New Shipping Container vs. Used Shipping Container - Security Difference

One of the biggest differences between new and used shipping containers is the lack of a lock box.  Many new / one trip containers come factory equipped with a lock box, while a used container of any age rarely comes with a lock box.  The primary reason is cost, and shipping lines and leasing companies try to keep the container as strong and cheap as possible - afterall, they're going to be the ones using it for 10-12 years.

A lock box on a new shipping container is a great selling feature (along with the fresh paint, clean lines, and leather upholstery).  And having it installed at a factory in China is cheaper than having it installed at a depot in (Los Angeles, New York, Houston, [insert port/depot here].

That being said, if you've purchase a new or used shipping container that isn't equipped with a lock box, don't fret, they can be easily installed either at the depot on at your location.  Check this site if you're looking for more information on shipping container parts and bolt on lock boxes.

Buy a Cheap Shipping Container in Texas

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the deals on cheap shipping containers are no different. The shipping containers are Texas sized, not the cheap pole barns or back yard wooden sheds that you’ll find at the home depot. These are the Texas sized 20’ and 40’ containers that are big enough to park toys like ATVs, motorcycles, even all of your tack gear, and the cheapest shipping and storage containers can be found being sold at auction on ContainerAuction.com.

Hunting Lodge Shipping Container

If you’re looking for a storage unit for your ranch, or a sleeping shelter or cabin for your deer hunting lease, a shipping container is a great option. The structure installs quickly and easily, is wind and water tight, and it’s very secure. The inside can be modified with sleeping bunks or cots, kitchen equipment, or a fancy camp kitchen. If you position it properly you could build a deer stand on the top of it.

Oil Field Office or Storage Locker

There’s lots of valuable equipment used by oil fields, and it’s big an heavy to move from site to site. By dropping a 20’ or 40’ shipping container on-site, and giving it a bolt on container lock box means that your gear will be safe and secure until the next time that it’s needed. Shipping containers are designed for long term security, and a shipping container makes an excellent storage solution on a remote location.

Where to Buy Cheap Shipping Containers in Texas?

Shipping containers are the cheapest around major cities or ports. Dallas, Houston, and El Paso have some of the best deals on containers. In the metropolitan areas of these cities you can find new and used 20’ containers, 40’ containers, and 40’ high cube containers. The length of the containers is either 20’ or 40’, the width is always 8’ wide, and a standard container is 8’6” tall while a high cube container is 9’6” tall.

	Search here for shipping containers for sale in El Paso.
	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Dallas.
	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Houston.

You can find shipping container auctions throughout the Texas, the United States, and the World on ContainerAuction.com.

Preppers and Shipping Container Bug Out Shelters

Calling all preppers and survivalists, have you considered using a shipping container for your bug out shelter?  If not, it might be a good idea - less/no permits for building, quick/solid construction, and it will last a long time!

We try and keep you up to date on the latest ideas and designs, and while this article doesn't go into detail (most preppers are pretty private anyway...), it does form a good starting point for discussion:

Read more about shipping container shelters.

Storm Shelters and Survival Bunkers

We take several questions a month from people interested in converting them into storm shelters and survival bunkers.  Overall, shipping containers make a very good building block for these types of projects for many reasons.  Shipping containers are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, the interior can be modified to meet almost any type of project, and they're affordable and readily available almost anywhere you need them.

Read more about storm shelters and survival bunkers.

Standard ISO and Non-Standard Shipping Container Sizes

Anyone who's shopped for a shipping container or works around them is aware of the conventional 20' and 40' containers sizes, but what many people don't know is how and why other container sizes are used and occasionally available in the market. Non-international sizes like 10', 48', and 53' shipping containers are common in some markets, although their size limits their international mobility and usage.

Read more about shipping containers for sale.

One Trip Shipping Containers - Cheap, affordable storage

New and used shipping containers have been available in the market for both retail and commercial buyers for years.  While the are basically the same, there are differences that you must consider before purchasing or renting one.

How long do you need to used the container?

Used shipping containers are typically 12-15 years old and, while they are typically solid containers, they are no longer structurally handle rigors of intermodal shipping and transportation.  One trip containers are normally less than one year old, and have only been used one time (hence the name "one trip").

If you need the storage container for less than 12-18 months, it may make more sense to rent a unit.  If you need the unit for a longer period of time, save 5 years, a used container may work well.  If the storage container is needed for longer than 5 years it could make sense to purchase a new, one trip container.

ContainerAuction.com provides a great spreadsheet that can help you to analyze the cost benefit of renting vs. buying a shipping container.

Does it matter what the container looks like?

New containers are similar to a new car.  They have fresh paint that's typically a solid color (commonly tan, ivory, blue, or red).  They have no structural damage, dents or dings, and require little/no touch ups to the paint.

Used containers are typically marked with the name of the shipping line and the agreement of sale may require that the container is "neutralized", so you will be required to paint the container (either entirely, or just over the name of the shipping line).  Having a used shipping container painted can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 or more, depending on the size and location.

Mechanics:  Doors and Lockboxes.

Used containers may have some rust, and due to years of use the doors may not swing as easy as a new, one trip shipping container.  If you require that the doors swing easily you may want to purchase a new shipping container.

If you require a shipping container lock box, most one trip containers come equipped with them; while used containers don't normally have them installed.  Bolt on lock boxes for shipping containers are available.