Tips on How to Buy a Used Shipping Container

6 crucial questions to ask before buying

Where is the best place to buy a shipping container from?

Before buying, find out who you are dealing with! Read reviews and carry out checks to make sure the company is reputable. A simple Google search will return plenty of results for a trusted company. For the best quality containers we recommend going direct to a company that has their own shipping container depot that can assess the condition of their containers in stock and carry out any repairs or modifications necessary, such as repainting, before delivering to you. There are a lot of third party retailers, middle man and sub-contractors out there who will simply source a container for their customers from other depots and docks and all they do is arrange delivery to you direct from this source. They will never have seen the containers they sell. Dropshipping is increasingly common in the industry, so beware.

Containers Direct have a large depot with highly skilled tradesmen and a large office with a team of staff on hand to answer any questions you have about the whole process of buying a container to its delivery. We give you direct communication over any question you may have, however big or small we have time for you.



Are there any barriers on my site to a successful delivery?

There's no point buying a shipping container, especially a large one, if it won't fit where you want it to, or your delivery address is inaccessible to a large hiab lorry and the room needed to lift the container off the vehicle and manoeuvre it into place. Always check viability first! Containers Direct work with contracted hauliers and will go over all the details and specifics required to ensure a successful delivery, including looking at photos of your site if necessary. We would never take your money and sell a container and without being sure we can delivery it - another reason to cut out the middle man and go direct!



Which type of container is the best value for money?

Used 20ft and 40ft shipping containers give you the most for your money per sq ft. Any other sizes - ie 10ft, 15ft, 30ft - are not standard manufactured sizes and are created by cutting down 40fts, or sometimes 20fts, to the required size and completed with new doors or an end wall, or both. This process requires time, materials and labour which is is reflected in the price. Of course, if you need a specific size other than 20ft or 40ft then cut down containers still represent good value for money and give you more choice - and that includes colour and door types, which can be included during the process.



How can I avoid being scammed?

There are plenty of scammers out there who will take your money for containers that don't exist. Be wary of private sellers on places like Ebay and Facebook Marketplace. Although some sellers might be genuine, rigorous checks must applied before you hand any money over. Don't ignore any red flags in effort to a grab bargain - usually if something seems too good to be true it is! Or you might get sent a container with serious problems that means it belongs on the scrap heap. Also be wary of scammers who use the name of legitimate container retailers to "sell". As we are a direct company holding our own containers on site, they can be seen before purchase. Make an appointment to our depot or request photos so you can check the condition etc.



Can the container be customised?

Container modifications and conversions are a big part of the shipping container business these days. Many buyers are looking for more than a container "off the shelf". Most second hand shipping containers sold from our depot have something extra added on to the order. It could be a simple repaint to conceal the scrapes, scuffs and rust that is standard on used containers. or ply lining to prevent condensation in the container. We provide a wide range of optional extras that can be added to customise your container before it's dispatched. Unless you're planning to take on any additional work on your purchase once it reaches you, you'll need a company with its own workshop faciiities on site. like Containers Direct, to carry out the work quickly and efficiently. Some container retailers will contract this work out themselves, but why pay more for work on your container done through a third party that you can't talk to directly? Communication breakdowns often lead to delays and makes projects difficult to manage.



How can I tell if a used container is in useable condition?

Read on below for everything you need to know about the age and condition of used shipping containers:

Shipping container sizes