7 Best Places to Buy Second Hand Shipping Containers?
Buying second hand shipping containers can save money, but the lowest advertised price rarely tells the whole story. Condition, delivery distance, and access to your site can change the final cost quickly. A container that looks solid in photos may still have a damaged floor, stiff doors, or roof dents that collect water. Small details matter.
The right seller depends on how you plan to use the unit. A local container dealer may let you inspect it before purchase, while online marketplaces and auctions can offer more choices but less certainty. Ask for recent photos, clear condition descriptions, and written details about delivery, unloading, and any warranty. Terms such as “wind and watertight” are not always used consistently, so confirm what the seller means. If the container will carry cargo, check its documentation and suitability with a qualified provider.
This guide compares seven places to look, from specialist suppliers to general resale platforms. It also highlights questions worth asking before you pay, including whether the quoted price covers transport and placement. I would not assume that a polished listing means a better container—or that an imperfect-looking one is a bad deal. Inspecting the unit, when possible, can reveal more than a dozen attractive photos. The best choice is usually the one that fits your budget, location, and intended use, with the condition stated plainly.
What to Consider Before Buying a Second-Hand Shipping Container
A second-hand shipping container can look sound from the road and still leak at the roof seam. Ask for its age, previous use, repair history, and current condition. Treat photos as a starting point, not proof. If possible, inspect it in daylight, with the doors open. Look closely.
Check the corner posts, roof, door seals, and floor. Surface rust is common, but soft steel, holes, or spreading corrosion may signal costly repairs. Open and close both doors; they should move without force and meet evenly. Notice any strong chemical or musty smell, since odors can linger in the flooring. A small dent may be harmless. A pattern of patched areas deserves more questions.
Confirm the exact length, width, and height, then measure your intended site and access route. A delivery truck needs room to turn and unload, not just a clear parking space. Ask whether the quoted price includes delivery, placement, and any crane or special equipment. Get the container’s grade and repair details in writing, and clarify what “wind- and watertight” means in practice. I would not assume a freshly painted exterior tells the whole story; paint can hide defects, and even careful inspections miss things.
7 Best Places to Buy Second-Hand Shipping Containers
7 Best Places to Buy Second-Hand Shipping Containers
Second-hand shipping containers are available from container depots, leasing companies, shipping lines, freight forwarders, local dealers, online marketplaces, and equipment auctions. Each source offers different stock and inspection options. Depots may let you view units in person, while auctions can have limited inspection windows. Ask where the container is stored and whether delivery is included.
UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2024 reports that global container port throughput reached 858.9 million TEUs in 2023, up 2.4% from 2022. This measures port activity, not the supply of used containers, but it illustrates the scale of the sector.
For any seller, request the container’s age, repair history, identification details, and a written condition description. Check the door seals, floor, roof, and lower corner posts. Inspect in daylight. A fresh coat of paint can hide rust or patchwork.
Look for doors that close evenly and floors without soft spots or strong chemical odors. Ask whether the unit is cargo-worthy, wind- and watertight, or simply suitable for storage; these terms describe different conditions. A surveyor’s inspection may be worthwhile for a costly purchase or a long delivery. Compare the delivered price, not just the listing price. A cheap unit can become expensive when lifting, transport, or repairs are added.
How to Compare Sellers, Prices, and Container Grades
When comparing sellers, request the same specification from each: size, age, grade, delivery distance, and unloading requirements. UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2023 reports roughly 858 million TEUs handled at container ports in 2022. That scale does not guarantee nearby stock; regional availability can affect delivery costs and lead times. Compare the landed price, not just the advertised unit price. Ask for separate charges for transport, lifting, and any repairs.
Grade labels are not perfectly consistent between sellers. “Wind and watertight” usually means the unit keeps out rain, while “cargo-worthy” indicates it is assessed as suitable for cargo transport. Get the seller’s written definition. Ask for current photos of the roof, floor, door seals, and corner castings, plus the inspection date.
Small details matter. A clean exterior can hide soft flooring or doors that stick. If possible, inspect in person, opening both doors and checking the floor near the threshold.
Not always. Compare payment terms, warranty coverage, and the process for reporting damage on arrival. A low quote may still be reasonable, but unclear grading or missing delivery costs make it hard to judge fairly. Keep the specifications and promises in writing.
How to Inspect a Used Shipping Container Before Purchase
A used shipping container can look solid from a distance and still leak at the roof seam. Inspect it in daylight, with a flashlight and tape measure. Walk around all four sides and look for deep dents, fresh paint patches, heavy rust, and cracked welds. A new coat of paint is not proof of a sound structure. Check the corner posts and top and bottom rails for bending, since damage there can affect handling and stacking.
Open and close both doors yourself. They should swing without force, and the locking rods should turn smoothly. Examine the rubber seals for gaps, flattening, or tears. Step inside and look for pinholes, damp floorboards, and water marks along the ceiling; a flashlight helps reveal small holes. Take your time. Look underneath, too. If possible, inspect after rain or ask the seller to demonstrate that the doors and roof keep water out. A checklist helps, but bright weather can make leaks easy to miss.
Notice the smell inside. Strong chemical or musty odors may signal residues or moisture, and the source is not always obvious. Ask about the container’s age, previous use, repairs, and any inspection records. Check the floor for soft spots, splintering, or stains, and confirm its dimensions match your intended use. Photos are useful, but they cannot show every weak seam. That matters. If anything feels uncertain, arrange an independent inspection before paying.
Common Shipping Container Sizes to Check Before Buying
Compare nominal external dimensions when checking that a used container will fit your site and transport plan.
Dimensions are approximate nominal measurements; actual external and internal dimensions can vary by manufacturer and model. Before purchase, inspect the doors, floor, roof, walls, and corner fittings in person.
Steps for Arranging Delivery and Completing the Purchase
Before buying a used shipping container, arrange a close inspection or request recent, dated photos. Check the roof for dents or standing water, the floor for soft spots, and the door seals for gaps. Open and close both doors; stiff hinges can turn a small delivery-day problem into a costly delay. Ask for the container’s exact dimensions, condition grade, and repair history in writing. Photos can hide scale, so ask for a person or measuring tape in the frame.
Tips: Confirm the quoted price includes delivery, unloading, and any equipment needed at your site. Share clear access details, including driveway width, overhead branches, and ground firmness. A delivery truck may need more room than expected. Get the delivery date, payment schedule, and condition terms in a written agreement. Use a traceable payment method and keep the receipt.
Before the truck arrives, clear the placement area and make sure the ground is level and stable. Ask whether delivery uses a tilt-bed truck or crane, since each needs different clearance. On arrival, inspect the container before signing off; photograph new dents or damage and note them on the delivery paperwork. If the container arrives late or differs from the agreed condition, pause and document the issue. It is tempting to rush this step, especially after waiting, but a few careful minutes can prevent a frustrating dispute.
