Buying or Renting a Shipping Container: What to Check

01

Deciding between new and used

Containers are typically graded by how much use they have had. A new or one trip container has made only a single sea voyage and will usually have minimal rust, dents or wear, making it suitable for conversions where appearance and longevity matter, such as a home or office. Used containers, sometimes described as cargo worthy or wind and watertight, have been through many more cycles of loading and handling. These are often perfectly adequate for basic storage but may show surface rust, dents, or minor leaks that need attention before the unit is used for anything sensitive to moisture.

02

Matching size to purpose

The two most common container lengths offer very different amounts of usable space. A shorter unit suits smaller storage needs, a single site office, or a compact conversion such as a kiosk. A longer unit offers roughly double the floor area and is better suited to larger storage volumes, multi room conversions, or workspace that needs to accommodate several people or large equipment. Height matters too: units with extra internal headroom are worth considering for conversions where ceiling mounted services, insulation or finishes will reduce the usable height.

03

Inspecting a container before purchase

Wherever possible, it is worth viewing a container in person, or asking for recent photographs if it is being sourced from a distance. Key things to look for include:

• Rust, particularly around the base rails, corner castings and roof, since these affect structural integrity and water tightness.
• Door operation, including whether the rubber seals are intact and the doors close and lock properly.
• Floor condition, as many containers have wooden floors treated with chemicals that can degrade over time or be damaged by previous cargo.
• Signs of previous leaks, visible as staining or watermarks on internal walls and ceiling.
• Overall squareness of the frame, since a twisted or racked container can be difficult to convert or seal properly.

04

Delivery and site access

Containers are delivered by specialised vehicles, most commonly a truck fitted with a tilt bed or a crane mounted vehicle known as a hiab. Before ordering, it is worth checking that the delivery vehicle has enough space to manoeuvre, that the route to the site can handle the weight and height of the load, and that there is a level, stable surface for the container to be placed on. Overhead cables, low hanging trees, narrow gates and soft or sloped ground are common obstacles that can delay or complicate delivery if they are not identified in advance.

05

Foundations and levelling

Even though containers are self supporting steel structures, placing one directly on uneven or soft ground can lead to problems over time, including doors that no longer close properly or water pooling against the base. A simple foundation of concrete pads, railway sleepers or a compacted gravel bed under the corner points is commonly used to keep the container level and to prevent moisture sitting against the steel floor frame.

06

Rental agreements

For short term needs, renting avoids the upfront cost of purchase and often includes delivery and collection as part of the agreement. When comparing rental options, it is worth clarifying who is responsible for damage during the rental period, what condition the container is expected to be returned in, and whether delivery and collection costs are included or charged separately. These details vary between suppliers and are worth confirming in writing before signing any agreement.

07

Permits and approvals

Depending on the municipality and the intended use, placing a container on a property, especially for anything beyond short term storage, may require planning or building approval. Rules differ between local authorities and between temporary and permanent placements, so it is sensible to check with the relevant municipal office before a container is delivered, particularly if it will be visible from the street or used as habitable space.