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How to Buy a Shipping Container: 5 Things to Consider
Shipping containers, also known as conex containers, intermodal containers, ISO containers, or sea/ocean containers, were originally crafted to store and transport materials and products on ships, rails, or trucks. Nowadays, their robustness and versatility make them ideal for uses beyond shipping—such as portable storage units, industrial equipment enclosures, workspaces, and living spaces.
These structures are remarkably sturdy, cost-effective, and easy to install, often not requiring a foundation. They eliminate the need to build from scratch, thereby reducing costs and waste. Additionally, they are resistant to the elements and can be easily modified to suit specific needs. Made of robust corten steel, they are even stackable, allowing the creation of multi-level structures.
When considering how to buy a shipping container, keep the following points in mind.
1. Do you want a modified container or an unmodified container?
Modified shipping containers are used as offices, living spaces, and advanced equipment enclosures by many companies. These containers are equipped with personnel doors, windows, lighting, and features like wall insulation and climate control systems to keep people and items inside safe and protected.
Unmodified shipping containers are best for storage that doesn’t require climate control. When buying shipping containers, unmodified units are often cheaper than modified ones.
Keep in mind that "wind and watertight" is a term typically reserved for unmodified containers making trips across the ocean, which must be impenetrable to wind and water. Once a container is modified, it can still withstand normal wind and rain conditions and can be further enhanced with climate controls that heat, cool, and remove humidity.
How much does a shipping container cost?
Many factors influence the price of shipping containers. Given current supply chain inconsistencies and changing demand, even unmodified containers can see frequent price changes. Besides modifications, other factors affecting price include size, age of the container, and transportation to your location. We will explore these aspects in greater detail below.
After determining whether you want a modified or unmodified container, consider what you actually need in a shipping container.
2. What type of container do you want?
Shipping containers come in different sizes, but the standard dimensions are 20-foot and 40-foot. Common heights are 8-foot 6-inches and 9-foot 6-inches (containers of this height are known as high-cube containers).
Interested in learning more about common shipping container dimensions?
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Containers are typically categorized as “one-trip” (used but having only made one cargo trip) or used (having made multiple trips across the ocean). One-trip containers are the newest containers, having traveled across the ocean only once. Used containers vary in age and levels of wear and tear. Generally, the typical service life of a container is about 10-12 years.
The lifespan of a container depends on location (the climate), usage (amount of wear and tear), and how often it has been moved. This is a conservative estimate; we’ve seen containers maintain their structural integrity for 15+ years. Containers also retain 50% of their original buying value for 25 years.
3. Which manufacturer is right for your container project?
Consider whether you should rent or buy your shipping container. Usually, if you need the unit for more than a year, it is more economical to buy. Buying allows customization, branding, and relocation freedom. Renting is ideal for temporary setups like simple offices or storage units.
After deciding between renting and buying, find the right manufacturer to execute your plan. For unmodified containers, consider hiring an inspector to ensure you get the correct container verification. Buying experiences differ significantly between renting and purchasing modified containers, which are often inspected throughout the modification process.
4. Have you discussed your project with your manufacturer in detail?
For advanced shipping container modifications, consulting with your manufacturer is vital. Detailed discussions provide a better price estimate for your container.
Laying out plans with an expert ensures you get the needed structure while maintaining safety. Experienced manufacturers understand how to modify containers to preserve structural integrity.
5. What are your transportation options?
After planning the project, consider your transportation options. Containers can be transported by truck, train, and even boat. Many modified containers are transported by truck and offloaded by forklift, crane, or slid off a tilt-bed truck.
To choose the right option, consider the travel distance for the container, factoring this into your budget and timeline. Explore transportation options that make sense for your project’s location. Consult your chosen manufacturer for suggestions.
Do you have unanswered questions? Check out our FREE guide: Your Guide to Shipping Container Basics.
If you want more information about collaborating with Falcon for a modified shipping container project, reach out to Falcon Structures at 877-704- or contact us at .
Interested in learning more about Container Housing Manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!