5 Types of Containers You Can Get From Your Supplier

It is important to know all the options you have when you decide to buy or rent a container. Of course you should also research any regulations dictating usage or storage of containers in your locality. If you’re planning to get containers, you have a world of options in terms of type and size. There are insulated, dry, modified and refrigerated containers, although specialized containers will be more expensive than the common types and sizes.

1. One-trip containers

One-trip containers are mostly manufactured in Asia and are taken to other countries carrying one cargo load, after which they are available for sale. These are a good choice since they have not been deteriorating in storage or on the ocean. They have not carried many loads and are therefore less damaged by denting, dings and rusting. These containers are considered new or almost new.

However, they will have a few scratches because of being handled by trucks and container lifts. They are easily found at any port worldwide. These are ideal if you don’t want to deal with the wear of used containers, but you don’t have the money to buy completely new containers.

Refurbished containers may have rust underneath the paint coat and will not give you good service for your investment. After manufacture, these containers are carefully painted in a controlled environment and are therefore more long-lasting than paintjobs on old containers. Another advantage of one-trip containers is that they have a single solid color painted on them so that you don’t need to paint out any brand names.

2. Cargo worthy containers

Cargo worthy containers are containers that have been inspected and approved for transportation of ocean cargo. These are only characterized and marked this way after being inspected or certified by licensed container surveyors. Whether or not you’re trying to ship the container, buying a marked container ensures that you have a surveyed container which will give you good service. Inspection criteria include condition of floor, walls, ceiling, lining, doors and any special characteristics for specialized containers such as refrigerated containers. Structural integrity is also inspected prior to certification.

3. Used AS IS or WWT

AS IS containers are often the cheapest in the market if you’re looking to buy containers. These units have been used for a few years and then retired by leasing or shipping companies such as The Shipping Container Co and others. You can find AS IS containers for sale in most major towns and ports.

Shipping and storage containers are denoted as A-grade, AS IS or WWT (Wind and Water Tight). Bear in mind that most used containers will have suffered some rust damage on the surface. However, they are very affordable and can also be refurbished to remove damage and place a new paint coat, after which they can give considerable service.

4. Modified containers

Modified containers are often sold by mobile storage companies. There are different types of modification and not all modifications have the best effect. For instance, replacing standard ISO cargo doors with roll-up doors is a popular modification, but it makes the container less secure. Modification may also interfere with the ISO standard of ISO-certified containers that are proven to be weather-tight.