Qualities of a Good "Used" Shipping Container
Shipping Containers as Storage Units
Shipping containers for sale on the storage market can all look the same, but there are some things to look out for which can give an indication on if a container is sound. Shipping containers will either be used (10-15 years old already, and retired from the shipping lines), or once-used (a once-used container will have been shipped once with cargo from the country on manufacture in order to keep costs of import down). Although a used container is cheaper than its once-used counterpart, this doesn't mean it should be any less effective as a storage unit, and can be a good solution for customers working to a tight budget.Things to look out for when purchasing a used container
Used containers aren't always the most aesthetically pleasing. You can expect your used container to have dents, dings, scrapes and rust. These qualities do not mean the container is unsuitable or unfit for purpose, they're just signs of its previous life as a shipping container. However, there are certain characteristics of used containers which give a good indication as to their quality:- Fully seam welded patch repairs. These containers will have been shipping cargo across the oceans for many years, often stacked high on cargo vessels and filled with a variety of different cargo. As such, between the ocean air, salt water and handling at various shipping depots across the world, some containers will have required maintenance and patching in order to keep them usable. This involves a welder removing a broken or damaged part of the corten steel and replacing it with a matching piece of corrugated steel, fully seam welding the patch to ensure the container is still watertight and structurally sound. Some people see these patches as unsightly, however a proper seam welded patch shows a repaired container, not a broken one.
- Intact seals and 'free and easy' doors. Shipping container doors have seals around the outside to prevent any water ingress damaging the cargo inside whilst the container is in transit. Something to keep an eye out for is to make sure the container door seals are still intact and line up properly against the container. We call these doors the S2 doors, however we actually manufacture other door types specifically for the storage market. You also want to check your original container doors are 'free and easy'. Used containers have a reputation for having stiff and difficult doors. Whilst common, you want to make sure the doors are able to open and close properly. Sometimes rust can build up inside the hinges, making the doors unusable, let alone stiff!
- No light when you're inside. Sounds simple, but as these units will have been shipped numerous times, rust will be evident. This is normal as Corten Steel is designed to rust to provide further protecting against the elements however, if untreated, it can corrode the whole way through. One of the first checks we perform when inspecting used units which come into our depot is to go inside the container and close the doors. If we can see light peeking through anywhere, we know the unit will need repairing to make it watertight again.
Four Door Options
All our used shipping containers come with a choice of four door types, suitable for different types of usage. See our 20ft used products with our four door types below:
If You Have Any Questions
If you have any further questions about qualities you need to look for in a shipping container, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
Testimonials
As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.
"Always informative and look to achieve our requirements and lead times. Great communicators and they keep you updated on progress etc. Highly recommended by us!"Georgina Grace Limited
6th June 2025
order - six 3m and 4m Flat Pack Store Containers
"Excellent communication and great delivery drivers. Good product at a fair price."FM Conway Ltd
5th June 2025
order - a 'Once-Used' 10ft Container
"Excellent service from point of order. Communication was great on delivery and a thorough search of the area to make sure delivery was possible without unexpected problems. The driver was great, he rang an hour before and was pleasant and cheery on the phone."Red Kite Special Academy
29th May 2025
order - a 20ft ModiBox® Container
"Really smart container, very impressed! Excellent communication from the team throughout, able to help with any enquiries and made the process nice and smooth. Thank you!"RSPB Lake Vyrnwy
23rd May 2025
order - a Used 20ft Container Conversion
"I always recommend Neil to other schools, these containers are so much better than any shed you will ever buy."Samuel Cody School
21st May 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container
"Communication and assistance with quoting was excellent. On the day of delivery Steve the lorry driver was extremely helpful with our containers as we had to load onto a tractor and trailer to get to site. Containers very easy to construct and instructions very clear."St Michaels Golf Club
16th May 2025
order - a 4m Flat Pack Store Container
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Committed to Quality
We are ISOQAR Approved; certified to the ISO standard relating to Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our Company's commitment to quality. We are also members of MakeUK who champion and celebrate British manufacturing and manufacturers, and member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association; an international organisation representing the interests of Container Self-Storage Operators, Traders and Innovators.
ISO Cert No. 13586-QNS-001
ISO 9001:2015
