If you’re looking to build job site trailers, portable offices, new homes or you just need some extra space, you can’t go wrong with using shipping containers. Whether you know it or not, it’s estimated there are upwards of 24 million unused, retired shipping containers around the globe and many are only used for 10-15 years before they are retired.
But shipping containers can be extremely versatile tools that represent a world of possibilities for those with a creative mind and a little patience. Here are nine good reasons why shipping containers should be part of any building project.
- Portable shipping containers can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. In fact, steel shipping containers can last 25 years or more.
- Shipping containers are made from recycled steel and are very eco-friendly because they are recyclable.
- Shipping containers can even be used in hurricane and tornado-heavy areas because they can be anchored with pylons and can withstand wins of more than 100 miles an hour.
- Believe it or not, three or four containers put side-by-side can create a three bedroom, 1,200 square foot house since most containers are 40 foot units with about 300 feet of space inside.
- Portable and easy to relocate shipping containers are durable, stackable and weather-resistant making them, you guessed it, portable and easy to relocate.
- Reusing just a single 40-foot container upcycles about 3,500kg of steel and saves about 8,000 kilowatt hours.
- Shipping containers are extremely versatile. Companies can use them to build workshops, office space, modular hospitals or homes.
- Building a structures out of shipping containers is much faster than conventional methods. It usually takes just a few weeks compared to traditional brick-and-mortar structures which can take several months to erect.
- Constructing anything with repurposed shipping containers can add up to a cost savings of up to 40%.
So now that you’ve seen how versatile and beneficial shipping containers can be, you may be wondering how you get your hands on them. If you’re looking for shipping container sales, here are some things to keep in mind:
- You need to find a place with shipping containers for sale, but you also need a plan for getting that container or containers home or wherever they need to be. Port cities (as in cities close to water) usually have places with shipping container sales, but you’re going to need a plan to move it.
- Resale sites like eBay or Craigslist may have shipping container sales and you may be able to find a bargain, especially if you’re looking for several containers.
- Shipping containers that are made of Cor-Ten steel are one of best kinds of containers you can find. These are top-quality containers that hold up under all kinds of weather and are very durable.
- Some shipping container sales might include prefab containers, but be careful about them. They work fine, but they may require a bit of reconfiguration.
- Local warehouses may have used shipping containers they’re willing to sell at decent prices, but you’ll want to make sure the containers you buy aren’t still being used.
- If you find shipping container sales, but you’re wary of some containers, ask an inspector to check out a container you’re curious about before you buy it.
Depending on the size and condition of the container, a shipping container can cost anywhere from $1,400 to $2,600. With their eco-friendliness, durability and versatility, shipping containers can be the perfect vessel for a DIY project at home or the perfect answer to construction needs, whether it’s portable office buildings, job site trailers or even homes. With some TLC and proper maintenance, shipping containers can last a long time and be of good use for whatever they’re needed for.