Where’s the best place to find cheap shipping containers?

Like many things in life, you really don’t recognize how abundant shipping containers are until you really start looking for them. 

Shipping containers, or cargo containers to some, make it a habit to not stand out in their surroundings.  Often in muted colors like ivory or almond, they do a great job of blending in.  You might pass containers every day.  Shipping containers can be used for portable storage units, mobile offices, or even converted into modular housing units.  While they seem omnipresent, the question that most people as is “where can I find a cheap shipping container?”

Before you start looking for a cheap shipping container, the first thing that you need to do is ask yourself the following questions:

1. What length do you need the container to be?  Most commonly, they are 20’ and 40’ long.

2. What do you plan on using the container for (storage, housing conversion, shipping)?

3. What condition should the container be in (typical conditions are "cargo worthy", "wind/water tight", "one trip", and "as-is, where is")?

4. Will you require the shipping container delivery, or do you have a truck to move it yourself?

5. If you need the container delivered, do you have a forklift or crane on site, or will you need a truck that’s capable of unloading the container itself?

With the answers to these questions in mind, you can begin looking for a cheap shipping container.  It’s important to keep in mind that “cheap” can be a relative word and your definition of a cheap, or affordable shipping container may be very different than that of another person.  It’s always well advised to do your research to find the best available container prices.

The two most productive ways to find cheap shipping containers are to search your local area on the internet, and to visit the real time container auctions on ContainerAuction.com.

If you begin searching for a cheap shipping container in your local area, and on the internet keep in mind that many container traders have websites, but you may be asked to contact their office for the latest pricing.  Container prices can change regularly and traders are typically based in container depots or terminals, so they may not have a lot of time to update the inventory listed on their website on a regular basis. 

The second option is to search ContainerAuction.com for shipping containers for sale and container auctions.  Many traders, shipping lines, and container leasing companies have accounts on the trading platform and you may contact them directly through the trading platform to inquire about their inventory.  The custom container trading platform hosts countless auctions and sales each month.  If you don’t see a container for sale in your area, chances are they can find you one at a great price.

It’s best have a firm understanding of why you need a shipping container, and with this bit of knowledge you can find an affordable price on a shipping container in your area.  Whether you’re using it for on-site storage, a temporary office, or a modular home conversion, shipping containers are a great choice to fill your needs.