Beginner’s Guide to Renting a Shipping Container: 5 Things to Know
#1: Renting vs Buying
Generally speaking, you have two options when it comes to acquiring a shipping container (renting or buying). How often you are planning on utilizing the container should weigh heavily in. this decision, but more often than not, people opt to rent shipping containers as this is usually a more convenient and affordable option.
In addition, when you rent a container and no longer need to utilize it, the company you rented from will pick it up and take it away for you. Conversely, if you purchase a container and no longer need it, selling it or transporting it elsewhere can be cumbersome.
#2: Determine Use
A few obvious use cases come to mind when you think about storage or shipping containers.
Afterall, they are a versatile solution for many problems, including the following:
- Emergency storage
- Construction jobsite storage
- Overflow school storage
- Additional storage for personal use
- Storage for business use
#3: Picking the Right Size
Once you’ve decided between renting and purchasing a container and you have also identified its intended use, the next thing to consider is the size container that you need. Thankfully, you usually have more than a couple of options depending on the company you decide to rent from.
10 Foot Shipping Container Rentals
The exact measurements of these containers are 8 feet wide and 10 feet long. This size container is a great option for anyone who needs to fit a lot into a small space. While 10-foot container prices can vary widely and depend on availability, these smaller containers can sometimes be more expensive than larger alternatives. That is because this is not a standard size for overseas freight, so they are more difficult to come by.
20 Foot Shipping Container Rentals
We refer to this one as the ‘classic.’ This is the most commonly used container for renting and buying and is the most commonly used to transport goods all over the world. Due to the amount that is created and circulated on a global scale, these containers are often the best bang for your buck. They are the same weight as 20 foot containers at 8 feet but they have double the storage capacity.
40 Foot Shipping Container Rentals
If a 10 or 20 foot container isn’t going to do the job and you’re in need of additional space, a 40 foot container may be a viable option. While they offer twice the storage as their 20 foot predecessors, they are usually not going to cost you twice as much. In fact, they often are the best value per cubic foot of storage space.
Need additional options for your storage solutions? Live in Washington State, Oregon, or Arizona? Get Simple Box has an array of shipping container rental options to suit your needs, including standard 10 foot, 20 foot, 40 foot containers. We even offer a 20 foot basic office container rental that has a window, shelf brackets, and outlets so you can set up your office wherever your work takes you. Visit https://getsimplebox.com/rent-container/ to learn more.
#4: Determining Cost & Budgeting
How much it costs to rent a container varies on the company you decide to work with and the size/type of container you decide to rent. In addition, the cost will vary depending on how long you need the container for and where it is being delivered. It’s also worth noting that prices can fluctuate based on market conditions. To give you a better idea, however, at Get Simple Box, we have provided pricing estimates for the following storage solutions:
10 Foot – Starting at $109/month
20 Foot – Starting at $149/month
40 Foot – Starting at $199/month
20 Foot Basic Office Rental – $199/month
*Pricing varies depending on location, to get the most accurate pricing information, please contact us for a quote.*
#5: Preparing for Delivery
Once you have completed the shipping container rental process, it’s time to get ready for delivery. While the process is designed to be as simple as possible, there can be complications if you have not prepared the site adequately. In order to ensure this process flows as smoothly as possible, here are some things to consider:
- At the time of order, ensure you provide an accurate address, contact information, and the direction you would like the container to face
- If you have questions/concerns about the delivery beforehand, be sure to contact the company at least 24 hours prior to the delivery date
- On the day of delivery, you should receive a call prior to the arrival of the container. If you don’t – ensure to contact the company directly and speak to a representative.
- Once the container arrives, inspect it thoroughly both inside and outside. Ensure it’s structurally sound and note any concerns with the driver of the truck
- If you have any other concerns beyond this point, contact the company directly
We wish you the best of luck in renting your first shipping container! If you have any questions or need assistance in renting a shipping container, visit our website https://getsimplebox.com/rent-container/.