Shipping Container Hire is a highly viable storage solution for one-time projects, relocations or just extra space. It’s also a great way to get the flexibility that comes with having your own storage facility on your own property without needing to invest in building or purchasing a structure. There are many advantages to hiring a shipping container, and it can be much more affordable than buying a new or used one.
When to Rent vs Buy
Many people are unsure of whether they should purchase or rent shipping containers for their specific requirements. Often the decision is made based on the length of time that the container will be in use and the amount of capital available. If you are considering long term use, then it may make more sense to buy the container outright. However, if your requirement is for temporary use or you don’t have the capital to invest in a container, then leasing would be more appropriate.
Purchasing a container involves a large one-time cash input, which is not always feasible for small businesses or households. When deciding to purchase a container, there are many additional costs that you need to consider including delivery, installation and insurance. These can add up quickly, so renting could be a more cost effective option.
With Container xChange you can choose from a range of container sizes, specifications and features to meet your requirements. All our partners have been vetted and are licensed to lease out containers, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best deal for your needs. We offer a variety of one-way and long-term leasing options to suit your requirements. Our one-way service is the simplest, where you pick up your container from our partner’s depot and then return it to them at a pre-arranged location. This helps prevent the imbalance of empty and full containers that lead to demurrage and detention fees.
At the end of the leasing period you can choose to keep the container or swap it for a different one. This is particularly useful for a business that has multiple locations and needs to balance stock and capacity. This option also allows you to maintain a brand image by swapping older containers for newer ones.
When a container is returned to the lessor’s depot at the end of a leasing period, it undergoes an inspection. This is known as an on-hire survey and identifies any minor damage or defects. It also verifies that the container is cargo-worthy. Once the container has been inspected, it can be leased out again or prepared for disposal. For this reason it’s important to keep a record of the condition of the container at all times. This will help if you need to sell it in the future. You can also use this as evidence if you are ever questioned about the condition of your container. If you’re interested in learning more about Shipping Container Hire, speak with a member of our team.