A Basic Guide to Shipping Containers for Hirers and Buyers

Shipping containers have become extensively used by companies and households. They offer safe and secure transportation for all types of items from readymade products to home furniture and appliances. If you plan to buy or to hire a container, you should learn as much as possible about your options first. 

Size

The size of shipping containers is based on their length, which can range from 8 to 56 feet, as per the ISO standard. The most widely used models are the 20-foot and 40-foot ones. They are used for transporting all kinds of goods using various modes of transportation i.e, road, rail and sea. The height can range from 8 feet to 9 feet and 6 inches. You can get more information about shipping containers via http://portcontainersusa.com/.

Capacity

As a hirer or buyer, you will be interested in the volume of the shipping container as well. It is typically expressed in cubic feet, but it can also be expressed in cubic meters. There are three weight measures to pay attention to. The empty weight is the weight of the shipping box itself. The maximum gross weight is the weight of the item plus the weight of the loaded goods or personal belongings. The net load shows you the maximum weight of the objects which can be loaded inside.

Make

The modern shipping containers of this type are made from special steel alloys, which are commonly known as weathering steel. This name is given to them because they react with the elements to form a special coating which protects them from rust and corrosion and from other types of damage caused by the weather.

Types of Used Shipping Containers for Sale

With a huge variety of used shipping containers for sale being offered around the world today, it is important that you understand the various types of containers and what each type has to offer.

Dry Van Containers

The most common type is the dry van container and it is one of the most heavily used worldwide. These are closed containers that do not have any ventilation. It also does not have any cooling or heating systems built into them. Generally, these are the most affordable and the 40ft shipping containers are enough to encourage builders to make homes from them. You can get more details about modified containers by browsing the web.

Open Top Containers

These containers are typically boxed shipping containers made of rigid metal that do not have any top cover at all. These containers are most of the time used for bigger items that would not fit in the door of the dry van shipping container. This type is also used for sensitive items like sheet glass. These types of containers are always sealed up, but the canvas is positioned over the top of the container to make a sealed box, and also has four metal posts at the top corners to provide support for stacking.

The Reefer

The reefer tank appears like an ordinary dry van shipping container, but it is protected on the interior and the temperature is controlled. Most of these containers are always warm and some are always at cold temperatures to keep the items inside.

Things You Need to Consider When Buying and Leasing Shipping Containers

Following are the thing that you need to consider when buying and leasing shipping containers:-

Check Out the Quality of the Unit

If you plan to purchase a shipping container,  it is very important that you should check the quality of the container.  You need to make sure that it is made of good metal, usually made of anti-corrosive steel. There are lots of companies that enable the customers to check the premise and containers before finalizing the purchase.  To get more details about shipping containers, you can follow us on facebook.

Check if Leasing the Container is Applicable

There are several containers which are very flexible. It is important that you get the measurements of the unit to house your belongings. The majority of the companies that offer shipping containers for sale offer a bigger or limited use of facility for lease.  

Choose the One that Offer Shipping Containers at Affordable Rate

The internet offers several options for different types of shipping containers. If you want to know the cost, you can get it through the free obligation quotes. Once you have provided the company your requirements, they will provide you an estimate on how much it will cost you in storing and transporting your goods.

The Ease in Accessing the Unit

If you plan to keep the goods in the container at the providers premise, it is important that you understand the terms and conditions. You should ask them if they will allow you to access your belongings during the time of storage. Ask them the number of visits allowed and the best time to visit your goods. There are some companies that allow you to access the goods anytime you want.