Here at Gateway Container Sales and Hire we have both new and used shipping containers for sale. Despite what you may think, they aren’t the same! Used containers may look good on the outside but they can conceal issues so are not recommended for building houses with. In saying that, if you just need one for storage, it might not be worth it to purchase a new one. To help you decide, we’ve listed 10 scenarios for buying a used shipping container and 10 for buying a new one.
10 reasons for buying used shipping containers
Shipping containers can have useful lives for decades, thanks to the way they are built. Like Land Rovers, a good bit of care and attention can make them last forever. Here are 10 reasons you may want a used one:
- As a mobile storage unit. Where the goods inside aren’t perishable – perhaps on a building site – a used container is weather-tight and can be moved from site to site while keeping the stuff inside secure and intact.
- Moving your gear around the world. Some shipping containers are sold on after just one trip. That means you can buy one that is ready for world travel that has seen little or no abuse and is in very good condition. You can buy it here in Australia, pack your worldly goods inside and transport it to your destination and sell it on at the other end with minimal financial loss.
- Price. As with cars, used containers – even one-trip ones – sell for far less used than new. You could end up with just what you need without paying the premium on a new box!
- Architecture. Where you are looking to convert a container for an architectural use – perhaps a home office or as part of a larger construction – you could buy used at a lower cost and it will suit your needs.
- Customisation. If you’re cutting holes for windows and doors in it, do you really need a new one?
- Tainting. Though in the first five years of a container’s lifespan it is inspected regularly, you won’t know what’s been inside. If you are storing or transporting goods that can’t be tainted with previous contents (such as a car or construction hardware) a used container will do everything you need it to.
- Branding. OOCL, Maersk and other container lines brand their containers. Does this matter to you? If it doesn’t then you could end up with a safe and secure box at a lower price.
- Chucking it about. You wouldn’t buy a $50,000 car for a banger race unless you had more money than sense! If you are going to be giving the container a tough time thanks to its use then the same applies – a used one will suit you.
- Guarantee. A new shipping container is going to have a longer guarantee on its working life. A used one, not so long. This comes down to what you need the shipping container for.
- Home storage or as a semi-permanent storage installation. You won’t need to spend so much on a used one that can do the job of keeping your home/work goods secure in one place.
10 reasons for buying new shipping containers
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On the other side of the coin, there are also plenty of scenarios where a new shipping container is the right choice. Here are 10 reasons you may want a new one:
- As a long-term investment. If you are planning on the long-term usage of one then it will retain its quality and value for years to come. You can then sell it on at the end of its useful life.
- Regular use. If it will be in constant use then it may pay to buy a new shipping container and use it until its warranty runs out before selling it on.
- Brand it yourself. All new containers have a plain paint coating. Where you want to brand it yourself this can cost less than repainting a used shipping container.
- Tainting. Where you are transporting perishable goods such as food, perhaps in a refrigerated unit, then a new shipping container may well be the answer as it won’t be affected by its history.
- A known history. New shipping containers are built to tightly controlled international standards. That means a new one will be of an exact size, shape, and not have a history that could impact the contents you carry/store inside.
- Airtight. Thanks to the international standards of new shipping containers, you can guarantee they are airtight. This will mean that goods prone to damage by things like rain and weather outside won’t be damaged inside.
- Pest resistance. Again, thanks to the standards of construction and their being airtight, a new container will keep pests – from snakes, to moths and spiders – from entering while the container is sealed shut.
- Architecture. Some architects will demand new shipping containers for use in construction as it will ensure that they fit together perfectly.
- Fork-lift pockets. Not all used shipping containers have fork-lift pockets for shifting around a yard. Most new ones do.
- Customisation. When ordering a new shipping container you can make exact specifications for it such as a specific flooring, and it will be just as you need.
This cleared things up?
With these main points we hope you have a clearer idea as to whether a new or used shipping container will best suit your project. Get in touch with us at Gateway today to discuss your needs or fill out a request for a free quote!
