Essential Tips for Buying a Used Shipping Container

Buying a used shipping container should be straightforward — but hundreds of buyers every year end up with a leaking, rusted unit they overpaid for, or worse, get outright scammed. This guide covers the 5 most critical things to check before you buy a used shipping container, plus a full inspection checklist you can use on delivery day to make sure you only pay for exactly what was promised.

1. Rule Number One: Don't Get Scammed When Buying a Container!

In the United States, more than 90% of people seeking used shipping containers turn to online marketplaces such as Facebook, Craigslist, and Offer Up. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international shipping rates have increased significantly. This has led to higher prices for shipping containers on the market. As a result, consumers may be looking for cheap used containers and may be targeted by scammers offering seemingly good deals at very low prices. It's important to be cautious and do your due diligence when buying shipping containers online to avoid falling victim to common shipping container scams.

☑ How to Protect Your Hard-Earned Money from Scammers?

To reassure yourself, check the company reviews and their customer service. This ensures you’ll receive the best service that you deserve. You can give them a call, speak to a live agent, and request more information. Research that company to make sure they are legitimate. If a company is part of the NPSA (National Portable Storage Association) and has reviews on the Better Business Bureau, that’s a good sign.

You should also ask about their payment methods. Don’t trust companies that do not accept debit or credit cards as a payment option. There is a 90 to 120-day purchase protection feature when paying with a credit card (not a debit card). You can do a chargeback or a dispute should anything go wrong with the purchase. Never do wire transfers unless you are sure the used shipping container supplier is legitimate!

​Easy Shipping Container Delivery  | US CONEX | Start by Getting a Quote or Call (832) 900-3502

2. Are Cheaper Used Container Prices Always Better? Wrong!

When shopping for a used shipping container, it's important to find a unit that fits your budget. However, simply buying the cheapest used container you find may not always be the best choice. Instead, consider purchasing a used container from a reputable shipping company. They sell graded and inspected units. These units are typically well-maintained and regularly repaired.

Avoid purchasing very old, third or fourth-hand containers from small local yards. These may have been sitting idle for an extended period and may be in poor condition. To find the best deal, you may need to do some research to determine the typical cost of used shipping containers in different types and conditions. More about shipping container prices.

3. It's Vital To Know How Used Container Retailers Operate

Used shipping container companies often maintain inventory at commercial depots in major cities across the United States. This facilitates delivery to customers. These commercial yards typically have strict access policies. They only allow authorized personnel on the premises. This makes it difficult for customers to inspect containers before purchase unless they arrange to pick up the container themselves.

When visiting small local yards, you have the opportunity to inspect the containers yourself. You may even find less expensive units. However, these units may have been previously owned and may have undiscovered corrosion at the base or rotten floors.

Reliable and reputable retailers usually sell thoroughly inspected and graded used containers.

☑ What is a Used Shipping Container Grade?

Used shipping container grades indicate the condition of a used container. Options range from brand new "one-trip" containers to older containers with aesthetic and structural issues. While containers are built to withstand harsh conditions, exposure to weather and damage from machinery can cause deterioration over time. There is no universal grading system, but larger suppliers often use a more objective and recognized system. When purchasing a used shipping container, familiarize yourself with these grades. Make sure the supplier is not just grading based on availability.

☑ New/One Trip Shipping Container

• Cargo worthy minimum standard with valid CSC Plate

• Interior will be minimum 95% mark free

• Floor will be clean with no transferable marks or stains, but possible light scratches from transport

• Near new may have minimal exterior surface corrosion and negligible denting

• Anywhere from just landed in the depot to 5 years old fall into this grade

  
  

☑ B Grade Shipping Container

• Cargo worthy or wind watertight standard with or without valid CSC Plate

• Wind and watertight

• Interior will be minimum of 50% mark free, some scuffing or scratching, and minor surface rust

• Floor will be stained or marked and may also have minor delamination

• Exterior may have minimal surface corrosion and dents

• Container may have small amount of previous repairs/patches

• Anywhere from 5 - 10 years old fall into this grade

  
  

☑ C Grade Shipping Container

• Structural condition of container may be wind watertight or as is standard without valid CSC Plate

• Interior will have extensive markings, scratches, and corrosion

• Floor will be stained or marked and may also have moderate delamination

• Exterior will have surface corrosion with a multitude of dents

• Container may have several previous repairs/patches

• Around 10+ years old fall into this grade

  
  

☑ D Grade Shipping Container

• Structural condition of container is as is standard without valid CSC Plate

• Interior and exterior will have extensive corrosion and or holes

• Floor will have extensive staining and delamination

• Major damaged containers fall into this grade

  
  

Once you order your used container, the logistics team will book your delivery with an experienced driver. Delivery times in this business are 7-14 business days. They can go up to 15-20 business days in busy months like September to November. Here is more about the delivery process.

​​Easy Shipping Container Delivery  | US CONEX | Start by Getting a Quote or Call (832) 900-3502

4. Prepare Your Shipping Container Foundation to Avoid Headaches!

Although you don’t require a permanent foundation for your shipping container, it is still a good idea to have something rather than nothing. Having the container on the ground may mean it won’t drain or ventilate properly. This can lead to corrosion and decay at the base.

Another critical point is that the spot where the storage container sits needs to be leveled. Otherwise, you will have issues closing or opening the doors. Learn more about groundwork.

5. Do You Need a Permit for a Used Shipping Container?

A shipping container building permit is usually only required if you are not setting up any permanent foundations for your structure. This means setting your container on concrete footings or railroad ties, for example. If, however, you are looking to turn it into a more permanent structure, you may be required to get a permit first. Contact your local building department to confirm your specific requirements before ordering.

It’s important to find the right supplier for your used shipping containers. Some suppliers may not be as friendly as they might initially appear. US Conex can help you find the best used containers for sale that are right for you, whether you need new, used, or custom containers for storage.

​​Easy Shipping Container Delivery  | US CONEX | Start by Getting a Quote or Call (832) 900-3502

You might also be interested in Shipping Container Maintenance - Tips to Extend the Life of Your Container or The pros and cons of buying new or used shipping containers.