A CCS Buyer's Guide to Shipping Containers

Buyer’s Guide to Shipping Containers

Introduction

Shipping containers are versatile, durable, and can serve a variety of purposes, from transporting goods to being repurposed as storage units or even homes. If you’re considering buying a shipping container, this guide will walk you through the key factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Determine Your Purpose

The first step in buying a shipping container is to clearly define its intended use. This will help you choose the right size, type, and condition of the container.

Transportation: If you're using the container for shipping goods, ensure it meets international shipping standards (ISO containers).
Storage: For static storage, consider the Ease of use, security features and standard of the Container. Many New 1-Trips come with additional security features. Such as Lock Boxes and 'Easy Open' Doors.
Conversion Projects: If you're converting a container into a home, office, or another structure, focus on the structural integrity and customization options. As well as the over all size of the container. High Cube specification for Head room for example

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2. Choose your Buying or Leasing/Hire option:

Another consideration is the choice between buying a container or Leasing one. Consider the duration and usage of the container, it may be advantageous financially to just hire a unit as opposed to buying one. Alternatively if the project requires long usage, simply buying a container may be better. We at Century Containers offer Buy backs and discounts on long term hiring.

Buying: Offers long-term ownership benefits, customisation options, and creates a valuable asset for yourself or business. This option is Suitable for extended use and through various applications.
Leasing/Hire: This option provides flexibility for short-term needs, affordability for temporary storage, and eliminates maintenance responsibilities. Ideal for specific periods without the commitment of ownership. We can offer discount on containers if you decide to ultimately purchase your container or you wish to hire the unit for an extended period.

Click the Links above for more information on these options or view our extended guide to Buy or Hire!

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3. Choose the Right Size

Shipping containers come in various sizes, with only two styles that effect the height of the container this is Standard (DV-Dry Van) and High Cube (HC) as can be seen below. Standard shipping containers come in various lengths but maintain a consistent width of 8 fee, here's some examples:

Standard Container Height: The standard Container height for a DV/Dry van is 8.6ft.

20-foot Container: Standard size for many storage and shipping needs; easy to transport and handle.
40-foot Container: Ideal for larger storage needs or for shipping large quantities of goods.
We can Offer: All size lengths of shipping container to your specification: 2, 6, 8, 10 & 15+ These containers can be made to your length specification.
High Cube Containers: These are 9.5 feet tall (1 foot taller than standard containers) and provide extra vertical space, making them popular for conversions

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4. Decide on New vs. Used Containers

You can purchase shipping containers either new (one-trip) or used. Each option has its pros and cons:

New (One-Trip) Containers:
- Pros: Excellent condition, minimal wear, and tear, better longevity.
- Additional Features already included: Easy Open Doors, Lock Boxes, Treated Hard Wood Bamboo Floor, Extra Ventilation.
- Considerations: Higher cost. Limited Colour Choice. Although, we are able to respray in any given RAL Colour.
Pre Owned/Used Containers:
- Pros: More affordable, widely available.
- Features: Many pre owned containers may have features such as Lock Boxes, however this may not always be the case.
- Flexibility: With a cheaper initial cost, it may allow some customers to have additional features attached later; Such as Lock Boxes and additional Ventilation.
- Considerations: May have rust, dents, or other signs of wear. However, all our containers a checked thoroughly; for quality and guaranteed water tight

If you'd like more information on this, Get in touch with our Team or see our Extended guide on this topic HERE.

9. Plan for Delivery and Placement

To create a seamless Container Solution with us here at Century Containers Delivery must be considered. Shipping containers are heavy and require specialised equipment to move. We offer many styles of delivery service and we can plan all of this in house for you.

Here are some things you should think about before you purchase:

Costs: Delivery expenses vary on numerous factors, Based on Location and Container Size. Plan for this accordingly
Availability: Delivery slots may not be instantly available, book in advance with us to get the best slot for you. We
Site Access: Check that there’s enough space for the delivery truck and any necessary cranes to access your property. As well as turning space and the surface the vehicle shall be driving on.
Preparing the Site: For long-term placement, consider placing the container on a solid foundation, like concrete blocks or steel beams. Ensure your placement site is level and flat.

We created a separate guide for this which you can see HERE. We also send a full guide out to all our customers when they purchase their container.