Shipping Containers For Sale

Shipping containers can be used to transport large items or large amounts of a product over a long distance. Often times they are used for carrying goods from one country to another. A freight container must have the strength to be able to withstand handling, shipment as well as storage. A freight container can range anywhere from corrugated boxes to intermodal shipping containers, and everything in-between. A standard intermodal freight container is designed to be moved from one form of transportation to another without the need of unloading and reloading the container. For companies that do a lot of shipping, it makes sense to look for shipping containers for sale. This way, their cost is spread out over the long haul.

Renting VS Buying Containers

For individuals and companies who only do occasional long distance large shipments, it may be best to rent shipping containers. If you decide to rent, keep in mind a few potential issues. First, when you rent, you generally have to sign a contract for a specific time frame. When not using your storage container, where will you store it? Your typical 20 foot or 40 foot container won’t easily fit in most people’s back yard. Always think through the logistics before signing that rental agreement. If renting for business purposes, the shipping container might be easily stored in a warehouse with other merchandise that is to be shipped. If that is the case, renting may work for you.

Another potential problem with renting is local codes and compliances that may not allow you to leave the storage container in certain areas.

You should be able to find several companies in each metro area who rents steel shipping containers. These containers are generally rented on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. The longer term you rent the unit, generally the better deal you get. Ask if their rates include delivery and pick up. There may also be extra insurance charges. Find out all the details prior to signing a rental agreement. Keep in mind, the cheapest is not always the best way to go.

Intermodal Shipping Containers For Sale

Intermodal containers are also known by other names. These names include freight container, ISO container, and shipping container. Other names may be hi-cube container, box, a conex box, or even a sea can. These containers are a standardized reusable steel box that can be used for the safe movement of materials within a global intermodal freight transport system. “Intermodal” implies there are various modes of transport or travel involved. These modes of travel include truck, train, airplane, and ship. With this type of container, it can easily be moved from one mode of transportation to another without disrupting the merchandise being shipped. You can easily find intermodal shipping containers for sale.

Shipping Container Dimensions

Shipping container sizes range in different lengths and heights. Each container has a unique ISO 6346 reporting mark, which is an international standard ID for intermodal containers. Each container has a unique serial number that identifies the owner, country code, size, type, and equipment category. The ISO 6346 standard is managed by the International Container Bureau (BIC).

Dimensions of shipping containers vary in length up to 56 feet with the standard height at 8 foot up to 9 feet 6 inches. A container’s capacity is often expressed in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) which is a capacity equal to one standard 20 by 8 foot container. When it comes to air freight, the alternative lighter IARA-defined Unit Load Device is used. It is estimated that there are about 17 million intermodal containers in the world. These are of various sizes and types suited for various types of cargo.

Shipping Container Cost

You may be asking, “How much do shipping containers cost?” There is a significant difference in the cost of a shipping container that is new versus the cost of used shipping containers. Fortunately, there are good new and used cargo containers available pretty much everywhere.

New shipping containers can be purchased typically between $2,300 and $5,000 depending on the size. Used containers begin at about $500 and can be as high as $2,900 depending on size and condition. Some containers have been reconditioned. If you really do your homework, you may be able to find some better deals. Also make sure you check out the containers first. You want to make sure they are in good condition including a straight frame.

In addition to the actual price of the container, you need to figure in other costs. The added costs include handling and transportation charges. If any modifications need to be made such as cutting or insulating, this could increase your cost per shipping container.

Used Shipping Containers For Sale

There are actually three categories of used shipping containers for sale. There are standard “as is” shipping containers that have already been used extensively, but are made to last a long time. In terms of cosmetics, you will find a variation of these used containers. Containers that have been inspected and have a guarantee are considered an “A” grade unit. They are water and rodent tight containers. There are also some used containers that are delivered straight from a surplus container depot. These often times don’t come with any kind of guarantee.

Used shipping containers come in the following sizes: 20’ 40’ 45’ 53’ Standard Dry Containers, 40’ & 45’ High Cube Dry Containers, and 20’ 40’ 45’ Refrigerated or Insulated Containers. These containers must meet ISO standards.

Secondly, there are refurbished shipping containers. These storage units are definitely a step above the “as is” containers. They may contain a few small dents and dings, but they look much better. A refurbished shipping container is given additional inspections. All rust spots are removed and all metal parts are repainted. You can also request that the inside of the container be repainted. It is a good idea to paint the container a neutral color to keep it looking nice for many years.

The third category of shipping containers is Modified Shipping Containers. If you are requesting this kind of container, make sure the company you purchase it from is experienced in doing these modifications. Often times these companies can modify the container to meet whatever specific needs you may have.

If you are on a limited budget, you may be best to find used shipping containers for sale. This is especially true considering that shipping containers are extremely durable and often in “like new” condition. For a used container you can expect to pay anywhere from 20%-60% off a new units cost.

Shipping Containers For Storage

Not all shipping containers end up being used to ship goods around the world. Some of them have already made many such trips. There has been a growing interest in utilizing these containers for a variety of other uses.

Smart business owners are making the most of some of these steel shipping containers that are at the end of their useful lives. A shipping container makes an excellent instant “storage space.” In some cases, rather than building a storage shed, these containers are an instant fix.

Shipping Container Homes And Architecture
Beginning in 2005, shipping containers started to appear in a different light throughout areas of the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, China, Australia and much of Europe. These ordinary shipping containers are being turned into actual homes to live in. Shipping container architecture reaches far beyond homes. These once very plain spaces are being transformed into offices, student housing, hotels, emergency shelters and safe rooms. It is truly a global trend.

Interest grew as a realization that thousands of these shipping containers were beginning to pile up in the ports of every major city in the world. In 2005, in the U.S. alone, there were about 1 million unused shipping containers, just sitting around. As a result of this new architecture, that number dropped to about half that number in 2007 and had continued to decrease from that time on.

There is a constant need to find shipping containers for sale. For many, their need is strictly for shipping purposes. The business man and individual alike have a nice variety of shipping containers to choose from. Where budget isn’t a major factor, there are new shipping containers for sale. With budget restraints, there are used and reconditioned shipping containers. For those with specific and special needs, there are modified shipping containers. When the container has seemingly seen it end as a useful shipping container, there awaits yet another use for this wonderful unit. What Malcom McLean started back in 1956 with his new invention, the steel shipping container, has changed, not only the shipping industry, but now even the housing market and architecture itself.