If you are beginning a company from home there are many different reasons for hiring shpping containers rather than getting caught up in buying a shipping container. You may want the shipping container to provide you with added space to store stock, or maybe want to avail yourself of the container to provide office space. Why hire rather than buy? Mostly this is to do with the length of time you need the container. You maybe using the container on a test basis to see if it is the solution for you. Mind you, if you are taking into consideration hiring a shipping container for over 9 months it may well be more economic to consider buying a shipping container. If you no longer require your container after this time you can either ask the company you bought it from to buy it back or sell it on ebay.
Whatever your choice here are some useful things to consider
To hire a container you will be asked to pay the delivery and collection charges up front. Therefore you need to try and source your steel container from a depot near to you. You want the haulage charge to be as small as possible in order to reduce costs.
The minimum hire length of a shipping container will normally be 28 days. Even if you want your shipping container hire to be for less time than this you will still almost certainly be asked to pay for the full 28 days. This is normally paid per month in advance.
A small number of companies will hire containers if they are to be used for export shipping. This is because of the expenditure involved in reclaiming a container once it has left the country should you evade on payment.
It is essential that you ask about the notice you need to give when you no longer need your shipping container. Most companies require a weeks notice. As you will have already paid for the collection up front no further fees should be payable.
If you decide you want to buy the shipping container whilst you have it on hire, you should have the collection charge taken off the total cost of the container. If you have hired the container for over a year, most companies will give you a discount on the final purchase price.
The condition of the container is vital. If you want to hire a second hand container then you should make certain that it is guaranteed to be wind and watertight and structurally sound.
If you wish to hire a new/once used container usually the minimum period of hire is for 2 years.
Refrigerated shipping containers are also available for hire as well as storage/shipping containers.
Consider where you are going to place your container, as you really need a level surface in order to open the doors without difficulty.
Lastly, you need to consider the security of your shipping container. Ask for a lock cowl (lockbox) and a CISA heavy duty container padlock to prevent illegal access from bolt croppers and angle grinders.
Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to discuss your needs with the company you intend hiring from. There are many different options available and they may be able to suggest different answers to your particular needs.
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