Loading and unloading of containers crane truck and special truck in the port on a sunny day
Are you looking for the best shipping solution? Look no further than this article. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know everything there is to know about how to buy a shipping container.
For those of us well versed in the shipping industry, there are some pretty important dos and don’ts when it comes to buying a container. Little mistakes or lack of planning can lead to expenses down the line, so be sure to explore everything outlined in this article before purchase.
What Do You Need Your Container For?
There are a million different uses for a shipping container. The most obvious is shipping, duh. However, shipping containers can be used for building things like homes, offices, and more.
You can also use a shipping container as storage. Some shipping containers are even refrigerated. Whatever your needs, be sure you’re as detailed as possible when approaching different companies to find the best shipping option for you.
Shipping Container Material
Depending on what you need your shipping container for, the material required might vary considerably. The most common shipping containers are for dry storage.
Refrigerated containers are temperature-regulated. These are traditionally used to transport fruits and vegetables from all over the world.
Almost all shipping containers are made of steel and are heavily weather-proofed. Steel storage containers for sale are the best place to start with your search.
Size of Your Container
Why would you spend money on something you don’t need? With shipping containers, don’t spend money on space you won’t require.
Similarly, there’s no need to buy twice if one box will suffice. Figure out exactly what type of square footage you need for your needs before starting your search.
Contact the Seller
Even if you’re planning to buy a shipping container online, you should always contact the seller before making a purchase. The first reason you should contact the seller is to ask any questions you might have.
If the seller can answer all of your questions, you’re off to a great start. However, if there are questions the seller can’t quite answer, you might want to keep looking.
Another reason you need to contact the seller is to tell them specifically what you’re looking for. The businesses you’re looking at might not have exactly what you need.
Or, they might have suggestions to improve your initial inquiry. Finding the right Conex box isn’t like shopping on Amazon. It can take time to find the right fit.
Inspect the Container
If you’re able to physically inspect the container you want to purchase, do it! You’d be amazed at how many scams there are online, so being able to see your shipping container in real life is a big deal.
Another option a lot of people don’t consider is inspecting your shipping container remotely. If the folks you’re thinking of buying from work on-site and around the container, why not video call them and ask them to show you the box you want to buy?
If celebrities can spend five minutes in their day to record a random cameo video for people on the internet, your shipping container people can take ten minutes to show you the box you’re investing in. Be sure to look for things like rust, stains, or any internal or external damage.
Prior Use
Make sure you know exactly what your container was used for before you bought it. The last thing you want is to be buying a container to turn it into an office, but it was recently used to ship fish from Canada to California. No one needs to work in a shipping container that smells of old fish.
A shipping box needs to feel new when you buy it. The easiest way to do this is to check what the container was last used for. If your container was simply shipping hardware from port to port, there may not be a smell issue.
However, if you don’t plan on repainting your container, then you might want to consider the exterior aesthetics of the box. Most people who buy shipping containers repaint them.
If you don’t want to repaint the outside, then be sure you’re not accidentally advertising a competitor or random company by leaving the last design on the exterior.
Negotiate Everything
No matter what, be sure to negotiate for the best shipping container for you. If you don’t live close to the location of your chosen shipping container, there may be shipping costs for your shipping container.
If you’re buying a container from another city, state, or country, time equals money. When you take the time duration, unloading costs, and surcharges into account, be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Buying Online vs. Buying in Person
Buying a shipping container online is what almost everyone chooses to do when making such a significant purchase. However, there are benefits to buying in person.
For example, buying in real life (IRL) allows you to physically see the difference between new or used containers. If you plan on keeping your container indefinitely, it might be worth checking it out IRL.
However, you might find that there are significant savings if you choose to buy online. Why not incorporate a hybrid of online searches with in-person inspections of the types of containers you’re interested in?
Find The Best Shipping Solution for You
Finding the best shipping solution is a highly personal quest. Everyone has their own wants and needs that make them feel comfortable when making a purchase.
If this is your first time buying a shipping container, do as much research as possible. If you’ve done this before, then you’re probably looking for the best deal available to you.
Keep exploring our site, articles, and more until you feel confident in moving forward with your shipping container needs. You’ll find everything you need once you’re done browsing and enjoying our content!