough robustness, making them ideal for stacking up to eight containers.
Although shipping containers are generally structurally sound, they may also degrade over time. As you buy shipping containers, look for a supplier that guarantees structural integrity. Containers in excellent condition have undergone inspections to ensure their strength and may have been used for cargo transport multiple times.
Ensuring structural integrity is crucial if you’re using shipping containers for home construction. If you plan to live in it, prioritizing safety is imperative.
It is also essential to check for any leaks, damage, or repairs that may affect the container’s structural integrity or watertightness.
- Minimal Wear And Tear
Buying used shipping containers is more practical than a brand new one. Aside from the lower prices, it promotes sustainability by reusing and repurposing them. As a result, you reduce the number of containers sitting in junkyards. However, purchasing used shipping containers requires rigid inspection.
When buying a used shipping container, go for one with minimal wear and tear. One or two-time-use containers are typically in the best condition for storage and construction business. On the other hand, those used for around five to ten years may show signs of degradation, like rust and dents.
Minimal rusting is expected even on high-grade shipping containers. However, it doesn’t always mean the container is past its prime. In most cases, rust is only on the surface and doesn’t affect the strength of the container.
- Wind And Watertight
Shipping containers are wind and watertight, which are requirements for protecting cargo from extreme weather conditions and saltwater. However, frequent exposure to harsh elements may affect their overall durability.
When buying shipping containers, always prioritize wind and waterproofing. Protection against changing weather conditions is always imperative whether you use it for storage, home, office, or a commercial structure.
- Right Size
Buying shipping containers requires specifying the size you need. Containers usually come in four different lengths, mainly a 10-footer, 20-footer, 40-footer, and 45-footer, and eight-foot in width. However, the most common ones are 20ft and 40ft.
- Twenty-Foot: Shipping containers in this size are perfect for building homes, offices, and storage facilities. You can stack them to provide more space.
- Forty-Foot: This size is the most common for home construction. Due to its larger floor area, it provides more space to work around.
- Standard: Standard shipping containers have an interior height of 8 feet and 6 inches. It provides an excellent storage solution.
- High-Cube: High-cube containers are 9 feet and 6 inches in height. This size is ideal for home construction since there’s added space for insulation and ceiling installation without looking claustrophobic.
Determining how much space you need helps you find the perfect size of shipping container for your intended use.
- Best Type
Shipping containers have different configurations to suit different needs. When shopping, knowing your options is best to evaluate which fits your purpose.
- Dry Storage: Dry storage containers are the most common type used in construction. In its past life, it transported only dry goods.
- Reefer: These refrigerated containers are perfect storage for delicate items requiring a controlled temperature and humidity.
- Open Side: This shipping container type has a bi-fold door on the longer side, which allows easy access. It’s best for moving trucks and pop-up stores.
The choice of the best type of container depends on its intended use.
- Fair Price
Shipping container prices vary depending on your location. In the US, you can buy a 20-foot shipping container in premium condition for around USD$ 1,500 to USD$ 3,500 and USD$ 2,500 to USD$ 4,500 for a 40-footer. If you’re only using it for temporary storage, you can get one with slight signs of wear and tear but for a lower price
Tips For Buying A Shipping Container
Buying a shipping container can be stressful. Here are easy tips to help you out:
- Specify The Purpose: Before purchasing a shipping container, specify your purpose. Its intended use determines which size, type, and condition is best.
- Determine The Previous Use: Looking at the history of a shipping container is crucial for your safety. The supplier must disclose the types of goods transported and avoid ones with potential chemical leaks.
- Find The Right Supplier: The key to buying the best shipping container is to find a reliable supplier. They can help you with inspections and transportation to lessen the hassles.
Conclusion
Determining the factors to consider when buying shipping containers can help save time and energy. After specifying your needs, start looking for a trusted supplier to start your project.
