Shipping containers have become popular everywhere. Whether you’re planning to convert them into a container home or use it as storage, our guide will give you tips on purchasing them.
Typically seaside or steel shipping containers are used in freight to transport goods by truck or by ship since they are so strong. So why do you want to purchase one? Shipping Containers can be productive for both businesses and individuals when they need to store or transport personal items. In addition, home builders like using them to design homes or even office buildings.
No matter the reason, it’s important that you now the research and steps involved with buying a shipping container.
Tips for Buying a Shipping Container
If it’s your first time, buying a shipping container in Australia, it may seem overwhelming to you so take your time to do some research to not only find a sturdy container but to understand the shipping terms that companies use.
This is partly because goals differ if you’re buying them for constructing a new container home versus needing one for shipping and freight. Try to look for the leading shipping containers producer in Australia so you will get quality ones.
- Evaluate your needs for the container and the length of time you need it to determine if renting or buying one best suits your needs. If you’re buying shipping containers in Australia to construct a new home, consider purchasing the high cube containers which are a few higher, making you feel less crowded and claustrophobic. They come in a variety of lengths though 20-feet and 40-feet are standard sizes. Combining sizes will make a gorgeous home, as will purchasing them from the same place.
- Analyze how big of a container you’ll need by looking at your goods or thinking about your project. A standard 20-foot container is 8′ 6″ high and 8 feet high. Typically, it can hold around 24,000 kilograms total and the container itself weighs around 2,000 kilograms. Ideally, you can fit the contents of a 3-bedroom house in a standard container if you’re using it for moving. You also have the option of 40-foot standard and high cube containers.
- Determine if you need a specialty one for freight reasons, such as an open top container for hauling machinery or a refrigerated one for transporting perishables. Remember that shipping containers tend to become hot in the summer and cold in the winter so find a well-insulated one.
- Find a reputable supplier. If you reside near a port, you’ll find an ample selection of seaside steel shipping containers. This allows you see different types of containers in person and inspect them for issues. If you live in a smaller town, you may need to research listings over the internet. Look for a supplier that’s part of an ISBU Association member and is certified.
- Try to get shipping containers made of corten steel because they are the sturdiest, and generally have been constructed recently. These stand up better in hazardous weather and work well in constructing new homes.
- Research prices and conditions on used shipping containers as well. You may be able to find some that were only used once as a seaside cargo container, and several reputable companies sell both. If it’s been used for ocean freight, they’ve been properly inspected and very sturdy.
- Check carefully what grade the container is as they range anywhere from being completely new or being used only once to being wind and weather resistant to being sold as-is, which means there could be some leaks or damage so inspect them thoroughly.
- Bring a level to examine your potential container for any excessive wear and tear which is important whether you use it for freight or for construction. Run through your itemized list, checking for dents, rust, and holes. Check to make the floors are sturdy and don’t need to be replaced before handling a heavy load. Spend some time with floors making sure that no pesticides or unpleasant odors were left in the container because that takes more time to reseal or totally remove them. In addition, make sure all the locks work.
- Be clear about pricing. Maybe you don’t want to shell out the extra money for a brand new shipping container or even ones known as seaside or cargo containers. For your project, you may be fine with wind and water tight containers, meaning they weather out but it hasn’t been inspected by an actual surveyor. Some builders care more about keeping costs down and sustainability and prefer using older containers than seeing them thrown away while others want shinier newer ones because it makes the newer construction look nicer.
A Few Things to Remember
- Get an accurate quote, including how much it’ll cost to deliver it to your door.
- Avoid buying from classifieds, as these could be a scam, especially if you can’t inspect them.
- Always take photos of the container, as well as of the serial number of the container if you want more information about it.
- Avoid paying in advance, especially in cash so you’re not taken advantage of.
For most purposes, it is more beneficial to actually purchase a shipping container, especially if you will be using it in a construction project. Leasing only works if you plan to store items for a few months, and anything beyond, it becomes more economical to purchase a unit.
