Shipping containers for sale are available in different international standard sizes. Prices are variable, largely depending on availability and condition, and there’s no definitive guideline relating to used containers for sale prices. So, if you are looking for cheaper units and basing your choice on price, it’s important to establish condition before you buy.

So how do you know the condition of shipping containers for sale? If you can get to see the container before you buy it, you’ll be able to assess the condition yourself. But this is not always possible for logistical reasons.

How to Assess the Condition of Shipping Containers for Sale

Standard container sizes and specifications for manufacture are set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The US-based Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL), established in 1971, was instrumental in developing the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), an international agreement that aims to ensure all containers are maintained in a safe condition. It also prescribes test procedures as well as strength requirements to ensure that the international transportation of shipping containers complies with international safety regulations.

Broadly, the shipping container industry categorises shipping containers for sale by age. They are either:

1. New
2. Less than five years old, also referred to as IICL grade
3. Older than five years and generally sold “as is”

Regardless of age, all shipping containers for sale should be Cargo Worthy (CW) and should have a valid CSC certification. Cargo worthiness must be assessed in a physical inspection by an authorised approval authority. They should also be Wind & Water Tight (WWT) so that neither wind nor water will enter the container. So, if you go into the container and close it up, no light will show through the roof or side panels. To be CW and therefore suitable for the safe transportation of cargo, a WWT container must meet the CSC specifications.

While there is no international container grading system in place, some companies have their own internal classification systems and container grading protocol. When you are looking for used containers for sale prices ask if there is any internal grading system that indicates the condition and appearance of the shipping containers for sale.

Some containers may be a little rusty and there may be dents in the metal, but this is not necessarily an indication of the container’s structural quality. Instead, it may only be a cosmetic consideration. For this reason, before you assess the acceptability of used containers for sale prices, be sure of your needs. Generally, cheaper shipping containers for sale are better suited for storage rather than transporting cargo. But if you are going to use the container as an office or even a storage unit that is visible to customers, aesthetics will probably be a strong consideration. At the same time, you might opt to paint the container or even disguise it with cladding; it really depends entirely on your own unique needs.

Almar Container Group Shipping Containers for Sale

Almar offers quality new and used shipping containers for sale in Africa and the Middle East, and all containers are WWT and CW.

The company has an internal grading system that helps customers decide what is suitable for their needs:

• Grade A - New containers of various standard sizes.
• Grade B - Used containers that are in good condition, with minimal dents and minimal rust.
• Grade C - Used containers that are in a fair condition, with moderate dents and moderate rust.

You’ll know what to expect when you buy your used shipping container from Almar, even if you don’t see it prior to delivery. Call us today to find out more about our used containers for sale prices and availability.

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Used shipping containers have become incredibly popular for storage, office and site accommodation, for smaller commercial enterprises, and even for homes. But if you’re in the market for these versatile steel boxes, where will you find the cheapest shipping containers for sale?

Who Owns Containers Used for Shipping?

If you are searching for containers for sale, it makes sense to ascertain who owns the containers that are used for shipping. Drive past any shipping port in the world and you’ll see thousands of steel shipping containers sitting on the docks.

Thousands of ships constantly carry shipping containers around the world, and it is estimated that more than 35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) are in circulation at any one time. The term TEU refers to the industry standard relating to the length of shipping containers. Most are either 20-foot or 40 foot-long, the equivalent of 6m or 12m, although some are smaller, measuring 10 foot (3m). Container ships are designed to carry a certain number of TEUs, with one TEU equal to 20 foot.

But who actually owns the containers the ships carry?

The quick answer is, it all depends! It might be:

• The carrier that owns or charters the ship used for transportation. Carriers might also operate trucks, railways, airlines, or other forms of transportation.
• A company that rents containers used for transportation.
• A non-vessel operating common carrier or NVOCC that organizes shipments, forwarding freight. Usually, an NOVOCC will get goods from producers or manufacturers to customers or to a final point of sale or distribution.
• A shipper that regularly transports goods using containers owned by others.

Ironically, though, this isn’t really going to help you find out who offers the cheapest shipping containers for sale!

How to Find the Best Shipping Containers for Sale

You will find there are advertisements for the cheapest shipping containers for sale all over the Internet. You will find them on Gumtree, OLX, and on various private trading sites. Before you buy, the trick is to ascertain that cheapest is actually best!

So what guidelines do you follow?

• Make sure the container offered for sale has been manufactured according to a standard ISO size.
• Ascertain the age of the container as well as its condition.
• Check costs or, if you plan to rent, then check the minimum rental periods available.
• Ensure that all containers have been cleared by local customs and tax authorities.
• Also, check transport costs to get the container where you need it.

Almar Has New and Used Containers for Sale

Almar Container Group offers new and used shipping containers for sale in Africa and the Middle East. The secondhand containers are in excellent condition and range in age from about eight to 12 years.

The company has a wide range of containers, all of which have been manufactured to ISO standards – which includes standard sizes. Availability meets the demand for 6m- and 12m-long containers (20 and 40 foot) that are 2.4m wide.

So, if you’re looking for the cheapest shipping containers for sale in our region, call the container specialists at Almar to see how we can help you today.

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