Tips on How to Buy a Used Shipping Container
Monday 25 November 2019 Filed in: General
Thinking of buying a used shipping container but are concerned about the pitfalls? This article walks you through the things to look out for, what to avoid, and how to know if you're getting value for money. In 6 tops tips we'll tell you everything you need to know about buying second hand containers.
Used shipping containers can be an excellent buy, in terms of value and performance. Shipping containers are extremely tough and have a long lifespan. When you consider they are designed to cope with heavy loads of at least 20 tonnes and endure numerous sea crossings stacked up to eight or more high, you can see why they make superb storage containers. The price of used shipping containers comes down considerably from new shipping containers, but as these containers are built to last they will remain in good, usable condition for many years. If you know what you are looking for and can avoid the pitfalls of containers that are suspiciously cheap, then with proper maintenance you should expect a good 10 years or so of secure, dry space from a good quality, reasonably priced container.
6 crucial questions to ask before buying
- Where is the best place to buy a shipping container from? Before buying, find out who you are dealing with! Read reviews and carry out checks to make sure the company is reputable. A simple Google search will return plenty of results for a trusted company. For the best quality containers we recommend going direct to a company that has their own shipping container depot that can assess the condition of their containers in stock and carry out any repairs or modifications necessary, such as repainting, before delivering to you. There are a lot of third party retailers, middle man and sub-contractors out there who will simply source a container for their customers from other depots and docks and all they do is arrange delivery to you direct from this source. They will never have seen the containers they sell. Dropshipping is increasingly common in the industry, so beware.
Containers Direct have a large depot with highly skilled tradesmen and a large office with a team of staff on hand to answer any questions you have about the whole process of buying a container to its delivery. We give you direct communication over any question you may have, however big or small we have time for you. - Are there any barriers on my site to a successful delivery? There's no point buying a shipping container, especially a large one, if it won't fit where you want it to, or your delivery address is inaccessible to a large hiab lorry and the room needed to lift the container off the vehicle and manoeuvre it into place. Always check viability first! Containers Direct work with contracted hauliers and will go over all the details and specifics required to ensure a successful delivery, including looking at photos of your site if necessary. We would never take your money and sell a container and without being sure we can delivery it - another reason to cut out the middle man and go direct!
- Which type of container is the best value for money? Used 20ft and 40ft shipping containers give you the most for your money per sq ft. Any other sizes - ie 10ft, 15ft, 30ft - are not standard manufactured sizes and are created by cutting down 40fts, or sometimes 20fts, to the required size and completed with new doors or an end wall, or both. This process requires time, materials and labour which is is reflected in the price. Of course, if you need a specific size other than 20ft or 40ft then cut down containers still represent good value for money and give you more choice - and that includes colour and door types, which can be included during the process.
- How can I avoid being scammed? There are plenty of scammers out there who will take your money for containers that don't exist. Be wary of private sellers on places like Ebay and Facebook Marketplace. Although some sellers might be genuine, rigorous checks must applied before you hand any money over. Don't ignore any red flags in effort to a grab bargain - usually if something seems too good to be true it is! Or you might get sent a container with serious problems that means it belongs on the scrap heap. Also be wary of scammers who use the name of legitimate container retailers to "sell". As we are a direct company holding our own containers on site, they can be seen before purchase. Make an appointment to our depot or request photos so you can check the condition etc.
- Can the container be customised? Container modifications and conversions are a big part of the shipping container business these days. Many buyers are looking for more than a container "off the shelf". Most second hand shipping containers sold from our depot have something extra added on to the order. It could be a simple repaint to conceal the scrapes, scuffs and rust that is standard on used containers. or ply lining to prevent condensation in the container. We provide a wide range of optional extras that can be added to customise your container before it's dispatched. Unless you're planning to take on any additional work on your purchase once it reaches you, you'll need a company with its own workshop faciiities on site. like Containers Direct, to carry out the work quickly and efficiently. Some container retailers will contract this work out themselves, but why pay more for work on your container done through a third party that you can't talk to directly? Communication breakdowns often lead to delays and makes projects difficult to manage.
- How can I tell if a used container is in useable condition?Read on below for everything you need to know about the age and condition of used shipping containers:
What to look for in a used container
The cosmetic appearance is not the most important thing you should be looking out for in a used shipping container – they will naturally show lots of evidence of handling due to their sea-faring journeys and handling at ports. What is more important is that the container is structurally sound. Most used shipping containers sold on are between 10-15 years old, so the most important factors in whether you have a bargain or a dud are:
The container is watertight: go inside and check there is no daylight showing through! If there is it means the container has a hole corroded through and will leak. While it's not uncommon for containers of this age to have rusting, any areas which have "gone through" should be repaired before sale. At Containers Direct we use the patch method. This involves a welder removing the broken or damaged section, replacing it with a matching piece of corrugated steel and fully seam welding the patch on. A good seam welded patch is a sign of a repaired container, not a broken one!
Free and easy doors and intact seals: Again, to ensure the container is watertight, check the door seals! Shipping container doors have seals around the outside to prevent any water ingress damaging the cargo inside whilst the container is in transit. Make sure the container door seals are still intact and line up properly against the container. Also 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, rendering the doors unusable.
The wooden floor is intact: marine ply floorboards are held in place with steel cross members on the underside of the container – check the floor is in good condition structurally. Again, cosmetically the floor will show signs of wear and tear, but should remain intact nonetheless.
Remember cosmetic damages such as scrapes, dents, rust and patches will be evident on used shipping containers. However, don't be put off! At Containers Direct all used containers are repaired before sale to ensure they are structurally sound and watertight, and we give a 12 month guarantee on all of our containers for extra peace of mind. We offer a repainting service – free with containers under 20ft long – that can vastly improve the appearance of used containers.
Still not sure about buying used shipping containers?
If your budget allows why not look at buying a new shipping container? While the price is higher, they will last you longer. But bear in mind that even new shipping containers will carry a small amount of cosmetic wear and tear. Most will have been transported with cargo in order to arrive in UK ports in the most cost-effective way, and therefore will still show some evidence of handling. New shipping containers are also an option worth considering if you are buying for a shipping container conversion. Used shipping containers are also fit for this purpose, but you will want to consider your budget and how many years good service you need from your conversion project. For instance, if it's a shipping container office you require, you may only need the extra space on a temporary or semi-permanent basis – a good 10yrs or so may be more than enough. Chemical storage shipping containers may suffer more wear and tear in use, due to potential contact with damaging substances, so the age of the container this could be worth bearing in mind if buying for this purpose.
