A shipping container is a great product that helps solve a lot of problems. Do you need to ship a lot of items all at the same time? A shipping container is likely the best option. Are you looking for a more affordable and sustainable building material for your home or office? Shipping containers are now being used for that purpose too.

Across different industries, these rectangular and gigantic metal boxes are being utilised for a myriad of projects and proving to be a cost-efficient solution.

Why are they popular? Simple. Shipping containers are relatively affordable, they are water tight, durable, can withstand strong winds, and they’re secure. It’s the perfect container to store and transport vital goods, as well as to serve as the base for many building projects (think of a home, garage, storage, and shelters).

If you are new to buying a shipping container, perhaps you might think that the only things you will need to consider are the size and the colour. However, there is more to buying a shipping container than just those two factors.

For example, will you need to have the container insured? After all, it will be travelling for great distances and accidents can happen along the way.

Are there are any local laws you will need to adhere to? And not just where you are located, but also the areas where your container will be passing through. Also, will it need a Container Safety Convention (CSC) certificate?

You may even be considering a secondhand container, and for that you will need to do a thorough inspection before you make the purchase. Are the door seals in good condition? Are there any leaks? Is there any rust or corrosion? Is there a structural damage to the container?

As you can see, there are many things you need to consider before buying a shipping container. For a complete buying guide, take a look at the infographic below.