10 Things to Know Before Buying a Shipping Container

• By Kerri Kovel
• General Information, How To Buy

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1. Understand Container Grades
2. Explore Size and Dimension Options
3. New vs. Used Comparison
4. Quantity Assessments
5. Delivery: The Big Move
6. Money Matters
7. Trust Your Seller
8. Know the Legal Rules
9. Fully Understand Container Guarantees and Warranties
10. Maintenance Advice

Purchasing a shipping container is a great way to invest in a versatile metal box with endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking to store belongings, transport goods, or create a unique living space, containers offer a wide range of options. However, buying a container isn’t as simple as adding it to your cart. Here are ten key things to keep in mind before making your purchase:

1. Understand Container Grades

Shipping containers are graded based on their condition and intended use. Here’s a breakdown of the common grades:

• New/One-Trip: These containers were used once to transport cargo from the manufacturer to the United States and are in excellent condition.
• Cargo-Worthy (CW): Ready for ocean export, with current CSC stickers and plate, and can be certified.
• Wind and Watertight (WWT): Keeps your stuff dry and safe, perfect for storage or building.
• As-Is: Often the cheapest but may have significant damage.

Understanding these grades will help you select a container that matches your needs and budget.

2. Explore Size and Dimension Options

Containers typically come in standard sizes and specialized lengths and heights. Consider your intended use and available space to choose the right size and dimensions.

• Standard lengths: 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft.
• Standard height: 8.6 feet.
• High cube height: 9.6 feet.

Ready to purchase a shipping container? Reach out today to get a quote from the best in the industry!

3. New vs. Used Comparison

• New containers offer pristine conditions and longevity but come at a higher cost.
• Used containers are budget-friendly and environmentally friendly, but they may have some damage.

4. Quantity Assessments

Consider how many shipping containers you need for your project.

• Project Needs: Assess how many containers are necessary for your specific project (e.g., storage, shipping, or construction). Consider future needs to avoid multiple purchases later.
• Space and Layout: Determine if your site can accommodate the number of containers you plan to purchase. Plan for stacking or arranging containers efficiently if space is limited.
• Bulk Discounts: Inquire about pricing for bulk orders, as buying in quantity often allows for better deals.
• Timing: Confirm lead times for delivering the required number of containers. Account for any potential delays due to large order volumes or supply chain issues.

5. Delivery: The Big Move

Consider how the container will be delivered to your site:

• Delivery Costs: They can add up, so budget for them.g containers you need for your project.
• Access Requirements: Inquire about delivery requirements for each size container to ensure there’s enough space for delivery trucks.
• Site Preparation: Clear and level the ground to accommodate the container(s).
• Costs: Factor in delivery fees, which vary by distance and truck type. Tilt body truck for local distance placing container on the ground or a flatbed truck for distance of 300 miles or more requiring you to lift container off at time of delivery.
• Delivery Logistics: Make sure the truck has room to maneuver and can get to your site with enough space to unload the shipping container.
• Flat Ground: Clear and level the area where your container(s) will sit. Can be on concrete, asphalt, gravel, or solid ground.

6. Money Matters

Don’t forget the extras:

• Account for hidden costs like delivery fees, permits, and any modifications you want to make to the container.
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true — they often come with compromises.

Ready to purchase a shipping container? Reach out today to get a quote from the best in the industry!

7. Trust Your Seller

Work with reputable sellers to ensure quality and avoid scams. Look for:

• Verified current Google reviews and testimonials.
• Clear, timely communication and transparent pricing in writing.

8. Know the Legal Rules

Before plopping your container down, check the local laws:

• Do you need permits? Check your local zoning laws and building codes.

9. Fully Understand Container Guarantees and Warranties

While the terms “guarantee” and “warranty” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings in the context of shipping container purchases. Knowing the difference between these two concepts can help you better understand what to expect from the seller and protect your investment.

For Container Guarantees

A guarantee focuses on ensuring the container meets certain conditions when it arrives at your location. For example:

• The container is wind and watertight.
• The container meets the agreed-upon specifications (e.g., size, type, and condition like “cargo-worthy” or “one-tripper”).

Customer Responsibility: As the buyer, it’s your responsibility to inspect the container upon delivery to ensure it matches the guarantee provided by the seller.

For Warranties

• What’s Covered: Determine if the warranty includes protection against water and wind penetration or structural issues. A seller should clearly outline what falls under their coverage.
• Responsibility for Transportation Costs: If the container requires repair or replacement, find out who is responsible for the delivery costs to return the container to the depot and then back to your site. This can quickly add up, so it’s an important consideration.
• Fine Print: Always read the fine print carefully. Some warranties may have exclusions or conditions that limit coverage. For example:
  • Is damage from weather events, improper handling, or wear and tear excluded?
  • Are certain repairs only covered within a specific time-frame?

A guarantee or warranty is only as good as the seller behind it. Check online Google reviews and customer testimonials to ensure they honor their guarantees. Taking these steps will help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure you’re getting a quality container with a fair warranty. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller for clarification if something in the terms seems unclear—it’s better to address concerns upfront than to face surprises later!

10. Maintenance Advice

Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your container:

Keep It Rust-Free

• Inspect Regularly: Check for rust spots, especially on the roof, corners, and doors. Remove debris, such as leaves or dirt, that can trap moisture and cause rust on your roof.
• Treat Rust Immediately: Sand down small rust patches and apply rust-proof paint or sealant.
• Repaint Periodically: A fresh coat of marine-grade paint protects against corrosion.
• Inspect Door Seals: To ensure they are intact and keep moisture out.

Maintain the Doors

• Lubricate Hinges and Locks: Apply grease or lubricant to prevent sticking or squeaking.
• Check Door Alignment: Ensure the doors close and lock properly to maintain security and weatherproofing.

Protect the Flooring

• Inspect for Damage: Look for cracks, rot, or signs of wear on the wooden or steel flooring.
• Use Protective Layers: Place a tarp, pallet, or mat to shield the floor from heavy loads, spills, or moisture.

Ready to purchase a shipping container? Reach out today to get a quote from the best in the industry!

With these simple tips, you’ll find the ideal container and get years of use out of it—whether it’s for storing, shipping, or your next big project!

With over 27 years of experience, call us at 708 639-. We not only will help you purchase a shipping container but will advise what products you can buy to maintain & protect it. See our website under accessories.

Are you interested in learning more about container semi trailers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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Wholesale Pricing on Shipping Containers – Request a Quote Now!

Container Sales Group buys containers directly from the steamship lines to offer our customers the highest quality containers at the most competitive prices. We’re a women-owned business, established in , and have locations throughout the US.

The fact that you’re even considering purchasing a Conex container (and reading this blog) means you’re a savvy consumer. You recognize the benefits and advantages that shipping containers provide for a wide variety of applications. You’re doing your research – educating yourself on the pros and cons, checking out the various companies who sell shipping containers, and digging into the outside-the-box questions that must be asked before writing the check and scheduling delivery. 

You might be in a pinch and need a Conex container ASAP. But while it might be tempting to buy the first thing that looks like it will serve your intended purpose, taking the time to make sure you make the right decision will save you time, money, and hassle later. So, what do you need to consider when buying a Conex container? In this blog, you’ll learn eight things you should consider while choosing your next shipping container.

What will you use a Conex container for?

Conex shipping containers aren’t just used for shipping. There are dozens of uses for these steel shipping containers, limited only by the imagination. They can be used for both personal and commercial applications. 

Some examples include: 

• Construction storage
• Personal storage
• Commercial building projects
• Man caves/she-sheds (common use for 10-foot size)
• Residential units, like custom homes or cabins (common use for 40-foot size)
• Commercial units, like small business offices (common use for 40-foot size)
• Self-storage businesses
• Cafes or food stands
• Extra space for school classrooms
• Stages at fairs or festivals

The intended use will help dictate the size, condition, and cost of the Conex container you’ll need to buy. As a result, this will be one of the first things you should decide before starting your search. If you think shipping containers are cool and want one but aren’t sure how to use one, check out these innovative uses – maybe they will help you figure out just what to do with your shipping container. 

What condition do you need your Conex container to be in?

Just like many other products you’d buy – cars, phones, clothes, lawn equipment, mostly anything - Conex containers come in a variety of conditions. 

There are four main shipping container conditions: 

New/1Trip

• These new shipping containers have only been loaded one time from the manufacturer
• These are the highest condition of shipping containers offered

Wind and Water Tight (WWT)

• These units are no longer certifiable to ship cargo on trains and ships
• They are ideal for consumers that need a shipping container to store personal items or anything else that needs to be protected from the elements

Cargo Worthy (CW)

• These shipping containers are guaranteed to pass a re-certification to be loaded back on a ship or train
• They can be packed with cargo and shipped across the globe

AS IS

• These are used units and will most likely have holes, floor damage, and other fixable repairs

We’ve heard about situations with other companies where customers thought they were buying a shipping container in a particular condition but received a shipping container in a lesser condition. One of the most important things to remember is that if a company tells you a shipping container is in a particular condition, don’t take their word for it - make sure you confirm the condition and read the terms and conditions to ensure what you're buying. 

Do you need accessories for your Conex container?

Depending on how you’ll use your Conex container, you may need to purchase accessories to enhance the functionality and help protect the contents from theft, condensation, or bad weather. If you are using your shipping container for a mobile business, small or large homes, office, or cafe, you’ll need accessories to improve functionality.  

Not all shipping containers require accessories, but here are some accessories you should consider purchasing if they make sense for your application:  

• Shipping container door
• Lockbox
• Office kit
• Roll-up door
• Vent
• Windows

You can find more information on how shipping container accessories improve functionalityhere. 

Are you buying from a reputable company?

Not all shipping containers are created equal, and neither are the companies that sell them. When you’re researching shipping containers, you need to take a hard look at the company you’re considering buying from. What’s their reputation in the industry? What do their customers say about them? Do they make promises that seem too good to be true? Beware of sales reps and companies that lean on false advertising and mislead customers about shipping containers. You should always research to learn about the company you’re considering buying from.  

As a rule of thumb, you should avoid these kinds of dealers: 

• Ones that do NOT have terms and conditions on their website
• Ones with a sales rep that offer false warranty claims that are different than the terms and conditions of the company
• Ones selling you lower grade AS-IS condition shipping containers as WWT (Wind & Water Tight)
• Companies that don’t have a Better Business Bureau page or no reviews
• Dealers who have no Google reviews (there must be a reason for that)
• Dealers who do not have a company website 
• Companies that do not show pictures of the shipping containers’ conditions on their website

Even if the company has a few reviews, read through them critically to understand and look for companies with 100+ reviews of different types of customers with detailed descriptions of their experiences.  

What size shipping Conex container do you need?

The size of the shipping container you need will depend on the intended use and will help determine the price you’ll pay. When buying a shipping container, sometimes you can customize certain things, but they're pretty standard when it comes to size. We recommend that customers measure the items they will be storing to ensure that the shipping container will accommodate their needs. Learn more about the specifications and dimensions of shipping containers here. 

Conex shipping containers primarily come in four different sizes: 

20-foot Conex containers

• Standard units are 8' 6" in height and 8' wide

40-foot Conex containers (most common)

• Standard shipping containers are also 8' 6" in height and 8' wide
• High Cube units are 9' 6" in height and 8' wide (most common unit bought by customers)

10-foot collapsible Conex containers

Container One is the only supplier of the 10-foot collapsible Conex shipping containers 

• Customer pickup is required - the units are FOB Ramp/Port – Call 330-286- for delivery.
• Each order comes with 15 collapsed shipping containers – the units are shipped in a 40-foot High Cube shipping container

53-foot Conex containers

Container One is the nation's leading 53-foot shipping container supplier 

• Customer pickup is required
• High Cube units are 9' 6" in height and 8' 6" wide - most common unit bought by customers  

How much will a Conex container cost me?

Whether it’s your cell bill, concert tickets, or auto service invoice, we all often pay more than we thought we would for products and services. Look closely at your billing statements, and you’ll see all kinds of “hidden fees.” There are shipping and handling fees, access fees, origination fees, transaction fees, disposal fees, environmental fees, and more 

We don’t believe it's best practice to show a price for a Conex container and then add on the additional cost for delivery toward the end of the transaction. We’re the only company in the industry that includes delivery in the price you see for 20 ft. and 40 ft. shipping containers with no hidden fees. We generate these prices using our proprietary calculator that gets you the best price based on your zip code. 

Because cost is a significant factor in deciding where to buy a shipping container, we believe it is important to ensure your quoted price includes the delivery of the shipping container. Container One always generates a delivered price, so the quoted price for 20 ft. and 40 ft. Conex containers includes everything - including delivery. 

How will I get it delivered?

You’ve found the right shipping container for the purpose you need it for and are confident you’re buying it from the right company. Now, how are you going to get it delivered to where you need it? There are a few different delivery options you’ll need to think through to see which one makes the most sense for you based on where you’ll need the container to be: 

For more information, please visit Fence Semi Trailer.

• Tilt Bed/Roll Off - The shipping container will arrive on a trailer that will tilt back and place the shipping container's edge on the ground. The trailer will pull away and allow the shipping container to slide or roll off onto the ground. Below is a video of this type of delivery from one of our customers.

Container One Roll Off from Container One on Vimeo.