New Year. As a business owner, it’s the perfect time to begin new projects – start afresh, make positive changes and perhaps invest in a few new assets for your company.
But new doesn’t always have to mean brand new.
If you’re looking to buy a shipping container for your business this January, a used ISO unit can offer a lot of benefits compared to a new ISO container or one-way shipper.
Read on to find out why it could be the better option for you.
4 reasons to buy a used shipping container
(and leave the shiny new boxes on the stack)
1. They’re still fit for purpose
A used shipping container is exactly what it says on the tin – a used container.
Having been bought and hired numerous times, they’ve typically been used for around 9-14 years within the shipping industry. And as such, are unlikely to last as long as a new unit.
However, they still have many years of service left to give.
Providing a second-hand shipping container has been maintained and cared for properly, there’s no reason why it can’t last for another 10-15 years or more. It may have a few scuffs, scratches and surface rust – but these are only superficial and, overall, it’ll still be in excellent condition.
Fully wind- and watertight, and fitted with a valid CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate, it’ll meet strict ISO standards and is 100% suitable for intermodal freight transportation via road, rail and sea.
2. They can be updated to meet your needs
There’s no denying that, aesthetically, a brand-new container will look better than a used unit.
They’re shiny and clean, and usually sold in one solid colour (blue or green as standard) – free from any shipping company logos or livery. Whereas a used container is likely to have a few blemishes, dents and surface rust, whilst also carrying the markings of its previous owners and shipping journeys.
However, that’s very easily rectified.
These defects are only ever cosmetic. And if you wish, a used container can be re-sprayed to freshen it up. Here at Gap Containers, we offer a professional container painting service – in which we can paint the unit in any colour of your choosing (from the RAL colour chart) and leave it looking as good as new.
We can also improve the overall specification and security of a second-hand shipping container, by adding container accessories, such as padlocks, lock boxes, moisture traps, racking and more.
3. They’re more affordable
Due to their age and aesthetic appearance, used shipping containers tend to be cheaper.
Perhaps you only wish to use the unit for storage purposes? Maybe the appearance of the unit isn’t important to you or your business’ needs? Or you have a limited budget to work with?
If so, it makes financial sense to opt for a second-hand unit.
As previously stated, the used containers for sale at our depots are completely fit for purpose. They’re fantastic quality and will serve you well for many years to come. But because they’re not brand new, or may have a couple of little scratches, they’re much more affordable.
For most people, they’re a savvy investment – that will do the same job, without the hefty price tag.
4. They promote sustainability
In recent years, shipping containers have become somewhat of a ‘disposable’ item.
Millions of one-way shippers and used units lie dormant in warehouses across the world, adding to the global waste crisis. Whilst the continuous production of new containers continues to have a negative impact on the environment, leading to an increase in resource waste and emissions.
Opting for a second-hand container instead can make a big difference.
It’s a form of recycling. Instead of letting the container go to waste in a depot – or worse, be thrown into landfill – it can be repurposed, re-used and utilised to its full potential.
Kinder to your wallet and kinder to the planet.
Need further guidance?
You’re always welcome to get in touch.
As a UK leading supplier, we have both new and used shipping containers for sale.
Nine times out of ten, a second-hand shipping container is likely to be the most suitable (and the savviest) option. But following a quick chat, we can offer tailored advice on your business’ specific requirements and point you in the right direction. Whether that be towards a used ISO unit, a brand new unit or one of the other container types in our range.
To learn more about the benefits of a used shipping container, or discuss your needs in detail with a member of the team, give us a call on 0870 240 9405. Or if you prefer, send an email to sales@gapcontainers.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.
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