Buyers Guide
Complete Buyers Guide for Shipping Containers
Buying a shipping container is a smart investment for storage, transport, business use, construction sites, farms, workshops, and custom projects. This guide from Moving Shipping Containers and Trailers explains what to check before purchasing, which container type may suit your needs, and how to prepare for delivery.
1. Choose the Right Container Size
Shipping containers come in different sizes, with 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers being the most common options. Smaller containers are ideal for home storage, tools, and compact spaces, while 20ft and 40ft containers are better suited for business inventory, vehicles, equipment, machinery, and larger storage needs.
2. Decide Between New, Used, or One-Trip Containers
New or one-trip containers usually offer the cleanest appearance and longest lifespan. Used containers are often more affordable and still provide excellent secure storage when properly inspected. Your choice depends on your budget, appearance preference, and intended use.
3. Check Container Condition
Before buying, confirm that the unit is wind and watertight, structurally sound, and free from major rust, large dents, soft flooring, or door issues. A quality container should have working doors, secure locking points, solid flooring, and no active leaks.
4. Match the Container to Your Purpose
For basic storage, a standard wind and watertight container may be enough. For business, retail, workshops, offices, or frequent access, you may prefer side-opening containers, roller door containers, high-cube containers, refrigerated containers, or modified units.
5. Plan for Delivery Access
Make sure your site has enough room for the delivery truck to enter, unload, and exit safely. Check driveway width, overhead clearance, ground firmness, turning space, gates, trees, power lines, fences, and slope. A flat, accessible delivery area helps prevent delays.
6. Prepare a Solid Foundation
Containers should be placed on level ground to keep doors operating properly and prevent water pooling underneath. Popular foundation options include concrete pads, compacted gravel, railroad sleepers, concrete blocks, or steel supports placed under the container corners.
7. Think About Security
Shipping containers are naturally strong, but extra security can improve protection. Consider lockboxes, heavy-duty padlocks, internal locking systems, security lighting, cameras, and placing the container in a visible but controlled area.
8. Consider Ventilation and Moisture Control
If you plan to store furniture, documents, tools, clothing, or temperature-sensitive items, ventilation matters. Air vents, moisture absorbers, raised flooring, insulation, and proper sealing can help reduce condensation and protect stored goods.
9. Explore Modification Options
Containers can be modified with windows, personnel doors, roller doors, shelving, insulation, electrical fittings, lighting, ventilation, partitions, ramps, and office layouts. Modified containers are useful for workshops, site offices, pop-up shops, and custom storage projects.
10. Understand the Total Buying Process
A reliable supplier should clearly explain container availability, condition, delivery options, payment terms, estimated delivery time, and any additional requirements. Prices can vary depending on size, condition, location, delivery distance, and modifications, so it is best to request a tailored quote before making a final decision.
Always Buy Based on Use, Access, and Long-Term Value
The best shipping container is not always the cheapest option. Choose a container that fits your space, protects your goods, suits your access needs, and can handle long-term use. At Moving Shipping Containers and Trailers, we help customers compare options clearly so they can buy with confidence.