Buy a Used Shipping Container for Storage-What you can do to prepare!

The best buying experiences always happen when your expectations are met or exceeded. I write this blog to advise, educate and to help manage reasonable expectations about 

used shipping containers.

I have been selling used shipping containers for over 18 years. On occasion, I have a sale that doesn't go as well as I hoped. My mistakes have led me to a few guidelines I try to adhere to. Let me explain...

1. To see or not to see?

When possible, go see the equipment you are buying. When I have several items in stock, I always offer this option. If I have a customer that seems uncomfortable, I insist on it. Most of my customers buy over the phone, sight unseen. I am as forthright as I can be about various grades of used cargo containers. Remember, this is your purchase, you should participate as much as possible.

On occasion, I broker equipment. I am always honest with the buyer during this process. I just sold several container & chassis sets in California last week. The buyer was well aware that I brokered this equipment. In those cases, I along with my buyer often depend on photos and mutual trust. Don't be a victim, but also know all business transactions require trust from both parties. I have found if trust is absent or breaks down, the sale will fall apart or become miserable. No one wants that!

2. Condition-Study up!

Used shipping containers are typically dented and dinged all over with varying degrees of surface rust. There are multiple grades/classifications. Do some advanced research or clarify with a sales person exactly what you expect.


3. Delivery-what to expect.

I request all customers to sign a delivery waiver. This is more a list of expectations, than a legal document for us. Our drivers are professional, insured, working folks. Downtime and damage to equipment hurts them and their families. I do my best to provide great customer service and respect to our drivers.

First, your site should be clear of debris and ready to go. The driver should be able to offload in less than 20 minutes. This means advanced preparations on your part. Ask how much room is required. Don't forget about tree limbs or power lines.

How do you want the doors-loaded to the cab or away from the cab? Doors to the cab will roll off and hit the ground last. To the cab is the most popular placement requested.

If your delivery is off road-it should be level, hard packed and dry. If it rains where ever you are, we request you call and cancel prior to delivery-please. We do charge for failed deliveries and any time spent onsite after 30 minutes.

4. Credit card security.

We use Quickbooks online. Once I enter credit card information, it is encrypted. I nor anyone in my office can see it. We take your financial information seriously. I pay a little extra for each transaction to use Quickbooks/Intuit rather than a cheaper credit card processor because I trust them.

I hope this article has been helpful to you. I really enjoy working with the public. Please call me if I can assist you at 678-380-9980.

Best regards-Addie Turner.