How To Buy A Shipping Container

Buying a recycled ISO shipping container is like buying a car, though we think a little less complicated. It's important, though, because this is the base structure of your home or other construction project.

Containers are Green, recyclable, environmentally friendly, and offer quick build, strength, and peace of mind.....

Here's a checklist to help you make your Project a good experience. Whether this is for a storage shed, a cabin, or a multi-unit home, you don't need to lose anything on your first important Container technology project.

Where To Buy

• The first choice should be to buy an ISBU near you so you can inspect it in person; however, that isn’t always possible.
• The second choice is to buy from an approved Container Association Member and/or CDA member.
• Third, buy from a reputable dealer with history who is actually in business, not just a side job, or new Internet company.
• Certified Shipping Container Dealers and modifiers: Container Dealers Association (CDA)

Shipping Container inspection, age, and recording CIN code

Checking Container Quality

•  No matter who you buy from, If you can't see it in person, request several high quality photos of the inside, outside and top. ...all four (4) sides, …inside and out.
•  Ask its age, and/or some documentation of its age such as a photo of the CSC plate.
•  Expect to replace the floor. The cost is low. If not, be prepared to seal the wood with a quality polyurethane or epoxy paint coating. A properly prepared and sealed coating is usually sufficient.
•  ​ Buy an unpainted ISBU. Don't ask for it to be painted first. You want to see the unit without paint so you can better assess its value and hidden damage.
•  Scrapes are okay. Rust is okay. What you don't want is corrosion. Corrosion and rust are two very  different conditions. If you see an ISBU with scaly corrosion then it probably hasn't been well maintained.   

Rust oxidation is common on scrapes. ...but corrosion and scale is not common. It can mean poor care, or possibly it is not even Corten steel. The cost to replace and patch the corrosion may not even worth the discounts offered by the dealer.
•  Small dings and dents are okay unless they are so bad they effect your finished interior/exterior.
•  Check to see if the ISBU is square, not twisted so it will sit flat and connect to other ISBU modules properly.
•  Does the container have a valid CSC inspection?  CSC plates are only valid for 5 years. The CSC plate is not necessary for use as an ISBU module, however it’s important to know if, and why it does not have one. 
•  Note: current CSC-plates might be required to obtain a Building Permit. Ask your local office in advance.
•  !! Obtain a firm delivery cost to your exact location. Moving containers can become very costly.

Certified Container Dealers

To protect yourself, and your investment, always choose a reputable, certified shipping container dealer.

Should I lease or Buy?

Leasing is not applicable for someone who is planning to modify and use an ISBU for a construction project. You always buy your ISBU shipping container unless you only want it for short term storage. 

Leasing is only for storage or a temporary office at construction projects, or for short term business storage solutions.

Shipping Container Costs

The cost of an ISBU module or shipping container will vary depending on a few factors.
•  The country where you live
•  The condition and quality of the shipping container
•  How near you are to a shipping port or major storage facility?

 ​ We have discontinued including suggested ISO Shipping Container prices in this section. Container prices vary too much from country to country, state to state, province to province, and month to month, and are too confusing and misleading to attempt.

Who is paying the delivery costs? 
How much will they be?

When you get a quotation for the ISBU you must always get the exact details regarding the delivery and delivery costs. Some dealers or sellers will "scam" the buyer in the delivery process. 

Make sure the quotation is Door to Door, or know exactly how much the delivery will be from another source. Most legitimate dealers quote the price of the ISBU + the exact price of delivery is extra, but they can give you an exact amount before you buy.

For detailed delivery tips see our container Delivery Transport Information page.

DON'T
•  Don't Pay 100% cash in advance, unless you are very confident of your dealer.
•  Don't Buy from Classifieds or Internet unless you can actually go and inspect the ISBU module personally in daylight, then write a serial number and take photographs to be certain the delivery is what you pay for.
•  Don't Buy an ISBU module that is twisted, crooked, or has corrosion.
•  ​Don't buy insulated (reefer) ISBU modules unless they are used alone and unconnected. The insulation cannot be cut well, or welded near. Use only for refrigerated storage, not multi-unit housing.
•  Don't Buy containers from a Third Party vendor. Buy directly from the dealer or distributor.