Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Shipping Container

Buying a shipping container for storage is a big deal. However, because the containers are not particularly cheap, it’s essential to be an informed consumer before making a purchase decision.

Even if you are just on the market to rent a shipping container for yourself, you need to know what you’re looking for to ensure you’re getting a Conex container that will meet your needs. (Conex is a top brand known for its quality and durability.)

Shipping containers can quickly get confusing and having to dig through the internet and piece together all the information doesn’t help.

Are You Sure You Should Purchase or Rent the Container?

Before you make any big decisions, you need to be sure to buy a container. Say you only think you’ll need the container for a few weeks or even shorter – we’re going to have to recommend that you look into renting over purchasing. It’ll save you money in the long term. There are positives and negatives to each, which we will go over below.

When buying a container, it costs far less over a long period than renting. Renting, though, will come out to be cheaper for shorter periods. With a rented container, though, you aren’t having to worry about paying for maintenance or storage when not in use. So, it’s all very situational. We’re happy to talk numbers with you if you contact us and help figure out what route will be the best for you.

Do You Know What Kind of Container You Need?

Now that you have an idea of renting or purchasing a shipping container, you need to figure out exactly the style and configuration you need.

People often assume that shipping containers only come in one standard size and design. That’s very far from the truth, though; shipping containers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. In terms of overall length, you’re mostly going to find 20ft containers and 40ft containers. 10ft shipping containers are not as commonplace as the larger, more standard sizes.

Take a look at our container specs page to see every different type of container we have, but we can go over some of the big things to review.

What exactly you intend to store in your container will determine what is best for you. For example, say you’re running a butcher shop, but cooler space is getting limited – a reefer (refrigerated) container could be perfect for that overflow storage and keep your meat safe.

Containers come in both open-top and side-opening models. Open-top containers are ideal for transporting large machinery and any difficult to store and move materials. A side-opening container is a perfect option for those with longer or bulkier cargo.

If you just let us know what you primarily need a shipping container for, we can certainly help point you in the right direction based on our own experiences.

Getting the Right Grade of Shipping Container for Your Needs

Second-hand or used shipping containers are perfect for many who don’t necessarily need a brand new Conex container.

The whole grading system can be confusing. Grades are based on the container’s size, condition, age, and other factors.

Say you are looking to store food or deal with anything perishable like that – you want a container with a grade on the higher end to keep things safe. But, on the other hand, maybe you’re just storing dirty construction equipment – you could get away with a slightly lower grade.

Grade A (Cargo Worthy)

Grade A containers are at the very top of the grading system. They should have a clean interior with no rust or dents and be fully watertight.

No pests or bugs should be able to get in this container at all. Minor scratches are fine, as long as the container is still functionally perfect. These containers should have a CSC plate, allowing use in overseas shipping.

These containers are also ideal for converting into your own office or store.

Grade B (Watertight)

These tend to be older than containers marked grade A. These containers may show a bit more surface scratches and maybe even patches of surface rust, but they still should be watertight and be able to keep any bugs or pests out. The interior may not be spotless, but these containers are still great for moving things en masse. They’re also ideal for storing items that don’t need much care to protect them.h

Grade C

These are the oldest containers you’re going to find on the market. We tend only to carry higher-grade containers but wanted to give you all of your options to be well informed. These can have some dents and rust/corrosion making them no longer wind or watertight fully.

Find a Reputable Conex Container Retailer

If you are outright purchasing your shipping container, you need to take the time to research shipping container retailers near you. It’s always good to ask friends and family for their opinions. Maybe they’ve dealt with some retailers in the area and can point you in the right direction.

Online searching is your best friend here. A quality retailer will have a good representation of their stock available online and will be more than happy to talk with you and answer any questions they have. You can also read the reviews of others online, an excellent resource for judging the quality of a container retailer.

You can never go wrong shopping with Carolina Containers. We have a reputation as the premier shipping container retailer in central North Carolina.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We will happily answer all of your questions.

Don’t Forget Any Conex Container Transportation That You May Need

Whether you’re just storing things in a particular place or transporting them from one place to another, you’re going to need container transportation services at some point.

Carolina Containers offers full-service shipping container transportation for all of our customers. We’ll get that container delivered where you want it, without fail.

Experienced professionals, such as ourselves, must drop off your Conex box. They need to go on flat surfaces only, and our experts can usually gauge things like drainage pretty well. It’s beyond important that your shipping container isn’t sitting in water or a compromised position that can quickly take even a brand new container from great shape to nearly falling apart.

Maintenance is also essential if you do end up purchasing your container. Just keep an eye out to make sure no debris is sitting on top of it for a long time and look out for rust and things like that.

As strong as a container is, they are not indestructible. They can stay in good shape for a very long time to come. We offer shipping container customization and repair services.

Learn more about our shipping containers for sale. We offer 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft shipping containers. We also offer shipping container rentals. Contact us today at 919-562-9187. Carolina Containers is here to help you.

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