What to Look for When Buying a Used Shipping Container

Shipping containers are versatile and you can use them for various applications beyond storage and transport. Even though most individuals associate shipping containers with the haulage industry and large shipping companies, they are used by individuals and businesses for things such as swimming pools, restaurants and cafés, indoor gardens, offices, and workshops. 

New containers can be costly; as such, if you are on a tight budget, consider buying a used storage container. In this article, we will discuss what to look for if you are in the market for a used shipping container.

Types of Used Shipping Containers

You can purchase different types of used shipping containers, including:

• 10,’ 20,’ 40’ Dry Storage Containers are the most common shipping containers. They are used to ship goods that do not require temperature control.
• Wind and Water Tight Containers are windproof and waterproof; however, they have dents and dings, small amounts of rust on the interior and exterior, and the paint is faded.
• One-trip containers are a popular option in the U.S. A one-trip container is a unit that is manufactured abroad, loaded with cargo, and shipped to the U.S. Once the container arrives, the cargo is offloaded, and the container is sold.
• As-Is Containers are sold as they are and they may have holes or dents and are not guaranteed to be water or wind tight.
• Double Door Containers are storage units that have double doors, creating more room for loading and offloading materials.
• High Cube Containers have the same breadth and length as the standard 40ft containers; however, they have a 1ft height difference, which gives the high cubes an extra ~344 cubic feet of storage capacity.
• Refrigerated ISO Containers are storage units whose temperatures are carefully regulated. They are used for shipping goods such as vegetables and fruits over long distances.

Are you looking to purchase a used trailer? Atlantic Trailer Leasing & Sales, LLC sells refurbished, used shipping containers, which are ideal if you are searching for a great-looking, affordable storage container. Contact us for more information on how you can buy a used container from us.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Used Shipping Containers

1.  Container Size

Standard

There are two standard lengths for shipping containers: 20-footers and 40-footers. Most standard shipping containers are approved by the International Standards Organization to ensure consistency, quality, and safety and because of their standard sizes; they can easily fit together and can be stacked up to seven units high.

Custom

You can buy customized container sizes; however, you will likely pay more because of the labor needed to trim them down to your preferred size or weld them together. Generally speaking, custom-size containers cost between 20 to 30 percent more than standard-size containers.

2.  Delivery Fee

How much you will pay for delivery depends on how many miles the trailer has to travel to arrive at your site and the accessibility of your site.  Most suppliers set a flat delivery fee for a certain mile radius and will charge more for anything that surpasses that. However, in some cases, suppliers offer a discounted rate for large orders. Ensure that you ask about delivery fees upfront to get a rough idea of how this can increase your total cost. Additionally, used trailers are bulky and heavy and cannot be loaded onto a regular truck; therefore, to ensure that delivery is seamless, they need to be shipped with proper equipment. Ensure that you ask whether the cost of delivery is an added charge or included.

3.  Trailer Condition

Most retired containers are in great shape and make great storage units. You may not be able to ship them across international waters, but because they are made of steel, they are a durable and secure option for storage.

Most used containers have outlived their shelf life and have been exposed to conditions that make them less suitable for use. These containers can no longer be approved for international transport; however, they can still function as storage units. Although used, you want a shipping container that is of high quality.

4.  Reviews and Testimonials

You can buy cargo containers from local dealers. When you decide to buy from a local dealer, look at their testimonials and reviews and choose a dealer whose customers are satisfied.

5.  Type of Security

If security is of great concern to you, you should consider an interior locking mechanism. Although interior locking mechanisms cost more, you can rest easy knowing that your belongings will be safe.

6.  Delivery and Offloading

You need to know who is responsible for delivering and offloading your container. Larger dealers usually have the necessary equipment (cranes, forklifts, or tilt-bed trailers) in-house, which can result in faster delivery times and cost savings. If they assign this task, ensure you know who is responsible for your container so that you do not have multiple companies blaming each other should anything go wrong during transit. 

7.  Reputation of the Supplier

You should deal with a reputable company when buying a used container. Even though used containers are inexpensive, you are still going to be coughing up a large amount of money, so you should be sure that the shipping company will deliver on its promise.

Figuring out how to purchase a new or used container is challenging and the challenge is more extreme for first-time buyers. At Atlantic Trailer Leasing & Sales, LLC, we have a lot of office trailers and shipping containers for sale. We have a wide variety of road trailers, as well as storage trailers for sale in multiple sizes and dimensions. Feel free to give us a call if you are interested in buying a used storage container.

How to Inspect Used Shipping Containers 

When buying shipping containers, we recommend taking the following measures:

1. Consider the condition of the container,

2. Check whether the container has any rust or corrosion,

3. Inspect the seal to ensure it is in optimal condition and has no cracks,

4. Assess how many times the container has been used,

5. Ensure that there are no holes on the exterior of the container as this could compromise its integrity, and

6. Evaluate whether you need a special type of crane to loaf and offload the container from a truck to your property.

Even though you know the signs to look out for, inspecting a container can be daunting and time-consuming. Atlantic Trailer Leasing & Sales, LLC ensures that you get the best quality container without a lot of hassle. With us, you can buy a high-quality container and get a good deal because our focus is on quality: not money.

Tips on How to Make Your Used Shipping Container Last Longer

There are a few things you can do to make your used shipping trailer last longer, including:

1.  Apply Rust-Painting Paint: Painting your shipping container can help prevent rust, making it last longer.

2.  Elevate the Container: Shipping container homes, offices, or hotels need to be kept off the ground. This provides a level plane for the container and prevents it from sinking into the ground.

3.  Seal all Modifications: The fewer welds and cuts to an office trailer, the better. If you modify your space, ensure that you properly seal the modifications.

4.  Regular Cleaning: You should do some regular maintenance on your container. Remove debris such as stacks of leaves that can accumulate and attract moisture. Cleaning will also allow you to detect and prevent corrosion.



Contact the Shipping Container Professionals in Atlanta, GA

New units can be expensive. Knowing this, we strive to ensure that our customers get high-quality used trailers at a great price. We have a wide variety of storage trailers for sale, which come in different sizes and floor plans, and we can customize your trailer as per your specifications. We stand for transparent pricing for container and shipping fees because we do not want our customers to be surprised by exorbitant delivery costs or hidden fees. Contact us today at 678-944-8433. We are prepared to meet all your storage needs.