A Guide To Buying Shipping Containers in Minnesota
The processes involved in buying a shipping container can be complicated, but there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the right one for your needs. First and foremost, it's essential to know what you're looking for and how it will affect your business. If you have answers to the questions below, you’re good to go. If not, we’ve compiled this guide to help you decide which kind of shipping container is right for you.
Call us any time at for a fast and free quote (612) 324-5309 Guiding questions to consider before buying a shipping container include:
Where Can I Learn More?There's several places throughout the website that answer questions about containers. One easy place to start is our FAQ page where we answer many common questions about storage containers in Minnesota.
If you have more detailed questions, please feel free to contact us and a representative can answer all your questions. |
A Detailed Guide to Buying Shipping Containers
When you're ready to buy a shipping container, you should keep a few things in mind. First things first: What kind of container do you want? Are you looking for a container with wheels? Or maybe one that can be towed by a truck? Do you need something that can hold up to 18,000 pounds? Or are you just looking for something to move around in the yard? Maybe you need one that's been used before—what if your neighbor has one that he uses to transport his garden trash?
Types of Shipping Containers
Shipping containers vary in materials used, dimensions, and door configuration. Several different types of containers are available, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common types:
General Purpose Containers
These are standard 20-foot high cube containers used for various purposes, including transporting goods and equipment. They are also commonly used in warehouse environments, often stacked on pallets or in a conveyor system. They may also be used on large trucks with room but not enough space for a box truck or trailer truck with cargo inside it!
Specialized ContainersSpecialized containers may only be used for one purpose, such as transporting hazardous materials or fragile items. They are generally designed to withstand harsh conditions and weather conditions such as snow storms and rainstorms.
They include:
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Industrial Loading Units
Industrial loading units are similar to general-purpose containers. Still, they have specialized features such as extra wall thicknesses and stronger sides that make them more durable than other types of shipping containers. They're usually made of steel and have a welded hull that can be sealed to prevent water from seeping into the cargo.
They include:
They include:
- Flatbed containers for heavy and wide loads like large busses and pipes
- Open top containers for extra heavy and delicate machinery
Finding the right container size
Consider the size of your project. If you're renting or buying a container from a company, make sure it's the right size for your needs. Containers are categorized into two sizes as discussed below:
Standard Shipping Containers
These come in 10 feet to 40 feet lengths and up to six inches tall. A typical 10-foot container is the size of a one-car garage. It’s ideal if you have a small space and need extra storage.
Twenty-foot containers have a large enough storage and are the most commonly sold units. These are the most affordable 1,118 cubic feet storage units to fit any need. Forty ft. containers give 2,371 cubic feet of storage space, perfect for heavy and large equipment storage. Although mainly common in agriculture and construction industries fit with a variety of other uses.
Twenty-foot containers have a large enough storage and are the most commonly sold units. These are the most affordable 1,118 cubic feet storage units to fit any need. Forty ft. containers give 2,371 cubic feet of storage space, perfect for heavy and large equipment storage. Although mainly common in agriculture and construction industries fit with a variety of other uses.
High Cube Containers
In contrast to the eight feet six inches tall standard containers, high cube containers can measure up to 53 feet and nine-foot six inches tall for that extra storage space. It also has a variety of door configurations suitable for large office spaces and voluminous shipping and storage. However, they are not common due to bulkiness and hefty prices.
Container Condition
You can buy new or refurbished containers depending on your needs and preference. Shipping containers are graded differently based on structure and aesthetics but vary with different companies—the lack of a global grading scale makes this process quite confusing. The abbreviations in this process make the confusion even worse, but let’s clear that first.
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Consequently, a pre-purchasing inspection is recommended to check the condition of what you’re buying and avoid disappointments. Some of the things to check include;
- Make sure the shipping containers are in good condition. If they are not, you may be able to find someone who can repair them.
- Inspect the shipping containers for any cracks or holes in the paint or steel panels. You should also check for rust on the metal parts of the container.
- Look at your shipping container's wheels and tires to ensure they function correctly and are in good shape.
- Inspect the condition of any locking mechanisms or locks on your shipping container to know if they need repair or replacement before you purchase them.
What Our Customers Say
Here's what our customers say about our ability to provide shipping containers throughout Minnesota.
Great experience with their customer service. They were helpful and told me exactly what container I needed. And they gave me an exact number for the quote which is nice to know! - Tony D.
I had no idea what the different ratings of shipping containers were and which one I needed. Minnesota Shipping Containers walked me through everything until I understood. They were really patient and I had an amazing experience. - Mary T.
Buying or Leasing?
Leasing is a great way to go if you need something now, but buying can be more cost-effective if you keep the container for a while. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between buying and leasing a shipping container:
- Costs: This is one of the most significant factors in choosing between the two options. Even though leasing may seem like it will cost less at first glance, you may spend more money in the long run. It's generally easier to purchase a shipping container than to lease one because if you decide it's not right for your business, you can get out of the contract and just return the box rather than paying for months of storage fees. This can help save money over time!
- Storage space: Another important factor is how much space your new container will take up in your office or warehouse. If it's too large for your needs and you have limited storage space, then buying might not be an option (unless you're willing to pay extra for storage).
- Period of use: You should consider how long you plan to use the container. You'll want to ensure that it will last for as long as you need it and that it can easily be moved from place to place. If it's only going to be used for six months, then renting is probably cheaper than buying.
What's Next After Buying a Shipping Container?
The first thing you need to do is determine where you will store your shipping container in Minnesota. If you have a large amount of space, then there are many places where you can store them. For example, if you live in an apartment complex or near a college campus, then it would be possible for you to rent one of their storage spaces.
Another option is to purchase a storage unit or garage and use it as a place where you can store your shipping containers. This way, it will not take up any space in your home and will be easy for people around your house to access when needed.
Suppose neither of these options works out for you. In that case, another option that may work well for some people is purchasing an empty lot near their home so they can put up one or more shipping containers on the property with no restrictions on how many they can have on the property at once.
Another option is to purchase a storage unit or garage and use it as a place where you can store your shipping containers. This way, it will not take up any space in your home and will be easy for people around your house to access when needed.
Suppose neither of these options works out for you. In that case, another option that may work well for some people is purchasing an empty lot near their home so they can put up one or more shipping containers on the property with no restrictions on how many they can have on the property at once.
Minnesota Shipping Container Dimensions
These are the most common sea container dimensions we sell. We can accommodate others, but most people ask about these.
20 Foot Standard Container Interior Dimensions:
- Length: 19ft - 9inches - Width: 7ft - 10inches - Height: 8ft - 6inches 40 Foot Standard Container Interior Dimensions: - Length: 39ft - 9inches - Width: 7ft - 10inches - Height: 8ft - 6inches |
20 Foot High Cube Container Interior Dimensions:
- Length: 19ft - 9inches - Width: 7ft - 10inches - Height: 8ft - 10inches 40 Foot High Cube Container Interior Dimensions: - Length: 39ft - 9inches - Width: 7ft - 10inches - Height: 8ft - 10inches |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Feel free to check out our entire page on FAQs for even more details. These are just a few common ones below.
What type of permit do I need to ship a container?
Depends on the content in the container. If you're shipping something perishable, such as fresh fruit or flowers, you'll also need a refrigerated cargo certificate (FCR). This certificate identifies your cargo as in good condition and ready for transport. You'll need an electronic manifest (EMV) if you're shipping electronics or medical equipment. And if you're shipping radioactive materials, you'll need special permits from the government agency that regulates those materials.
Where can I buy a shipping container?
We believe we are the absolute best company to buy containers from in Minnesota and you can contact us for a quote that's accurate and fast!
You can also buy shipping containers in some other places, including Brokerages, local or online container dealers, container rental companies, and fleet management companies. There are many other types of companies that sell these items, including eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist. Do your due diligence, especially with online dealers, to ensure they are legit; otherwise, you may be duped.
You can also buy shipping containers in some other places, including Brokerages, local or online container dealers, container rental companies, and fleet management companies. There are many other types of companies that sell these items, including eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist. Do your due diligence, especially with online dealers, to ensure they are legit; otherwise, you may be duped.
What accessories do I need to make a shipping container work for me?
Storing things in a shipping container can be a great way to free up space in your home. But just like the containers themselves, there are different types of accessories that you can use to make sure it's a smooth process. These include a security system, lockbox or safe, alarm system, and sprinkler system. Additions like shelves are functional