How to Buy Shipping Containers: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Buy Shipping Containers Here’s a surprising fact – you can buy shipping containers starting at just $3,700 for a standard 20-foot container.

Leading container providers have earned impressive 4.8-star Google ratings and gained trust from more than 24,000 customers since 2014. The simple knowledge of container basics will help you make the right choice, whether you need one for storage, construction, or business purposes.

Buying shipping containers doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll walk you through each step – selecting the right type and condition and finding the perfect container that matches your budget and needs. Leading providers bring over 30 years of expertise to make your purchase experience smooth and hassle-free.

Need a shipping container nearby? Want reliable service from trusted sellers? This complete guide shows you everything you need to get started. Your container could arrive in just 5 business days with the right delivery options.

Understand the Types of Shipping Containers at ftshippingcontainers.com

Selecting the right shipping container is a vital part of making a smart investment. ftshippingcontainers.com provides options that match your specific needs, and they ship everything free.

Standard vs. High Cube Containers

High cube containers differ from standard ones mainly in height. Standard containers stand 8’6″ tall, while high cube versions reach 9’6″. This extra foot of height adds considerable storage space—a 40-foot high cube holds 2,694 cubic feet compared to a standard container’s 2,350 cubic feet.

The weight difference between these types is notable. A 40-foot high cube weighs around 8,775 pounds, while its standard counterpart comes in at 8,000 pounds. Both types can handle the same maximum gross weight of 67,200 pounds.

Dry, Refrigerated, and Insulated Options

Dry containers make up 90% of containers worldwide. These versatile units work well for general cargo since they don’t have temperature controls.

Refrigerated containers (reefers) keep goods at exact temperatures between -65°C and +40°C. They protect everything from food to pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive items.

Insulated containers maintain stable temperatures without active cooling. Their full insulation protects goods from condensation and temperature changes effectively.

Specialty Containers: Open Side, Double Door, and More

Open side containers let you load oversized items through doors running along one side. These containers feature four-leaf doors that split evenly—half opening left, half right—so you can access part or all of the container’s length.

Double door containers give you access from both ends, which makes loading and unloading smoother. This design works great for vehicles and cargo that needs end-to-end access.

ftshippingcontainers.com helps you pick the perfect container for your needs and ships it to you free. Their experts guide you through the entire selection process.

Know the Conditions Before You Buy

Smart buyers know the importance of understanding container conditions before making their purchase. The team at ftshippingcontainers.com delivers containers of various conditions right to your door with free shipping.

New (One-Trip) Containers

One-trip containers stand out as the market’s premium choice. These containers complete just a single trip from their manufacturing facility (usually China) to their destination port. They remain in almost pristine condition with minimal wear. The lifespan of one-trip containers reaches 20-30 years with basic upkeep. Their pristine appearance and rust-free exterior make them a perfect fit for image-conscious businesses. These containers also come with original manufacturer warranties and hold their resale value better than used ones.

Used and Cargo-Worthy Containers

Cargo-worthy (CW) containers must pass inspection and certification standards to transport goods internationally. These workhorses, 8-15 years old, need to meet strict structural requirements so they can stack safely on cargo ships. Marine surveyors check these containers and certify them according to International Convention for Safe Containers standards before ocean transport. Their structural integrity and watertight seals remain intact, offering an economical solution for shipping and storage needs.

Refurbished vs. Wind & Watertight

Wind and watertight (WWT) containers keep everything dry but might show some cosmetic wear. Most have served 10-15 years at sea and show typical signs of use – surface rust, dents, and old shipping company logos. Regulations prevent their use in overseas shipping, yet they serve perfectly as secure storage units.

Refurbished containers start as WWT units that undergo restoration to add years to their service life. The restoration process removes surface rust, applies rust-preventing primer and paint, and ensures cargo doors work properly. These improvements substantially extend the container’s useful life and appearance.

What to Avoid: AS-IS Containers

AS-IS containers come with the highest risk factors. Damage like holes, broken floors, and structural problems plague these units. They ship without warranty and make sense only when structural integrity and exterior condition don’t matter. Safety hazards lurk in poorly ventilated containers, especially those storing flammable materials.

Your immediate needs and future plans should guide your choice of container condition to strike the right balance between cost and quality.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Shipping Container at ftshippingcontainers.com

Buying a shipping container becomes easy once you know the steps. Ftshippingcontainers.com makes the whole ordeal simple and stress-free.

1. Decide on Size and Type

The right size and type must suit your needs. Standard 20-foot containers work well for smaller spaces, while 40-foot high cube containers give you maximum storage capacity. Users with specialized needs should look into open side containers that load wide items easily or double door containers that provide end-to-end access.

2. Choose the Right Condition

Your container’s condition matters significantly. One-trip containers give you like-new quality, and cargo-worthy containers are a great way to get excellent value. Wind and watertight options strike a perfect balance between affordability and reliability for storage purposes.

3. Get a Quote from a Trusted Seller

Ftshippingcontainers.com provides quick quotes. Your location details and container specifications help determine accurate pricing. The quoted price has delivery costs included.

4. Confirm Delivery Requirements

Your site must meet specific delivery requirements. A straight clearance of 75 feet works for 20-foot containers, while 40-foot containers need 120 feet. The surface at your location should support the delivery truck’s weight.

5. Make the Purchase Online or by Phone

The purchase process takes minutes once you’ve made your choice. Payment options include credit cards, debit cards, checks, or financing.

6. Buy from ftshippingcontainers.com for Free Shipping

Ftshippingcontainers.com ships your container free. Delivery happens within 1-3 business days. The warranty coverage lasts 6 months for cargo-worthy containers and 1 year for refurbished ones.

Delivery, Warranty, and Support

Your perfect shipping container selection is a vital first step to a smooth experience. Buy shipping containers from ftshippingcontainers.com and get free shipping with your purchase.

How Delivery Works and What to Expect

Your container will arrive in 5-7 days after order confirmation. Tilt-bed or roll-off delivery trucks bring the containers, which weigh about 30,000 pounds. A successful delivery needs:

• Straight clearance of 120 feet for 40-foot containers or 80 feet for 20-foot containers
• A solid, level surface like concrete or asphalt so trucks don’t get stuck
• Height clearance of 14 feet for the truck and up to 21 feet during offloading

Understanding Warranty Terms

Each container type comes with specific warranty coverage. New containers include a 10-year structural and leak-proof warranty. Cargo-worthy containers come with a 5-year warranty. Modified containers include a one-year warranty on modified parts. Make sure to check seals, doors, and floors right after delivery.

Customer Support and After-Sale Service

Top providers give detailed after-sale services with technical help, maintenance support, and modification options. Most reliable companies give lifetime customer support and quick responses to fix any problems after delivery. Ftshippingcontainers.com’s service includes free shipping and dedicated support throughout your container’s life.

conclusion

Buying shipping containers is straightforward. This piece explores everything in the container purchasing process – from standard, high cube, and specialized options to all but one of these conditions from one-trip to wind and watertight.

You can now select the right container that matches your budget and quality needs. The process is simple: pick your size and type, select the condition, ask for a quote, check delivery needs, and buy your container.

Ftshippingcontainers.com offers clear advantages to buyers. Their free shipping cuts costs while their large inventory helps you find the exact container you need. Quick delivery means your storage solution arrives in days, not weeks.

The warranty coverage gives you complete peace of mind. Their support team helps with questions throughout your container’s life.

Storage, construction projects, or business needs – the process stays simple and available. It’s worth mentioning that both current and future uses matter in your choice. These containers are solid investments that can last decades with proper care.

The sort of thing I love is how your perfect shipping container stands ready – tough, adaptable, and built to meet your needs. Start today and find out how easy buying becomes with free shipping.

FAQs

Q1. How much does a shipping container typically cost? Prices for shipping containers vary depending on size and condition. A standard 20-foot container can start at around $3,700, while a 40-foot container may cost between $2,500 and $4,500 for a new unit. Used containers are generally less expensive.

Q2. What’s the difference between standard and high cube containers? The main difference is height. Standard containers are 8’6″ tall, while high cube containers are 9’6″ tall. This extra foot of height in high cube containers provides significantly more storage capacity, though they weigh slightly more.

Q3. What should I consider when choosing a container condition? Consider your needs and budget. New (one-trip) containers offer the best quality and longevity. Used cargo-worthy containers are cost-effective and still suitable for shipping. Wind and watertight containers are good for storage but may have cosmetic issues. Avoid “as-is” containers unless appearance and structural integrity aren’t priorities.

Q4. How does the delivery process work when buying a shipping container? Delivery typically occurs within 5-7 days after purchase. Containers arrive on tilt-bed or roll-off trucks. Ensure you have adequate space (80-120 feet of clearance depending on container size), a firm surface for the truck, and sufficient height clearance (up to 21 feet during offloading).

Q5. What kind of warranty can I expect when buying a shipping container? Warranty terms vary based on container condition. New containers often come with a 10-year structural and leak-proof warranty. Cargo-worthy containers typically have a 5-year warranty, while refurbished containers may come with a 1-year warranty. Always check the specific terms with your seller.