A shipping container is used for the shipment, storage, and handling of different types of things due to its strength which can withstand the process of shipment. There are a variety of shipping containers that ranges from large reusable steel boxes to the ubiquitous corrugated boxes. Standard inter-modal freight containers are used for international shipment. These boxes are designed to be moved from one mode of transport to another without unloading and reloading. The price range of used shipping containers varies depending on the condition of the container and also from whom you are buying it.
Buying Used Shipping Containers
- Sea containers stay in shipping services for about 7 to 12 years. The type of shipping services for which a container has been used determines their overall condition.
- The age of a container could be considered for bidding a price on it but the structure and the physical appearance should be the primary condition for putting a price on it.
- Purchasing from an individual seller has some advantages but it’s still recommended to buy from the retailers because they can offer you used shipping containers in varying price ranges and conditions. The retailers can also give you an assurance of buying sea containers that will be in wind and watertight condition.
- It’s always recommended to inspect the containers before buying them. There are some specific things to look for when inspecting sea containers and they are – the exterior surface rust, especially at the bottom of the door, the condition of door gasket around door area, the condition of wood floor on the container’s interior, and the pin holes or penetrations in steel panels.
- Unless used shipping containers have been repainted, they will always have rust on the exterior. Surface rust is common on the sea containers because of their constant exposure to salt in the air while in shipping services. Do not get a container when its exterior is mostly covered in rust, even then if you still want to buy a container in this condition, it must be priced lower than a container with less rust.
- The interior should also be inspected. The roof, sidewalls, and floor are the areas to focus on. When checking the floor, make sure it is solid and there are no apparent holes or soft spots. Typically, the floor is comprised of one to 1/8 inch of marine plywood.
Buying Used Shipping Containers can be a good deal, if only the buyer knows everything about containers. Sometimes containers in very good conditions may be put out of service, but that a factor of luck. So, one need to scrutinize the containers properly and buy only those containers that can be repaired with minimal expenditure.
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