Shipping Container 2021 : What to expect and look for when buying a Shipping Container?

Shipping Container 2021 : What to expect and look for when buying a Shipping Container?

When purchasing Shipping container, judging on size and condition of the container, new shipping containers typically are costly, especially in the year 2021. Used shipping container prices, on the other hand, are usually significantly cheaper. With this large price gap, sometimes it makes sense to buy used shipping containers, depending on what kind of purpose you are looking at.

However, not all containers are decent enough quality for your needs. Hence, to ensure the used containers that you are interested in are in good, usable condition, especially for your intended purpose, here’s some tips to generally look out for when buying used containers, ensuring you get real value from your purchase.

1) Shipping container appearance

Most of the used shipping containers might have sustain damage, rust, or dents during the course of transportation, be it during unloading or loading. However, certain dents, damage and even chipped paints do not mean that the container isn’t suitable for shipping anymore. It is what usually expected from a used shipping container.  A used shipping container can have multiple dents, and yet still be possible to be certified with a CSC plate, meaning it is approved for international cargo transport.

2) Check the cargo door seal

In standard shipping containers, the cargo door access usually contain a form of silicon seal around the cargo door to ensure the door is closed tightly without any leakage.

 

Below is what you should not expect to see, a damaged silicon seal on the container’s cargo access door. Hence, before you purchase, you should ensure that the seal isn’t easily coming off or crooked in ways it should be.

3) Opening and closing of the cargo door access

For certain used containers, do expect that it can be slightly harder to open it as compared brand new shipping containers. This is fine, because due to prolonged use of the hinges on top of the cargo door. Hence, so long as the cargo door access isn’t taking up too much effort to open it, it should not be a concern as well.

However, due to prolonged uses, some important parts like hinges and locks may break. Sometimes, the inner and outer gaskets are also damaged letting in moisture. Hence, do look out on these important parts

4) Check the condition of the interior

Once inside the interior of the container, smell for any indication of mol or dampness. A damp smell may indicate leaking, although that’s not always the case.

Afterwards, check to see if the container is watertight.

One way to do this is to close the cargo door from inside during the day. If there is any indication of daylight coming in, that might mean there is a hole or leakage. It should be entirely dark inside and if you’re seeing any points of light, it’s a sign the unit is not wind or watertight. This is especially important when you are intending to buy a wind-water-tight container.

Lastly, check the floors for any holes, spills or gaps between the floorboards. It should good seals around the flooring. Inspect for any evidence of cargo spills.

Occasionally, floors in used containers are chemically treated for weatherproofing purposes, hence you might want to enquire about the chemical used as well.

 

5) Sizes other than 20ft and 40ft will be more expensive

The standard shipping containers that are manufactured from scratch are usually only 20ft by 8ft or 40ft by 8ft. Hence, if you are looking at other sizes such as 10ft by 8ft or 30ft by 8ft, it is most likely cut afterwards from the 20ft or 40ft standard sized container. Because there is additional costs involved in welding and cutting these containers, unique sizes such as 10ft by 8ft containers are usually more expensive than the standardised 20ft by 8ft or 40ft by 8ft containers.  Also, a chopped 10ft container cannot be used for shipping. Only purpose-built 10ft container can be shipped,

If you would like to buy/rent shipping containers, explore the feasibility of using repurposed shipping containers for your premises, or even use containers as a setting for filming, feel free to speak to us today.