If you’re planning on buying a shipping container, then you’ll want to know what to look for and the important things to consider. Let’s take a look at some quick tips on purchasing a shipping container to help you make the right choice for you and your requirements.
What Size Container Will You Need?
There are 3 standard sizes when it comes to regular and refrigerated shipping containers, and they are:
You can get other custom sizes too, but these 3 sizes are the most common. Out of the 3 sizes the 20 foot container is by far and away the most popular because its size makes it extremely versatile. It’s also the most cost effective size when transporting goods.
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Common Shipping Container Types
Although the standard style of shipping container is the most common, there are a variety of different types to choose from, so let’s briefly list them:
- Standard container
- Refrigerated (reefer) container
- High cube container (taller than standard)
- Open top container
- Side loading container
- Flat rack container (pulls apart)
- Dangerous goods container
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What Will the Container Be Used For?
The size and type of container may well be determined by what you want it for. Is it for:
- Transportation of goods
- Storage
- A granny flat
- Roadside or mobile kitchen, cafe or bar
- A restaurant
- Garden shed or workshop
These days people are transforming shipping containers into all sorts of things, including mobile and home office space, portable toilet blocks and more.
Should You Buy a New Or Used Shipping Container?
A new shipping container is obviously going to cost more, but you also get the peace of mind of knowing that no dangerous or hazardous substances have been stored within. Plus, it’s going to be in pristine condition and be water and airtight. This means both water and creepy crawlies can’t get inside.
An A Grade used shipping container will also be airtight and in excellent condition. It’s these used containers that people often build homes, home extensions, granny flats and offices out of.
If you plan on performing modifications on a container to transform it for another purpose, such as a cafe for instance, then a B Grade used container might be good enough quality to do the job and will save you even more money.
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Other considerations when hiring or buying a shipping container
Have the Container Inspected Before Purchasing
You don’t want any surprises, so make sure the container is inspected before you put your money down. If you can’t inspect it yourself, it’s worth arranging for someone (even if you have to pay them a fee) to do the inspection for you.
Choosing the Right Shipping Container Supplier
Let’s now very quickly list some key points to look out for when choosing the right supplier to buy your container from:
- Has the company been in business long?
- Is their reputation positive?
- Do they communicate in a friendly and knowledgeable manner?
- What areas do they deliver too?
- How much for delivery to your area?
- Are their prices fair and reasonable?
- Are both new and quality used containers available?
- Does the company offer a container modification service?
- Do their shipping containers come with a warranty?
- Are they a locally owned and operated company?
- Do they have depots right across the country?
Where can I buy or hire a shipping container in Australia?
Tiger Containers has been supplying quality shipping containers to Australia for over 30 years and has depots in:
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