Container units play a vital role in the entire shipping industry and trade. If you start experiencing space shortage and cannot handle your product inventory, or other business and personal equipment anymore, buying a shipping container is one of the best options.
Purchasing a container, instead of renting them can give you a leeway to decide where you can use them without any hesitation or worries about damaging it. However, shipping container cost is a bit more expensive when you buy it than renting. Therefore, you have to be more cautious in understanding all the essential things to end up with a good and solid decision.
Different Types of Shipping Containers
Containers are considered versatile vessels because you can easily convert them into different forms that also fulfil different purposes. You can use them as home storage, guesthouse, shed, garage, transport containers, and a lot more. Below are some of the common shipping container types that you can choose from.
- Refrigerated containers. These containers come in 20ft or 40ft sizes with refrigeration features and equipment for perishable goods transportation. Aside from that, they are well insulated for heat protection.
- High-cube containers. These containers are slightly taller as compared to the standard type of container. A standard/regular container is usually 8ft and 6in tall while a high cube container is 9ft and 6in tall.
- Open-top containers. These open-top resemble standard containers the only difference is they have a tarp instead of a roof. Since they have no roof, they allow top-loading for taller and larger items.
- Side Opening containers. If you usually load pallets buying a shipping container with side openings is the best option. These containers open completely on one side, perfect for your pallets. Besides, they have regular container doors at one end, making the loading and unloading easier.
Related Article: Everything You Need To Know About Shipping Containers
What are the Essential Things to Consider When You Buy Shipping Containers?
Before you decide to buy a shipping container, you need to understand a few essential things not to regret it at the end of the day. Below are some of the fundamental things you have to take consideration:
Consider Your Location
You have to consider where you live, as buying a shipping container can be as easy as a trip to your local port or a transport nightmare depending on your location. If you live near a port, the more you will find various container’s suppliers. If not, you are most likely to order a container in other areas and have it shipped to your location. To save some money, you may rent an extended tilting trailer or a truck with a tilting bed or go pick it up yourself.
Check the Material Used
Not all shipping container types are made from the same material. They vary from materials used. If you want a container that will last longer and can stand up to weather, rust and other can you buy valium in mexico outside elements, consider those containers made from “Cor-Ten Steel”.
Consider the Qualities of Container
Besides the materials used, you also have to consider a few container qualities you can use for reference.
- Newly made containers – These containers are usually made in Asia and exported across borders to sell. They usually come in green, grey or tan colours and you will not observe any rust and scratches on it.
- Heavy-cargo containers – If you are looking for quality pre-owned shipping containers, choose these types. They are certified and structurally made for shipping. However, since it’s already used you may observe some scratches, defects, rusts, and other marks caused by frequent usage. But they are still worth the price.
- Weather and water-proof containers – Although already used, these containers are still solid and functional. However, most of their certifications are usually outdated. You may also observe minimal dents and scratches but those damages will not influence the storage capacity and capability to handle cargo.
- As-is containers – Among the shipping container types, they usually have many problems, like damaged roofs, bad floors, holes, and usually you will not get any warranties from the dealers. But they are way cheaper than the others.
Size and Space of the Container
Containers are available in different sizes. When buying shipping containers, you have to consider the dimensions and your storage needs. If you usually ship large cargo, you should choose the bigger size to suit your cargo sizes. Generally, the 20-foot container can hold house furnishings of a 3-bedroom home, while a 40-foot container can hold approximately 24 3-foot wide pallets. The 40-foot container gives a better space for your shipments. However, if you intend to transport small loads, the 20-foot one is more cost-effective.
Save Money on Used Containers
If you want to save more money, try looking around and check out some used containers. Compared to new containers, used shipping container cost is much cheaper. There are a lot of local sellers that offer cheaper but still functional containers. You only have to search for those sellers that provide quality used containers.
Related Article: What Are The Differences Between Storage Warehouse and Storage Facility?
Should you Buy Shipping Containers?
When you buy shipping containers, you can resolve your storage shortage effectively. If you are most likely to have high numbers of shipments every business transaction, buying is a more convenient and better option than renting containers every time you need some extra storage for your shipments. The cost of shipping containers might be expensive when you buy it, but it will be a good investment for your business at the end of the day. If you think you need container shipping services for your business, you may visit OCTi. We offer cost-effective and reliable container shipping services suited to all types of business. You may call us at (905) 695 1501 to receive a free quote.
