40ft Shipping Container Prices
When it comes to purchasing a 40ft shipping container the prices from one supplier to another can vary quite dramatically, but expect the average price to be around $2500 – $3000 per unit, not including shipping.
However, this price range assumes a healthy market of buyers and sellers. We say this because 40ft shipping containers have become quite scarce in the United States as of late, and prices swing wildly. For example, it is not uncommon to visit a merchant and see a unit selling for $2500, then come back a month later, or even just a couple weeks, to find that the same or similar unit selling for $4000 – $5000. Of course buying the first one that you come across may seem tempting, especially if it is one that fits in with your budget and may initially seem like the best option, but if you want to get the best pricing and the widest range of options, keep the following pointers in mind before making any purchase.
Where Your Business Is Located?
If you happen to be located close to a port then the opportunity to purchase a 40fth shipping container becomes a great deal easier. Not only will you most likely be able to find a good number of merchants selling 40ft shipping containers, but you will find that they have more units available. This is due to the fact that they have easier and quicker access to the international markets, as well as local shipping container manufacturers. Likewise, while you can find some merchants that are not near any port, they tend to charge more for their units, and it will cost you a great deal more in delivery charges. If you do buy from a merchant that is located further away, you may want to also solicit the services of various trucking companies to see if you can get a better deal on transportation expenses.
Of course you need to be aware that as you might be able to actually be present to inspect the container that you wish to purchase you may not always get the best of the bunch. If you can, arrange to get it inspected by someone you trust or travel to inspect it yourself before purchasing. You also may want to contact the Institute of International Container Lessors, who may be able to get you connected with a certified 3rd party inspector. The inspector will more than likely want to charge an inspection fee, which can be a couple hundred dollars but it is well worth the extra cost to know whether or not the unit will be fit enough.
How Long Is The Container Needed?
This is a very important thing you need to take into consideration when it comes to looking at 40ft shipping container prices. Of course you want the best but don’t limit yourself to buying a brand new container but also consider investing in a used container. In some cases, it may even be better renting a container instead. If you are intending to use it for shipping goods then of course a new one is your best option. However, if you are intending to use it for storing goods or to create additional office space at your work place then buying used containers is a far more inexpensive option for you.
But of course if you only need the container for a matter of weeks then of course the best thing you can do is rent one. Again you should spend time looking at various sites that make these units available to rent and compare the various 40ft shipping container prices they charge for renting from them. By opting for this method you will find that many times you won’t be charged any additional fees for shipping to your location. It will be included within the rental costs.
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40ft Shipping Container Rental
More and more companies are using shipping containers not only to transport goods around the world. In many cases instead of spending vast sums of money having store rooms or warehouses constructed they are using these units to store their products in instead. As a result of this there are numerous companies who can arrange 40ft shipping container rental agreements for them.
So what reasons are there for you choosing to rent rather than buy a new or used shipping container in the future? Below we take a look at some of these.
Of all the ways you can get hold of shipping containers to provide additional storage this is the most affordable. Remember when you rent these units you can decide the length of time that you require them for. So if you only need it for a few days or weeks, or even months, then you have the option to rent it for this time period.
Rental Payment Structure
While there are a number of companies that will accept month to month payments, there are also many companies that require full payment up front for the allotted amount of time that it is rented out to you, especially if only for a short period of time.
Some companies will only need the first few months of rent up front, and allow you to make monthly rent payments afterward.
If you know for certain how much time you will need the unit, you may be able to negotiate with the rental company a reduction in your total fees. Doing it this way usually requires full payment up front, however.
Long Term Lease
If you know that you will need your container for a long period of time, you can possibly ask the rental company for a lease agreement. This may be more cost effective as opposed to renting month to month, because companies can raise monthly rental rates whenever they want. The changes in rates can be quite volatile too, as 40ft shipping containers are in short supply nationwide. With a lease agreement, you can lock in a monthly rate and not have to worry about any sharp increases in rent. On average for this method of rental you would be expected to pay around $75 to $150 per month for a period of between 18 and 24 months.
Rent to Own
Renting initially instead of buying gives you the advantage of seeing first hand whether or not a particular unit is going to meet your unique needs. If doesn’t meet your needs, you don’t have to worry about being stuck with it. You can always return it to the rental company to exchange it for another unit that will. That said, let’s say you have been renting a particular unit for a while, and you are quite happy with it. You know it works for you, and you can then submit an offer to purchase it from the rental company, which will many times agree to sell, especially on units that are a couple years old, in order to purchase newer units.
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40ft Shipping Container Capacity
Today many companies that arrange for goods to be shipped to other parts of the world will use various types shipping containers to carry out the task, of which 40ft shipping container units are very popular. The average 40ft shipping container will measure 40 L x 8 W x 8 H feet. It will have a maximum gross mass of 30,480 kg / 67,200 lb and a maximum payload of 27,000 kg / 59,500 lb. Maximum internal capacity is around 66.83 cubic meters / 2,360 cubic feet.
As you can see 40ft shipping containers are designed to store or transport a tremendous amount of volume and weight. It must be strong and sturdy enough to withstand the stress placed on it by the cargo within. Here we will take a look at just some of the things you should keep in mind before you spend money on any unit. This is especially important if you intend to make your purchase online.
Factor 1 – Condition of the Container
If you can, look for those sites where they actually provide pictures of the containers for sale. If they don’t then ask them to provide them to you. Make sure that they not only provide photographs of the exterior of the 40ft shipping container but the interior as well. This is a great way to see if any damage has taken place that as a result has caused them to be susceptible to water being able to penetrate inside the container. If a prospective company cannot or is unwilling to provide any photographs then you shouldn’t purchase what it is offering.
Factor 2 – Is a Warranty Included With Your Purchase?
Look for those who are willing to provide a money back guarantee or will guarantee to exchange the container purchased if unsatisfied with its condition. Make sure that as part of the exchange guarantee they will cover the costs of shipping both a replacement container to you as well as removing the other one.
Factor 3 – What Level of Protection Do You Need?
Of course you want a 40ft container that is sufficient to be able to store all your goods inside. You need one that won’t only protect them from the elements, but also from the potential risk of the goods being stolen. Heavy duty steel units are recommended for overseas transportation on ships. Their thick, strong walls give shippers the ability to stack several units atop each other, allowing them to transport a large amount of goods on limited space. Aluminum 40ft shipping containers are weaker in nature as their walls are more pliable than steel, but the are sufficient for truck and train transportation, because typically there aren’t multiple units stacked atop each other on these vehicles. Rather, only one container will sit atop a truck bed, or if on a train multiple units will sit in a line side by side. In fact, aluminum containers are preferred when using these modes of transportation because they are much lighter compared to steel containers, and help shippers meet weight requirements across the various checkpoints, as well as save on fuel costs.
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40ft Shipping Container Suppliers
There are a number of ways to go about obtaining a 40ft shipping container. You can choose either to buy or rent a unit. Regardless of whether you buy or rent, it can be a significant expense as these containers are not cheap. It is important that you choose a good, reliable and trustworthy supplier to reduce your financial risk. Here we discuss what to look for in prospective suppliers.
Tip 1 – What Do They Offer If Unhappy With The Container?
Look for those suppliers who offer either a money back or exchange guarantee on their products if you are intending to buy new or used. However if you are intending to rent the container then look for those suppliers who will offer a guarantee that if the unit is damaged, or not of the appropriate size, or do not meet any of the agreed upon specifications, then they will exchange it at no additional cost to you.
Tip 2 – What Sort Of Guarantee Does The Supplier Offer?
It is customary for many shipping container companies to offer a 2 year guarantee or more on the condition of their units. If the company which you intend on buying from doesn’t or is unwilling to provide such guarantees then it is worth looking elsewhere to rent or purchase your container from.
Tip 3 – Can They Convert the Containers?
Some 40ft container suppliers solely supply these items for shipping and storage purposes. But there are now companies that dedicate time and effort into converting the containers to be used in other ways, such as for fully functioning work offices, or mobile expo units. If you need this type of work to be done, make sure the company has licensed skilled workers, such as electricians, welders, plumbers, and general contractors. If possible, ask for a portfolio of its work so that you can evaluate the quality of its craftsmanship. Some companies might even have ready to go units that have just been returned to by a renter, which need little to no extra retrofitting work, and some might even have a full catalog of different options for you.
When you have made a short list of the companies that can supply these sorts of containers do some further checks into them. Along with looking at what they have available on their website see if you can find any reviews or comments made about the service that they have provided previously. Of course most of these websites will contain testimonials from previous clients you shouldn’t rely on these alone. But ask them to provide details of any customers who are willing to speak with you regarding the work carried out.
Also look for those companies that are willing to allow you to inspect not only completed projects but also those that are in the process of being carried out. This way you can get a better feel for how competent they are at doing the work and also offers you the opportunity to speak with the client directly.
Tip 4 – Compare Prices
The 40ft shipping container market is in short supply. So prices from
supplier to supplier will vary widely. While one may charge $2000 for one unit, another may charge $3000 or more for the same or comparable unit. Don’t just look at the costs being charged to purchase or hire a container from them, because even the shipping costs will vary widely, and will depend namely on distance between you the supplier, and major ports. Furthermore although one company may charge a very small price to rent or purchase their item to get a sale they may make up for it by charging you extortionate fees to then have the container shipped to you.
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