Your Guide to Choosing the Right Shipping Container for Your Needs

Shipping containers can be converted into a range of uses besides shipping. You can turn a shipping container into a house or use it as a storage solution. Whatever your need for a container is, the challenging part will be to choose the right one for that intended purpose. Shipping containers come in different sizes, conditions, and even colours. To get the right one for your needs, here is what you need to know. 

Consider the Condition of The Container

Containers are categorised in different grades depending on their condition, and you need to consider this element when you are in the market for one. The first grade is known as One Trip or New. These types of containers are usually new units manufactured and transported one time to the individual countries for sale. They are essentially new containers and have the least damages. Most of these One Trip shipping containers come with extra features such as factory equipped lockboxes and forklift pockets that you wouldn't otherwise find on other types of containers. These containers are the perfect option for residential use, but they can still be used for shipping or storage. 

Cargo Worthy is the next grade of shipping containers you will find. Usually, these containers will have been used for a while but are structurally sound, and as the name suggests, they can still be used for overseas shipping. Wind and Water Tight is the next grade of containers. These will have been used for a considerably longer period than the first two. They may have suffered significant damages that were repaired over the years. Some of these damages such as those on the subflooring joists are the reason the containers are not approved for shipping, which means you should use them for other purposes such as storage. The last grade or category of containers is known as As Is and is usually for containers that have suffered the most damage and may not be resilient against the elements. Sellers of these containers typically don't want to make repairs on the damages, which could be small or major. Therefore, it will be up to you as the buyer to decide whether making the repairs on your own and transforming the container to the condition you want would be worthwhile. 

Consider the Material of The Container

Containers can be made of aluminium or steel. The latter is usually stronger and durable, making it ideal for residential or even long-term storage use. However, it may not stand up well to the outdoor elements. Aluminium is suitable for temporary storage because it does not rust or corrode and works well in any weather.