Introduction to the Storage Container Buying Process
Table of Contents
- Trends
- Types
- Specs
- Questions to Ask Your Dealer
If you are in need of an inexpensive storage solution, a storage container could be what you're looking for. Aside from storage and transport usage, storage containers have a wide variety of applications. A storage container is a stackable metal container initially used for the transportation of goods via sea or land. Storage containers are very durable. They are built to carry heavy weights and able to withstand extreme climate conditions and transportation hazards such as salt and moisture.
Today, storage containers are typically used in construction and industrial settings for storing large machinery and protecting equipment from theft and damage. Storage containers are, however, helpful for almost any business where it is necessary to store excess inventory. Before purchasing a storage container, you should consider the features available as well as size. Both these considerations will affect the cost of your storage container.
Sizing
Your first step will be to estimate the size of the storage container that will meet your needs. The two most common container sizes are twenty-foot containers and forty-foot containers. Both sizes are 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches (see Figure 1) or 9 feet 6 inches high. The twenty-foot container is the most common.
Cost
Prices of used storage containers start around $1,000. However, almost new and modified ones can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. The costs depends on the following:
- Size
- Material
- Condition
Space
When looking into buying a storage container, it is important to make sure you have adequate space for one. The larger the space, the easier delivery and set up will be. Depending on the supplier, the delivery options may vary. Generally, suppliers offer free transportation or delivery for a nominal fee. Some suppliers do expect you to make your own transportation arrangements, however, so be sure to review this with them.
Trends
Used containers
If you are looking for an inexpensive storage solution for construction and industry needs, a used storage container is a favorable alternative. Storage containers that are offered for resale will range in appearance from almost new to well-worn containers. The versatility of storage containers stems from the fact that they are sturdy and well built. Thus, their usefulness does not end when they come out of service (usually after years of international shipping). They are readily available in the market and at affordable prices.
When purchasing storage containers for any kind of construction and industrial use, size and condition are important considerations. Buying a used container can save you up to 75% of the total price for any given type of container. Used containers often come from the shipping industry after they are no longer used for long-distance transportation of goods. You can choose to buy newer, one-trip storage containers, or you could go with used containers at lower prices.
For both used and new storage containers, it's essential that you have it inspected before purchase. You can hire someone to do this or consult your supplier. But, it is advisable to do it yourself if at all possible. By doing so, you can get the best possible add-on features within your available budget. It’s important to consider the fact that suppliers often have biased opinions which may not match your needs and preferences. If you contact professionals for transport, they might have experience with containers and be willing to help you evaluate the container. Educate yourself about what a container in good condition should look like. Have a clear picture of what you want and need.
When inspecting a container, look for any signs that could mean this container would not fill your intended purpose. These signs may include:
- Holes
- Dents
- Rust
- Odors
- Malfunctioning doors
Having a clear understanding of what container types are offered and at what prices will help you secure a good deal.
Weatherproofing and insulation
If the purpose you have in mind for your storage container means that it has to be able to withstand various weather conditions, you need to pay close attention to the type of material that was used to make it.
- Is the container protected from rust?
- Were high quality bolts used in the container's construction?
If a container is weatherproof, that information should be available. However, it's better safe than sorry to check to be sure. A weatherproof container is built to withstand various climate conditions while protecting the goods inside. Good weatherproofing means having no problem with moisture and safe for storing equipment, furniture, and personal items.
Some containers such as ones used to preserve products sensitive to temperature changes, (like food, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products) are insulated. If you are aiming to use your container for similar tasks, you will need to look into units that can guarantee good insulation. This will preserve your temperature-sensitive goods.
Materials
Storage container materials vary depending on the purpose the container serves. For construction and industrial uses, containers must be built from steel, stainless steel, corrugated steel, or weatherproof material as these materials ensure durability.
When looking at available containers, think about what purpose you need the container to fill and explore the options given while balancing price and quality. Requirements like weatherproof containers, insulated containers, and containers that fill other purposes all affect the cost.
Types/Designs
Storage containers serve a wide variety of purposes. Your intended use for the container will affect your container's design and type choice.
Shelving
One popular design choice is shelving. Depending on the size of your container and how many shelves/brackets/racks you want, additional cost may increase:
- $75 per two shelf brackets*
- $95 per standard file storage bracket*
- $85 per 4 arm pipe racks*
(*Note: Prices are estimates. Take into consideration that new products will differ in pricing considerably when compared to used ones.)
Door style
A storage container comes with a standard opening that is equipped with double swing doors at one end of the container. These double swing doors open the width of the container, providing easy access to the storage items. These doors are also lockable to secure and protect the contents.
You can, of course, customize the storage container with additional aftermarket doors. The same double swing doors can also be installed on the other end of the storage container at an additional cost.
If you wish, you can replace the standard swing doors with a heavy duty roll up door that provides a larger opening for loading/unloading. Cost effective roll up doors are constructed of 26 gauge galvanized steel and are equipped with sliding locks. The roll up door is often placed on storage containers used to store tractors, and other heavy industrial equipment.
Other types of available door options are: a three-foot-wide industrial door or six-panel wooden door with a metal skin. The industrial door is made of a solid panel of 16 gauge steel. It has deadbolt lock for security. The wooden door is lighter weight and, thus, less expensive.
With every modification, the prices rise. For example:
- $100 to $350 for non-customized personnel doors*
- $600 for 8’x8' steel roll up door (with optional double locks)*
(*Note: Prices listed are from websites that showcase pricing online. You would need to inquire about prices by contacting dealers directly.)
Locking mechanisms
Another important consideration is locking mechanisms. When you decide on the container type, modifications, and additional door options, you should also investigate container locks. Prices for locking mechanisms can range in the following:
- $85 for a bolt on lock box
- $90 for a standard lock box
- $15 for a standard padlock
- $76 for a double crossbar lock
- $87 for a double door porta bolt with lock.
Sides and roof types
The main material used for the walls of storage containers is corrugated steel. In addition, you can also find walls made of an aluminum sheet, or plywood, or with fiberglass reinforced plastic coating. All these three types have different levels of important characteristics such as: susceptibility to corrosion, weight, strength, and resiliency with low to moderate material cost.
In order to accommodate over-height construction equipment, the container roof should be left open. Therefore, the storage container should have a removable steel roof. A forklift truck can easily lift the roof which weighs approximately 400 to 500 kg.
Most people opt for wooden floors. You might choose a different floor surface depending on the intended purpose of your storage unit. Additional costs might include:
- $1000 to $4,200 for custom roof, depending on size, material and number of containers
- $50 to $120 per square meter (w/o supply/install). Depending on floor type, prices will fluctuate.
Wood is a popular choice when people want to steer away from the hard steel look of the container. Some like the container’s natural look. You will want to think about some paint coating either for appearance or added protection. This will, again, depend on the intended use.
From tool sheds to habitable structures, the design of your container is something you will need to envision. With many customization options, and several do-it-yourself guides available, you are surely well on your way to building an attractive and affordable unit that fulfills your needs.
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