Buying shipping containers is a massive decision. They cost money. Thus, it’s important to select the right units. Select high-quality shipping containers.
Choose shipping containers that guarantee you safety when it comes to storing your items. Ensure that your shipping containers come with secure locks. Choose shipping containers that optimize the security of your goods.
Use the following tips and tricks to shop around for the right shipping containers.
Evaluate Your Needs
Depending on your needs, you can either decide to buy or lease the shipping container. If you only need one or two containers for storage, then purchasing them would be an incredible idea. However, if you need multiple containers for an indefinite period, then leasing them makes sense.
Leasing a container is way cheaper in the short term than making a major purchase. All you need is to pay the leasing rate. But in the long term, leasing can be very expensive. So, be sure to analyze your situation carefully before making your final decision.
Understand Different Types Of Containers
TUFF shipping containers are available in numerous sizes and types. Do you need a standard container or a customized one? Does your shipment have any special requirements? What kind of goods will you be transporting?
Some of the most common container types include flat-rack, high-cube, double-door, reefer, open-top, pallet-wide, side-door, hard-top, insulated, and tank containers.
If you’re planning to transport dry cargo like paper, then a 20ft or a 40ft container would be an excellent choice for you. But if you’ll be shipping medicine or food, then go for the reefer or insulated containers.
Check Its Grading
Check the container’s grading. Essentially, there are different levels of grading. One-trip containers, for instance, refer to those that have been shipped direct from the manufacturer to the buyer.
The second type of grading is known as WWT (Wind and Watertight) containers. Other containers are classified as CW (Cargo Worthy), which are suitable for cargo transportation. Other grading abbreviations include grades A, B, C, and F.
An F-grade container is completely new and is commonly known as food grade. Grade B containers, on the other hand, are cargo worthy. Grade A containers can either be new or refurbished whereas grade C containers are wind and watertight.
Determine Where To Buy From
In today’s highly dynamic world, there are plenty of suppliers that sell authentic shipping products. They’re commonly found around the ports. You can also find them through experienced local brokers.
But this doesn’t mean that all suppliers are the same. Thus, be sure to search for a reputable vendor who offers affordable prices, as well as, transparent deals.
Bring In A Reputable Container Surveyor
Do you intend to lease your shipping containers? Well, it’s time you consider hiring a container surveyor. These professionals are highly experienced in conducting detailed inspections and surveys. They’ll help you determine if the containers are in top shape. And this will go a long way in ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.
Cost
When it comes to business, the cost is an important consideration. How much are you willing to spend? The cost of your container will depend on several factors, including the container type, size, and grading.
Transport
So, you have finally bought a shipping container? Congratulations! However, you still need to figure out how you’ll transport it. If you want to save money, avoid shipping an empty container. Instead, utilize it as a one-way container. Load it with goods and have it transported to the desired location.
The container user will pay the transportation fees while also helping you get your container to the needed location.
Qualities of The Best Shipping Container
Shipping containers might look similar, but there are important features you should check out for. And this is particularly true when it comes to used containers.
Used shipping containers aren’t always aesthetically appealing. They will probably feature dents, rust, dings, as well as, scrapes.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that they’re unfit for a purpose. These are just indicators of the container’s previous life. Here are some characteristics that give a good indication about used containers.
Completely Seam Welded
This implies that the containers have long been used for shipping cargo. When a container is filled with different types of cargo and handled at various depots, it might get damaged. As such, maintenance and patching will be done to keep it functional.
This involves a technician removing damaged parts and replacing them with corrugated steel. Although these patches might appear unsightly, they do help in keeping the container watertight, as well as, structurally sound. A welded patch indicates that the container is repaired, not broken.
Intact Seals
Shipping containers are typically outfitted with door seals, which are intended to prevent any water ingress. They keep your cargo safe during transit.
When shopping around for a used container, you’ll want to ensure that the door seals are still in good condition.
Besides, you should also check if the doors are ‘free and easily moveable’. Used containers commonly have stiff and difficult-to-open doors. At times, rust can form inside the hinges, causing the doors to become stiff and unusable.
Lights
Get inside the container and check if there’s any light peeking through. When you close the doors, no light should penetrate through the container.
If this happens, then it means that the container isn’t watertight. If you notice any form of peeking, then go ahead and have the container repaired. Remember, moisture buildup can completely damage your goods. So, don’t ignore this step.
Otherwise, you might incur unnecessary losses.
Key Takeaway
Select shipping containers that can keep your items secure. Select easy-to-clean shipping containers. Get your container from the right brand. Go for rust-resistant shipping containers. Choose long-lasting containers.
The Bottom-Line
Don’t choose any shipping container. Choose a long-lasting unit. Select a rust-proof container. Get your container from the right brand. Choose a spacious container. Use the above tips and tricks to choose the right shipping container.
