What To Know About Shipping Containers BEFORE Buying
After you’ve done the research and decided you are ready to buy a shipping container, you still need to choose between buying a new or a used shipping container. The answer depends on your current situation and just what you’re looking for overall. If you’re okay with saving a few hundred dollars for some scratches on the side of your container, then buying used could be just what you’re looking for!
Most people will assume that new and used shipping containers are similar in all things except their condition and age but this is not true. Let’s go more in depth into these differences so you can make the best choice possible.
Outward Appearance
Typically, new containers are painted in one solid colour and tend to be white or tan, generally they will not have any marks on the surface with small acception of course. On the other hand, used shipping containers are painted in a colour matching that of a shipping line’s corporate ID. They can also have names and logos put directly on the sides. You will of course have different qualities of pain just based on time they’re been there and the age of the container. A simple paint job can take care of all of those issues, and any food shipping container retailer will be able to offer this service.
The Condition of the Container
As expected, a new shipping container has only been used in transit once, from the manufacturer to the 
depot, so it is highly likely that it will not have any damage to it. Any damage that does occur over the shipping process should be a relatively easy fix for any professional retailer. A new shipping container is of the best and highest possible quality when compared to a used shipping container. They may indicate small signs of usage but they are most probably due to the harsh and demanding weather conditions associated with international shipping.
When it comes to used shipping containers, you can get them in three condition levels namely:
- “As is, where is”
- Wind and water tight
- Cargo worthy
Used cargo-worthy shipping containers are the least pleasing aesthetically, but still function nearl as well in terms of shipping or storage capability. Used wind and water-tight containers are usually in fair condition, but they will not pass the international shipping tests. They are ideal for storage because anything within them is sure to be safe from the elements, international shipping standards are just extremely rigid. Used shipping containers under the category of “As is, where is” have been deemed to be in bad condition after inspection, if they have undergone any inspection at all. A proper container depot should inspect all their used containers to let buyers know what quality they are buying. From there, it’s up to you if you want to purchase one that may be deemed lower quality. Depedning on your purposes, that could be exactly what you’re looking for!
Transport and Security
Most new shipping containers possess a lock box, which is a housing surrounding the exterior locks, making it far more difficult to cut the locks. Most used shipping containers do not have this amazing feature. While they are still hard to break into, this does make the job quite a bit easier for anyone looking to break in.
Additionally, a majority of new containers also come with forklift pockets, making them very handy in moving around containers in job sites or yards. Some used containers have them but most do not and instead have to be moved with special lifts or cranes. This is honestly a big pain in the neck when it comes to portability, you should truly look to get a container with forklift pockets if at all possible.
After looking at the most significant differences between new vs used shipping containers, you should feel more comfortable about the choice you’ve made, or you should feel more comfortable in making a choice! Again, you have to base everything off of your needs, so you can’t just have a one size fits all solution for something like this!
For more information on using a shipping container as a garage contact Southeast Container at (615) 450-6005.