Thinking of Buying a Portable Container or Shipping Container?

There's a fair amount of confusion in the marketplace about the differences and similarities between storage containers and shipping containers. Most people assume they're the same thing, however the similarities stop at the shape of the box. Shipping containers and storage pods both have great features and benefits, but depending on your requirements choosing one over the other could leave your budget and needs, off target.

Construction Strength and Durability

Shipping containers are designed to travel the seas and highways around the world in some of the harshest conditions, so filling one with your possessions and sitting it in your back yard is no challenge. On the down side, shipping containers weigh a lot and it will take some special equipment to move it from one location to the next. Along with the extreme durability comes extreme security. The COR-TEN steel is durable and nearly impossible to break into from any angle.

Storage containers are typically constructed of aluminum, so they're much lighter and easier to reposition. Also, a benefit of aluminum is that it doesn't rust or corrode in any way, and can easily take a coat of paint. If appearance is of the utmost importance a storage pod could do the trick. On the other side, the lighter construction means a sacrifice in durability and security

Life Span

If you're going to keep the unit for an extended period of time, a shipping container could be the better solution. As we mentioned before, shipping containers are designed with abuse in mind. The strength and weight of the steel container will allow it to withstand rain, snow, and the harshest conditions that Mother Nature can throw at it.
An aluminum storage pod will hold up well in many conditions, but if things get extreme it may take some damage. For example, if a tree falls on the unit it may incur some damage. That being said, if it's a rental unit you may just be able to call the owner and have them replace it, while you'll be responsible for insuring and replacing the items inside.

Price and Ownership

Price and the ownership option are another sticking point between shipping containers and storage pods.

Some companies rent or sell shipping containers on a regular basis, and the price varies by location, condition, size, and features on the container. As you would expect, and older "as is, where is" 20' shipping container will be less expensive than a new, 40' high cube container. The purchase option is ideal if you're going to need the container for an extended period of time, if you just need the space for short period of time the rental option could be the way to go.

Portable storage units, on the other hand, are usually only available for rental. Many of the companies renting storage pods are large, national companies and they intend to keep them for their entire life, then recycle them back into new pods. Delivery and pick-up fees are sometimes included with the price of the container, making it a much cheaper option.

ContainerAuction.com is an online marketplace for buying and selling new and used shipping containers. To date, storage pods have never been offered on the site and due to the nature of our industry there are no plans to offer them in the future.