Are you in the market for a shipping container for your logistics needs? You need to choose the best shipping container for your needs in the market.
Container use dates back to the 20th century, but today’s industry is worth $11.33 billion in the US. Their demand over the years has skyrocketed, with shipping containers having advanced uses. You should thus select a container for your needs from the available selection in the market.
By now, you might have realized that it’ll take more than a simple internet search to find a container. Shipping container selection can be overwhelming due to the many available options. However, don’t let that discourage you since the selection can be a no-brainer if done right.
Choosing the best shipping container requires knowing your options. Continue reading to learn how to select the best shipping container for your needs.
Decide on the Various Shipping Container Types
Did you know that there are gamut or shipping container types? You’ll have to choose a shipping container based on your specific use to fit your needs.
Most people think of shipping containers as huge steel boxes used to ferry stuff. While such an analogy might have been valid in the past, there are containers for specific needs today.
The main disparity in shipping container options is the amenities and unique features. You, therefore, should choose a shipping container based on the items you’re ferrying.
Here are some of the shipping container types you can choose from;
• Standard containers – general cargo
• High cube containers – items with additional height
• Hardtop containers – extra heavy cargo
• Tank containers – pressurized liquid goods
• Refrigerated or vacuum containers – for perishable goods in transit
• Open top containers – heavy and tall goods
• Flat rack containers – for out of gauge cargo
Different containers offer size and performance disparities, so find one that fits your needs. Matching the container with your needs ensures your cargo is safe while in transit.
Deliberate on Buy vs. Lease
What uses do you have for the shipping container? Is it more practical for you to buy or lease the container? Deliberating on whether to buy or lease is essential when choosing a shipping container.
Ask yourself, how long do I need the container? If you have other uses that warrant your need for a container in the future, it’s wise to buy. Purchase decisions are more realistic for people in logistics business since it offers them value.
If you’ll be using the shipping container for less than six months, renting over buying is practical. Renting is cost-effective since you only pay a small charge to use the container. Consequentially, you don’t have to deal with the stress of container storage when not in use.
Your needs help determine whether you’ll purchase or rent the shipping container. The decision of whether to rent or buy helps you narrow down your choices quickly.
Check the Container Condition
A brand new container is hard to find in the shipping industry since each one has made at least one trip. Therefore, you have to check the shipping container’s condition.
New containers, also one-trip containers, come in a better state and are ideal for purchasing. They’re, however, comparatively expensive since they’re always in demand. You get fewer dents and scratches with such containers, meaning it offers great appearance.
Used containers are relatively rougher since they’ve been used for quite some time in the past. Note that the containers have an average life cycle of 18 years, so check the year of manufacture.
Don’t let any dings or dents on the container deter you – used shipping containers are also certified as cargo-worthy. The best part is, you get the used ones at several hundred dollars less than new shipping containers.
All in all, check the container condition before settling on an option. You’d do well with one that’s graded to fit your needs. Ensure that any amenities in the container are functional for a successful shipment.
Find a Container Seller
Where can you rent or buy a shipping container? Finding a container seller is critical to finding the best option.
With the many available container sellers, the search might feel overwhelming at first. Search for local sellers to take away the fear in a container-buying process. As a result, you’ll contact them faster and check out their inventory for the best option. It’s also easy to find a 20ft shipping container for sale or for rent online. So, searching the internet is worth doing.
Find a reputable seller like https://tuffshippingcontainers.com/buy-shipping-containers/. Take your time with the container selection to ensure it’s the perfect fit for your needs. You should check the seller’s reviews from past deals to ensure they’re ideal for you.
In case your needs are specific, the container seller you choose should be able to find the best container. Your seller’s market connections and regional networks help you find an amazing container in no time. The container sellers also guide you through the purchase process to make it easier for you.
Negotiate the Container Price
Now that you’ve found the container that best fits your needs, you still have to pay for it. Negotiating the container price is the last step before starting your shipping.
Of course, you have a budget to work within. You’d hate for the price of your shipping container to negatively affect your finances, right? It’s necessary to ensure that your container price fits your budget properly.
The cargo worthy container won’t come cheap, so be ready to offer a decent sum. The container location plays a massive part in the pricing, so you should conduct your research in the region. Your container seller should guide you to an option that fits your budget.
Choose the Best Shipping Container for Your Needs
The choice for the best shipping container doesn’t always have to be overwhelming. Consider the above tips when choosing the best shipping container for your needs. Working with a reputable container seller is critical to ensure you settle for an option that’ll serve you.
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