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!

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.