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Buy Shipping Containers Direct in Houston Texas

How To Buy A Shipping Container

What You Need To Consider Before Purchasing

If you are looking to buy steel shipping containers for sale in Houston or throughout the United States, it is important to consider a few factors before making your purchase.  Shipping containers (also known as Conex boxes or storage containers) have become very popular over the past 10 years not only for storage but for building homes, businesses, garages, etc.  These metal shipping containers are made of strong Cor-Ten steel which makes them a good choice for building and storage as they are weather-resistant, durable, and secure.

Whether you plan to purchase shipping containers for transport or repurpose a container for business or personal space, here are a few things to consider before buying.  

1- Do I Need A Permit?

Shipping containers can be used as a permanent or temporary storage option in place of a shed, garage, or workshop.  Before you purchase an international shipping container, it is important to know if your local municipality or village requires a permit.  Many years ago, most areas did not require a permit for metal shipping containers, but some areas are now requiring one even if it is for storage.

To obtain a permit, you will have to reach out to your local government contact and apply for official permission.  Usually, this requires paying a fee and agreeing that you will abide by the rules guiding its issuance. The requirements for permits differ from city to city, county to county, and state to state.  Once you obtain permission, you when then need to consider a couple of factors with delivery. 

2- Space

Container Sales Group uses a tilt body (roll-off truck).  The container slides off the back of the truck as it pulls forward.  We can also deliver longer distances with a flatbed truck requiring customers to lift off containers at the time of arrival.

It is important to consider how much distance you will need to have at your property to confirm if you have enough room for delivery.  Measuring ahead of time will help you decide on container size as well as ensure you have a smooth delivery.

Here is a general rule of thumb:

  • 20ft containers need 50ft straight-line space
  • 40ft containers need 150ft of straight-line space
  • 16ft Height Clearance, and 12ft Width- No wires or trees

3- Do I Have To Prep The Ground Before Delivery?

Finally, determining where you are going to put the container is very important not only to the delivery space as mentioned above but for the long-term maintenance of your container.  Your ground must be solid, level, and a well-drained surface or asphalt, gravel, or even a concrete pad. Keep in mind that the ground needs to be level especially for a 40ft container for the doors to open and close properly. You might consider placing railroad ties or wood blocks under each of the 4 corner posts of the container for additional support.

Once you do your homework on the permit and figure out the space and ground prep, you will be ready to find a company to purchase a shipping container form.  As you look for vendors to purchase from, always make sure to research them online to ensure they are reputable.  Check how long they have been in business, customer reviews on other sites including Google, and most importantly do they back up what they sell.  

Container Sales Group has been in business since 1998 selling New & Used Shipping Containers for Sale.  We offer quality containers at the most competitive prices while also offering industry-leading customer support.  For Containers For Sale Houston TX or throughout the United States,  contact us for a quote or call Container Sales Group at 708 998-5543. 

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.

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