Used Sea Containers For Sale Buying Tips

Ask the right questions when researching sea containers for sale.

Welcome to SeaContainersForSale.org - your virtual A-Z for new and used shipping container information and buying tips. Knowing what questions to ask before you commit to purchasing a sea cargo container will save you some potential headaches, and help you find better quality sea containers in better condition. A shipping cargo container makes a perfect temporary storage solution or mobile shelter and will always keep its resale value if you decide you dont need it anymore.

New or used shipping containers make the perfect temporary or semi-permanent storage solution, or mobile shelter. The contents of a sea cargo container will stay dry, safe and secure. Once you no longer have a need for your sea container, you can easily re-sell it and get back a good portion of what you originally paid. The uses for a (used) shipping container are only limited by your imagination. Some people have even converted cargo containers in to ultra modern green designer homes, while construction companies often use them for mobile offices. For most people however, a used container is perfect for fast, easy, secure dry storage.

If you are in the market for a used freight container you have the option of buying a brand new one or you can also find plenty of refurbished used shipping containers online. A new sea container will run you about $2000-$4000 for a standard size dry container. If you decide to buy used or refurbished, expect to pay about 50% less. You should always ask to see photos of the sea container for sale before you buy, and ask if the seller offers delivery in the purchase price.

Shipping containers come in 5 common standardized sizes so the can be stacked easily on container ships, trains, trucks and at the shipyard. The five most common lengths are 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, 48ft, and 53ft. United States standard domestic containers are 48ft and 53ft for rail and truck. Height is also a consideration and the most common height for a shipping container is 8ft, which was the standard for many years to accommodate railway tunnels. You can also find ones that are half height as well as “high cube” models, which are 9’6” high. There are weight allowances and considerations for shipping purposes, but these specs may also be important to you depending on what your needs are. To give you an idea, a 20ft dry container weighs in at about 5,000lbs with a payload of 48,000lbs; a 40ft container tips the scales at about 8,400lbs and can safely transport 59,000lbs.

You may want to consider a few key points before you start browsing all the new or used sea containers for sale.

  1. What type of metal construction is suitable for your needs? Sea containers are usually steel, but you can also get stainless steel and aluminum. If you are after a steel container – check and see if it is galvanized against rust and corrosion.
  2. Consider the size weight and cubic capacity. Remember that the interior and exterior dimensions are not the same.
  3. Consider the weight restrictions for each container if you have a heavy payload and plan to ship your container.
  4. Is the container watertight? This is especially important for used sea containers, as they may have been compromised during their former lives.
  5. Resistance to vandals. Make sure the locking mechanism is fully operable and intact. Get your self a proper lock for your container.
  6. What options do you need? For example – air vents, partitions, electrical wiring, storage racks, windows, door and cargo sensors, heating, refrigeration, etc.
  7. Check all the different types of shipping containers below. You can get sea containers with doors at both ends, open top, hard-top, rolling doors, etc.
  8. Can you purchase locally? It will be much easier to negotiate any potential problems with your purchase if you are dealing with a local company. Either way – ask for a guarantee on your purchase.
  9. Sea containers are graded according to a standards compliant system – familiarize yourself with the different grades so you know exactly what you are buying.
  10. Compare prices. It’s not hard to find shipping containers for sale online and you will want to see what others are paying for used and new before you get off your wallet.

Check out the main types of shipping containers:

canada goose expedition parka   Steel Sea Container. Standard steel 20' shipping container. Other standard ISO sizes are 20', 40', 45', 48', 53'. High cube models also available - 9'6" height.
north face parka   Insulated Shippig Container. 20' insulated shipping container. Inulating reduced the clearance and interior dimensions. Usually available in 20' and 40' standard and high cube.
columbia whirlibird parka   Refrigerated Sea Container. Insulated and with a cooling unit built in. Aluminum outer shell shown here. Often called "reefer" containers. Usually available in 20' and 40' standard and high cube.
m-51 fishtail parka   Open Top Shipping Container. Open top shipping container allows for top loading access. Usually available in 20' and 40'.
patagonia downtown loft down parka   Flat Rack Sea Container. Open on all sides for easy access and oversize cargo. Usually available in 20' and 40'.

Aside from storage, sea containers can be converted to homes, offices, and temporary commercial spaces. There are no shortage of amazing shipping container home designs and innovative ideas for modular building using shipping containers. If this is your area of interest then you should definitely check out shipping container modular home design books for plans and conversion ideas and examples.

The possibilites are endless and limited only by your imagination. A sea container is essentially an inexpensive building block, both durable and flexible in terms of design possibilities. There are all kinds of companies online that specialize in converting sea containers into mobile offices and workstations.