Most economical and commonly ordered containers:
20′ standard height of new or used containers.
40′ standard or high cube new or used containers
45’ high cubes
Choosing the Right Container for Your Needs
CONTAINER SIZES & TYPES, NEW VS. USED:
New shipping containers or one trip containers are used one time. These containers are constructed of corten steel, have new wooden floors and freshly painted by the manufacturer. These units are used once, loaded then unloaded by shippers and consignees. These are as close to new as you can get. There are often minor imperfections due to wear and tear such as scuffs, minor dings and floor wear from forklifts; therefore, even when ordering a new container, there will be a minimal amount of noticeable wear and tear on your container when it arrives. We always strive to pick out the cleanest units when our customers choose to order new/one-trip units. The average age of these containers is 1 year old.
Used containers are generally sold in a few different conditions and prices will vary depending on how used they are and which grade you want. All used containers are going to have minor to a significant amount of wear and tear and sometimes damages. These containers are heavily used commercially, loaded to their maximum capacities and are shipped around the world in extreme conditions. The basic guidelines for different conditions are outlined below.
CARGO WORTHY CONTAINERS: Premium used container, certified for shipping and ready to be picked up and transported to the next location. You can expect a container that is ready to use for storage, it will most likely have quite a few dings, dents, scuffs, wear and tear but it will appear to be in decent operating condition, be readily usable to store your goods and keep them dry. The floors and cargo doors will be in good working order and the container will not be heavily damaged. This grade is still a used container and customers should always inspect the container fully when received and maintain container as needed, even though this is a premium used quality container and it should have less wear and tear issues it may still need to be maintained, including making sure that low spots in the roof are addressed as needed (see below in wind and watertight containers description) remember, this is a used piece of equipment and if you are really picky and want a really nice looking container, go with a new or refurbished container and not a used container. Average age of these containers is 7-12 years old.
WIND AND WATERTIGHT CONTAINERS: These units are a step below the cargo worthy containers. These units are more used, have seen a lot more time on the water and will usually have more dings, dents, scuffs and scratches. This grade usually has minor to a medium amount of damage but the unit is certified not to have holes in the roof or siding, therefore being wind and watertight, and suitable to keep your goods well ventilated. This grade may have more dents or low spots in the roof that you may want to push up with a floor jack and a wooden or steel beam so that condensation does not build up in the low spots, even though this grade is wind and watertight, it will not leak from rain, but low spots on the roof can condensate and drip moisture resulting in mold damage to contents. All low spots should be addressed by the customer to insure against moisture build up and dripping. These units should have working doors and the floors are usable but may be in rough condition. Average age of these containers is 10-25 years old.
AS-IS CONTAINERS: The name says it all. These are containers that are sold as-is. We pick them up from the port and take them to you. These units generally are cheaper by a few hundred dollars and are in need repairs, have damage, rough condition floors and doors. There are usually as-is containers that are better and worse condition but we usually sell them at discounted prices for those customers that use them as fence lines, cut them up for projects or are willing to perform minor to major repairs. The doors and floors are usually in rough condition and these containers generally have more damage. These containers can usually range in age 10 – 25+ years old.
ALUMINUM CONTAINERS are sometimes available in as-is condition at discounted prices but are becoming rarer due to their age. Most aluminum dry van containers have been obsolete for over 30 years.
INSULATED CONTAINERS are used for goods that require a steady temperature or a storage unit that needs to be kept at a moderate temperature, or simply used as a great storage unit that does not get too hot or cold, especially in areas that have severe temperature changes. These units are a little more costly but are excellent in storing items that need to be heated, cooled or kept at a moderate year around temperature. These are basically refrigerated containers that no longer are in working condition and the chilling unit is either left in place or removed. These units are available in 20’ standard or 40’ high cube sizes. These units are constructed of aluminum or steel exterior sheeting, high-density foam insulation, interior stainless steel walls, aluminum t-bar flooring and a steel frame. These units are sold in different qualities of conditions depending on customers’ needs.
REFRIGERATED CONTAINERS are the same construction as above, and are used primarily for frozen storage, these units have high capacity cooling units that require a generator or high voltage connection. These units are available in 20’ standard or 40’ high cube sizes. These units are sold used and in as-is condition. They are pre tripped by a refrigeration mechanic before sale to insure that they are in working condition but are sold as-is. New units can be ordered but are much more costly than used units.
CUSTOM AND SPECIALTY CONTAINERS are available upon request. Custom containers can be ordered and built for you. Specialty containers such as flat racks or pre-fabricated offices/homes can also be ordered. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
