Prepare Yourself! The Ultimate Shipping Container Buying Guide - Avoid Conex Box SCAMS!

In this week's video, Channing will take you around our Container Yard to show you what to look for, and what to avoid while looking to buy or rent a shipping container! ✅❌🛒

Things to consider while purchasing a Shipping Container:
Only Used Once (One Trip):
-Perfect for Storage
-Can be CSC Certified for Ocean-Vessel Shipment
-Very few dents or scratches (if any at all)
-Won’t require any painting
-Won’t require pressure wash
-Surface rust is very minimal

Many local municipalities or inspectors require the use of OTU condition containers for varying reasons. These are only a few examples and the important lesson here is that you do not want to spend thousands of dollars modifying a container only to find out afterwards it does not pass inspection or code.

-Perfect For Storage
-Secure, Rodent Proof & Watertight
-Can be CSC Certified for Ocean-Vessel Shipment
-Many dents or scratches (if any at all)
-May require some painting
-May require a pressure wash
-Some surface rust should be expected

If you’re looking for a used shipping container to export, we recommend a CWO (cargo-worthy) container. CWO containers are used shipping containers ranging in age from 10-15+ years old that will pass a CSC (container safety certification) survey.
Roughly 12-15+ years in age, wind and water tight containers have been retired from shipping service by the intermodal companies that own them.

International vs Domestic Containers
Ocean-going containers are all 8′ wide which is the width of a container vessel slot. Ocean going containers are utilized on roads, rail and ship which allow them to transport internationally. Ocean-going containers include both standard and high cube versions of 20′, 40′, and 45′. Containers must have a valid CSC plate in order to sail with cargo. One time use containers come with a valid CSC for a duration of 5 years before re-inspection is required.
You will notice some containers (48’s and 53’s) are 6″ wider (8’6″ wide outside). These are domestic containers meaning they stay in North America and only used on roads and rail. The extra 6″ of width is huge for some modifications that require over 8′ of interior width. The 53′ steel, non-insulated and aluminum insulated both provide 8’2″ width inside.

Manufacture Types – Container Selection for Your Next Mod Project
Container design for the most part has become standardized where most manufacturers’ finished products look pretty much identical. Container Modification World products are designed after the most common container type. If you are shopping for a container to modify and pan to use our kits, ensure the container you purchase has the following:
a 60 mm square tubing running the length of the container along the top of the corrugations.
corrugations that are 11″ o/c (actually 10 15/16″ or __mm) similar to Figure A. below
Conversely, what you do not want buy is a container with the flat bar running the length of the container welded to the top of the corrugations and the Hanjin style corrugations similar to Figure B. below.
Even if this seems confusing to yourself as the consumer, the two varying types should be common knowledge to your container retailer. If your retailer doesn’t know the difference, they likely do not have much experience in the industry and you might want to continue to call around.

B E W A R E O F S C A M S:
You may have heard about last year's scams that targeted unsuspecting buyers looking to purchase containers online in Eastern Canada. They are now targeting customers in North America using companies like The Container Guy to scam honest people out of thousands of dollars.

We want to take some time to address our customers and show you a few ways to protect yourself from being scammed.

1. Verify the number you’re calling matches the company’s. You can do a simple Google search or look them up in a phonebook.

2. Check the email closely for any inconsistencies. For example, our email domains are @thecontainerguy.ca and @tcg.ca. If the email they provide is any different, it is a scam.

3. Ensure you receive an official estimate and/or sales order before sending payment. At TCG we ALWAYS send a sales document before asking for payment.

4. If in doubt, you can verify you’re dealing with the correct dealer by calling their office.

0:00 Intro
0:21 Container Sizes
0:35 How We Deliver
1:15 Chain Drive trailer
2:35 Best Bang For Your Buck
2:55 What To Expect With Used Cans
3:15 What Is A One Time Use Container
3:40 Double Door Containers
4:30 Specialty Container
5:15 New 40' Forklift Pockets
6:00 Why Buy Local?
7:05 Beware Of SCAMS!
8:25 One Time Use 20'
9:50 Lockboxes & Door Handles
10:40 One Time Use Interior
11:40 USED 40' Sea Can
12:45 USED 40' Interior w/ Damage
14:25 Damaged Doors
15:05 Outro