What to Consider When Buying an ISO Container

Steel shipping containers are practical investments, whether you have goods to ship abroad or over long distances, storage needs or wish to explore alternative building options. Old or new, there are certain things that you should consider when shopping for ISO containers. Steel boxes may be rugged in construction, but along the way, they endure potentially damaging environments, leaving them with scratches, scrapes, and dents. Despite an exposure to these elements, the steel container you buy should still be able to protect your goods from damage. Here are some things you should look at when purchasing shipping containers, particularly, used ones:

• Miles traveled – Some containers log thousands of miles in transit, while moving cargo while others spend most of their time sitting in ports. You will find great benefits from this equipment, either way. Choose the first if you want something that has stood the test of rugged travel and the latter, if you want something that is closer to their brand new condition.

• Handling – Containers are mainly moved using forklifts. Check for dents and marks on places where the forklifts go. Many times, forklift dents are where rusting begins as paint is chipped from the container's interior or exterior.

• Environments endured – The types of environments and climates endured by the container during its stint in shipping or cargo travel also affects its overall quality and lifespan. Containers that spent time traveling in mild climates typically show less wear than those that travel through harsher weathers.

• Container age – The younger the container is, the better use you will get from it, and typically, the higher the price tag. There are quick ways to determine the age of the container. One is by looking at the CSC plate of the container and another by looking at the door style, the ones with flat doors are older (it was not until the early 90s that manufacturers switched to corrugated doors).

Tips on Buying Shipping Containers for Storing Temperature Sensitive Goods

There are many things that you should look out for when shopping for shipping containers, particularly those designed for storing temperature-sensitive goods and items. General guidelines apply when buying used reefers, but the following are some of the most important things you should remember as you source them from your chosen supplier:

• Look for Grade A quality containers that are still cargo worthy, if you wish to use your reefer for transport purposes instead of refrigerated storage. While grade A containers do cost more, you will be guaranteed quality and enjoy more miles on your shipping container, which makes your investment so much more worth the extra cost. Choose a unit that is still structurally sound and has not lost its wind and watertight properties. Standard used units are also good options, but go for Grade A units if you want relatively newer containers.

• Be sure to inspect the quality of the container before agreeing to the purchase. Price is often a good indicator of the container's grade and overall quality, but you should never look at the cost alone when sourcing used containers. A good rule of thumb is buying from established and reputable container dealers so you can be guaranteed about the quality of the containers you will be sold. Established dealers offer great benefits including strict quality control, excellent value or money, and peace of mind, as you get to purchase genuinely high quality containers for a wide range of purposes.

• Just like any other type of storage and shipping containers, you should also check reefers for structural damage. By simply checking the container's history, handling, and storage, you can easily determine whether or not it retains its structural integrity and overall quality throughout its years of use and disuse.

Huge Selection of Containers for Sale at Online Container Seller's Website

Storage containers come in a wide variety of forms and sizes. Container ‘types’ can, in fact, be categorized according to the different classes, unique design features, sizes, and characteristics of each unit. Container suppliers even offer units in varying stages of use. The following are only some of the most common types of containers you will find in their collections:

• New containers – Brand new containers are fresh from manufacturing plants and are ideal for purchase. The companies that are looking forward to upgrade their cargo containers or replace ones that have been in service for more than their metal boxes can handle.

• Refurbished containers – Refurbished containers are those that have been restored to good working and presentable conditions, either by a simple lick of paint or an overhaul of its main construction. Refurbishment may also mean replacing doors and mechanisms, spot priming rusty spots, or repairing floor bed damage.

• Wind and water-tight containers – Storage containers are by standard, wind and water tight, but they lose this attributes through time, as damage and rust start to invade. One of the easiest ways to test air and water tightness in containers is by inspecting the container from the inside for holes. Even the tiniest holes will be visible inside a shut container during daylight.

• As-is storage containers – As-is containers are not refurbished in any way, meaning you are literally buying them in their current state or virtually the same state as they have been, straight from the ports. As-is containers are economical alternatives, especially when you only need the container for storage for recycling.

• Cargo-worthy containers – Containers that are labeled cargo-worthy can either be new or used containers within the 5-year range of last inspection and are deemed cargo-worthy before requiring re-certification.