Shipping Containers: Should You Buy New or Used?
The answer to this question will depend largely on your needs, preferences and budget. But in general, there are several advantages to both.
Advantages of Buying New
In general, buying a new shipping container will cost more but you get a more durable product and a longer useful life.
Here are some benefits to buying new:
- 20’shipping containers and 40′ shipping containers are shipped with cargo just once. Translation: the storage unit you’re buying has only been exposed to the ocean environment one time and is in the best condition possible.
- You get 20 or more years of serviceability.
- New containers come in a wider selection of sizes and configurations than used containers.
- 10′, 16′, 20′, 24′, 40′ and 45′ lengths.
- Standard height (8.5′ high) or high-cubes (9.5′ high).
- You can have either double doors on one end or on both ends of the containers.
- Manufactured with Corten steel corrugated panels and doors, featuring a protective layer that keeps corrosion at bay.
- Can be loaded and moved with up to 30 tons gross weight.
- Can support forklift loading and unloading.
- Created under strict guidelines and fully certified.
- Can be customized with colors or logos.
Consider new shipping containers when you want excellent condition, long life, or convenient fulfillment of shipper requirements. One-trip containers in seaworthy condition are ready to be loaded and transported, with no need for costly or time-consuming repairs.
Because of their excellent condition, new containers are perfect for your storage needs, thanks to the nearly spotless and intact condition. As a result, you get a valuable storage unit to hold your prized personal possessions or delicate items.
Advantages of Buying Used
If your budget is tight and you don’t need a top of the line selection, used is the way to go. With used, you get:
- Affordable pricing, with many years of service left to offer
- The choice of a variety of conditions, sizes, colors and configurations
- Swing doors and wooden floors
- A variety of purposes: as-is or custom modifications according to your needs
- Minimal ground preparation is needed.
- Many sizes for sale and lease: 20 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft, 48 ft and 53 ft.
Generally, used storage containers have been retired from cargo service and offer a nice cost over new containers, while still giving you long-term secure storage. Used containers are typically in very good condition but there’s no guarantee that there won’t be blemishes, dents, or surface rust.
Contact Transocean Equipment Management
If you need additional help choosing between a new or used shipping container, please contact us in either our North Carolina or South Carolina offices.
