Search
Close this search box.
How To Purchase Used Shipping Containers (Buying Used Shipping Containers)

How To Purchase Used Shipping Containers (Buying Used Shipping Containers)

A Guide To Buying Used Shipping Containers

Many used shipping container companies offer used shipping containers, but not all of them are equal. To find a reputable company with years of experience in this industry, you need to find a used shipping container company near me or one that sells used shipping containers for sale online. 

For your convenience, we have compiled the most reputable used shipping container companies near me, so you don’t have to look around on your own. Are you interested in purchasing shipping containers? Container Sales Group has what you need! Contact us online or through our telephone number (708) 639-4783

The Container Sales Group is a leading company that provides shipping containers in your area. Their services include selling used shipping containers, buying used cargo boxes, and renting new and used portable storage spaces near me. 

Having over 100 years of experience in the industry, they may be able to help you find what you’re looking for. There are many things you can do with the best container company near me. Containers are useful for many things, including storage, office spaces, temporary homes, and more. 

In addition to online or offline retailers selling used items like these used shipping containers, you can also find used shipping containers for sale at local yard sales and garage sales.

Any materials in your home or business that are not inconsistently used can be tucked away in transport holders. You can use them to store items or to add a quick structure to your roof for extra space and a more open feel to your home. 

Furthermore, shipping containers are easy to move, so even if you live in a rural area, it is still possible to have one delivered to your home. Although there are various uses for a shipping container, this article will describe seven basic steps you should take to find your shipping container. 

You can see the reviews on our website and you can see that we are a trusted company.

Have any questions about Container Sales Group? Read our FAQ Section.

How To Purchase Used Shipping Containers For Sale
How To Purchase Used Shipping Containers For Sale

7 Stages To Purchasing Shipping Containers For Sale

A quick Google search will reveal it’s not necessarily that simple to buy a shipping container if you’re playing around with the idea. You’ll have to familiarize yourself with several aspects of containers to understand how the world of containers works.

Nevertheless, don’t be discouraged. Before you buy a shipping container, let us give you a quick rundown of what you need to know. We’ve put together these step-by-step guidelines on how to get the containers they need.

Step 1: Is It Better To Buy Or Lease A Shipping Container?

To begin with, you need to be completely sure whether it makes sense for you to buy or lease shipping containers. Obviously, your situation determines your decision. If you only need a few containers, then being a container owner makes sense. 

It is also advisable to use containers frequently, and don’t overdo it with them if you need them for an indefinite period. Containers should only be bought if you are sure you will use them. It will also drain your financial resources because you have to pay upfront for the containers.

It is possible that you only require a few containers on the other hand. Additionally, many containers might be required, but only one way. Some containers might also only be needed for a short time. You could benefit from a container rental if you find yourself in any of those situations. A one-way rental might also be worth considering. 

A leased container is cheaper than a purchased one in the short term. This is because only the lease price is due. The lease cost of the container can thus become more expensive than what you would pay for a used container in the long run.

Step 2: What Type Of Container Do I Need?

Following your decision about whether to buy or lease containers, the next step is to determine which content type you will need. There is a lot of information to take into consideration. The main thing is to decide which goods you want to ship, store or re-purpose the shipping container.

First of all, you need to determine whether your shipment requires a standard container or if it has a special requirement. Standard containers are the preferred way to ship common dry cargo such as paper. A wide range of containers is available here, including the most common 20-ft and 40-ft containers, as well as the taller high cube units.

If your requirement is large, you can choose from a row of special containers. On the other end, the reefer and the insulated container are ideal for shipping foods, chemicals, or medicines. Both types are known for their ability to keep a constant temperature inside.

Common Repairs For Used Shipping Containers
Common Repairs For Used Shipping Containers

Step 3: Determine The Container’s Condition And Grade

It’s time to decide on the grade of the container after you have determined which container type is best for you. The grading and condition you choose depend on what you plan to ship.

A little bit of complexity is involved here. There isn’t a universal shipping container grading system. Another issue is the variety of abbreviations used to explain the container condition, such as WWT, CW, F, and B. You will quickly come across many of these abbreviations. 

Step 4: Where Can I Find A Shipping Container?

Container suppliers are usually numerous around ports. If you’re interested in buying a shipping container, that’s one place to look. Local brokers can also assist you in finding containers. They have regional networks that can help you locate containers.

The ease with which you can find the containers you need near the ports, however, comes with its own set of disadvantages. A lack of transparency could lead to higher prices due to easy access to the system. This leaves you in the dark about why the price was calculated the way it was. 

Step 5: Hire An Independent Container Surveyor

If you are interested in leasing your shipping containers, this step is most relevant to you. Container surveyors inspect, survey, and examine containers either before or after a company leases a container to make sure the container meets the company’s expectations. Lease companies often do this to ensure their security. This is just a way for them to insure themselves.

Step 6: How Much Does A Shipping Container Cost?

You’ll have to make many decisions during the previous steps to determine the price of your container. Also, you should know what container type and container grading you need. The world trade system is built on a container imbalance. 

As China and the rest of Asia have more exports than imports, these countries often face a deficit of containers, as they export more than they import. Consequently, there are often not enough containers available. Buying a container in Shanghai, for example, will cost more than buying one in Hamburg, Germany.

However, This Is What The Average Price Is:

You can expect to pay between $1500-$5000 for a used shipping container. Location is also an important factor. On the other hand, new containers and one-trip containers are usually more expensive and range from $3000-$5000 Among shipping containers, a new 40ft container can cost about $3500, while a used 40ft container can cost around $1400.

Get a quote from our team for you to have an idea about the prices that we have. 

Purchasing Shipping Containers For Sale

Step 7: Transporting The Container

Finally, Congratulations on becoming a container owner! 

However, it’s important to think about how you’ll move your new metal boxes. In other words, it means scheduling, booking vessels, trucking, and rail transportation.

Please consider whether it makes sense to ship your containers empty. When you can hire someone to move your empty containers for you – and you won’t have to pay anything – why spend more money on empty repositioning?

It might be a good idea to use your container as a one-way container. Assume that you are moving your box from Los Angeles, USA to Shanghai, China. The shipping container is leased by the container used for that journey. Both parties win in that arrangement.

It’s a win-win situation for everyone: the container user gets their cargo moved, and you get access to your container. In addition, the shipping of the container is paid for by the user of the container. The container is delivered free of charge to your preferred location.

When you purchase a used shipping container, it is important to consider the type of storage that will be required. Our guide has given some insight into what may work for your needs and how many different types are available on the market today. We hope this information will help you find the right container for you! If not, contact us anytime with questions or comments about our blog post topic so we can offer more guidance.

Interested in purchasing shipping containers? Container Sales Group has what you need! Contact us online or through our telephone number (708) 639-4783

Popular Products For Shipping Containers:

Other Articles We’ve Hand-Picked For You

Work with the best in the shipping container business.

Container Sales Group buys containers directly from the steamship lines to offer our customers the highest quality containers at the most competitive prices. We’re a women-owned business, established in 1998, and have locations throughout the US.

Share this post