buy used cargo shipping containers January 5, 2024 – Posted in: Uncategorized
Buy Used Cargo Shipping Containers: Money-Saving Tips from Industry Experts
Buying used cargo shipping containers puts you right in the middle of a fascinating market. These steel boxes serve over 12 years in cargo fleets before retirement and make incredibly durable investments. The market’s complexity might surprise you, despite their simple appearance.
The prices of used cargo shipping containers usually depend on cargo volumes rather than what buyers just need. The sort of thing i love is that less than 1% of customers that ever spread warranty claims when buying from trusted suppliers. These containers prove so reliable that they make perfect sense for storage, conversion projects, or business uses. You should understand several most important factors to find quality used shipping containers in your area and save money.
Understanding the Used Shipping Container Market
The used shipping container market doesn’t work the way most buyers think it does. You just need to understand some unique market forces to find the best deals when you want to buy used cargo shipping containers.
Why cargo volume affects container prices
Global cargo volumes, not buyer demand, determine used shipping container prices. Shipping containers exist as byproducts of the global shipping industry. The pandemic led to a massive change – approximately 8 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) of shipping containers joined the global fleet. This big addition increased the worldwide container supply by 15%.
The global shipping container market hit USD 11.9 Billion in 2024. Experts project it will reach USD 21.5 Billion by 2033, growing at 6.72% annually. International trade growth, e-commerce success, and global infrastructure development stimulate this expansion.
How trade imbalances affect availability
Trade imbalances create huge differences in container availability between regions. To cite an instance, China exports approximately three containers for every one it imports. This creates a buildup of containers in importing countries. North America reexports only 40% of its received containers. This means 60 out of every 100 containers stack up in the western world while Asia runs short.
Shipping companies often find it more profitable to send empty containers back to manufacturing hubs like China. They don’t wait to fill them for the return trip. The shipping lines and leasing companies that own these containers want their equipment where export demand runs highest.
These global trade patterns directly affect local availability as you look for used cargo shipping containers for sale in your area.
Why containers are rarely scrapped
Shipping containers last much longer than most people think. A typical cargo container serves for more than a decade. These containers follow several paths instead of heading to the scrap yard:
- Most carry export goods
- Some return empty on ships
- A small percentage become storage units
- The scrap yard sees only severely damaged containers
FT Shipping Containers helps you buy used shipping containers with confidence. These containers have years of useful life ahead. The company offers free shipping on new and used containers, making quality options accessible whatever your location [User Guidelines].
Storage containers that see gentle use can last 25-30 years with minimal maintenance. This makes buying a used shipping container a smart choice for long-term storage needs.
What to Expect from Used Cargo Shipping Containers
Image Source: Living in a Container
Let me help you understand what you should expect when buying a used cargo container. This guide covers everything you need to know about container conditions to make a smart purchase.
Rust, dents, and durability explained
You’ll always find some rust on used shipping containers, but it’s not a deal breaker. Most containers use Corten steel (weathering steel) that creates a protective rust layer on the surface. This layer works like a scab on a wound and protects against deeper corrosion.
Used containers naturally pick up dents and scratches. These cosmetic flaws rarely affect how well the container works for storage. The good news is that shipping containers can handle rough ocean conditions, so they stay strong even with visible wear.
A well-maintained shipping container lasts 35+ years or more. One-trip containers serve reliably for 25+ years. Standard used containers give you another decade of service after their ocean-going days.
CWO vs WWT vs IICL: What do these mean?
Cargo Worthy (CWO) containers pass inspections for overseas shipping. These containers are usually 7-15 years old and strong enough to stack 21 containers high on cargo ships.
Wind and Water Tight (WWT) containers keep moisture out completely but can’t ship overseas. They show more wear than CWO units but work perfectly for storage.
IICL (International Institute of Container Lessors) containers represent the highest quality you can get. These units exceed strict industry standards and look almost new.
When is a container no longer cargo-worthy?
Structural damage makes a container lose its cargo-worthy status. Industry specs say these conditions make a container unacceptable:
- Top rail dents exceeding 30mm
- Corner post dents beyond 25mm
- Floor damage deeper than 15mm and wider than 150mm
- Holes, tears, or cracks in structural components
Storage containers don’t need cargo-worthy certification. You can find great deals on used cargo containers at https://ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping, even without cargo-worthy status.
Tips to Save Money When Buying Used Containers
Want to save money on buying used cargo shipping containers? The difference between a great deal and paying too much comes down to a few smart moves.
Buy from reputable sellers, not marketplaces
You’ll save good money by buying directly from container suppliers instead of marketplace middlemen. Online marketplaces add markups and fees that push up your final price. Here’s what to look for in potential sellers:
- A solid website showing detailed container information
- Quick responses to your questions
- Clear pricing without hidden costs
- Good reviews about delivery experiences
Reliable sellers deliver quality consistently and back their products. This saves you from surprises that can get pricey later.
Avoid unnecessary inspections for storage use
Of course, professional inspections make sense if you’re shipping goods, but you don’t need them for simple storage. A good personal check using a simple checklist is enough:
Check if doors work and seal properly, look for holes in the roof and walls with a light test, and check the floor for soft spots. This can save you USD 75-150 in professional inspection fees.
One-trip containers give you better condition
One-trip containers hit the sweet spot between new and heavily used options. These containers made just one ocean trip. They show little wear but cost way less than new ones. You’ll find straight corrugation, flat roofs that shed water, and straight floor joists. Their great condition makes them perfect for modification projects where looks matter.
Use https://ftshippingcontainers.com for free shipping
Delivery costs can really add up in your total expense. FT Shipping Containers stands out by offering free shipping on new and used containers. This helps you cut down your investment. Their no-hidden-fees policy makes it easy to plan your budget when buying a used shipping container for storage or conversion projects.
Preparing for Delivery and Setup
You can save money and avoid problems by preparing well for your shipping container’s arrival. A good setup plan will give a better experience after you buy used cargo shipping containers.
How much space is needed for delivery
Delivery trucks need plenty of room to move around and drop off containers safely. A 20-foot container requires at least 60 feet of straight clearance. The space needed doubles to 100 feet for a 40-foot container. The truck needs 14 feet of height clearance, which goes up to 16 feet for high-cube containers.
The truck must park on ground that’s either flat or slopes less than five degrees. Trucks can’t safely operate on loose dirt, sand, flooded areas, or steep slopes. Concrete and asphalt surfaces work best for delivery vehicles.
Why leveling your container matters
The right level setup of your used cargo shipping container is a vital part of installation. A container that’s not level can twist and warp. This puts extra stress on hinges and locks, which makes doors hard to open and close.
These containers rest on four corner castings, not the support beams underneath. The container frame becomes unstable if these corner points don’t have even support. Door problems start showing up, and sometimes they won’t move at all.
Good leveling does more than help with doors. It stops structural damage, lets air flow underneath, and cuts down on rust-causing moisture.
Using 4x4s to prevent rust and door issues
Lifting your container off the ground with pressure-treated 4x4s or similar supports helps in several ways. This space between the ground and container stops rust from forming quickly, especially in wet weather.
The four corners of your used shipping container need solid support. Treated lumber under these points fights rust and keeps the container level. Air can flow beneath the container and reduce moisture that could damage the steel structure.
You can buy used cargo containers at https://ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping. These setup methods will help your container last longer and keep the doors working properly.
Conclusion
Buying used shipping containers takes more expertise than most buyers expect at first. These steel boxes are incredibly durable and valuable when you know what to check. Market dynamics depend on global cargo volumes rather than end-user needs. This creates opportunities to save money. Container grades like CWO, WWT, and IICL help match your requirements with the right investment level.
Your buying approach matters the most. Smart buyers choose reputable sellers over marketplaces to avoid extra markups. You can skip professional inspections if you just need basic storage. One-trip containers hit the sweet spot between condition and price for many buyers. These strategic decisions can substantially reduce your investment.
The container’s lifespan depends on proper delivery and setup preparation. You should have the right ground conditions and enough space for delivery trucks. Proper leveling and strategic placement of support materials help prevent rust and door problems that many unprepared buyers face.
Note that free shipping can save you a lot on your total cost. New and used containers are available at https://ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping. This makes your purchase process simple and cost-effective. Your smart approach to selection, delivery, and setup will help your used shipping container serve you reliably for decades. buy used cargo shipping containers