When considering purchasing a shipping container for storage, relocation, or conversion into a living space, understanding the fundamentals is crucial for an informed decision. Containers vary, from those crafted from durable corten steel suitable for shipping lines and heavy cargo loads to models featuring unique elements such as double doors or open tops. Several factors can influence your choice. This blog post serves as an easy-to-follow guide, highlighting key considerations in selecting the right shipping container.
Factors to Consider When Looking to Buy a Shipping Container
When you’re looking to purchase a shipping container, there are some important things to think about to make sure you pick the right one:
Type and Size of a Container
Select the type and size of the container you need based on what you plan to use it for.
- Standard Dry Van Container: This is the usual container for moving dry items like clothes and furniture.
- Refrigerated Container (Reefer): This container has a temperature control feature to carry food that can spoil, like fruits and vegetables.
- Open-Top Container: This one has a top that can be taken off to put in big or tall items easily.
- Flat Rack Container: Its sides can be folded to fit heavy or large items that don’t fit in normal containers.
- Tank Container: Specially made for carrying liquids, gases, or powders that need careful handling.
- High Cube Container: This container is a foot taller than usual, giving you more space upwards.
Common Sizes of Shipping Containers
20-foot Standard Container:
- Dimensions: 20 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8.6 feet high
- Capacity: Approximately 1,170 cubic feet
40-foot Standard Container:
- Dimensions: 40 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8.6 feet high
- Capacity: Approximately 2,390 cubic feet
20-foot High Cube Container
- Dimensions: 20 feet long x 8 feet wide x 9.6 feet high
- Capacity: Approximately 2,700 cubic feet
40-foot High Cube Container:
- Dimensions: 40 feet long x 8 feet wide x 9.6 feet high
- Capacity: Approximately 2,720 cubic feet
Condition and Grades of a Container
Decide if you require a brand-new, used, or refurbished container. Check for any dents, corrosion, and overall structural integrity.
Conditions
New One Trip
New One Trip shipping containers might have some small dents, scratches, and marks because they’ve traveled a long way across the ocean. These containers are made in Asia and then sent to different places around the world. To make shipping cheaper and give our customers good prices, we fill these new containers with goods just once. This helps us save on costs and lets us offer lower prices to our customers.
Used
The most common type of container, general purpose containers, have been used for shipping heavy stuff for 5 to 15 years before we stopped using them for shipping. Most of these containers still have their original paint and markings from the shipping company. They will also have signs of use, like rust spots, dents, and scratches. Even though used shipping containers might not look great, they are still strong and, depending on their condition can be used for carrying goods, storing items, and more.
Refurbished
Refurbished containers are used containers that are still in good shape (Wind and Water Tight) and have been cleaned up, primed, and painted again. Refurbishing makes a shipping container look almost new and can make it last longer. We offer three levels of refurbishing for Used Wind and Water Tight containers to make them look and work better.
Grades
IICL (IICL-6)
An IICL container passes tough checks by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) and is good to go for shipping stuff overseas. These containers look nice and are in great shape, so they’re worth more money.
Wind and Water Tight
This type of container is super common and doesn’t let water in. Even though they’re sturdy and won’t leak, they might look a bit rough with their original paint, some rust, dents, and scratches from being used a lot for shipping. They might not be the prettiest.
Cargo Worthy (CW)
As Is
An As Is container has seen better days – it’s pretty beaten up and fixing it up would cost a lot. There could be holes, damaged floors, and other big problems. We usually tell folks to think twice about these unless they don’t need a container in tip-top shape for their project.
Conclusion
When selecting the right shipping container for storage, consider its purpose, such as its type, size, and condition. Whether you need a standard container for transportation, a refrigerated one for perishables, or a larger unit for extra space, ensuring it is structurally sound and in good condition is crucial for your project. Shipping containers can be new, pre-owned, or refurbished, each offering different benefits. Choosing wisely ensures the container meets your needs effectively, whether for storage, transportation, or even as a unique living space.
