If you’re a new business owner engaged in transportation of goods and supplies, you may need to start thinking about how you’re going to bring these items from one point to another in the most cost-efficient manner possible. One of the more obvious answers is to get a shipping container. It’s very mobile, it’s versatile enough for different modes of transportation (whether by ship or on a truck), and it’s durable.

The question, however, isn’t so much on the functionality of the shipping container, but rather on the practicality of getting one for your business use. No doubt about it, these shipping containers can be costly, especially if brand new, if only for the fact that they are big in size. It doesn’t have to mean, however, that you’ll be left with no other option but to go out and buy a brand new one. There actually are suppliers out there that allow for shipping container rental. Here are some ways by which this could be a viable option for you.

Choose Size

A shipping container can go anywhere from 20 feet to 53 feet long. Depending on what kind of cargo you’ll need the container for, you need to determine the size that you’ll get. If your shipped goods reach a significant amount, it would be more efficient for you to simply rent a container so that they will all be shipped together. This not only saves you cost, but also saves on time and effort.

If there is more volume to be shipped, then you can simply opt for the biggest container, or get another small one. The point is that you break down the shipment for as little as possible, which is also crucial in making sure nothing gets lost.

Determine Frequency of Use

This here is the conundrum of businesses. They are worried that rentals could cost them more in the long run, especially if they are anticipating multiple shipping activities in the future. While it is tempting to simply invest in your own shipping container, though, it is not going to be practical advice for new business.

Opting for a rental meanwhile allows you to have a clearer picture of your shipping needs. If it’s not going to be as frequent and constant as you first anticipated, then you’re much better off renting a container only on a need-to-use basis. Apart from that, you also have to know how long you will need the container for. Is it going to be for a one-time shipment only? If there are others to follow, how few and far between are they going to be? All these factors will help you compute just how practical and viable renting out a shipping container is as opposed to jumping the gun and buying one for your use.

Prepare Unit Space

If you won’t be using it immediately, you need to prepare a space where you can put it in the meantime. Perhaps allot a space for it in your warehouse, in case you have one. Another option is for you to seek the help of the shipping company you’ll be using for your shipment and check if they have the facility to store your container until it is time to be delivered.

Whatever arrangement you come up with, best make sure that the contents of your container will be kept secure at all times. Ideally, though, you should only fill it with the contents close to the date of its shipment.

At the very least, you are now aware of your option to rent out shipping containers for your business shipment needs in Dallas. If you’re trying it out for the first time, get help from reliable suppliers of shipping containers for rent that operate off-dock container storage and maintenance facilities in Houston, Dallas and Seattle, such as Equipment Management Services which have a terrific rent to own shipping container program.

Sources:

How to Lease Shipping Containers.Chron.com.
Benefits of Shipping Containers. NYUJILP.com.