Buying a SHIPPING CONTAINER?

Here are some tips I'll pass on to you from my experiences when buying a shipping container.

Firstly,there are many different types of shipping containers,20ft and 40ft with two front doors are the most common,then there are refridgerated & other specialty shipping containers and modified ones.

New or used?

"New" containers are at least one trip old,generally they are made in China then packed with export trade & sent out overseas,you can tell the box's build date as it stamped on the CSC plate on the front doors,it will also tell you when it's next test is for survey purposes (usually 5 years after being built) as they must be current if you want to rail-freight it in Australia or send the box on a boat overseas.

High cube boxes are 9/6' high & with furniture rails make popular removalist containers,they commonly have three rails & many tie-off points down each side & back & sometimes two rails on the inside of the roof, a standard box is 8/6,subtract about 8 inches for inside measurements & this will vary slightly depending on the box type & maker,some high cube's are two pallets wide,fitted with internal shelving they make excellent storage boxes.

Getting a shipping container moved.

I've found that the better tilt-slide towie's will charge around $150 per hour or less to move a empty 20ft container,calculated both ways.

Where to get one?

EBay,yellow pages & it's usually on the box itself on the CSC plate or in the form of several big advertising stickers with contact details,ring around & get the best price,I would generally recommend going straight to the owner or supplier of the box & select one yourself.

Buying one sight unseen is a big NO NO in my book.

From my experience they will listen quietly as you tell them what you want & don't want....tell you anything to get the sale...then send exactly what you don't want.

I suggest if you have to buy sight un-seen,you give it to them in writing in plain simple english,if you want a new box with-out dents,damage or bent parts you should expect to get just that. 

If they send something you didn't order,they can take it back & send the correct one.   

Cheaper used containers are generally more than ten years old & are suitable for storage or road freight in Australia only & will range in condition from weather tight & usable to holier than the bible with more dents than a Datsun 120Y after a demolition derby.

Don't pay to much for one out of survey in good condition and unless you like welding rusty tin stay away from the holey ones,they can't be fixed easily or cheaply & you are better off spending a couple of bucks more & buying something decent.

So to sum up,

1.Do your research on price & type.

2.Go straight to the supplier or owner or buy privately.

3.Don't buy sight un-seen and get a guarantee of condition,photo's,put it in writing so they know what you expect to be delivered.

4.Containers have a serial number stamped in steel & stickered in at at-least 6 different places inside & outside...make sure the same container you buy turns up.

5.Fingers,toes & eyes crossed you should be right.......maybe.