Used vs New Shipping Containers, are you Sacrificing Anything?
Container prices are going to differ some based on you buying new or used ones, it won’t be thousands of dollars but it won’t be nothing. Each option comes with its benefits and negatives of course. Depending on why you need a container, you’re probably going to consider all of your options very in-depth. Truly the large majority of the time there is nothing – or very little wrong with any used shipping container.
Most people, and we support this, look out for all the different deals they can find. In the end, we can guarantee that most used containers are going to hold up as well as a new one, apart from maybe looking a tad more beat up on the outside. Let’s break this down further for you below.
Save on cost
If your budget is tight and you need a container, we certainly recommend that you really consider used ones. They are more affordable for the simple reason that otherwise they’d just be sitting somewhere rusting away, these containers have to be extremely high quality to be considered “sea-worthy” so you’re almost “recycling” it in a certain sense. Though they may have been used a lot in the past, they really do stay in great shape through all of this use. You do not have to compromise on quality simply because your budget is a little on the lower end. If you compare a new and used container of the same size and similar conditions, the used is going to be cheaper almost every time.
Purpose of the Shipping Container
The reason you need a container will play a major role in determining if you really need a new one. For example, if you are purchasing a container because you want to turn it into a home or an office, you should just go with a new container so you can ensure you’re starting from a perfect base. You don’t want to risk finding any dents or rust that compromise the integrity of the container. You need to ensure a secure and safe environment if you will be living in it.
On the other hand, if you’re just going to be using it as a “storage shed”, a used container will be more than adequate. It will serve the same purpose just as well as a new one in addition to saving you money on overall costs.
Will you have modifications made to the Storage Container?
Buying shipping containers so you can turn them into homes or office space obviously means fairly intense modifications that need to be made. You may choose to reinforce the floor, add windows and vents, subdivide the space, and/or allow for plumbing. Whatever you’re doing, considering that these alterations can be very costly, it is highly recommended that you do them on a new container, this way you can ensure that you’re working with a quality base and things aren’t going to fall apart over time. If you start modifying a used shipping container, you could be halfway through installing A/C before you realize you have a spot of rust near the base that’s weakening the wall, that could be all it needs for your container to fail.
Chances of Shipping the Container
Do you think you’ll ever move your container overseas to transport anything? Or do you even think you’ll be loading it up on a truck and having it driven elsewhere in the country? A new container is already certified for shipping but that will cost you a small premium. On the other hand, there is absolutely no need to buy a certified container if you do not intend to ship it to another country, that would be a waste of money.
So when it comes down to it, the new vs used debate all hinges on your intended use and if you have any desire to actually use it for shipping. Basically, if you want to ship it or use it for something more involved and intensive like a home or shop, you need to buy new. If you’re literally just using it as a storage shed or anything else like that, we totally recommend that you go the used route. These containers are just like the new but maybe with a dent or two, and a lower price tag! Learn more about our shipping container sales if you’re still unsure.
If you need a Raleigh NC Shipping Container, you’re in the right place. Carolina Containers are the premier shipping container retailer in the area. We have 20-foot containers, 40-foot containers, and we can make just about any shipping container customizations you may want.