Where to Buy Shipping Containers?

In the modern age of renewable resources, many people are turning to shipping containers as an alternative to wood and brick to use as building materials for their projects.

Shipping containers have a plethora of uses, including building, temporary storage, and rental facilities. But many people are left wondering, “where do you buy a shipping container?”

Purchasing Shipping Containers

Shipping containers, sometimes called “connex” or “storage containers” are steel boxes that are originally used to move freight across the oceans. In the USA, where many of our products and goods come from imports, storage containers are filled with millions of items each year and placed on giant barges that move across the seas.

Once the storage containers are no longer fit for service due to age or durability, they are then left in depots around the country and can be bought or leased for commercial and residential use.

How to Purchase Shipping Containers

Once the containers are at a depot, they can be either purchased or leased through a licensed dealer. Though leasing can be as low as $100 per month, often times containers can be purchased for $1000-$2000, depending on the size, quality, and damage rating.

In order to get fair pricing, make sure you inquire about the quality, and total cost and whether it includes pick-up or delivery charges.

Often times, a container will need to be shipped by truck to different cities, as the major owners of the containers tend to keep their boxes in certain depots. So for example, you might live 150 miles away from the nearest depot, which houses all the units. So expect to pay a delivery fee for a truck to drop off at your site.

Other Costs When Purchasing Shipping Containers

Just like when you purchase any goods or services, there may be sales tax added. Even if you purchase from a private owner (a local resident for example) you should be responsible for your local regions tax laws, so make sure you check with your local professionals on this.

But besides the hard cost of the container, and the delivery fee, those typically are the only costs in the buying process.

Why Are the Prices Different When Shopping for Containers?

Shipping containers tend to vary in price based on supply and demand. So a container in one city might vary in price about $100-$1000. Higher demand areas will have higher priced units for sale.

Also, the quality will affect pricing. So a wind and water tight container will have a different price than a newer unit.