How to Buy Used Shipping Containers: Expert Guide to Save Thousands

how to buy Used shipping containers can save you up to 50% compared to buying new ones. Smart container buying could keep thousands of dollars in your pocket.

The global supply chain moves about 17 million ISO containers right now. Finding your perfect container might feel daunting at first. Prices range from $1,500 to $8,000, based on size, condition, and location. A standard container costs around $1,065 in Europe, while the same unit goes for $1,488 in China.

These steel giants serve shipping lines for 12+ years before leaving the fleet. The containers handle rough seas and harsh weather conditions, which makes them very tough and reliable.

Buying used containers helps your wallet and the environment. You give these containers a new purpose and cut down on waste. This piece covers the essentials of buying a shipping container that fits your needs and budget. You’ll learn where to buy, what to check during inspection, and why reliable sellers like ftshippingcontainers.com with their free shipping deserve your attention.

Decide Why You Need a Shipping Container

I need to know exactly why I want a shipping container. This choice will shape every decision I make when buying one.

Storage, shipping, or conversion use cases

Shipping containers serve three main purposes. They’re built to ship goods internationally and must meet specific transportation standards. Many businesses use them as secure storage at construction sites or business locations where they need tough, secure units. People have also turned these containers into offices, workshops, retail spaces, and homes.

These containers beat traditional sheds or self-storage units when it comes to weatherproof security. Buying makes more sense than renting if you need the container for over a year.

You can turn these containers into just about anything. Here are some popular projects:

• Living spaces (also known as “cargotecture”)
• Retail outlets or pop-up shops
• Home offices or workspaces
• Swimming pools
• Schools or emergency facilities
• Restaurants and bars

How your purpose affects container type and condition

The way you plan to use your container determines what type and condition you should look for. Shipping goods internationally? You’ll need a container with valid CSC certification. Storage at construction sites needs tough containers that can handle rough weather and give you easy access.

Living or workspace projects need proper insulation, ventilation, and layout changes. The container’s age is a big deal as these units last about 10-12 years before rust and corrosion kick in.

Different uses need different grades. New containers look pristine and last longer but cost more. Cargo-worthy (CW) containers cost less but work fine for shipping. Wind and watertight (WWT) containers can’t ship cargo but keep your stuff safe from weather.

Sites like ftshippingcontainers.com ship their containers free, which helps save money whatever you plan to use it for.

Understand Container Types and Conditions

The right container type and condition is a vital factor to consider when buying a used shipping container. Making the right choice can save thousands while meeting specific needs.

Standard vs. high cube vs. specialty containers

Standard containers measure 8′ wide and 8’6″ tall, and come in 10′, 20′, or 40′ lengths. High cube containers are 9’6″ tall with the same width. This extra foot of height adds about 12% more volume – a standard 40′ container gives you 2,350 cubic feet while a high cube provides 2,694 cubic feet.

Specialty containers come in various forms: open-top containers for oversized cargo, flat racks for machinery, platforms for odd-sized items, and refrigerated containers for temperature-sensitive goods. About 90% of sea freight moves in standard dry containers.

New, cargo-worthy, and wind & watertight explained

New “one-trip” containers have completed a single trip from China with cargo. These containers are in pristine condition with minimal wear.

Cargo-worthy (CW) containers pass inspection and certification for international shipping. Most are 10-15 years old but remain structurally sound with valid CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) certification.

Wind and watertight (WWT) containers ensure you won’t have leaks or holes. They might show some rust, dents, and scratches but work great for domestic storage. You can’t ship WWT containers overseas since they don’t meet CSC requirements.

How to choose the right grade for your needs

You need cargo-worthy containers with valid CSC certification to ship internationally. WWT containers give you great value for storage – they work well despite their looks.

New containers work best for building homes or retail spaces because of their clean interior and exterior. Grade A containers protect delicate items from moisture and pests.

Ftshippingcontainers.com ended up making it easier by offering free shipping. You can get the right container delivered straight to your location and save on transportation costs.

Where and How to Buy a Used Shipping Container

Looking for a used shipping container? The right seller matters just as much as picking the right container. My experience shows the seller’s quality directly affects what you get.

Online marketplaces vs. local dealers

These days, buyers have three main options for used shipping containers. Online marketplaces like Container xChange let buyers and sellers connect without any brokerage fees. Local dealers near ports offer convenience but usually charge premium prices. Container yards stock large inventories of containers in various sizes and conditions. How To Buy Used Shipping Container

Online platforms give you access to thousands of containers everywhere—Container xChange alone lists 100,000 containers in over 2,500 locations. Local dealers make use of their regional networks to find containers and typically charge brokerage fees between $100-$500.

The 20′ and 40′ containers cost less because they’re easier to find. Less common sizes like 6′, 8′, 10′, 15′, 24′, 45′, and 53′ often cost more even though they’re smaller.

Why buying from trusted sellers like ftshippingcontainers.com matters

Reputable suppliers ensure you get quality containers that meet industry standards. Companies like ftshippingcontainers.com give detailed condition reports, protect their customers, and show clear pricing.

Customer reviews tell you a lot about seller reliability. Many trusted suppliers maintain excellent ratings—Boxhub has a 4.8-star Google rating and 4.7-star Trustpilot rating. Other reputable sellers also show great customer feedback on multiple platforms.

Good suppliers stock everything from standard to high-cube, refrigerated, and modified options. They also guide you through your purchase so you can make smart decisions.

Benefits of free shipping and secure payment options

Free shipping saves you a lot of money. Regular delivery costs start at $150 plus extra for longer distances. That’s why sellers like ftshippingcontainers.com offering free shipping help you save big.

Secure payment options protect your money. Some marketplaces hold onto payments during inspection—Container xChange gives you a 7-day money-back guarantee and keeps your payment until you check the container.

Delivery times aren’t the same for all sellers. Some deliver the next day in their service areas, while others take 2-5 business days or 7-10 days. You should check these details early to avoid problems later.

Inspect Before You Buy: What to Look For

Getting a full picture is vital before buying any shipping container. Taking time to look at the core areas will give me value for my investment and help avoid repairs that can get pricey later.

Check for rust, dents, and door line up

Start by looking at the container’s overall shape from the outside. The container should look square without any obvious slanting or warping. You’ll often see surface rust on used containers, and that’s normal. However, “cancerous rust” shows up as bubbling under paint with wart-like lumps and points to serious structural issues.

Test the doors by opening and closing them. They should work smoothly without too much force. The locks, hinges and seals around the doors need careful attention since they keep the container secure and weatherproof. The rubber gasket around doors is especially important because it stops moisture from getting in.

Inspect flooring, seals, and roof condition

The floor needs extra attention because many containers have wooden floors that can rot or get damaged by pests. Walk around and press different spots to find any soft areas that show water damage. Steel floors should be checked for rust that might weaken the structure.

For the roof, look for obvious damage like dents, holes or rust. The “light test” is a great way to spot leaks – just step inside, close the doors, and look for any light coming through. A good roof should have a slight crown that helps water run off.

The right time to ask for photos or check in person

Checking the container in person is the quickest way to verify its quality. If that’s not possible, ask for clear photos or videos showing specific areas like corners, undercarriage, interior ceiling, and floor. These images need to show every side of the container in good light.

Understanding container certifications like CSC and IICL

The Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) certification plays a vital role in international shipping. You’ll find valid CSC plates with identification numbers, manufacturing dates, and weight limits. Containers must meet these standards to be used for export.

IICL certification shows that containers meet International Institute of Container Lessors standards for quality, structural strength, and durability. This certification becomes especially important if you plan to use the container for shipping rather than static storage.

The good news is that trusted sellers like ftshippingcontainers.com include free shipping, so I can get a properly checked container delivered right to my location.

Conclusion

Buying a used shipping container is a smart investment if you do it right. We’ve looked at how these steel giants can save you thousands while lasting incredibly long for many different uses. Your first vital step is knowing exactly what you need – whether it’s storage space, a structure to convert, or something for international shipping.

The right container choice depends on your budget and needs. Standard containers work great for most uses, while high cube versions give you that extra foot of height some projects need. Pick a condition grade that matches what you’ll use it for – new, cargo-worthy, or wind and watertight. Don’t just go for the most expensive option automatically.

Your choice of seller makes a big difference in what you get and how much you’ll pay. Companies like ftshippingcontainers.com sell reliable products with clear descriptions. They also offer free shipping, which saves you hundreds in delivery costs. Finding reputable dealers like this really pays off.

The inspection process is something you can’t skip. You need to check for rust, make sure doors line up properly, look at the flooring, and check the roof’s condition. This protects your investment from future problems. Pictures help when you can’t see it in person, but nothing beats checking out a container yourself before buying.

Buying used containers makes sense both financially and environmentally. You’ll save money up front and give these tough steel boxes a second life. Do your homework, inspect carefully, and buy from trusted sources with free shipping. Your container will last many years. Check out ftshippingcontainers.com to find quality containers at great prices, delivered free right to you.

FAQs

Q1. What should I look for when buying a used shipping container? When inspecting a used container, check for rust, dents, and proper door alignment. Examine the flooring, seals, and roof condition. Look for signs of water damage or pest infestation. Ensure the container is square without noticeable warping. For international shipping, verify it has valid CSC certification.

Q2. How much does a used shipping container typically cost? Used shipping container prices generally range from $1,500 to $8,000, depending on size, condition, and location. A standard 20-foot container might cost between $1,500 and $3,500, while a 40-foot container could range from $2,500 to $4,500. Prices can vary significantly based on market conditions and seller.

Q3. What are the different types of shipping containers available? The main types include standard containers (8′ wide, 8’6″ tall, in 10′, 20′, or 40′ lengths), high cube containers (1 foot taller than standard), and specialty containers like open-top, flat racks, platforms, and refrigerated units. Standard dry containers are the most common, accounting for about 90% of sea freight.

Q4. Why is it important to buy from trusted sellers? Reputable sellers like ftshippingcontainers.com offer detailed condition descriptions, customer protection policies, and transparent pricing. They provide expert guidance, diverse inventories, and often include benefits like free shipping. Trusted sellers also ensure containers meet industry standards and often have positive customer reviews.

Q5. What’s the difference between cargo-worthy and wind & watertight containers? Cargo-worthy (CW) containers are certified for international shipping with valid CSC certification. They’re typically 10-15 years old but remain structurally sound. Wind and watertight (WWT) containers guarantee no leaks or holes, making them perfect for domestic storage, but they can’t be shipped overseas as they don’t meet CSC requirements.