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.

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  Information on the internet can be unclear and sometimes advertisements provide outdated information.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.

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.

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.

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

Shipping Container Capacity/Weights

Shipping containers, no matter where you find them in the world, are designed and built to standard sizes. This makes packing them with goods, loading them on ships, and transporting them around the world incredible efficient. More specifically, container manufacturers adhere to ISO (International Standards Organization) regulations with respect to size, materials, and production processes. That being said, there are some variations that you’ll find in the market place.

When discussing shipping containers, the primary metric used is the length, specifically the external length. The primary sizes of containers used in shipping are either 20ft or 40ft long. Once the length is determined, the second metric is the height of the shipping container. Originally, containers were manufactured to be 8’ 6” tall. However, in recent years many shipping lines have opted to transport with taller containers called “high cubes”. High cubes are one foot taller, making them 9’ 6”. The width is the one measurement that remains relatively constant at 8ft. The only variation in width is with some European containers that are 2.5 meters wide.

Weight capacity of shipping containers is also standardized, while allowing variations related to the length.

Read more about shipping container weights and payloads.

Shipping and Storage Container Auctions in Memphis, Tennessee

ContainerAuction.com hosts online auctions for shipping and storage containers, and next week they have great offers starting on 20’ containers located in Memphis, Tennessee.

These containers are in great condition and can be used for shipping and transportation, storage, or a container home or other modification project.

They are all built to the following specifications:

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

 If you’re looking for winter storage, a modular housing conversion project, or adding additional square footage to your property that’s quick and affordable, cargo containers are a great option to consider. Cargo containers durable, cost effective, easy to purchase and install, and most importantly highly secure. Since they are designed for international shipping everything that goes into a container is designed with the intent of portability and security. Anything that you lock up inside will remain safe and secure from the weather, and any other creatures that may want to damage your belongings or make an unwelcome home in your unit.

More information regarding shipping container and storage unit auctions in Tennessee can found on the following page here.

If you have any additional questions you may contact the seller directly through the listing page. All questions will be answered within 24 hours.