When you’re thinking about buying a shipping container , it will be a significant investment, so you should ask some important questions before making the purchase. Here are the most important things you should know, and the questions you should consider before you proceed with purchasing a high-quality storage container.

This is the first and most important question you should answer when you’re thinking about purchasing a steel shipping container. Depending on how you intend to use it, you may want to purchase a used container instead of buying a brand-new one. When you’re thinking about how you will use the container, it will also impact whether you purchase one with side doors, double doors, or possibly even a refrigerated container.

Once you’re sure how to put the shipping container to use, you’ll need to consider how big a container you want to purchase. Things you’ll need to consider before delivery include, the space you have available and where the container is to be stored. Suppose you intend to buy several shipping containers. In that case, you need to have considerable space available, and you’ll have to figure out a way to have them distributed optimally. The most popular sizes of storage containers are 10-foot, 20-foot , and 40-foot, so you’ll need to accommodate these sizes when you’re thinking about where your containers will fit.

If you don’t plan on purchasing a brand-new shipping container, you need to be aware of what kind of condition it’s in after being used. Some shipping containers have a very long life, have made numerous trips overseas, and have been transported over roadways in the interior of countries. All this mileage can add up and impact the condition of a shipping container, so you should make a point of thoroughly inspecting one before you purchase or talking to the company you are purchasing from to ensure the container condition will suit your needs. 

New one-trip containers are less than a year old; making only “one trip” with goods from overseas to the United States. They are a great choice for those looking for the highest level of quality, durability, and aesthetics. Used containers, meanwhile, can be 10-20 years old, and are ideal for those who are less concerned with aesthetics and are looking to bridge the gap between function and cost. With proper maintenance and care, used shipping containers will last for years to come.

This will have a direct bearing on the purpose you have in mind for your storage container. For instance, if you intend to use it to store perishable goods, you might need to modify  the container to refrigerate them. You might also need to install lights, windows, or special security measures that will keep it safe from burglars or others. When you’ve decided on any necessary modifications, you should also think about whether they need to be carried out immediately or if they can be deferred to a later date.

In some cases, the container delivered to you might not be exactly what you thought you were getting. For instance, you might find that your shipping container has a leak that you were unaware of. Most good suppliers will offer a warranty that covers the container for any type of damage for a certain period of time. Reputable sellers will generally ensure that the customer gets exactly what they want because it makes good business sense.

The answer to this question is easy – at Jake Containers of Ridgefield Park, NJ. At our site in New Jersey, we have all kinds of shipping containers in excellent condition and can be used for virtually any purpose. Contact us today with any questions you might have about these durable storage containers, or arrange a visit to our site to see them for yourself.