The Port of Houston is the largest container port on the Gulf Coast, handling 69% of the Gulf Coast container traffic. This high container volume means there’s plenty of available containers for your storage needs. 

A shipping container is a smart choice to use for storage or construction. Whatever your needs maybe, they’re strong, secure and affordable. But before you rush into purchasing containers, you need to do a little bit of research.  

Finding containers in a range of conditions is easier than ever, with the Port of Houston seeing a 29% climb in container volumes. 

Use this simple guide to help you compare and choose storage containers for sale in Texas. 

Determine the Size You Need 

The first step is to determine the size of the storage container you need. The two most popular container sizes are 20 and 40 feet in length and eight feet wide. The smallest you’ll see are 10 feet in length, while the largest can be up to 53 feet in length. 

A 20-foot cube is about the size of one parking space or a single car garage. A 40-foot cube is about the size of a two-car garage. 

High Cube 

The standard height for a shipping container is 8.5 feet high, but you could choose a high cube instead that is 9.5 feet high. That extra foot of space will give you an additional 12% of cubic storage space. 

What Size Container Will Fit? 

You also need to consider what size of storage container will fit on your property. You may find that two twenty-foot containers fit better than a single forty-foot container. There also needs to be additional space for the delivery truck to drop your container off in your desired location. 

Used or New 

When choosing between new and used, consider your budget and the condition you want your container to be in. Brand new containers are going to cost more of course.  

You’ll see several industry terms when looking at used containers. “One trip” describes sea containers that have made one ocean trip while carrying cargo. These are considered new containers and sometimes may even come with a warranty. 

IICL-5 and “cargo worthy” describe containers that meet industry standards for shipping and are the most aesthetically pleasing. These are a smart choice if you plan to use your storage container for shipping. They are inspected for long term cargo transportation and meet high quality standards. 

A container that is designated as “wind and watertight” is usually an older used container that doesn’t have any holes. These are containers may not be pretty, but they’re functional. You’ll find them to be more affordable then brand new ones.  

The lowest quality of steel containers is a “B-grade” and not a wise choice for your storage needs. They could have a heavy amount of rust, holes, and non-functioning doors. This may also pose a risk of stored items being stolen. So, with these containers, do careful due diligence inspections and proceed with relative caution before purchase. 

Should You Buy?

Ask yourself how long you need the container. If you only need the container for short term storage needs, then consider renting a container. 

For a long term or permanent storage solution, it can be more cost-effective to buy a container. The typical break-even point can vary, but most people find it’s at about two to three years. 

Browse Storage Containers for Sale

A shipping container can be the perfect solution for your short or long-term storage needs. They are large, solidly constructed, secure, and affordable. Keep this simple guide in mind when browsing the storage containers for sale in Houston or Dallas. 

Contact our team today and let us help you find the perfect storage container for your needs.