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A recent HIAB lorry delivery of one of our “ex storage fleet” 20ft containers from Alert Self Storage to a Lincolnshire farm
This specific container was coming to the end of its storage lifespan at our self storage site in Northampton. It does however still have plenty of years left as a solid second hand container option.
This is one of many units we are looking to replace as part of our upgrade programme, switching the old style storage units with brand new 20fts with 3 locking bar, fully vented units.
These photos are a great example of our 1 trip containers standing the test of time, after 25 years in use on our facility. The container colour is also RAL 6011 ‘reseda green’, a suitable paint colour for blending into rural locations where you do not want a container to be an ‘eye sore’.
Ex rental fleet 20ft containers can indeed be a good second-hand option, depending on your specific needs and the condition of the containers. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Advantages include this unit type being
- Cost-Effective: Generally, second-hand containers, including ex-hire units, are cheaper than new ones. This can be a significant cost-saving measure, especially for customers on a tight budget.
- Availability: Ex-hire containers are often readily available, as self storage and container rental companies periodically refresh their hire fleets/ storage units on site. This means you can usually find what you need without lengthy lead times.
- Functionality: These containers are typically maintained to a high standard during their service life, as rental companies & self storage operators need them to be in very good condition for hiring to customers. They often undergo regular inspections and maintenance, and are rarely moved around (and never shipped!).
- Versatility: 20ft containers are standard-sized, making them versatile for various uses, including storage, transport, and conversion projects (like workshops or homes).
Considerations
- Condition: The condition can vary widely. Some containers may have superficial wear and tear, while others might have more significant damage. It’s important to inspect the container or request detailed information about its condition, including any dents, rust, or water-tightness issues. Also check when this container was built (YOM). This info will always be on the CSC plate (like a car registration document). You can find this on the container cargo door near the ground level.
- History of Use: Understanding the type of goods previously stored or transported can be important, especially if the container will be used for sensitive items. Chemical spills or other contaminants may not always be visible.
- Structural Integrity: For projects requiring structural modifications or heavy use, ensure the container is structurally sound. Check for any signs of significant corrosion or damage that could compromise its integrity.
- Customization and Modifications: Depending on your intended use, you may need to make modifications (e.g., adding doors, windows, insulation, lightning and electrics). Consider the cost and feasibility of these changes in your overall budget before proceeding.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Depending on your location and intended use, there might be specific regulations governing the use of containers. Ensure that the container meets any required standards and regulations.
Recommendations
- Inspection: If possible, physically inspect the container or obtain a detailed condition report from the seller.
- Seller Reputation: Buy from reputable sellers or rental companies known for maintaining their fleet well. In Boxtor’s case, we have been trading for 25 years and are supplier members of both the SSA and CSTA. We are also rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot!
- Documentation: Ensure all necessary documentation, such as ownership papers and maintenance history, is provided.
Ex-hire 20ft containers can be a great second-hand option if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution and don’t mind some cosmetic wear/ paint fading. Just make sure to do your due diligence to ensure the container meets your needs and standards.
At Boxtor, we manufacture high quality, full specification ISO shipping containers that provide our customers with versatile storage solutions.
