Photo by Dale Staton

Originally Posted On: Buy Shipping Containers Online (tuffshippingcontainers.com)

 

Buy your steel shipping containers faster and cheaper. There are many reasons to buy shipping containers online, but what should you know? This guide explains what to know before buying shipping containers online.

Surprising, but true, there are over 17 million shipping containers in the world. At any one time, less than half of these are in use. However, this statistic illustrates how necessary shipping containers are to the global supply chain.

Do you make use of shipping containers? Many businesses use them for on-site safe storage, or they prefer to handle their loading and shipping themselves.

If you would like to make better use of them, do you know where and how to buy shipping containers?

How to View Shipping Containers Online

If you live next to a port, buying a container can be as easy as negotiating with a local shipping company. However, since most of us do not, viewing types of shipping containers and getting the ones that you need can be a challenge.

Instead of looking to negotiate with a shipping company directly, the easiest option is to work with a container supply company. They will remove the hassle and help you find the size, type, and age of the container that you need.

Determine What Size and Type of Container You Need

When researching containers, you will likely see that people use containers for different purposes, even including dwellings. It is always good to know what size container you will need and how you will use it.

There are many shipping container sizes available. From 8 to 45 footers. What container will you need? What capacity of container can your site take?

There is a range of options regarding containers. You should be sure that any customization is in line with your future plans for the container and consider their pros and cons.

A container with a roll-up door may be useful for temporary storage. However, it may not be a safe place to store items. It may never be possible to ship products internationally in that container.

If you have any doubts, stick with a simple basic container unit. This will provide the best flexibility in the future.

Avoid Cheap Quality

Whether you are looking to get new or used containers, you should be sure that you are buying quality. It is possible to find containers at very low prices on online auction sites. However, if the price of cost of shipping containers on sales is low, there may be a question mark about the quality.

Sea shipping containers are very hardy. They are used for many years in extreme conditions, both hot and cold, often being lashed by salty sea spray during storms.

While they are designed to withstand this, years of use can lead to wear, rust, and structural frailty. These are not the qualities you are looking for when purchasing secure storage space or shipping vehicles.

Avoid this by only purchasing from suppliers that you know to be trustworthy and professional.

Confirm Ownership

Another problem that you may face when looking to buy or rent a container is the question of ownership. Shipping companies use so many containers that it can be difficult for them to track exactly what they own.

In other cases, companies that are struggling financially have tried to pass off other people’s containers as their own for a quick buck.

Note the container number and call the owner before buying to be absolutely sure. This information is usually painted on the side of the container.

What Is It Made Of?

Not all containers are created equally. While we may not all be experts on the subject of the construction of shipping containers, it is important to know the differences in quality that exist.

A key indicator of quality is the quality of steel that went into its construction. If you can guarantee that the strongest quality of steel was used, then you can likely guarantee years of longevity from the container.

Be aware that cheaper, lower-quality containers exist. These may be fine for short-term use. However long-term users should be aware that better quality containers are available and should be used.

Consider Professional Advice

If you are looking to seriously invest in shipping containers and depend on them for some years to come, you may want to ask for professional help. The Institute of International Container Lessors is just one organization that provides guidance on this matter.

Organizations such as this have representatives all over the country and will be able to help you purchase a container with confidence. This is especially important if you are relying on the container to provide specific features, such as sealability and security over the long-term.

The Best Time to Purchase a Shipping Container

The current economic situation in the USA makes it a buyer’s market for shipping containers. The current trade deficit means that there are more shipping containers than ever before available. Shipping companies are now looking to offload good quality shipping containers at premium prices.

Why not talk to a professional company about their delivery rates and range of containers? This may be the best time to buy a container for many years to come.

Steel Shipping Container Delivery

While you may have a location ready for your shipping container, getting it delivered there may be more challenging than you’d expect.

The container will need a large flatbed truck to transport it. When it arrives at the site, the driver will need room to maneuver in order to place it perfectly in your preferred location. If your site has limited space, you may want to communicate this to the delivery company ahead of time to prevent delays.

Everything You Need to Know to Buy Shipping Containers and More

If you are a business in 2021, you know that supply chain and storage issues are two of your biggest concerns. Knowing where and how to buy shipping containers can save you time and money. Why not think about how you can use shipping containers to protect your assets?

If you are thinking of using shipping containers in your workplace, then we can help. We leverage our years of experience in the market to provide solid advice and services. Request a quote from us now.