Buying a shipping container can be a daunting process, with all the variables involved. Assessing what type of container is best suited for one’s needs, finding reputable dealers, and estimating costs can be difficult. However, the process can be greatly simplified through various online retailers. Finding the perfect shipping container for sale is now easier than ever.
Shipping Container Uses
Shipping containers have endless uses, but they were originally constructed to transport goods. Specifically, they can be used for residential purposes, such as moving one’s home or office, or they can be used commercially, in the transport of goods or retail market.
Shipping containers can be used as self-storage units. Being durable and waterproof, they can protect your most valuable items. These include household goods, commercial goods, tools, and seasonal gear, such as skis, snowboards, and even lawnmowers. Ensure that containers are climate controlled before purchasing.
In addition, recent innovations in major cities such as Toronto and Los Angeles have seen an increase in shipping containers being converted into retail and dining centres.
Examples of retail shipping containers can be seen in Toronto’s Scadding Court Commercial Kitchen, which features restaurants from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Japan, and even a tattoo parlour, and Stackt, the first ever shipping container market, which opened in April 2019.
27 Boxes, in Johannesburg, South Africa offers a similar concept as well, with stores and restaurants contained in shipping containers.
Other uses include portable toilets, classrooms, offices, and even homes.
Shipping Container Benefits
Shipping containers are known for being weatherproof, inexpensive, and best of all, easy to transport.
Types of Shipping Containers
About 16 types of shipping containers are available. These include Dry Storage, Flat Rack, Open Top, Tunnel, Open Side Storage, Double Doors, Refrigerated, Insulated, Tanks, Cargo Storage Roll, Half Height, Car Carrier, Intermediate Bulk Shift, Drum, Special Purpose, and Swap Body Containers.
Some of the more popular types include:
- Dry Storage Container – These are the most commonly used shipping containers. Used for shipping dry goods, there are various dimensions available ranging in size from 40ft, 20ft, and 10ft containers.
- Flat Rack Container – Used for a wide variety of goods, flat rack containers feature handy, collapsible sides.
- Open Top Container – The top is easily removed, allowing the transport of a variety of tall items.
- Tunnel Container – These open on both ends, which is extremely beneficial when loading and unloading quickly.
- Open Side Storage Container – The wider opening allows ample room for loading and unloading large materials.
- Refrigerated Container – The regulated low temperature of these containers is perfect for shipping perishables, such as produce, cross-country. They can be maintained at -35 °C and feature aluminum or stainless steel exterior, washable interior walls, fire-resistant construction with rust-resistant hardware, and foam-insulated floors, doors, walls, and ceilings.
- Insulated Container – On the opposite side of the spectrum, insulated or thermal containers regulate warmer temperatures and are perfect for transporting a variety of delicate products.
New Vs Used Shipping Containers
In North America, buying a new shipping container usually means that the shipping container has been manufactured, packed, and shipped to either Canada or the United States. This is called a “one-trip container.” Once it is unloaded, it is then sold.
Many of these shipping containers can be used for over 30 years. Be sure to check for container condition, (dents, scratches) when purchasing. For those who are not concerned with aesthetics, a “slightly” used shipping container is the perfect option.
They are much cheaper, great for on-site offices, and great for hiring out. They can also be perfect for storage as well.
However, be aware, certain used shipping containers may have been used to transport toxic materials and may have a limited lifespan as well.
New containers, on the other hand, are much more expensive. However, they come with added features, such as a lock box, high locking gear, welded steel cover, and new forklift pockets. This may make spending some extra money worthwhile. In addition, many offer the option of customization and are safer to modify. Finally, new containers reduce the risk of cross-contamination, are in pristine condition, meet sea-worthiness standards, are air tight with brand new seals, and offer a longer manufacturer’s warranty.
Costs of New and Used Shipping Containers
New containers cost between $3,000 and $5,000 USD, while used containers range from $2,000 to $2,500 USD. Costs depend on size, current market demand, and desired features.
A 20ft shipping container is approximately $3,000 USD, while a 40ft shipping container is approximately $4,500 USD. A 40ft high cube shipping container is about $5,000 USD.
In addition to buying a shipping container outright, the option of rent-to-own exists.
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