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.

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.

Cheap Shipping Containers in Baltimore and San Francisco!

Finding cheap, affordable cargo containers can be a challenge.  Depending on where you are located and what condition you need the cargo container to be in can have an impact on the price. 

During August 2012, if you’re in Baltimore, Maryland; you have a chance to get a great deal on new cargo containers that will be delivered in early September.  All containers are new, one trip cargo containers in Baltimore.  These cargo containers are true one trip boxes and on currently on the way from the factory.  How much?  They can be purchased for $3100/unit, or bidding starts at $2950/unit.  It you need multiple units the seller may be able to provide a discounted price on larger orders.  These containers are expected to sell quickly, so if you have any questions please contact the seller through the listing page.

Also on featured offer this month are used cargo containers in Oakland/San Francisco.  All of these cargo containers are wind and water tight and in good working order.  Single cargo containers are on sale for $1750/unit, and there are discounts for purchasing several units.  If you are in the market for extra storage space or the steel structure to modify into a container conversion project these containers are a great way to get your project started.  The containers are currently in the depot and ready for purchase.  Again, container delivery is not included in the price, but a quote can be provided.

Cargo Container Home in the Hamptons

This concept sounds really great, and we're excited to see the next one!

http://containerauction.com/read-news/cargo-container-home-in-the-hamptons

The best place to buy used shipping containers...

"Where is the best place to buy shipping containers" is a question that isn't as straightforward as many people hope it would be.  If you're in the market to buy a shipping container; new, used, or any condition in between, there are several factors to consider before you decide on where to buy one.  In general, the two easiest places to find containers for sale are shipping depots and container dealers, but it's important to also consider the delivery cost in all circumstances.


Read more about how to buy shipping containers.

Cargo Container Conversions and Summer Projects

Cargo containers are a highly versatile, secure, and readily available item.  It’s no wonder that as the summer comes into full swing many people and companies are using them for their events or as a component to their "summer project".  There are a great number of cargo containers are being converted and delivered all over the United States and world for that matter; and it’s hard to attend any event without noticing a cargo container that’s being used for on-site storage.


Read more on ContainerAuction.com