I'm looking for a 40-foot (or longer) "one trip" container that should be in nice condition. It is really, really annoying that most vendors are based in other states, but place ads on Craigslist/Faceplant which make them appear to have a local presence. Some larger / nationwide vendors have websites which are intentionally misleading to appear they are local to your city or state, despite being Far, Far Away. The ads for 1-trip "new" containers always show photos of pristine containers that look brand new, but they're generic stock photos... they don't post photos of a specific container for sale. As a bonus, there are some even some elaborate scam sites with too-good-to-be-true pricing, that claim to be in your local city (sample here).
And, almost zero (legitimate) sellers post pricing, you have to give them your address / phone / SS# / shoe size to get price quotes. Looks like $6000-$7500 is the ballpark for a 1-trip 40-footer with 9' height and double doors, including delivery to a land lubber area (Montana). 8' height single-door is a bit less. "Used" containers which have made multiple trips back & forth across the ocean are slightly cheaper, but typically in much worse condition (many dents, corrosion, holes, worn door seals, faded/peeling paint, etc). It's not like a 'used' container is half price.
There's only one or two companies locally and they're not exactly cheap. However I might be able to actually look at the container at their storage yard prior to delivery, which is a big incentive. The big gamble buying a cheaper unit from Far, Far Away is they do not show you photos of the exact container you receive. When a turd arrives on the truck you get to decide if you decline delivery, or accept the turd. Buying local avoids this, but you pay more.
Note that if you live near a coast with a port nearby, containers are MUCH less expensive. Ballpark price for a one-trip 40' is about $4k plus delivery. Hauling that container a couple thousand miles inland is what adds $1k-$2k to the price.
A related discussion is the best dunnage to use under each of the 4 corners. The container needs to be 6-8" off the ground for airflow and to keep the wooden floor dry, and ensure no critters make homes underneath. Cut-up railroad ties is what I'm considering. I don't know if concrete pavers / blocks will be sturdy enough.
Anyone BT, DT and have tips with how to deal with the plethora of fly-by-night sellers and long-distance big companies?
And, almost zero (legitimate) sellers post pricing, you have to give them your address / phone / SS# / shoe size to get price quotes. Looks like $6000-$7500 is the ballpark for a 1-trip 40-footer with 9' height and double doors, including delivery to a land lubber area (Montana). 8' height single-door is a bit less. "Used" containers which have made multiple trips back & forth across the ocean are slightly cheaper, but typically in much worse condition (many dents, corrosion, holes, worn door seals, faded/peeling paint, etc). It's not like a 'used' container is half price.
There's only one or two companies locally and they're not exactly cheap. However I might be able to actually look at the container at their storage yard prior to delivery, which is a big incentive. The big gamble buying a cheaper unit from Far, Far Away is they do not show you photos of the exact container you receive. When a turd arrives on the truck you get to decide if you decline delivery, or accept the turd. Buying local avoids this, but you pay more.
Note that if you live near a coast with a port nearby, containers are MUCH less expensive. Ballpark price for a one-trip 40' is about $4k plus delivery. Hauling that container a couple thousand miles inland is what adds $1k-$2k to the price.
A related discussion is the best dunnage to use under each of the 4 corners. The container needs to be 6-8" off the ground for airflow and to keep the wooden floor dry, and ensure no critters make homes underneath. Cut-up railroad ties is what I'm considering. I don't know if concrete pavers / blocks will be sturdy enough.
Anyone BT, DT and have tips with how to deal with the plethora of fly-by-night sellers and long-distance big companies?
