How to Buy Shipping Containers : Buyers Guide 2024
The United States of America is the largest importer in the world, bringing in more than 3 trillion worth of goods every year. It is also the second largest exporter in the world selling around 2 trillion worth of goods every year. All these trades need shipping containers for safe delivery. This explains the constantly surging demands in shipping containers for sale in the country. Choosing from a wide variety of options can feel like a daunting task, not to mention the sudden increase in the amount of buyers.
So the next step after finding the shipping container for sale that suits you is to answer the question of who to buy it from.This 10 minutes read provides all the information on containers and suppliers, more efficient than going through the effort of searching for the right container. It will save hours of time and effort, helping you to find your fit and trusted supplier of a quality conex box.
Purpose of Buying Shipping Containers
Shipping containers for sale come in various sizes and features depending on the usage. Having room for customizations, they have become immensely useful not just for goods to be safely traded, but even for personal and commercial purposes. Industries have started using them for storage, offices have started using them for work spaces and people are turning them into comfortable living spaces.
Commercial Uses of Shipping Containers
- Shipping Container Retail Spaces: Food retail shops and cafes are turning towards shipping containers for sale because of the many benefits that they provide. Designers can easily convert them to make counters, sitting areas, etc. They are cheaper than renting houses in the long run and allow moving in case of better opportunities.
- Shipping Container Office Spaces: So many businesses could never become profitable just because of the loss of investment on office buildings. Storage containers for sale have turned up as saviors for people who want to start a business. Shipping containers allow customisations to make office spaces and also provide a good resale value if the business shuts down.
- Shipping Container Storage Units: The reason why storage containers for sale are used to deliver shipments over the sea is the safety they provide. They are built to resist the harsh weather conditions like fast winds and heavy rains. So they make for great storage spaces instead of traditional store rooms. This is also the reason why they are the top priority when transporting goods over long distances.
Industrial Uses of Shipping Containers
- Construction Site Offices: construction sites require temporary offices for a couple of months. Shipping containers are the most affordable choices in this case. It’s the best way to utilize your money and time as the customized shipping container can also be moved to other locations eliminating the need of new offices for every new project.
- Equipment Storage: To secure and store heavy machinery, tools, and materials on industrial sites storage containers are used as equipment storage, containers are weather-resistant and protect them from environmental elements.
- Shipping Container Workshops: Purchasing shipping containers for workshops and studios is a good investment as containers provide ample space and can be modified as per your need, whether for manufacturing, repair or testing labs.
Should you rent or buy a shipping container?
You often require a shipping container for temporary uses in case of sudden storage, stock upsurge, protection from extreme weather, etc. Buying a container in such a case is definitely not a good investment. That is why you also have the option of renting containers. A rented container comes with all the benefits without needing maintenance. You are free to use it as long as you want and can terminate the contract with ease. You also have used shipping containers for sale which are further lower in the price range and are perfect to rent. Here are all the pointers to help you decide if you should buy or rent:
Buying a Shipping Container
Want to set up a store room? Rent some space for extra income? Need a working area? If you need a shipping container for such relatively long term uses, buying conex boxes for sale is the best option for you. Looking at the face value, It definitely looks like a heavy investment but proves to be highly profitable in the long term.
The build quality standard of a new storage container is exceptionally high. Companies like ContainersX even perform a pre delivery check to ensure that the container reaching you is at par in terms of quality. They are built to persevere against heat waves, heavy rains and destructive winds. This helps the content inside the container to be completely safe, be it items or people.
Buying a shipping container for sale also means that you have the liberty of making changes as per your requirements. You can easily get it converted into comfortable homes or efficient working areas. If you buy a shipping container it becomes your asset you can resale the container later if it’s no longer needed.
Renting a shipping container
Renting a shipping container can be a practical solution for a variety of temporary needs. Essentially, if you need a secure, portable storage solution for a limited period, this might be the ideal choice. Renting a shipping container presents a versatile and cost-effective solution for a wide range of storage needs. These robust structures provide secure, weatherproof, and portable storage for everything from household goods during moves to business inventory management. By renting, individuals and businesses can avoid the significant upfront investment associated with container ownership and the logistical challenges of long-term storage. Additionally, containers can be easily transported to different locations, offering flexibility for temporary or project-based storage requirements.
Want to rent a storage container at an unbeatable price? Click here to know about used storage containers for rent.
Choose the Right Type of Shipping Container
Once you have the idea whether you want to rent or buy a shipping container, you need to choose the type of container you need. There are a lot of types of shipping containers for sale that cater to different consumers, so choosing which suits the best is crucial. Depending on the type of usage, shipping containers can be lengthy, air tight, temperature controlled, etc.
Dry storage containers: The most common, offering enclosed, secure storage for dry goods. Can be used for industrial as well as personal uses.
Open-top containers: Ideal for oversized or heavy cargo that needs to be loaded from the top. Good use in the agricultural sector for growing crops and harvesting.
Flat-rack containers: Have removable ends for easy loading of large or heavy equipment.
Refrigerated containers: Maintain specific temperatures for perishable goods. Best for long shipments of liquid products.
Tank containers: Designed to transport liquid or gaseous substances. They are widely used to transport a wide range of chemicals, including acids, solvents, and other hazardous materials.
Selecting the optimal shipping container necessitates careful consideration of several key factors. These include the nature and volume of your cargo, budgetary constraints, and the chosen mode of transportation. For general storage, a dry storage container is often sufficient. If you have oversized items, an open-top or flat-rack might be better. For perishable goods, a refrigerated container is essential.
Choose the right Size of Container
The type of container means the features which the container has and its advantages. However, there is still the need to know the size best suited for you. Usually, people choose between 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers. Which size of shipping container should you purchase depends on your needs. Let’s see the options available for container sizes:
20ft Shipping Container
The 20ft container is the smaller standard shipping container, ideal for smaller shipments or personal storage. Its compact size makes it suitable for transportation in various modes and fits easily into smaller spaces.. In the USA you can easily find 20ft shipping containers for sale because they are one of the most popular and widely used container sizes for various applications.
40ft Shipping Container
The 40ft container is the most common size for shipping, offering double the capacity of a 20ft container. It’s perfect for larger shipments, bulk goods, or multiple vehicles. While larger, it’s still efficiently transported by sea, rail, and road. You can find 40ft shipping container for sale in the USA in the price range of $1300 to $10000.
Choose the right Container Condition
One-trip/New Shipping Containers
These types of containers are almost new because they have been only used once or have been to only one trip of shipment. They are just like new storage containers with only small scratches or paint wears. One-trip containers offer a compelling economic advantage, significantly reducing costs compared to brand-new units while providing nearly equivalent product safety. Designed for extended service lives, these containers maintain a high degree of durability, ensuring reliable protection for your goods. Freshly manufactured new containers are of course the best ones available with best reliability in the whole segment.
Used shipping containers
This is the best option for people who are looking for storage containers for sale but cannot afford the new ones. Despite possessing all the essential attributes of brand-new containers, used shipping containers frequently enter the secondary market as businesses and individuals divest themselves of surplus inventory. The answer is simple, they do not come with a guarantee or warranty.
Water Wind Tight Container: Protect your valuable cargo from the elements with a Water Wind Tight (WWT) shipping container. Engineered to withstand harsh weather, these containers provide superior protection against water and wind infiltration, ensuring your goods remain dry and secure in any climate.
Cargo Worthy Container: Our cargo worthy shipping containers are built to the highest international standards for safe and reliable transportation. Rigorously inspected and certified, these containers offer durability and protection for your goods throughout their journey.
As-is containers: It is sold in their current condition without any guarantee of their state. While buying new containers, people pay for the guarantee that it will not create a problem. With as-is shipping containers, there is no guarantee that the container will not leak or give full protection. This is why you need to be vigilant when you are buying a used container. You can check out ContainersX, which is a trusted company in terms of selling used containers at low prices.
Find out How much does it cost to buy a shipping container?
The most important factor you need to know before buying shipping containers is the shipping container cost. Knowing how much it cost to buy a shipping container can help to negotiate and get better deals with container suppliers. Here the cost of 20ft and 40ft shipping containers in the USA.
Container Size | Condition | Shipping Container Cost |
20ft Shipping Container | New | $2,000 – $5,000 |
20ft Shipping Container | Used | $1,000 – $3,000 |
40ft Shipping Container | New | $4,000 – $8,000 |
40ft Shipping Container | Used | $2,500 – $5,000 |
Where to buy shipping containers?
When looking to buy a shipping container, you have several options:
Local Dealers
Local dealers are small companies that sell shipping containers. These are usually located near you which is an advantage because you have the facility of checking the containers for yourself before buying it. This is very important for some people and for good reason because people need satisfaction before investing such an amount of money.
Individual Sellers
The difference between Buying a shipping container from an individual is that they usually don’t allow customisations. While individual sellers may offer more competitive pricing for used shipping containers, concerns regarding reliability often arise due to potential trust and transparency issues. Established companies, with their established reputations and customer service networks, generally offer greater peace of mind.
Shipping Containers Suppliers
If you are okay with buying online, known suppliers like ContainersX LLC are the best option for you. These suppliers are trusted all over the country and provide several options with a lot of room for customization. These suppliers, ContainersX especially also perform a pre delivery check which is why they are trusted by people.
Cheapest way to buy shipping containers
Purchase container in bulk
Buying from suppliers in bulk can be relatively cheaper. This option is particularly for shipping companies and manufacturers who need shipping containers for storage and shipments. So if you are a business owner which needs containers, this option can be very viable.
Compare shipping container cost
Almost all big suppliers provide instant quotes on filling out a form and filling the specifics. You can decide which container you need with the dimensions and features, fill out the forms from different suppliers and get quotes. There is bound to be a difference among those quotes. You can simply choose the cheapest one.
Negotiate while purchasing shipping containers
By researching shipping container prices, you can develop a clear understanding of the market value. Having this knowledge, you’ll be in a stronger position to negotiate and secure the best possible price for your container.
Inspect the shipping container
Before buying shipping containers it’s best to inspect shipping containers personally, keep the following checklist in mind to help you make the best choice:
- Exterior check: look for dents, paint wear, holes, gaps in the doors, rust in the joints of the doors, and overall feel of the container. Make sure that the doors are working smoothly without leaving any gap after closing. It should look brand new if you are buying a new one.
- Interior check: Try closing all the doors and then go inside. This will help to find holes if any. Make sure that both the floor and ceiling are clean, free of any rust or molds. There should be no dents on the inside either. Check for any type of smell because there shouldn’t be any. Try the doors and locks from the inside too.
- Documentation: Make sure all the documents regarding the container are provided. Make a list beforehand and check all the boxes. Thorough due diligence is crucial before purchasing a shipping container. While time-consuming, carefully reviewing all documentation and asking any and all questions that arise is essential. Given the significant investment involved, don’t hesitate to seek clarity.
Just so that you do not forget any important step, here’s a quick five minute read on how to inspect shipping container.
Obtain necessary permits
Before buying shipping containers it’s essential to get necessary permits. In many areas permits are necessary to store and purchase shipping containers. If acquiring the container for business purposes, a business license will be necessary. For personal use, local permits or approvals from your homeowners’ association or local zoning authority may be required.
Essential Site Preparation
Before placing your shipping container, ensure the site is properly prepared to avoid complications. Here’s how to set up your site effectively:
- Choose the Right Location: Open area will be best suited for shipping containers if you are thinking of a living space or cafe shops. Overhead trees and power grids can cause problems in the long run.
- Clear and Level the Area: Even though no construction is needed, a clear ground is necessary so that the container remains steady and horizontal. Making a concrete base is the perfect option as it is firm and will keep the storage box intact with the ground.
- Accessibility: The location needs to be accessible both in terms of facilities and delivery. Good drainage, sewage and electricity will help the atmosphere inside the container to be fresh. The location needs to have good roads so that the truck delivering your container reaches you without difficulty.
Want to know more about how to prepare site for shipping container delivery click here to read our quick guide.
Transport the shipping container
Once you have decided the type of container and the size of the shipping container you are going to order, you need to check the transportation details of the container. Delivery costs can vary significantly between suppliers. Some may charge extra based on the delivery location, while others offer free shipping. Expedited delivery options, often utilizing air freight, will incur additional costs to ensure faster delivery times. Known cities like Houston, Chicago, etc don’t usually charge much fees because they are main cities.
Want expert advice on buying a shipping container?
If you have come this far, you are well versed with the knowledge of shipping containers and how to buy the right one. This blog was crafted with the intent of clearing your doubts. If you still have some questions, kindly contact ContainersX to get personal assistance and advice on purchasing the perfect shipping container. The customer support team of ContainersX is available 24/7 to advise you on the best long term investment possible.
