How To Buy A Shipping Container

Shipping containers are diverse and buying one can get overwhelming pretty fast. There are 11 types of shipping containers, each with different conditions and grading, depending on structural conditions, usage, and aesthetics. Selecting the right one for you and your needs requires knowing what you want and the perfect solution to your shipping needs. You can visit freight shipping companies here to get an idea of the available shipping containers.

Looking for a step-by-step guide on buying a shipping container? You’re in the right place.

Buying A Shipping Container In 7 Steps

Most people start their purchase journey on Google. They are either looking for more information on the different types of shipping containers or recommended options for their specific needs. Even after getting the information, they go on to look for credible sellers they can contact for their purchases. The entire process can be cumbersome when you don’t have a guide to walk you through. Follow these steps to make the journey a seamless one.

Step 1: Decide Between Buying Or Leasing

The first step to buying a shipping container is the decision between outright purchase and leasing. The answer to this question will depend on your business goals, how long you intend to be in the market, your financial strength, etc.

For example, a business owner who only needs a few containers for short-term shipping or storage may be better off leasing some containers. However, buying is more economical if needed for an indefinite period and with solid financial backing.

Buying a container without being sure you’ll use it and for how long can be a financially reckless decision. If in this position, you may be better off leasing rather than buying.

Step 2: Determine The Container Type

Have you decided between leasing and buying? Great. The next step is to determine the perfect container size for your needs.

Honestly, this step can be a jungle of information to wade through. However, you should start by considering whether you need a standard or specialty container. A standard container is perfect for normal goods, while specialty containers are designed to fit the storage requirements of specific products.

You can choose between the 20ft and 40ft sizes for the standard container. You can also consider the high cube. However, specialty containers require special attention, especially if you’re storing food items, medicine, chemicals, or other sensitive or fragile goods.

Step 3: Select Container Condition And Grading

The grading and condition of your container will depend on what you intend to ship. It is important to note that there is no universal grading system for shipping containers, however, you may need to use the most acceptable grading system at the shipping destination.

Some of the grading systems to know include;

• One trip containers
• Wind and Watertight containers (WWT)
• Cargo-worthy containers (CW)

Step 4: Where To Buy Shipping Containers

One of the first queries you’d have entered into Google would have been “where to buy shipping containers.” The response may have been overwhelming, with many options and ads to choose from. To reduce the stress, start from around the ports.

There are always plenty of container suppliers around the ports waiting to sell. All you need to do is contact them or a local broker and have them negotiate the prices for you.

It is important to note that the process isn’t exactly as easy as described above. One drawback to finding containers close to the port is the price. Most often than not, containers bought closer to the ports are always expensive. However, buying farther away from the port also means incurring logistics costs to bring the container to the port.

Step 5: Hire A Container Surveyor 

Container surveyors ensure containers meet the specific dimensions as stated by the seller or lessor. A container surveyor can save you time, energy, and money by protecting you from overpaying for a smaller-sized container or making a wrong choice.

The surveyor will also ensure that the container is in the right condition to support your shipment from one point to another.

Step 6: The Cost Of A Shipping Container

You can buy or lease your shipping container once the surveyor okays it. This is where you get serious with the costs and fees. The price of shipping containers varies based on size, grading, and condition. Location may also be a key factor to consider when it comes to shipping containers.

On average, a used shipping container may cost between $1500 and $5,000, depending on the size, grade, and condition. On the other hand, a new one-trip container can cost anywhere between $3000 and $5000.

Step 7: Transporting Your Container

Having paid for your container, you now have to worry about transporting the container. If sending the container empty to a destination, it is economical to lease out your container to a one-trip party heading in the same direction. That way, you can get your container to its destination, make some money, and keep the lessor happy.

The steps above can help you through the purchase process to becoming a container owner.