The Amazing. Ever Changing World of Shipping Containers

It's been a while since my last post, and the world of shipping containers has been gradually turned over on it's head.  Actually, it's still in the process of happening, but we've all seen it coming.

On the positive side of things, spring is just around the corner and container sales in the United States have been very positive so far, especially considering that Polar Storm Mess that had a majority of the east coast on it's heels.

We've got a few new ideas and tips for you that you will (hopefully) find helpful when you start shopping for storage units or shipping containers come spring.

5 Tips to Use When Buying a Used Shipping Container: A lot of this article states the obvious, but it's a lot of things that people don't think about when they're buying equipment.  Some good ideas can be found here, especially for the novice buyer.

If you're buying a shipping container for the first time, you should at least sound like you know what you're talking about, take "container parts 101" by reading, "Shipping container parts and pictures".

Planning on having a shipping container delivered? Learn how to avoid paying too much by reading, "Avoid Expensive Delivery for Shipping Containers".

That's all for now.  I'll try and post a little more frequently now that my hands and fingers are thawing out from the winter cold.  If you've got any questions you can always email me through the blog.

Cheap, or Inexpensive - What's The Difference With Shipping Containes?

There can be a big difference between a cheap product, and one that's inexpensive.  Cars, houses, toys, and even used shipping containers can fall into this fallacy - cheaper doesn't always mean better!  Do your homework, compare the differences, and get the best deal for your money! 

People looking to buy a used shipping container are no different - they want the best possible deal at the best possible price.  However, the one thing we need to define is the difference between "cheap" and "inexpensive".

Read more on this article - Shipping Containers Prices - Cheap vs Inexpensive - and learn the difference between the two.  It could save you a few hundred, if not a few thousand dollars!

Tips for Buying a Shipping Container on a Cheap / Frugal Budget

So, you're thinking of buying a shipping container are you?  Or, depending on where you're located people might call it a sea can, connex box, cargo container, or some other variation of those terms.  It's not always easy to find one, let alone find a good deal on one.  Information on the internet can be unclear and sometimes advertisements provide outdated information.  ContainerAuction.com provided this helpful article a weeks back (June 2013) and we found it to be pretty helpful.

"5 Tips for Buying a Used Shipping Container"

Used shipping containers are not all the same, and you need to know what to look for before you rush out and purchase one.  Just like you would do a little research before you purchase a used car, there are some common things to look for when you get ready to purchase a used shipping container. --- continue reading

The summer is one of the best times to find a deal on shipping containers.  With the containerized freight coming in as stores stock up for summer, the pending school year, and holidays, many containers arrive in the US and are destined to be sold off.

Shipping Containers in the Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles

Some quick facts about the Port of Los Angeles:

1. Occupies 7,500 acres
2. Employs 16,000 people
3. The busiest container port in the United States
4. 7.8 million TEU's annually
5. Opened December 9, 1907
6. Annual revenue of $406.8 million

Shipping Containers for Sale - Chicago, Illinois!

If you're looking for a cheap shipping container to convert into a storage unit, modular house, or jobsite office, you're best bet it to look around any place where there is a port or major distribution center.  On the west coast you've got Los Angeles and San Francisco, on the east coast you've got Newark, Norfolk, and Miami, and in the middle of the United States you've got Chicago, Illinois.

Why is Chicago a Great Place to Buy a Shipping Container?

If you're within 100 miles of Chicago you'll be able to get a great deal on a container, and have it delivered to you for a reasonable cost.  Chicago is a major east/west distribution center so lots of products move in/around/through the Windy City.  As they're sorted and repackaged destined for their final location, the goods are often unloaded from containers and repacked into trucks and trailers.  Sure, some of the containers are used in different parts of the supply chain, but there are many that are sold off into the secondary/retail market to be repurposed- that's why you'll find the great deals.

Where to Get the Best Deals on a Shipping Container?

There are many dealers, traders, and related companies in Chicago that can help you.  Each one adds a different type of value - some include delivery in the price, others can make the modifications that you might be interested in.  Many of the dealers list their containers for sale on the internet on websites like ContainerAuction.com.

New or Used Shipping Containers - Which is the Best?

Used shipping containers are cheaper than a new container, but depending on your needs it may not mean that it's a better deal.  A used shipping container can be sold in several conditions -

• "as is where is", which means that it could be in any condition and the seller can't promise that it will be solid, 
• "wind/water tight", which means that it will have no holes and will keep everything on the inside of the container dry and protected,
• "cargo worthy", which is a solid container that could still be used for shipping.

A used container may not be pretty too look at, and it may need some cleaning up to make it suitable for sitting on your property.  If you want a container that looks perfect and will require no cleaning or maintenance, then you'll want a new (one trip) container.

Overall, there are lots of great options for containers in a city like Chicago.  Storage, housing conversions, job site offices, are all possible with the inventory that's available.  Storage container retailers throughout North America, and Illinois, list their inventory for sale on ContainerAuction.com.  If you need any help, you can find a good resource to contact on the auction.

Storage and Used Shipping Container Security

Shipping containers are very secure, it's the nature of their design.  Let's think about it, at the very core a shipping container is a steel box with only 1 entrance and exit point that's equipped with heavy locking steel doors, and an exterior body made of CORTEN steel. 

With all this in mind, it’s very important to remember that the cargo container does spend most of it’s shipping life stacked on a ship, in a depot, or sitting on a chassis or flatbed truck; in all of these places it’s under the eye of a shipping line employee, truck driver, or security guard.

The Weakest Part of a Storage Container  – Easily Corrected

The weakest point on a used shipping container isn't even really part of the container itself, it's the lock.  Container locks are purchased by the end user and can have any level of strength.  Cheaper pad locks tend to be weak, while expensive locks can be more secure, but also much more expensive.  No matter the type of lock, on most used shipping containers it’s exposed, as is the one in this picture.

There are several ways to protect your lock, and thus protect everything that’s inside of your shipping/storage container.  However the two most recommended involved a lock box, either welded on or bolted onto the container.

1. Weld on lock box – a weld on lock box provides a “house” for your lock to live in.  This means that anyone trying to break into the unit and would normally just cut the lock shank, now has to try and get access to the lock shank, which isn’t easy when it’s in a small enclosed area.  The downside of weld on lock box is that you’ll need welding equipment.
2. Bolt on container lock box – a bolt on lock box provides all of the benefits of a weld on lock box, but instead of welding it into place you only need to bolt it to your container.  Once bolted on, it behaves the same as a welded on unit and your lock is nearly impossibly to cut (don’t lose the key!).

A weld on lock box costs around $100 installed, and a bolt on lock box starts at around $50, without installation.  Weld on units are available at your local depot or container reseller, and bolt on lock boxes can be purchased on ContainerLockBox.com.

Installing a bolt on lock box can be done in around 15 minutes if you’ve got the tools and have an idea of how to use a drill and wrench or socket set.  If your lock box isn't painted, you may also want to have a rattle can of paint to finish off the color. ContainerLockBox.com has posted several videos on how to install a lock box, and you can download instructional material that you can print and take with you while you work.

If you have any questions about how to install a lock box on a shipping container please contact the folks at ContainerLockBox.com, or ContainerAuction.com.  They’ve been helping to secure used shipping containers for years and will gladly provide you with the assistance that you need to make sure your possessions are safe and secure.

Chicago Shipping Containers - new, one trip, used, CHEAP!

East to west, Chicago is a major hub in North American transportation and logistics.  No matter if the containers arrive by train, truck, or boat coming in off Lake Michigan; they're either shifted to a different carrier or the contents are repacked and reloaded.  The volume of through traffic is amazing, and the number of containers that remain in Chicago means that you can find a great deal at the auction!

Chicago Shipping Containers for Sale

Chicago has a lot of shipping containers for sale, and if you know where to look and the questions to ask you can find them at a great price.  Many of the worlds major shipping lines, container lessors, and trucking companies have depots located in and around Chicago.  They tend to sell their containers in bulk purchases to container retailers throughout the area.  Then container retailers then move them to their location, clean them up and paint them, and sell them as a retail transaction to the end user.  This system is very effecient, although sometimes the container retailers aren't in your area, or don't have the specific container that you need.

Chicago Container Auctions

Occasionally, new and used shipping containers are put up for auction in Chicago.  Sometimes the containers are loaded with cargo or unclaimed freight, but many times they are empty.  These auctions are either held at the depot location, or online at at a website like ContainerAuction.com.  If you go to a live container auction you'll need to show up with cash, or if you purchase one on ContainerAuction.com you'll need to be ready to make a wire transfer or other quick payment to make sure that the transaction doesn't expire.

Cheap Containers in Chicago

One thing the wholesalers, shipping lines, and retail container outlets have in common is selling on ContainerAuction.com.  Container Auction is a marketplace for new and used containers, and they sell single units, bulk purchases, sale listings and auctions.  Some listings include delivery within a set radius, and others are priced dirt cheap provided that you can arrange your own transportation.  If you're shopping for a cargo, shipping or storage container in Chicago, check out the Auction first!

Shipping Containers Converted to an Office

Shipping Containers Converted to a Portable Office

Great work from one of our colleagues up in Toronto.  He's been taking new and used 20' shipping containers and converting them into portable jobsite offices for construction companies and for use on oil fields.  Everything is made in North America, except for the container itself, and the windows and doors are custom designed specifically for shipping containers.  For more info on shipping containers and retrofitting them into offices, visit ContainerAuction.com.

The Hillbilly Rag: West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls

The Hillbilly Rag: West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls: The "Official" State of West Virginia Snack Food is the Pepperoni Roll. There are many versions of the West Virginia Pepperoni...

*** These things, as simple as they sound, are excellent! ***

What's the Best Way to Secure a Shipping Container?

Many people buy a used shipping container without knowing how the container is equipped, however most people don't know to ask how they're equipped as a shipping container isn't something that you purchase on a regular basis and there are a limited number of places where you can research what you need to ask (unlike purchasing an automobile or television set), and what shipping container parts may be available. On that note, one of the most overlooked features is a container lock box. It's a common security part that makes the pad lock hard to access to anyone without a key.

Standard Equipment on a Used Shipping Container

Almost all used cargo containers come with very basic equipment, and it's all set up with intermodal shipping in mind. Standard equipment on a used shipping container means low locking gear, which means that the handles operate near the ground; and no lock box, as lock boxes are not needed and will only slow down the process as the container moves from location to location.

Standard Equipment on a New Shipping Container

New, or one trip shipping containers, are designed with the end user in mind. They're equipped with high locking gear, so when it's on the ground you don't have to bend over to open it; and they're also equipped with lock boxes. If you're using the container for storage or a similar purpose it's an inexpensive option that can be added at the factory, and it is a great selling feature.

Continue reading about Container Lock Boxes.

Where to Buy Cheap Shipping Containers in Ohio?

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s almost time to start thinking about all of those summer DIY projects that you’ve been putting off until the snow thaws in the Ohio Valley. If building a new shed, or doing anything that requires additional long term storage, is on your summer project list, it’s a great idea to consider buying a new or used shipping container to re-purpose as a storage unit. If you’re in Ohio, you can find cheap shipping containers for sale in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. There are auctions for shipping containers that take place all summer in these areas, and if you’re in a hurry you can normally buy a shipping container directly from the shipping lines at cheap, wholesale prices.

How to Find Shipping Container Auctions in Ohio?

Unpaid Storage Auctions: Unclaimed storage containers and unpaid storage units are typically advertised in local newspapers and at the storage facilities themselves. These auctions are similar to the ones that you see on television and listings can go cheap and the items inside can be priceless, or worthless.

Shipping Container Auctions: Shipping container auctions, auctions for empty shipping containers, take place regularly online at ContainerAuction.com. In these auctions you can purchase cheap, new or used shipping containers, direct from shipping lines, container leasing companies, and logistics companies. These shipping containers are 20’ and 40’ long and either a standard 8’6” tall or a high cube is 9’6” tall. Depending on the condition, they can be used for just about anything. While only shipping containers that are in new, to cargo worthy condition can be used for shipping, almost all shipping containers can be used for storage, farm storage, an onsite office facility, or just about any other modification project.

How to Buy a Shipping Container in Ohio

Buying a cheap, used shipping container in Ohio is a lot easier than it seems, and many people are surprised at how simple the process is. A quick search on ContainerAuction.com will show you where the closest containers are to you. Finding one close is helpful because it will insure that the delivery cost will be cheap. On ContainerAuction.com you can contact the seller if you need to arrange a time to inspect the container, and from there you can purchase the container directly through ContainerAuction.com. Once the container is paid for, it’s delivered directly to you location and unloaded.

	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Columbus, Dublin, Lancaster, Grove City, or other places in the Metro Columbus area.
	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Cincinnati, Fairfield, West Chester, Springfield, or other places in the Metro Cincinnati area.
	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, Elyria, or other places in the Metro Cleveland area.

Storage and shipping container auctions from Ohio, the United States, and around the world can be found on ContainerAuction.com.  If you have a container and need to protect the lock we recommend a bolt on container lock box, available from ContainerLockBox.com.

Need to buy a shipping container for your retreat?

Check out this video by Dan from The Daily Prep, Where to Buy Shipping Containers for Your Retreat.  Dan explains some of his ideas on a shipping container retreat and how to go about finding a shipping container that will work for your project.

So you want to bury a shipping container?

Storms can be very powerful, especially in the south eastern and mid western parts of the United States.  Tornadoes are powerful and can toss cars, uproot trees and liberate the roof from your home.  So, what's the best way to build a storm shelter that can withstand nearly anything?  The answer is more simple than you may think - a simple, cheap, shipping container.

Shipping containers alone are pretty heavy, but if you want the extra piece of mind you can go the distance and either completely, or partially, bury the shipping container.  If you've got the time, and at least $2000-$3000 (depending on how luxurious you want it to be) to invest in the project it's a super secure structure for your family.

Continue reading if you'd like an idea on how to bury a shipping container.

This idea also works for fall out shelters, and bug out cabins for preppers.

Bug Out Shelters and Shipping Containers

Prepping is growing in popularity, and given the financial turmoil in the world it makes logical sence to consider all options should the "SHTF" (sewage hit the fan).

 Bugging out is a common term that preppers use to refer to leaving town once the event starts.  But, where can you leave to?  Converting a shipping container into a bug out shelter makes a lot of sense.  Quick (often permit free construction), strong, inexpensive... the list goes on.  To read the full article click here:  Survival Bunkers and Shipping Containers

 

The Cheapest Shipping Container May Not Be the Best

Buying a shipping container, on the surface, should be a pretty simple transaction.  After all, it’s not much more than a steel box with a couple of doors, not a new car or even a table computer with loads of features.  To a certain degree, that line of thinking is correct.  There are fewer options available when purchasing a shipping container compared to a car or computer, but there are some terms and points of interest that you should be aware of before you make a purchase.

First off, buying the cheapest car that you find probably means that you’re getting a lemon that you won't be happy with for very long.  If you rush out and purchase the first cheap shipping container that you find you'll probably end up with the equivalent – a rusty box, that isn't wind and water tight and will only require some additional investment to get it to perform like you need it to.

The questions that you need to ask when looking for a container are:  What condition is the shipping container in?  What’s the container made of?

Inspecting the Condition of a Shipping Container

The age of a container can tell a lot, but it may not tell the complete story.  A shipping container may be eight years old, but if its spent most of its life in a depot waiting to be repositioned it may not have seen excessive usage or wear and tear.  If you have the time and need to inspect the container personally, the main thing to check for is rust.  Rust may appear in the corners of the container, near any joints and seams, or around any dents, dings, or gouges in the container.

In general, used shipping containers are sold by shipping lines and leasing companies when they are 10-12 years old.  They will have some signs of use and abuse, and like a used car they can vary in condition.  One trip containers are essentially new units.  They've probably transported one load of goods across the ocean before finding their way to the depot and container dealer.  One trip shipping containers will be more expensive, but require little to no maintenance.

What is the Shipping Container Made Of?

The material that a shipping container is constructed with means a lot to the long term durability.  The beams and flooring aside, the most important thing to look at on a shipping container is the steel that the walls and roof are made of.  International, intermodal shipping containers are made from CORTEN steel.  CORTEN steel is highly rust resistant and can withstand the harshest environments, after all these containers spend a good portion of their life on the sea and are exposed to salt air, high winds, and heavy rain.  Domestic containers are typically constructed from aluminium or steel and are designed to balance durability and weight to provide fuel efficiency, not long term durability.

What dictates the best price for you is how you plan to use the container.  If it's going to be in a highly visible area, the doors need to swing freely, and you need a built in lock box, the best container for you may be a one trip unit.  If you've got the time, energy, and ability to repair and paint the container you may be able to find a gem of a used unit.

Shipping Containers, Storage Units, and PODS® – what’s the difference?

Onsite storage comes in many shapes and sizes, and depending on what your needs may be there are many solutions available in today’s market.  The three most commonly discussed options are shipping containers, portable storage units, and PODS®.

Structural Differences: Shipping Containers, Storage Units, and PODS®

Shipping containers are designed and manufactured for intermodal, international shipping.  With this in mind, they need to be strong, secure, and able to take years of abuse while remaining wind and water tight.  The most common lengths of shipping containers are 10’, 20’ and 40’; however there are some other sizes available in the market.  In terms of weight, a 20’ shipping container can weigh nearly 5000lbs, while a 40’ container can weigh in close to 8000lbs.  Due to ISO requirements, shipping containers are built to very specific dimensions and sizes.

Read more

Buy Shipping Containers in Edmonton, Alberta

### Wholesale Pricing on New 20' Containers in Edmonton ###

ContainerAuction.com has multiple one trip containers currently available for sale in Edmonton, Alberta.

The details of the containers are as follows:

• 30 Ton tested
• RAL 1015 (light ivory)
• Ply Floors lock box and high locking gear
• All units inspected on the line to ensure high quality units provided

Listing #2232 is for one (2x) container: 2x 20' cargo containers for sale, new [2181]

Listing # 2233 is for five (1x) containers: New Cargo Containers [2186]

If you're interested in purchasing multiple units please contact us for more information. More pictures and detailed information are available on ContainerAuction.com.  We invite you to register and buy or bid; and if you have any questions please contact the seller directly through the listing page.

ContainerAuction.com is a commercial trading platform for new and used shipping containers.  We are a registered, US company and facilitate the trade of shipping containers around the world.

Decision Time: Should I Buy a New Shipping Container?

Many people want to convert cargo or shipping containers into on-site storage units, workshops, job-site offices, or some are even modified into storm cellars and shipping container houses.  As with any project, the planning stages are the most important, and deciding on the right type of container is the best place to start.

The most common mistake that people make is when purchasing the container.  In some cases, the cheapest container will work well, while for other projects it will make more sense to get a newer container that needs less work.  The initial questions to ask when choosing between a new or used container are:

Read more about buying new or used shipping containers...

Shipping Containers in Denver, Colorado

Colorado is a hot market for storage containers, and that makes it hard to find a cheap shipping container in Denver.  Denver is a regional hub for intermodal transportation and containers loaded on trucks and trains pass through the city in volume, however many of them don’t stick around and the ones that do are in high demand.
The most common containers at depots in Denver and the Front Range are 20’ and 40’ containers.  You can find a variety of new and used containers, and when you do find one that fits your purpose it’s well advised to purchase it quickly, as it may not be available by the end of the day. 
As with anything, when you begin shopping for used shipping containers in Denver the first thing to do is find a few prices and compare them.  How you define "cheap" may be very different than someone else's definition. Finding online pricing may be hard, as many container traders and retail locations don't always provide online pricing; constant inventory changes makes this difficult.  If you don't have any luck finding a local business that sells used shipping containers, the next stop is to visit an ecommerce website that sell shipping containers. The first obvious choice is eBay. There are a usually a few shipping containers listed on eBay, but the inventory tends to be limited and centered in only a few specific areas. The next choice is ContainerAuction.com.  ContainerAuction.com is a leading website that specializes in both new and used shipping containers.  Many companies, including some of which may be local to you, have accounts on container trading platform and either list their used containers on the sale, or you can contact them directly through the site to inquire about their inventory.
To help you get the best price on new or used shipping containers, you'll want to have a few questions already answered and ready to share with the company selling the container.

• How long do you need the shipping container to be (10ft, 20ft, 40ft)?
• What will you be using the shipping container for?  Examples include storage, housing conversion, and shipping.
• Do you know what condition you need the container to be in?  Typical conditions are "cargo worthy", "wind/water tight", "one trip", and "as-is, where is".
• Will you need the container to be delivered to your location?
• If you need the container delivered, do you have a crane or forklift on site, or will the truck need to drop the container to the ground?

To help get you started in your search, ContainerAuction.com offers direct searches to help you find used shipping containers in Colorado.  During the month of October they’re offering a great discount on new, 20’ and 40’ shipping containers located in Colorado.  To learn more, visit the site and check out the available inventory.  As mentioned above, containers in Colorado sell quickly so check back if the inventory is sold out.

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.