You may have seen an upsurge in homes built out of shipping containers. Shipping Container Homes can be as small as 1 container or as larger as 11 containers stacked together to create a 3 story home.
Did you know that shipping containers can also be used for a module office, in-law suite, extra storage, and so much more?
If you plan to use a shipping container for shipping or some other creative solution, step 1 is to determine if you need a new or used container.
Read on to learn the pros and cons of each and how to find the right used shipping containers for sale in the Houston area.
New and Used Shipping Containers for Sale in the Houston Area
Deciding between new and used shipping containers can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider these pros and cons when deciding which type of container is right for you.
New Shipping Containers
We have listed the pros and cons of new shipping containers here.
PROS
Besides being bright and shiny, new containers have no risk of cross-contamination from the previous products it stored.
New containers are air and watertight and will pass all inspections associated with shipping on a container ship.
New containers will not be branded from previous use and will more than likely already come with forklift pockets. New containers are also easier/safer to modify and come with a longer manufacturer’s warranty.
CONS
The biggest drawback of a new shipping container is the cost. Depending on how you are planning on using the container, it may not make financial sense to purchase a new container to store used or end of life equipment.
Used Shipping Containers
If you are purchasing a used container consider having it inspected by a certified member of the Institute of International Container Lessors. They can independently determine the grade and quality of the container.
PROS
The first benefits of used shipping containers is they are cheaper than new ones. If aesthetics are not an issue, used containers can be great for an on-site, mobile office or portable toilet facility.
There are three different grades of used shipping containers, A, B, C. Grade A is only slightly used and can still be considered watertight. B and C containers are used containers that have various grades of defects.
CONS
For used containers, there are three factors to consider. The first, and biggest is the risk of cross-contamination. Chances are you will have no idea what was in the used container before you purchased it. Therefore this is not the ideal choice for the storage of sensitive goods.
Second, used containers are not considered “seaworthy” because of the potential for air and water leaks at the seals. Finally, used containers do not last as long as new ones.
The first step in purchasing a shipping container is to be clear about your needs. From there it is easy to determine if you need to purchase a new or used shipping container.
Do You Need Used or New Shipping Containers in the Greater Houston Area?
If you are looking for a new or used shipping container in the Houston area, contact us. We have a large selection of both new and used containers and our qualified team can help you find the perfect one for your needs.
