Is your business interested in buying a shipping container? There are tons of different reasons that businesses need to get a container.
They are one of the easiest ways to ship large quantities of product. Simply fill up your trailer and load it onto one of your trucks, or contact a local delivery company to have it move on your behalf. They can also be used as temporary or permanent storage units for job sites, parking lots, or on the backside of your commercial facility.
Wondering about shipping container cost? It can vary depending on if you’d like to buy it or rent it, what size you need, and a number of other factors.
So what can you expect to pay for a shipping container? Keep reading for everything you need to know.
Uses for Shipping Containers
When buying or renting a storage container, you’ll have to decide which type and size you’re going to need. This depends on what it will be used for.
Some companies purchase a shipping container to actually ship products and materials, though not all do. When dropped off at your facility, they can be placed at ground level. This makes it easy for your team to load up a container, either by hand or with the use of pallet jacks or forklifts.
Once it’s ready to ship, you can either load the container onto one of your own trucks or have another delivery company handle the shipping.
Many construction companies use shipping containers for on-site storage. They’ll have a container or two dropped off at a new construction site to safely secure all of their supplies and tools on site.
Since a job can often last months, this becomes the most effective way to store equipment, saving their team from always transporting stuff to and from the site.
And many businesses use them for on-site storage. This could be a temporary solution while a building is being remodeled. Or it can store stuff related to outdoor work, such as lawn-care equipment, or tools that their team members load and unload from their vehicles each day.
Benefits of Using a Container for Storage
Many companies are using shipping containers as a more cost-effective storage opportunity. When using a container, your stored goods are always accessible, as the container will be left on your property.
They are also much cheaper over time than renting space at a storage facility, warehouse, or building permanent storage options.
Different Types of Shipping Containers
While most shipping containers are similar, there are a few differences. Of course, the biggest factor is size. The most common type of storage containers is either 20 feet or 40 feet long.
These fit industry standards across the globe. When shipping internationally via cargo ship, for example, they primarily ship 20 and 40 feet containers. Depending on your specific needs, you may be able to find containers as low as 10 feet long and as long as 53 feet long.
And most shipping containers contain just a single door. This means only one end of the container opens up. But you can also buy or rent containers where both ends open up, making it easier to load and unload.
These can save a lot of time and energy. If you only need to access something on the furthest end of the container, you would otherwise have to unload or climb over a lot of stuff to reach what you need. Double-door containers solve this.
Are Modifications Needed?
Depending on who you purchase your shipping containers from, you may be able to have them customized or modified. Common customizations include branding on the outside of the containers. This is especially common for construction companies, who have their containers at different job sites around the city all the time and want to take advantage of the marketing opportunity.
Other Storage Container Cost Considerations
Depending on the company you purchase or rent from, there can be other factors that affect shipping container prices. If you need the container delivered, there may or may not be a delivery fee. If so, it might be higher if you are located further away from the provider.
If you purchase a container, the price will change quite a bit when you choose a used container over a new one. When comparing used containers, the age and condition will affect the cost.
The length of time also matters if renting. Generally, the longer you keep the container, the cheaper it is per month. But if you only keep it for one or two months, you can expect a higher monthly rate.
Shipping Container Cost
As you can see, there are a number of factors that contribute to shipping container prices. However, here is some average shipping container pricing.
New containers generally cost around $3,000 to $5,000. Opting for the best shipping container with double doors and other helpful features will cost even more.
Used containers can range from $1,000 to around $4,000, depending on the age, the condition, and where it’s located. Don’t forget to factor in delivery fees.
Monthly rentals for 20-foot containers average about $125 per month while a 40-foot container averages $200 per month. Rental pricing can fluctuate throughout the year, as seasonal demand can drive prices up.
If you plan to rent a container in the near future, it will probably help to book a rental in advance to avoid last-minute price increases.
How to Get a Shipping Container
So how do you actually get a shipping container? There are many ways.
You can purchase from a manufacturer or dealer who specializes in shipping and storage containers. There are also companies that refurbish used containers and offer them for sale.
Many individuals often sell them online. You can find some on both eBay and Craigslist. Though, even if you find a good deal, it might cost an arm and a leg to either have it delivered or to go pick it up yourself.
It’s only worth considering this option if the container is already nearby, negating transportation costs.
Low-Cost Storage Solution
Due to the relatively low shipping container cost, these are an affordable way to add additional storage for your business. Whether you buy or rent, it’s going to be cheaper than most other options.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, you’d likely benefit from some of the other articles up on our blog. Be sure to check them out today.
