Shipping Containers for Sale: The Complete Guide

What are Shipping Containers?

Shipping containers are large reusable transport boxes made to efficiently move products globally. Standard sizes are either 20 feet (6.1m) or 40 feet long (12.2m). Below are key measurements:

Popular types of shipping containers:

• Standard Dry Cargo – Transport general freight like raw materials, packaged goods, furniture etc. Ventilated and non-ventilated units available. Most common type available used.
• Refrigerated – Have built-in cooling systems to ship perishables like food, chemicals, medicine etc while maintaining temperatures down to -26°C. Heavier insulation and powered by an external generator or power source. Checkout Refrigerated in our catalog

• Tank – Used to carry bulk liquids like water, oil, chemicals etc. Have special membranes to stop splash and reinforced baffle walls to reduce fluid movement. Manholes on top for access. Require expert hazard certification for many liquid products.

• Open Top – Roofless boxes that enable top-loading with an overhead crane or similar. Provide vertical access for outsized cargo loads. Often covered with a tarpaulin and used for very bulky goods where a normal container roof would restrict entry.
• Flat rack – Basically just the floor and end walls of a container creating an open-sided platform. Enables oversized items or machinery to be shipped without constructing crates. Can be stacked when loaded and often equipped with removable side gates.

Benefits of shipping containers include:

• Strength and durability for safe cargo transport
• Standardized dimensions that efficiently stack, lock and transfer between transport modes
• Reusability – reused for years, saving production impacts
• Availability globally allowing goods to accessed around the world

Why Buy Shipping Containers?

There are many compelling reasons to purchase used shipping containers:

Cost Savings

• Used containers typically 50-80% cheaper to buy than new models
• Provide very affordable rooms/spaces when compares to normal construction on a per square foot basis

Durability & Security

• Made from thick corten steel that resists rust, rot, mold and salt spray corrosion
• Withstand harsh weather and last for decades with minimal maintenance
• Lockable steel doors provide robust site security and protection

Ease of Modification

• Simple to reconfigure by cutting doors/windows and bolting additions like decks
• Versatility to convert into many different buildings like homes, cafes, shops, studios etc
• Modular flexibility to combine containers into larger spaces

Mobility

• Innate standardized handling allows containers to be transported using common equipment like cranes, forklifts, flatbeds
• Easy site relocation as projects evolve or temporary spaces needed
• Minimal foundations for quick deployment vs buildings

Around the world, used shipping containers are being upcycled into amazing spaces like pools, venues, homes and emergency shelters! Their flexibility and sustainability makes them a go-to for temporary architecture and creative projects.

Container Usage Examples:

• Coffee Shops & Micro Breweries
• Emergency Housing & Relief Centers
• Artists Studios & Exhibition Spaces
• Schools & Training Facilities
• Backyard Offices & Mini-Homes
• Equipment Sheds & Workshops
• Adventure Retreats & Eco-Lodges
• Startup Incubators & Tech Hubs
• Aquaponic & Hydroponic Farms

Ports & Container Depots

• Most major ports have dedicated long term container storage and handling areas
• Depots sell off retired containers no longer fit for cargo shipping
• Staff have specialist knowledge of containers

Visiting depots allows careful inspection of units so best to view first before purchase.

Private Sellers

• Search industry directories and classified listings for containers being sold by private companies/individuals
• Possible to uncover great deals but limited seller support info

When buying containers:

• Thoroughly check structure, doors seals etc
• Assess repairs needed and factor into price
• Verify specifications & certificates

Catching damage early means less unexpected costs!

How to Buy Shipping Containers

Follow this step-by-step process for buying containers smoothly:

1. Decide Your Needs

Consider key criteria like:

• Type e.g standard, tank etc
• Size – 20 or 40 feet
• Desired interior finish – bare steel or insulated etc
• New or used
• Number of doors
• Delivery distance

2. Find Good Deals

Browse the various sales avenues to find listings best matching your priorities through:

• Online searches – eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace etc
• Classified ads in industry publications
• Direct from nearby ports/depots
• Container reseller websites
• Liquidation auctions

3. Inspect Carefully

When viewing units note any:

• Major scratches, holes or damage
• Rust and leaks
• Door/frame alignment
• Decals indicating repairs
• Signs of leakage or pests

4. Agree Price & Purchase

• Negotiate fairly based on restoration work needed
• Get proof of ownership from seller
• Pay deposit to secure or pay fully via bank transfer, cash etc

5. Organize Logistics

• Obtain permits if moving overwidth containers
• Hire suitable truck, crane or forklift to relocate
• Consider route accessibility in your area

Using Shipping Containers

Converted containers enable many building applications:

Common Spaces Created from Containers

• Homes & Accommodations
• Cafes, Bars & Restaurants
• Shops & Boutiques
• Galleries & Museums
• Offices & Studios

More Unique Container Conversions

• Music & Performance Venues
• Event Spaces
• Aquaponics & Hydroponic Farms
• Tech Hubs & Startup Incubators
• Community Centers
• Emergency Shelters
• Guesthouses & Eco-Lodges
• Pool Houses

Example Container Structures

Stacked shipping containers creating a stunning home facade. Image Source

Cozy coffee shop built out of a recycled shipping container. Image Source

Visit sites below for more inspiration:

• Container Home Plans
• Discover Containers

Conclusion

With eco-consciousness around buildings growing, shipping containers provide affordable, resilient and sustainable construction blocks. Their availability and ease of modification enables many adaptive reuses for spaces like homes, shops and pop-up community hubs.

This guide covered sourcing containers in good condition, transportation logistics and the breadth of exciting end applications to create your very own shipping box project! Let us know if you need any other container buying or planning help.

Helpful Container Resources

IronBox Containers – New & Used Containers
Move Containers – Container Transportation
*Container Home Plans – Off-Grid Home Designs