Are New or Used Shipping Containers a Better Option

Normally there are a few deciding factors when it comes to choosing whether to buy a new or used shipping container.   Depending on current market conditions, it may not be hard to select a new container simply because the cost of used containers are not that much different in pricing than a new container.  It's always good to ask for prices on both options just in case the market favors the time of purchase.  Container industry conditions aside, there may never be a good reason to buy a new container in cases such as scrap storage, tire storage, demolition clean out, landscaping aggregate, hazardous material storage, kilns and other budget restrictive uses. 

When the cost of a container has a big gap in pricing between new and used options, it's best to budget what makes sense.  Sometimes, painting a used container may be more economical over buying a new one or the cost may end up being too close to a new unit where it may not make sense.  There are also geographic considerations.  New containers are not always available and may come with a heavier cost basis to transport from out of state or vice versa with used containers to benefit on the overall savings.  There's container configuration restrictions to consider as well, double ended, open sided, 20ft high cube, 10 footers, quadcon, tricon, duocon options only come in one trip condition, they are not a used container option. 

Choosing a used shipping container is always going to be more affordable for a budget-conscious buyer.  There are various grades of used shipping containers that a buyer can choose from to fit their project.  The basic wind and watertight used container option keeps items secure, dry and safe.  A wind and water tight container will be the best priced used option and the container will have common wear and tear such as rust, dinging, denting, patches, logos, markings and cosmetic blemishing in ample or limited amounts throughout the interior and exterior of the box.  This is normal due to the overseas commercial use of the equipment and is to be expected. The next step up from a watertight option is a sea worthy / cargo worthy container normally reserved for freight forwarders / exporters to use for exports.  These containers typically have less wear and tear overall due the criteria they have to meet for shipping approvals and cost a bit more than standard storage used container option.  They are still a used container and will not be in the same catogory like new.  There are a few more catogories of used options available that may be overkill regards to container cost and the one trip option may be the best bet. 

New containers or one trip containers have a professional appeal in its entirity for the end user.  Certain company settings and residential plans rely on new containers for their appearance and longevity.  Large and small companies are not able to buy anything aside a new container due to public viewing, brand recognition, city restrictions, land approvals and minimal maintenance.  The cost is higher but the overall benefit will outperform a used option over the years.  Residential uses fall in line with the same, neighbors may not be keen on seeing a used container and the new options may cause less uncertainty and headache over time.   One Trip containers will be free from mass denting, rusting, logos, patches and repairs.  There may be minor cosmetic blemishes but it will not be on any comparable scale to a used container.   For more details, please contact IPL for your container questions.