5 Shipping Container Shopping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Steel shipping containers are some of the most important resources on the planet. They are currently responsible for shipping 90% of the world’s goods from country to country. Steel shipping containers are typically made from a grade ASTM A36 steel. This type of steel is used in heavy industries and constructions due to its high strength.

But shipping containers can serve a wide range of purposes. Their usefulness extends far beyond the reaches of the shipping industry.

They have become a go-to for both businesses and consumers. They are kind of like wood pallets. A simple design, but with a little creativity, can become anything you want them to be.

Are you interested in buying basic or modified shipping containers for your next project? Shipping container shopping mistakes are common, but with a little knowledge, you can avoid them with ease.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid common mistakes when buying from a shipping container company. 

1. Buying The Wrong Size

Contrary to public opinion, there are many different container sizes available. While the most common options for containers are either 20 feet long or 40 feet long, you can find containers in different sizes.

If you look hard, you can find steel shipping containers that are eight feet, 10 feet, 30 feet, or 45 feet long as well.

2. Buying The Wrong Type

Aside from various sizes, there are various types of containers available as well. The type of container is usually determined by the door placements.

Depending on your shipping container budget, you can get a standard container, which has a single door on one end. Or you can buy a tunnel container, which has two doors, one on either end. 

An open-side container has a double-door on the side of the container, rather than on the ends. Additional variations are available depending on the specific use case. So don’t just buy a standard container without knowing all of the options. 

3. Buying New

If you’re using a container for a DIY project, such as a backyard studio, a barn, a shed, or something else entirely, you don’t always need to buy a brand new container.

You can find used containers, that have served their purpose on the sea, and are ready to be used for something other than shipping. While they might be a little beat up, you just need some paint and elbow grease to get it looking fresh.

4. Forgetting About Delivery

When buying a container, you have to factor in delivery costs. If you purchase from a company across the country, how is it going to get to your home or business? Don’t just choose the cheapest price, because high delivery fees may make it more expensive in the end. 

5. Not Shopping Locally 

Shipping containers are available for sale almost anywhere, You might not need to shop out of state to find a container. There may be empty ones sitting around in your town right now, looking for a new home.

Drive around industrial parks looking for unused containers, then contact the local business to see if they’d like to sell them to you. 

Avoiding These Shipping Container Shopping Mistakes

As long as you slow down the buying process, it’s easy to avoid these shipping container shopping mistakes. Just remember that containers are widely available, especially if you’re looking to buy a used container.

Be patient and make sure to wait for the perfect container for your needs.

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