Shipping containers are majorly used for transportation, but they can be customized to serve different purposes. They include an office, a home, a garage, or a shed. Here are ways to find an appropriate shipping container:
Determine the Purpose of Your Shipping Container
Is the shipping container going to act as a storage, transportation, or business unit? This will ease the choosing process.
Container Size That Will Suit Your Needs
Shipping containers in Newcastle are of various sizes, ranging from 8ft to 8.65ft tall and from 10ft to 40ft long. Take your time and decide the perfect size to fit your project. If you get a bigger or smaller container than required, you will waste your money. Before purchasing the container, figure out where you will place it and fit it.
Decide If You Want A New, Refurbished, Or Used Container
Depending on your choice, all containers will have their pros and cons. The essential factor that will differentiate your choice on the shipping container will be your budget options. New containers will be clean and have no malfunctions. However, they are more costly. Used containers will have some seen damages, but you will save up to 30% or more of the actual price.
Pass It On Inspection
Pass through inspection to confirm the container you want to purchase is in usable condition. Thus, your money won’t go down the drain on repairs and container problems.
What Extra Features Do You Need In Your Container?
Depending on what you plan to do with the shipping container, you might want one wired with electricity with extra windows, security locks, or customized shelves. If you need quick access to the container, you could go for one with doors on both ends. Also, determine if it will be convenient and affordable based on your budget to have these modified advances.
Age Of The Container
The age of the shipping container is vital if you want to buy used containers. Containers that have stayed longer than ten years will need refurbishing. If your container’s purpose is transportation, then find a qualified marine surveyor to inspect and certify it for use.
Determine The Container Type You Want
It is crucial to select a suitable container depending on its purpose. If you choose a dry van container to ferry frozen food items, all your goods will spoil, and you will incur losses. A dry van is more suitable for dry goods. The insulated containers are perfect for cargo that requires maintenance at a specific temperature. The open-top containers are best for large and tall goods. The tanker is best for carrying liquid goods and bulker for bulk goods. The flat rack container is suitable for out of gauge goods. The high cube is the best for huge loads as it provides additional volume. When considering the type of container type, consider what you want to ship or store in it, then choose appropriately what suits your needs.
Working Mechanisms Of The Shipping Container
Check on the structural worthiness of the containers like locks, frame of the container, doors, hinges, underside, roofs, and sidewalls. Whether mobile or stationary, they can get minor or even unnoticeable damages as they are being handled. The frame’s beam should not be damaged as it is difficult to fix. The underside cannot be seen outwardly, but it is important to inspect and maintain it. Check the floor of the container for dents and holes. The walls should go through inspection to detect any possible damage like rust and cuts. The interior and exterior walls should be intact and not bulge from either side. You can check the shipping container’s roof, and it should be checked for any rust and dents. The doors should be easy to open and not require extra effort to open or close.
Cost Of The Shipping Container
The price of the container will vary depending on the type of container you want and what you need them for. A reused shipping container ranges from $1500 to $5000. In comparison, the new containers range from $3000 to $5000.
Place To Purchase Your Container
Search for your shipping container locally. Locally, it will make it easier and faster to get what you need. It will help to inspect and choose your container at your convenience. Also, there will be short and affordable delivery of the container after you purchase it. Purchasing a container from another location would be difficult and a little more expensive to transport and set up. Figuring this out will save you a lot of trouble.
As a prospective buyer, the above tips will put you in a better position to select an ideal shipping container. Here is a suggestion, never purchase a container you have not seen in person or inspected first. Better be safe from being scammed than sorry.