Choosing the right shipping container company is an important decision that can impact your project’s success. Whether you’re buying or renting, you want to make sure you’re working with a trustworthy provider that delivers on its promises. In this post, we’ll discuss ten key things you should expect from a quality container company and give you some helpful questions you can use to “interview” potential providers and feel confident in your choice.
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What should you look for when selecting a company for your shipping container needs? Imagine that instead of buying a shipping container, you were buying a diamond ring. What expectations would you have for the company selling you the ring? Likely, you’d want to:
- See the product for yourself
- Have transparent pricing with no surprises
- Get a clear explanation of all the details
- Work with someone who isn’t pushy and communicates well
We believe these expectations apply to your experience with a shipping container company as well. At Get Simple Box, we’re committed to offering service that is local, professional, and kind. After talking with our customers and team members, we’ve identified what sets a good container company apart from the rest.
Below, we’ll walk you through the top things to expect from a quality shipping container provider and offer some questions to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Let’s dive into what makes a quality shipping container company stand out and how you can make the best choice for your next project.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Have Service Where You Need It
One of the unexpected costs that can come with getting a container is the delivery fee. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a shipping container company that can deliver conveniently and affordably to your location. Ideally, the company should be based in your town or at least within a four-hour drive. This helps keep delivery fees in the range of $100-$500, depending on the distance.
How do you know if a company can serve your area? A good question to ask is, “Where is your nearest container storage yard?” or “How often do your delivery vehicles come to my area?” These questions can give you a better idea of how convenient and cost-effective the service will be for your needs.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Have a Strong Reputation
A reputable shipping container company will be well-known for providing quality shipping containers and exceptional service. They might have earned community awards or been recognized for supporting local initiatives. Often, top container companies are trusted by big names like Costco, Amazon, or even the US Navy, proving their reliability. How to Choose a Quality Shipping Container Provider To find the best option, start by checking out their online presence. Look for customer reviews of shipping container companies on Google or Facebook. Read both the positive and negative comments, and pay attention to how the company responds to feedback. A company that handles complaints professionally and addresses concerns is more likely to offer great service. Another thing to consider is their social media activity. Are they posting regularly? Do their posts offer valuable information, or are they just repeating the same sales pitch? Engaging and informative content can be a sign that the company is invested in educating and helping its customers. Questions to ask include: “How many online reviews do they have?” and “How active are they on social media?” This research will help you feel more confident in choosing a trusted container provider.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Have Quality Containers
A reliable shipping container company prioritizes helping you get a quality shipping container that will last, rather than just making a quick profit. They thoroughly inspect their containers and are transparent about any defects or issues with used equipment. A trustworthy company will even let you inspect your container yourself, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Inspect Your Container Before Purchase
If possible, always inspect the container in person. Here’s what to look for:
- Structural Integrity: Check for rust, dents, or any signs of damage.
- No Hidden Surprises: Ensure there are no structural issues or severe rust spots.
- Remote Inspections: If you can’t visit in person, request detailed photos or videos of the container.
Be cautious of companies that say, “You just have to take the next one off the stack.” Containers could be damaged, and without an inspection, you’d have no way of knowing. Plus, if a company won’t let you inspect your container, they probably won’t provide good support if something goes wrong later.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Offer “After-the-Sale” Support
Choose a shipping container company that has been in business for several years and has a proven track record of caring for customers long after the initial sale. Look for a company that stands behind their product with a guarantee or a warranty.
Reliable “after-the-sale” support means the company will assist you if issues arise, such as leaks or structural problems. For instance, at Get Simple Box, we offer a Leak-Free Guarantee and a structural warranty on our containers.
Questions to ask include: “What kind of support or warranties are offered if there’s a leak?” Keep in mind that newer containers generally come with better guarantees, while older containers may have limited or no warranty due to their age and condition. By asking these questions, you can be sure you’re working with a company that stands behind their product and values your long-term satisfaction.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Be Transparent About Pricing
Transparency builds trust between customers and companies. No one wants to be surprised by unexpected costs, especially when buying a container. A good container company should be able to provide you with at least a general price range for the type of container you’re looking for. They should then follow up with a specific price quote that includes all costs, such as delivery fees, for the container you’ve chosen.
Every container in the world has a unique serial number, which means they can be tracked and easily identified. This allows the company to give you a specific price for a specific container, not just an estimate. Be wary of any company that refuses to provide a concrete price or won’t identify the container by its unit number.
Questions to ask include: “What is the price, and what is the unit number for that container?” Knowing these details will give you confidence that you’re working with a company committed to transparent pricing for shipping containers.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Offer Convenient and Reliable Payment Options
When dealing with a shipping container company, you want to make sure your payment is handled securely and professionally. Always verify the credibility of the seller to avoid scams. Be cautious of companies that ask for payment through multiple or sketchy methods, such as “Venmo or PayPal as a friend” to avoid taxes. Reliable companies will offer payment options like credit cards or checks and will work with a legitimate bank.
Additionally, a good container company should provide a proper sales receipt, proof of payment, and clear terms of sale. This helps ensure transparency and gives you peace of mind that your transaction is legitimate.
Questions to ask include: “What payment options do you offer?” and “Can you provide a sales receipt and proof of payment?” Asking these questions will help you identify a company that provides secure and convenient shipping container services.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Have the Best Sizes of Shipping Containers Available
When choosing a quality shipping container provider, make sure they offer the sizes that fit your needs. Most shipping containers come in three standard lengths: 10 ft, 20 ft, and 40 ft.
- 20 ft containers are the most popular for residential storage or delivery to homes.
- 40 ft containers are often used for construction and industrial projects where more space is needed.
- 10 ft containers are ideal for areas with limited space, such as restaurants or retail settings.
A good container company should have all three of these sizes readily available to meet the needs of different projects.
Questions to ask include: “What size containers do you have?” and “What size would you suggest for my project?” These questions can help you understand if the company is well-equipped to provide quality shipping containers suited to your requirements.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Help You Decide Between Renting and Buying
At Get Simple Box, we have a simple saying: “The only thing that is absolutely necessary in our business is the customer.” Our goal isn’t just to sell or rent containers; it’s to help you find the best option for your needs, whether that means renting or buying.
When deciding between renting or buying, a general rule of thumb is:
- If you’ll be using the container for a year or less, container rental often makes more sense.
- For long-term use, buying a container may be more cost-effective, and you can always resell it later (Get Simple Box even offers a consignment program).
Questions to ask include: “Do you have options to rent or buy a container?” and “What if I start by renting and later decide to purchase?” A good shipping container company will explain your options clearly and help you make the best choice for your situation.
A Good Shipping Container Company Will Have a Reliable Delivery Process
Aside from the container itself, delivery is the next most important part of your experience with a shipping container company! A bad container provider might leave you to figure out how to get your container leveled or might not follow through on their promises. In contrast, a quality container company will explain the delivery process clearly and then execute it safely and reliably.
At Get Simple Box, we’ve perfected our delivery method over 27 years, with nearly 100,000 containers successfully delivered. Here’s what you can expect from a safe and controlled delivery:
- The driver backs into place and gently sets one end of the container down.
- The driver then pulls forward and carefully sets the other end down.
- The container is never “dropped” or slammed onto the ground. Every delivery is smooth and under control.
We believe a good container company should handle its own shipping container delivery services instead of outsourcing deliveries to a local towing company or an unqualified contractor. Additionally, a reliable provider won’t make you wait too long for delivery. While it’s reasonable to wait 3-10 days if you plan ahead, a reputable company will strive to deliver when you need it, without excessive delays.
Questions to ask include: “Do you handle your own container deliveries or subcontract them out?” “What happens if there’s a problem with the delivery—who takes care of it?” and “What if I need to change my delivery date?” Knowing the answers to these questions will give you confidence in the company’s ability to meet your needs.
A Good Shipping Container Company Is Good at Communicating
You deserve timely and clear communication from your shipping container company. This means getting prompt responses, using proper English and punctuation, and providing transparent information about the cost of the container, your delivery appointment, and any other important details.
Call us old-fashioned, but we believe that a good container company should answer the phone—and that the call should be handled by someone who actually lives in the same area as you! Effective communication should also be tailored to your preference, whether that’s by email, phone call, text message, or in person.
Questions to ask include: “How do you communicate with customers?” and “Who can I speak to if I have questions or concerns?” These questions will help you determine if the company values clear and accessible communication.
Choosing a quality shipping container provider should be a pleasant and stress-free experience. The right company will have integrity, doing exactly what they say they will do. They will offer transparent pricing for shipping containers, a safe and reliable delivery process, and timely, friendly communication.
We hope these points and questions guide you in finding the best container company nearby! If you’re in Washington, Oregon, Arizona, or Southern California, we would love the opportunity to serve you. At Get Simple Box, we are dedicated to providing quality shipping containers and exceptional service. And as members of the National Portable Storage Association, we can even refer you to another trustworthy company if needed.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to learn more about our shipping container services or to request a quote. Let us help you find the perfect container for your project—delivered safely, affordably, and with a smile!
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