As you start your search for new shipping containers for sale, the process can seem a bit overwhelming. With this handy guide, you’ll be prepared to find the perfect container to meet your needs. Let’s get started!
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When looking at new shipping containers for sale, you’ll first want to consider what type of container you need. The most common options are standard dry storage containers which come in either 20 or 40-foot lengths and are great for basic storage needs. They offer a waterproof and secure space. There are also refrigerated containers that allow you to control the internal temperature and are ideal for transporting perishable goods like food. Tank containers hold liquids, like chemicals, and oils, and have special seals and attachments. Open-top containers, as the name suggests, have an open-top, so you can easily load goods from above. They work well for oversized cargo. Flat rack containers have an open side and can accommodate very large items. Think about what you’ll be storing or moving to choose the best container type.
Once you’ve decided on a container type, it’s time to find some new shipping containers for sale! Here are some options to consider. Container dealers specifically sell shipping containers, both new and used. This is often the easiest route. They will have the experience you need to find a great container. They’ll work with you to understand your needs and make recommendations based on your own unique requirements.
When you’ve found some promising new shipping containers for sale, carefully inspect them before making a purchase. Check for rust, dents, or other damage. Make sure doors and locks are functioning properly. Look for any major leaks and check the condition of the wind/water seal. A careful inspection will help avoid getting stuck with a useless container.
With some savvy searching and proper inspection, you’ll soon have the perfect shipping container to meet your needs. According to Discover Containers, 70% of the world’s goods are carried by sea, and 52% of the world’s sea trade is transported in shipping containers – so you’ll have the same equipment used by a huge portion of global industry. Reach out to Integrated Equipment Sales when you’re looking to purchase a shipping container.
Is it easy to buy a shipping container?
Yes, it is easy to buy a shipping container. There are many shipping containers for sale on any given day.
Of course, it depends on a range of factors. The type of container, age, grade, size, stock availability at the time, and what you are intending to use it for. Not unlike buying a car, containers can be new or used, and vary in condition. So unless you're dealing with a recognised container manufacturer who has new builds in stock, it is likely you'll be buying a second hand container.
Use our guide to familiarise yourself with everything you should consider before buying a shipping container.
Want to buy a shipping container but you’re not sure what to get? The best shipping container for you will depend on your needs. SCF has a wide range of competitively priced shipping containers for sale that come in a range of sizes. These come with various access methods (end doors and side opening doors).
If you're planning to lock up and leave, then an end door variant with a lockbox would be a good option for you. It will also be cheaper than a side door container. However, if you plan to access the goods inside the container often, then a side door gives you more flexibility. You won't need to climb over your stuff, or leave a tight pathway so you can access all the goods down the far end.
Whichever way you go, your shipping container should be water tight and vermin proof.
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Shipping container homes are one of the more well known uses for containers, but in the scale of things, homes make up a very small percent of end use. They were originally designed for the transportation of goods on road, rail and sea. The external structure of containers provides protection from all sorts of weather, obstacles, pests and thieves. They can also be stacked on ships, in ports and at depots, which makes them easy to manage and store.
The original, and still the most common use for containers is intermodal transport. This is the transport of goods between locations, on the back of trucks or trains. It is not uncommon to see SCF containers on road, as containers represent a more flexible solution to traditional trailers.
Regularly transported goods include anything on pallets, furniture, boxed goods, equipment, food, other materials and even liquids. Some goods have specific requirements to ensure they are delivered safely and within specification, like chemicals or temperature sensitive cargo.
Containers have evolved to accommodate this, with the introduction of mezzanine decks to increase the amount of pallets that can safely be stacked and transported, or refrigerated shipping containers to transport food and other cargo at specific temperatures.
Shipping containers are also commonly used to safely store goods onsite. They are a low cost, safe and secure alternative to offsite storage facilities. They are also more convenient to access.
Home renovations often benefit from a shipping container to store existing furniture and belongings during the build process. The container can be stored onsite only for the duration of the renovation.
In the absence of a shed, containers can be fitted with shelves and workbenches, then delivered to site. This reduces the cost, build time and paperwork that may be needed when you add a permanent building to your property. In addition to a bench to complete your next project, container workshops provide space to store your tools and equipment.
For dangerous goods, like chemicals, paints and flammable liquids, a Dangerous Goods container range is available. It comes purpose-built with added external vents, bunding to prevent spills and a safety drain valve for easy cleaning. They are used to free up space within a workshop or warehouse, or store chemicals onsite during increased production or projects.
Refrigerated containers have been used as onsite cool rooms. These are popular at events and festivals, or at businesses where stock needs to be stored at a specific temperature.
As a result, the value of these containers is different.
Container Grades were introduced globally to provide a universal rating for the condition of containers. They are one of the major factors that affects the price of shipping containers.
New/Near New, A Grade and B Grade containers will all be wind and watertight. C Grade and D Grade are not guaranteed to be wind and watertight. Consider this if you plan to store goods that you want to protect from the elements.
Be aware that not all container companies grade containers the same, so make sure you are comparing apples with apples. If you have more questions about Container Grades and our guide doesn’t cut it, speak to one of our container specialists. They can talk about grades for days!
Looking for a cheaper alternative? Do you know you can also consider shipping container hire?
Shipping containers can be used to store or transport many things. This can range from furniture, cars, bikes and equipment, dry foods, old clothes or even chemicals in some specialised containers.
If you buy a container from a ‘trader’, a business that buys used shipping containers that arrive from the sea on cargo ships, there is no way to tell what the container has been used for. You can have greater confidence if you buy from a container company that builds its own containers and runs its own depot network, because there is more documentation on the types of use the container is best suited to. A better understanding of previous uses, will help the container company identify a container that best fits your needs.
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There are three common shipping container sizes that you can buy.
There are also less common sizes, from 8ft up to 48ft, depending on the application.
Take a look at our Shipping Container Sizes and Dimensions article for more detailed information on container sizes.
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For more information, please visit 40 tank container.
In most cases, yes you can. And if you are unsure about the seller, you should definitely insist. In fact, with a spate of scammers targeting container companies, review our guide on how to protect yourself when buying a shipping container.
There are two options to inspect a container that you’re interested in buying. We can send you up to date photos or you can visit one of our depots.
Our customer service team will send you current photos of the container you’re interested in. Every time a container enters our yard, we take detailed photographs that are uploaded to our Catalogue System. We also capture photos every time a container leaves the depot. These photos are taken from the outside and inside of the container. Not only do we have written history of each container, we have a photographic history too. You can have peace of mind that what you see is what you will get.
You are welcome to visit one of our depots to inspect the container/s you’re interested in. It is important to ahead to ensure we will have depot staff on hand to guide you through our depot.
We also take safety very seriously. Strict protocols must be followed by anyone that enters our yards. This includes all staff, suppliers and customers.
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Once payment is complete, SCF will organise the delivery of your container from our depot to your door. If your container is in stock, this can happen within 48 hours, sometimes sooner.
There will often be multiple delivery methods for your container. However it depends on the type and size that you have chosen. Below are the most common types of transport for your delivery to your site:
The delivery method will also depend on obstacles on or near your property, and where you want it placed. Our team will recommend the best option, based on where you plan to place the container on your property. They will take into account anything on your site that could get in the way. Make sure that you have cleared a path free of any obstacles, such as garden tools, cars, etc.
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That's a question you will have to ask your council as each one has different regulations. We would not recommend placing a container on the road or in your driveway without talking to your council first.
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Containers are designed to survive for a long time due to the type of steel they are made from.
New units will last longer, however with some preparation and care, older containers can last a long time too. Make sure the ground you plan to place it on will not be damp all year round. Moisture can cause the floor to deteriorate more quickly. Consider placing it on bricks, blocks or a location with well drained soil. Speak to our friendly team who can guide you on the best way to place your container if you need help.
The natural properties of steel mean that containers will rust over time. However, setting up your site right is critical. Ensure it is not on damp ground, exposed to harsh chemicals or liquids, or constantly exposed to water (as in, every day) and your container should last for a long time.
Even with rust, shipping containers can remain watertight and vermin proof. Speak to your container supplier who will be able to confirm this on a specific unit.
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Once you have completed the paperwork and finalised payment for your container, delivery will be organised.
Depending on the availability of your container and the delivery company schedule, it can be delivered within 48 hours. Sometimes customers can even get their container on the same day!
Want to fast track your container delivery? Follow these steps:
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SCF services customers Australia wide.
Unlike some companies, we manufacture our own containers. This gives us more control over build quality, design and stock levels. Our national depot network also ensures we have stock located near you. It keeps the delivery cost down and saves you money. Our fleet consists of just over 14,000 containers. So there is a good chance we will have what you need.
If we do not have the container you need, our skilled depot team can modify your container or get stock in for you. Common modifications include:
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Buying a shipping container is relatively easy. Once you have decided on a unit, you will need to pay the purchase price in full. This will include the transport cost and depot fees that may be included.
You can pay with direct bank transfer. Once this has cleared, your container can be released from the depot.
You can also pay by credit card. Once this transaction is finalised, your container is available to be picked up from the depot.
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Visit our FAQ where we have answered a collection of common questions.
If you cannot find the answer there, contact our friendly team on 131 132. Or you can use our live chat. You know our team is online when you can see the Chat Now bar in the bottom right corner of our website.
Our Customer Service Team know containers inside and out, so we’re confident they can answer your questions.
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