Lots of businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, particularly those which involve international shipping. Freight costs have soared over the last 12 months – partly due to lockdown, partly due to Brexit – and for some companies who are struggling, every penny counts.
Sound familiar?
If your business has been affected, it’s crucial that you save cash wherever possible. And whether you need a container for transportation or storage purposes, there are ways to keep your shipping container costs to a minimum. Here we offer a few tips to help your business stay afloat.
3 ways to keep container costs down
1. Find a competitive container supplier
Suppliers differ greatly in terms of their container costs. So, to make sure you’re getting the best deal, be sure to shop around. Perhaps make a list of a few companies that have a depot in your area? Give each one a call to request a quote and select the one that best fits your budget.
Here at Gap Containers, we pride ourselves on our highly competitive rates. We stay up-to-date with the market and always strive to provide our customers with the lowest possible price. And we have depots all over the UK. So, wherever your business is located, it’s worth giving us a call.
2. Consider a used or end-of-life container
Shipping containers are graded depending on their previous use and condition. The newer they are, the more they tend to cost. So if you’re looking to save money, consider the options carefully.
Of course, brand new containers are a great option if you plan to ship goods long-term, offering an average lifespan of 25 years. But keep in mind, used containers are just as suitable for transportation.
Although they’re sold on a ‘next from stack’ basis with the original livery, they’re still wind and watertight, fitted with a valid CSC plate, and can be very easily repainted. Most are aged around 9-10 years, which means they have plenty of years’ service left in them. And used ‘one-way shippers’ have only ever been used once since their manufacture. As such, they offer all the same benefits as a brand new container, yet come with a significantly smaller price tag!
For storage purposes, an end-of-life container is a great cost-effective option. These have had an extensive history in the freight forwarding industry and are usually ‘sold as seen’. But again, they’re strong and secure, can be quickly repainted, and are an easy way to keep container costs to a minimum.
3. Choose the right size
The price of a shipping container will also vary greatly depending on its size. Therefore, to help you save a little cash, it’s a good idea to determine exactly how much space you require.
Most containers come in a standard size, measuring 8ft in width, 8.5ft in height, and either 20ft or 40ft in length. But some suppliers – including Gap Containers – will make containers to order to meet your specific size requirements. That way, you only pay for the size that you require, and it can often work out much cheaper. You may even find that a flat pack container is ample for your needs.
4. Hire rather than buy
Detailed information on whether it’s better to hire or buy a shipping container can be found in our recent blog. There’s a lot of factors to consider when making this decision. However, if you’re company is struggling financially – and you simply can’t afford to buy a container outright – it can offer a viable short-term solution.
Hiring a container can cost as little as 85p per day. You can choose from the same range of container types and sizes and either replace it for a different one or return it to the supplier whenever you like, depending on your business’s evolving needs.
Need further advice on shipping container costs?
You’re welcome to contact us at any time.
As a leading UK supplier, we have excellent knowledge in this area. There are many different container types to choose from, with something to suit all budgets – big and small. And when they’re put into practice, the tips outlined above can translate into major savings for your business.
If you’d like to discuss these tips further – or need advice on how to fulfil your shipping or storage requirements whilst also minimising your shipping container costs, either give us a call on 0870 240 9405 or send an email to sales@gapcontainers.co.uk and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
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