Shipping containers are getting increasingly popular for building homes, offices, shops, and storage facilities in Australia. They provide structural strength and are a cost-effective option. However, knowing what you are buying is very important, especially if you are a first-time buyer. Look for a reliable company that provides containers in good condition at competitive prices. If you are planning to buy shipping containers on sale, here are some important things to look for.
Material of the container
E-commerce sites putting up shipping containers for sale might not provide the right information about the material. Moreover, all shipping containers need not be made of the same material. If you are a looking for a container to serve you for long, make sure it is made of COR-TEN steel. COR-TEN steel containers are generally much stronger and can resist inclement weather easily. This is also a good way to make sure that the container has been built recently.
Size of the container
20ft and 40ft are standard sizes for shipping containers in Australia. The size of the container you require will depend on your specific requirement. If you want to build a home, consider the high cube variant. If you are claustrophobic, this is highly important. 20 ft containers are 8.5 feet high, 8 feet wide and weigh about 2000 kg. If you currently live in a rented 3-bedroom apartment, you can go for a standard sized container. Instead of buying two 20ft shipping containers on sale, get one 40ft container. There are many other things you can build just from a 20ft shipping container and 40ft shipping container.
Condition of the container
Depending on what your budget and the requirement is, shipping containers for sale are available in different conditions. One trip containers are nearly new containers that have been used just once for shipping cargo.
Prefabricated or modified containers have additions like roll up doors, skylights, heating or air conditioning units, vents, insulation and so on.
If you are looking for a cost-effective option, containers marked ‘as-is’ are a good choice. These are containers that have been retired by shipping companies. Repairing any damaged an as-is container may have suffered, is important.
Type of the container
Shipping containers are popular also because of the range of options they provide. Regular 20ft and 40ft containers and high cube containers let you build homes and other living spaces. However, refer containers can be used as efficient cold storage for pharmaceuticals, food and other perishables. To load items via cranes, or items that are higher than the container, buy open top shipping containers. Flat rack shipping containers for sale should be bought when you need to store big and bulky machinery.
The company selling the container
This is probably the most important aspect of your purchase. Get quotes from a number of shipping containers companies. However, do not buy a container just because it is cheap. Reputable companies in Australia often offer inspection and a certificate for the same. Make sure that the company sells only ISO compliant containers. Make sure the company delivers in your area. If possible, read reviews and research the company you finally zero in on.
