Like virtually anything you buy in life, if it is new it usually costs more. This is the case when purchasing a cargo shipping container. You can save a lot of money on your cargo shipments expenses by considering the purchase of a used shipping container. The better condition the cargo container is in, the more expensive a used one will cost.
It is important to keep these things in mind before purchasing a used container:
- Not all containers are created equally- If you are shipping cargo by sea, you must make sure that the container you purchase is sea worthy and meets all international standards. Some containers are built to be transported on land and cannot stand up to the rigors of sea travel. A cargo shipment container that will be used on the sea must be waterproof and weather proof. Weatherproof is defined as being able to withstand the wind, movements and onslaught of all elements that are possible in the middle of the ocean.
- The doors- Make sure that you carefully examine the strength of the doors. Specifically, make sure that the locking mechanisms on the doors and the levers function correctly and appear secure. If you plan on replacing the doors with new ones, keep this expense in mind when determining whether purchasing a new or used cargo shipping container makes sense.
- The interior- Quite often, cargo containers have floors made of plywood. Over the lifetime of a container, these floors can be battered by rigors of sea travel. Also, make sure that there are no signs of animal or insect problems. It is possible that the container you buy may have been inactive for a period of time. This could cause unwelcome visitors to find a home in your container. It makes sense to have your shipping container de-loused by quarantine authorities.
- The exterior- It is critically important that your cargo be shipped in a container that is rust-free. Examine both the inside and outside of the container. Look carefully as it is easy to miss signs of rust particularly near the top or bottom of the container. Quite often, rust will develop in the seams at the corners where tiny air holes remain from when the container was welded together.
Whether you ship your cargo in a new or used container, visit CargoInsurance.com to find the best rates on cargo insurance.
