Used Shipping Containers
8 Things to Know to When Buying a Used Shipping Container
If you’re looking to save money on storage or transportation, buying a used shipping container may seem like the perfect solution. These containers are available in many different sizes and can be stacked neatly together to save space, making them ideal for short-term use or long-term storage. However, just because it’s possible to purchase used shipping containers doesn’t mean you should do it blindly. Before making this commitment, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to pay attention to when shopping for a used shipping container to help you make a quality and informed decision.
Delivery Space
The first thing to consider is the amount of space you need for your container. If you have the space, you might be able to get a bigger container, which will still fit in your garage or basement. It can be difficult to find containers exactly the size you need, though—the most common sizes are 20 ft., 40 ft., and 45 ft. However, if you don't have the space, 25 and 35-ft.-long containers are still readily available and can make good storage solutions for apartments.
Location
The next thing to consider is where you want your container to be located. You'll have the most options within a short distance from you, but if you have the space and need a certain location, you might need to look further afield.
Search for local storage facilities in your area. Those facilities will tell you who's renting containers and their prices. They also might be able to help if you need a size that's not common in your area.
Container Inspections
It’s always important to have the container thoroughly inspected to unearth all the defects it might have before proceeding to make a purchase. Having the inspection performed by a certified engineer will help expose all the flaws that the shipping container might possess, in addition to determining the implications that they may have on the usage of the container. Besides checking for holes, the engineer will further check to determine whether doors and locking mechanisms are working accordingly so as to ensure the container is ready for use in the event of a purchase.
Also to watch out for is the presence of dents in the roof, as they are known for water build-up, which later converts into a rust spot. These can ultimately give rise to a hole. All patches that have been instigated on the container should be carried out appropriately so that they remain firmly connected to the structure of the container.
Supplier Reputation
It’s always important to ensure that the shipping company you’re about to trade with is reputable and has been in business for quite some time. While purchasing used shipping containers is not that costly, you will still incur a sizable amount of money to acquire one; hence you need to be certain that the company will deliver nothing less than it pledged. Reasonable prices and an incredible reputation are crucial in the current landscape of containers.
So, in order to determine whether the company you’re dealing with is reputable or not, visit its social media pages or its comments section and study the reviews being made by the customers. If most of the comments are positive, then this indicates that the shipping company is trustworthy and reliable, hence reputable.
Delivery Cost
We all know that used shipping containers are huge and weighty and require special equipment to be loaded onto a trailer or regular truck. The shipping of these containers ought to be done with the right gear for safety so as to ensure the delivery is seamless. Before buying a used shipping container, keep in mind to inquire if the price imposed on the container is inclusive of the delivery cost or if it is paid separately.
Intended Use of the Container
The quality grades of the used shipping containers are classified into three categories: A, B, and C. So, to determine the best grade for your needs, you must first determine what you intend to use with the container. Grad A means the container is in perfect shape, whereas grade C indicates that it’s pretty average. If you intend to keep items in the container, then grades A and B are what you need. If you intend to use it to store any sort of foodstuffs, then it must be categorized as a “food grade” shipping container.
Shipping Container Sizes Available
When looking for a used shipping container to buy, one of the first things you need to determine is the size of the container you need. It’s worth noting that used shipping containers come in different sizes and configurations, with the top closed containers being the most prevalent. Depending on your needs, you can choose various shipping container lengths ranging from 40ft, 20ft, to 10ft. The 20ft is the most widely used and adaptable size
Signs of Needing A Paint Job on the Container
Regardless of their condition, used shipping containers can be repainted. More often than not, repainting containers takes place after a set of repairs have been made in order to make them appealing to the eyes of potential buyers. Although there is nothing wrong with making repairs here and there, it is vital to ensure they have been done correctly to guarantee the long-term use of the container. Therefore, you must be vigilant when it comes to freshly painted shipping containers, as most of them are done with the ill motive of concealing the rust spots. Rust is not a serious threat if it is correctly handled with a rust converter, but these spots will be hard to discover unless they start to bleed through the paint.
Trust The Local Supplier
As you can see, there are several things that you need to pay attention to when shopping for a used shipping container. By exploring all these factors, you'll stand a better chance of finding and purchasing a quality shipping container that befits your needs. By heading straight to purchase used shipping containers without making any findings, you're likely to end up with a wrong or defective shipping container that will work to your disadvantage.
That's why you need a company like us! We are Shipping Containers of Tampa and we are here to help! So contact us for a 100% free quote right over the phone.
