How to Shop Smart for New Shipping Containers
If you are in the market for a shipping container, you are likely wondering whether you should buy new or used. Determining which is ideal will depend on many factors, ranging from availability, cost and preference.
Find out more about making that choice in this blog: How to Choose the Right Shipping Container
So what if you've decided to go with a one-trip or new shipping container? Here is everything you need to know about 'new' shipping containers and how to make smart choices when making your container purchase.
What Is a One-Trip, New Shipping Container?
First off, let's start with what is categorized as a 'new' shipping container. New containers are often referred to as one-trip because they are manufactured in Asia, loaded up with goods, and then shipped to the U.S. are as new as you can get in the United States. New, or one-trip containers, as they are more appropriately called, will meet all the usual shipping standards like used containers do, but they will have a much cleaner, fresher look.
One-trip containers are typically beige, gray, or blue in color. Because they are used one time to get them from where they are made to get to the US, you might spot a few tire marks inside or minor wear from their initial journey like scrapes on the corner posts, minor dents, or small scrapes in the paint, but overall, they’ll have a much fresher, crisp look than used containers (which are being used for longer and longer periods of time - up to 18 years these days!). One-trip containers generally will come in a solid color with no large logos on them. In addition, you usually get a few extras with one-trip containers such as lockboxes on the doors to protect your padlock, the lever handles for opening and closing the doors are up at more convenient location, often the right-hand door will have just one lockrod with a longer handle for easier opening and closing, more vents than a used container and on 40’s, you usually get forklift pockets which used 40’s may or may not have. One-trip containers are available to individuals and businesses to purchase from vendors such as Super Cubes.
For this blog, we will be using the terms new container and one-trip container interchangeably, but we are referring to one-trip containers that have only made one-trip over from China and are as new as possible in the US.
Here are several things that will help you shop smart for your one-trip / new shipping container.
Key Considerations When Buying a New Shipping Container
Define the Purpose
What are you going to use your container for?
- Extra storage for home or business items
- On-site storage for tools, equipment, or supplies such as on a farm or construction site
- As a workspace for business operations or creative projects
- A secure holding area or transport for sensitive or valuable cargo
- Flexible space for pop-up shops or temporary structures
- As a permanent building structure or business
17 Different Uses for a 20 Foot Shipping Container
Are you going to be modifying it?
If so, a new shipping container is best for making modifications. They are the most structurally sound. Used containers have rust, dents and there is no record of what has happened to them. The last thing you want is a container that is not structurally sound being further weakened by modifications leading to structural problems with a container leading to a collapse. Additionally, a one-trip container will inevitably last longer and have a better cosmetic appearance (less rust and dents) from the beginning.
If you are building with the container in some areas, you will need what is called an AC462 container. The International Code Council has an accreditation process for companies to sell ISO shipping containers that comply with the provisions of the 2021 and 2018 International Building Code® (IBC) and International Residential Code® (IRC). Super Cubes does not have this accreditation, but partners with accredited companies to provide these containers. If you have questions about AC462 containers, please give us a call.
Additionally, you can also get containers that come with some pre-set customization to them. More on this below.
Where is your container going to go?
Where your container resides could influence whether a one-trip shipping container is best suited for your needs. Will it be used with customers or in a high-profile place? Or in a residential area where you’ll see it all the time? If so, you will likely prefer the cleaner look of a new shipping container.
What Size Shipping Container Do You Need
Next, decide on the size of your shipping container. The container market can fluctuate depending on supply and demand; therefore, pricing can vary. For 20-foot containers, prices are currently similar for both used and one-trip (new) options. You can pay a little more to get a one-trip 20' container, but the quality will be so much better. If you are thinking of painting it, by the time you pay to paint it, you'll have spent more on the used one with paint than on a new 20' without painting it.
It isn't always the same with 40-foot standards and high-cube (HC) containers—used and one-trip prices. In some markets they are getting closer, particularly if you are adding in the painting costs. Because of this, you might find it worth starting with a one-trip container that already looks good!
One thing to keep in mind is that containers are commodities and pricing is always fluctuating and prices vary depending on where in the country you are located. So what we see in pricing today can change tomorrow. What is true in one market today is completely different in another market at the same time. While we have some customers who think that means drive across the country to cash in on good deals, remember trucking has costs too. But you'll want shop local pricing in your area to see what is the latest when you are looking to buy.
Key Factors That Impact the Cost of a Shipping Container
Customization and Specialty Containers
Do you need a container that comes with some fancy extras? If so, these will automatically be one-trip containers. Some of the types or speciality container that come in one-trip or new containers include:
- Doors on both ends
- 20’ high cubes
- 10’ containers - they come over as two 10’s stuck together as one 20’ container.
- Open-side containers:
- Full-open-side
- 40’ high cube - 4 doors on one 40’ side separate by 3 posts
Plan a Smart Shipping Container Delivery
Delivery methods are the same for both used and one-trip containers.
Here are some questions to ask yourself in preparation for your shipping container delivery:
Do you need to prep the site?
For basic storage, you’ll generally need firm, level ground, and possibly a little prep work like adding gravel. For modification projects, though, it can get more complex. You may need a foundation, so consulting with a structural engineer can help ensure your setup fits both your property and design needs.
How will the truck access the site?
Can a standard truck with rear offloading access the area? Or will you need additional equipment, like a crane or forklift, to position the container?
Find out more about a smart shipping container delivery:
Container Delivery Basics: Tilt-Bed, Flat-Bed, or Chassis
Where to Buy New Shipping Containers
Now that you know how to shop smart for your one-trip shipping container, you'll need to know where to shop smart. Super Cubes is a trusted vendor for shipping containers of all kinds, including AC462 containers. Whether you need a standard 20' shipping container, a specialty container, or a fully customized modification project, explore our shipping containers for sale to find your ideal fit. Super Cubes will ensure you get exactly what you need.
Super Cubes is a family-owned business located in Minneapolis, MN, that provides containers anywhere in the continental US. We offer personalized service for individuals and businesses, providing high-quality containers at competitive prices. With nationwide facilities, we can modify and deliver containers close to you. Contact our experienced team for your next container project.