Please note that converted / fabricated containers are only available in East Africa and Middle East.

Almar Container Group

Why Use Steel Containers for Shipping

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Steel Containers

Stackable shipping containers have been used to transport cargo for more than half a century, and nothing much has changed in terms of their construction. Most are made of corrugated steel and incorporate floors made from strong planking or plywood. But while steel is not the only material used for shipping containers, steel containers are the most common type for various reasons including security, mobility, accessibility, and lifespan.

Since 1969, steel containers have been standardized in terms of the material used for construction and their size, as well as the patented design of the corner posts incorporated in the design of these mobile containers.

Standardization of steel containers used for overland and ocean shipping is in accordance with the Swiss-based International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that develops and publishes international standards on just about everything.

ISO Standards for Steel Containers

ISO standards specify the type of steel containers should be made from. Essentially, it is a “weathering steel” that is resistant to corrosion and commonly referred to as Cor-ten steel. It is the same type of steel used in the many industries that utilize steel sections like bridges, facades and building panels that are left exposed to the elements.

When it comes to size, ISO standards specify both the internal and external dimensions of steel containers, which is why standard size lengths are the same worldwide, the most common being 10 ft, 20 ft, and 40 ft. Most are 8 ft wide, and the height of steel containers ranges from 4 ft to 9 ft 6 ins though most are 8 ft 6 ins high.

But containers aren’t only made from steel, some are made from aluminium and sometimes stainless steel too – usually a combination of the two metals.

Mobile Containers Made of Aluminium

Significantly different to steel containers, shipping containers are also made from aluminium according to ISO specifications.

For some years, both steel and aluminium were used for mobile containers that would carry dry cargo. But steel was stronger and therefore became the preferred material. At the same time, because refrigerated products are generally a lot lighter than dry cargo, a combination of aluminium and stainless steel continued to be used for refrigerated shipping containers. Generally, the walls of these aluminium containers are considerably thinner than those of steel containers, and their thermal insulation is increased by the use of other materials on the inside of their walls.

Steel containers and those made of aluminium cannot be used interchangeably. Apart from anything else, the latter isn’t constructed for stacking, and they are generally used domestically, within countries of origin, rather than for shipping cargo across the sea or across continents.

Of course, refrigerated containers aren’t only made of aluminium. Today reefers (the term for refrigerated containers) are commonly made from steel.

Steel Containers from Almar

Almar Container group specialises in steel shipping containers and has the full range of sizes. Our mobile containers are suitable for dry and refrigerated freight, depending on your needs. They may also be used for storage. Contact us to discuss your needs. We are ready to help.

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How to Cut Costs on Container Rental Globally

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Shipping Container Rental

Shipping container rental costs vary, depending on the size, type, and condition of the container you are planning to lease or rent. The bigger it is, and the better its condition, the higher the cost will be. Of course, if you opt for specialised container hire, like refrigerated or specialised units, or some kind of more specific storage rental, that will also cost more.

Generally, your needs will be non-negotiable. For instance, if you are transporting goods that need to be refrigerated, you cannot risk opting for storage containers for rent that are not reefers! So how can you cut costs on container rental prices?

Tips on Cutting Costs on Container Rental Globally

There are several ways that you can cut costs on container rental prices globally.

  1. One is if you use a supplier that allows you to lease containers between regions.
  2. Another is to lease from a professional company that doesn’t charge the demurrage costs you risk paying when you rent from a shipping line and the project takes longer than anticipated.
  3. You will also find that companies that specialize in selling and leasing containers will charge a lot less than shipping companies.

Ultimately, if the container hire agreement allows you to return the leased container once you’re done, rather than expecting you to estimate a time period in advance, you stand to maximise your investment and improve your cash flow. This kind of arrangement is particularly useful in situations where lead-times are uncertain and there is a possibility that projects will take a lot longer than hoped.

Almar Container Hire is a company with offices and facilities in Africa and the Middle East, and they have the capacity to provide containers for big and small international and domestic projects within the countries they service. The company offers one-way, as well as the industry standard master and term container hire options.

Storage Containers for Rent Between Regions

If you are transporting cargo across southern and/or eastern Africa, the Almar option provides an opportunity to save costs. Instead of committing to shipping container rental that starts at the point of origin, delivers the goods, and then returns the container, Almar allows customers to break the journey between regions. In essence, you can have container rental agreements that will allow you to move container goods one way, for instance from Johannesburg to Kampala, and then break-bulk general cargo or non-container goods on the return leg of the journey.

Avoiding Demurrage Costs Associated With Container Hire

Generally, demurrage charges are levied by shipping companies when there is a delay loading or unloading goods. This is an unavoidable cost when using a shipping company for container hire or storage rental and can be as much as US$40 per day if you aren’t able to stick to the initially agreed usage time.

Not only does Almar allow customers to access container hire services from virtually anywhere in the world, but they also allow customers to off-hire at depots in any of the countries they operate in. Additionally, Almar container rental does not carry a demurrage risk, and if you do run over time, the standard rental rates still apply. This is a huge advantage in Africa where project lead times are commonly uncertain.

Container Rental from Almar

Almar Container Group serves all the industries that rely on containers including transport and logistics, cold-storage, offshore oil and gas, and remote site accommodation for working and living. The company sells and leases containers, and container rental prices will depend on your needs. Contact us to discuss how we can help you and we’ll give you the best deal possible.

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Container Grading Is Key When Choosing Cheaper Shipping Containers for Sale

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containers for sale

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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Sourcing the Cheapest Shipping Containers for Sale

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cheapest shipping containers for sale

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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Second Hand Containers For Sale – The Green Solution

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Second hand containers for sale - The green solution

In this day and age, it’s becoming more and more critical to think sustainably about everything we do. From climate change to plastic pollution islands in the sea, our historical, short-term thinking is having drastic effects on the way we and our children will be living in the years to come.

One way in which we can become more sustainable is to recycle. We’re not talking plastic bags and food cartons here though, we are thinking a bit bigger than that. We’re talking homes, office parks, hotels and more! This is where second hand containers for sale, really shine!

Shipping containers have been used for 50 years as the main conduit for global trade. Containers created a revolutionary way of moving cargo by road, rail and sea in the 1970’s and this simple steel box literally kicked off globalisation. However, they haven’t finished yet! Due to their modular and robust design, second hand containers are now being repurposed into all kinds of large and small-scale structures.

Five reasons for going green with second hand containers for sale

  1. Reduce material use: With second hand containers, you don’t need to buy new materials to build a structure, you have most of it already and all you need to do is install the finishes.
  2. Build quickly: Second hand containers are modular which means they can be converted, painted and finished off-site and then delivered to your site of choice as a finished product, ready to be installed.
  3. Mobile Address: Containers are not fixed to the ground with solid foundations, so if you want to change your address, no problem, just pick up your container home or office and move it.
  4. Spacious: Although the shape of second hand containers may look small, their design enables the side panels to easily be cut away, creating joined open plan living areas of any size.
  5. Trendy look: With the focus on sustainable living, second hand containers aren’t only a smart choice, they look good too!

Almar containers have second hand containers for sale across all main cities in South Africa, as well as Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Contact us now to see how we can help you make the sustainable choice.

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Onsite Storage Container Rental: Quick, Flexible & Affordable

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Onsite Storage Container Rental

For many growing businesses, safe and secure storage for documents, inventory, materials and just about everything that you need close at hand is a real challenge as the initial space you move into just becomes too small too quickly! Onsite storage container rental is the perfect solution, as they are not only super quick to have on site, they are also cheap to rent and no long-term commitments are required.

10+1 Reasons why Onsite Storage Container Rental Is The Way To Go

Whether you need to stock up on inventory for the Christmas rush, or you are just growing out of your current space and need a secure storage solution, onsite storage containers are the perfect option for you.

  1. Quick: Containers can be delivered and placed on just about any surface to create an instant onsite storage warehouse. Delivery will generally occur within 24 hours from confirmation and no other onsite storage solution can match the speed of installation.
  2. Simple: The process is simple, we deliver and place the container in your desired location. A daily rental is charged and once you are done with it, we arrive to collect it. Not much can be simpler than onsite storage container rental.
  3. Cost Effective: Because storage containers can be rented on a short-term basis, you only pay for what you use and nothing more!
  4. Safety for your Goods: Storage containers are built to withstand the rugged conditions of international marine transport, including thick corrugated steel panels and multiple lock access, they give you peace of mind for the storage of your goods.
  5. No Long-Term Contracts: Storage containers can be hired on a daily basis, so there is no long-term commitment needed. This is ideal for temporary requirements such as events or for use during premises upgrades or relocation.
  6. No building regulations: When building warehousing there are always regulations and requirements for building plans as well as limitations on boundary locations and restrictions on servitudes. As containers are completely mobile, none of these challenges exists and you can instantly create an onsite storage space wherever you need to.
  7. Moveable: Storage containers are very easy to move, so you have the flexibility of just relocating the container should you move to a new location.
  8. Versatile: Onsite storage containers are offered in both a plain steel shipping container, as well as a refrigerated container for perishable goods. So, if you need to store anything from documents to building supplies and fresh tuna to ice cream, onsite storage containers are container rental is the perfect solution.
  9. Hassle Free: With the containers being located on your site, you have no need to worry about access to your goods from a storage facility with limited hours. They are your goods and you should be able to have 24/7 access, onsite storage containers offer exactly that!
  10. Modular: As your business grows, you can just add more containers to extend your storage space. They are essentially like big pieces of lego!
  11. Various Sizes: There are various sizes of storage containers allowing for smaller scale needs such as documentation or household goods, to larger scale needs such as inventory storage and bulk materials.

Latest Arrivals

We have recently completed the manufacture of our new storage containers. This picture shows the last few available which are waiting to be deployed:

Storage Containers for Hire

What Size are Storage Containers

Storage containers come in three main sizes, 3m containers (10ft), 6m containers (20ft) and 12m containers (40ft). The cubic capacities of the 10ft, 20ft and 40ft containers are 15mᶟ, 30mᶟ and 70mᶟ respectively. All containers have an external width of 2.4m.

Where to go for Onsite Storage Container Rental

Almar Containers have storage containers in various parts of the world including Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Mombasa, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Walvis Bay, Dammam and Dubai… ready and available for immediate hire!

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Refrigerated Containers: The Perfect Solution for Commercial Cold Storage

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Refrigerated Containers for Cold Storage

In the current uncertain economic climate that we find ourselves in, large-scale investment into commercial cold storage rooms is an unwanted risk. The ability to have an instant cold storage room with zero capital investment is a very inviting option although many would say impossible. However, making use of refrigerated containers (reefer containers) allows for exactly that and more.

10+1 Reasons to use Refrigerated Containers for Cold Storage

Whether you need to stock up on perishable goods for the Christmas rush, or you have had a bumper harvest, here are 11 reasons why refrigerated are your perfect solution:

  1. Instant: Refrigerated containers can be delivered and literally just plugged in to create an instant cold room. The powerful machines can bring the entire 28mᶟ or 66mᶟ down to -25°C within an hour.
  2. Reliable: Reefers are fitted with machinery built to withstand the harshest environments out at sea with limited ability to service them. As such they are designed to run long hours holding constant temperatures.
  3. Accurate: Reefers can be controlled to within one 10th of a degree and so you can be assured of you cargo maintaining the perfect temperature.
  4. Risk-Free: Refrigerated containers can be hired on a daily basis, so there is no long-term commitment needed.
  5. Cost Effective: Because reefers can be rented, there is no need to tie up large amounts of capital to build cold rooms.
  6. Technical Support: Refrigerated containers can be hired with full 24/7 technical support ensuring that if there is a mechanical breakdown, technical support will be close at hand.
  7. Moveable: Reefers are very easy to move and so you have the flexibility of just relocating your cold store should you need to move premises.
  8. Modular: As your business grows, you can just add more reefers as your cold storage need grows. They are essentially like big pieces of lego!
  9. Versatile: Refrigerated containers can be used for an array of temperature sensitive products. The temperature capabilities range from +25° C to -25°C, so they can handle anything from ice cream and chicken to medical vaccinations and sensitive chemicals.
  10. Secure: Reefers are built to withstand the rugged conditions of international marine transport and they can be secured by multiple locks to ensure the safety of your cargo.
  11. Efficient: Reefer machinery is built with ultra-efficient scroll compressor technology, making them extremely efficient with very low power consumption.

Who can use refrigerated containers?

Because of the reefers flexibility, they are used across various industries and in many different applications. They are regularly used by retailers especially over the Christmas season as a short-term stopgap for storage of extra food stores such as chicken and fish.

They are also regularly used for longer periods for holding medical vaccines and samples because of the incredibly accurate temperature controls that they offer.

20ft Reefer containers offer a smaller footprint and are used regularly by small outlets and restaurants for overflow cold storage for beverages and food. They are also the perfect solution for events where additional short-term cold rooms are needed few a few days.

40ft Reefer containers offer a larger capacity and are regularly used by farmers for excess harvest storage as well as chemical suppliers looking for long-term storage of very temperature sensitive products.

What Size are Refrigerated Containers?

Refrigerated containers come in two main sizes, 6m containers (20ft) and 12m containers. The 20ft containers have a cubic capacity of 28mᶟ and the 40ft containers 66mᶟ.

They both have an external width of 2.4m.

Where Can you Hire Refrigerated Containers?

Almar Containers have reefers in various parts of the world including Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Mombasa, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Dammam and Dubai… ready and available for immediate hire!

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