Buying a Cheap Shipping, Cargo or Storage Container: Where do I start?

So you’ve finally decided to buy a shipping container. Like most people, you’re probably not sure where to start. It’s not a purchase that you make every day, and I’d be willing to guess that most of your friends haven’t done it either. To being, you should really have the answers to three questions:

1. Why do I need the shipping container?
2. When do I need the shipping container?
3. Where do I need it?

The answer to the first question is usually pretty straight forward. People need shipping containers for many reasons, the most typical being for shipping, portable storage, or some type of contianer home conversion project. This question is important because it could have an impact on the condition and price of the shipping container that you need to purchase. If you need the container for shipping you’ll need one that is either one trip, new, or cargo worthy. If you plan on modifying the container into some other project, for example a storage unit or an outdoor bar, you could possibly get away with saving some money and purchasing one in “as is” condition. Typically, “as is” containers are structurally sound but have some surface rust or other cosmetic blemishes. If you’re prepared to explain this to someone in the industry they should be able to help you find the best suited container for your needs.
When you need the container also depends on what you’re going to do with it. If you plan on using it for shipping you may need it quickly, if you’re putting it onto your property as a long term storage unit you may need to prepare the site first by installing a foundation or gravel bed to drop the container on. Keep in mind that depending on where you live and the schedule of the delivery driver it may take a week or two to have the container delivered to your location.
Do you need the container at a location that’s far from a port or a major city, or are you located within 45 miles of a major port? If you’re near a major port like Los Angeles, Newark, or New Orleans you’re in luck. Containers tend to be readily available in these areas and arranging delivery can be quick and easy. If you need the container in a rural area, or city that’s distant from a coast line you can still find a container, but you may need to pay a little more for it. At some point in time someone had to move it to your area and this cost is typically built into the price. The obstacle to overcome for repositioning a container to a remote area is delivery.
Once you can answer the why, when, and where questions you’re well on your way and only need to find a shipping container for sale. eBay occasionally has containers for sale, however a site that specializes in containers like ContainerAuction.com has a wide inventory and direct contact with shipping industry experts.