News

Storage and shipping containers have plenty of uses in today’s world. Whether you are a manufacturer in need of transportation services, a small business looking for extra storage space, or just an individual hoping to complete a personal building project, a shipping container can definitely be a lifesaver.   Before you can proceed with your plans, though, it’s important to know how many containers you’ll need and how much they should cost. How much space do you need? How long do you need it for? Do you need your shipping containers to be in brand-new condition, or will a used container suit your purposes? All of these factors have an effect on how much you’ll find yourself paying for your shipping containers.   We’ll go through an overview of what specific factors go into the cost of a shipping container, and then provide a range of prices for each type of container available. If you’re in the market for a shipping container, you should come away with a decent understanding of what is a reasonable price for your needs. What Factors Go Into Container Cost? Companies take a multitude of factors into account when putting a price tag on their shipping containers. These factors include: External Dimensions: Shipping containers are generally classified by their external dimensions. How long a container is has a huge impact on its price. For example, a shorter container can fit in tight places much more easily than a longer one. As a result, you may pay more for the convenience of a 10’ container that you can put anywhere than for a 40’ container that only fits in certain locations. Internal Dimensions: The internal dimensions of a shipping container are obviously correlated to its external dimensions, but they play a different role in determining the price. The convenience of having a smaller container that can be placed almost anywhere has to be balanced with the inconvenience of having a smaller interior volume to work with. As a result, the internal dimensions of a shipping container also play a major role in how much it will cost. Labor Costs: Some sizes and types of shipping containers are simply more common than others– and when a specific size is super common, it does a lot to offset its price. Even if you’re looking for a smaller container– for example, a 10’ one– you’ll likely pay more just because this size of container isn’t very common and manufacturing them is more labor intensive. Ease of Transportation: Some shipping containers are built to be stationary, while others are meant to transport a high volume of goods from place to place. Whether you plan on using your shipping container for cargo transport or not can therefore play a role in its cost. A container that doesn’t need to be road-worthy in the long term will likely cost less than one that needs to hold up against the wear and tear of frequent travel. The cost of a cargo-worthy shipping container can be offset by renting it as opposed to buying it, though– so there are still options available. Door Arrangement: It may seem a little odd to have to consider what type of door your shipping container needs to have, but this does factor into the final cost. The standard shipping container has a set of doors in the back, ideal for loading and unloading cargo. But you can also find containers with double doors– a set at the front and at the back– or with side opening doors to allow for easier access to large items. You may find some door configurations more helpful than others, depending on your specific needs. Condition: The condition of your shipping container will certainly affect its price. For most types of containers, you can buy them new or used, refurbished or as-is. New containers will tend to be more expensive, but also in great condition– they’ll last for a long time. Used containers can often be purchased and repaired, which will also cost a little more. Alternatively, you can buy used containers as-is if you’re alright with potential damage on your container. Purchasing as-is is often a good option for people who have the skills to repair their shipping containers themselves, and it tends to be the cheapest, too. Unique Features: There are a variety of special features you can add to your shipping container that will also have an effect on its cost. Besides door arrangement, you can also choose to buy watertight and wind-tight containers that will better withstand the weather and can operate as long-term outdoor structures. This is often a great option for those using shipping containers for personal building projects, such as extra outdoor living spaces, or businesses looking for temporary office space, such as at construction sites. High-cube containers are also an option. High-cube containers stand at nine and a half feet tall instead of the standard eight and a half, giving you an extra foot of vertical storage space– which, depending on your needs, can be a lifesaver. How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Shipping Container? We know what factors go into the price of a shipping container– but what is a reasonable price range for each type of container? Based on the options currently available for purchase, we’ve compiled an estimate for how much you should reasonably expect to pay for a shipping container. Ten Foot Shipping Containers As we’ve mentioned, 10’ shipping containers aren’t as common as their 20’ and 40’ counterparts, and it takes a little more work to manufacture them. That said, they can fit in a wide variety of places– anywhere greater than 10’ x 8’, to be exact. They can also be collapsible, depending on where you purchase them from. If you’re just looking to store your personal belongings somewhere, this could be a good option for you. 10’ shipping containers can cost anywhere from $800 to over $6,000– a price that changes depending on what features

As environmental awareness increases, we continue to see a huge shift towards environmentally friendly alternatives to everyday items in today’s society. Not only are these alternatives promoting the safekeeping of the limited or finite supply of resources we have on Earth, but they are also highlighting the creative ways we can manipulate things for different uses.  Looking to buy or rent a shipping container? Get an instant quote now > Remodeled shipping containers are just one of the many environmentally friendly alternative structures seeing a rise in popularity. Shipping containers are consistently being transformed into different structures, such as drive-thru restaurants, sheds, and storage units, but there’s also another form on the rise– shipping container pools. We know the concept of a shipping container pool may sound a little out there, but it’s actually a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle while taking a quick dip. Still have questions? Not to worry. In this article, we’ll give you all the information (and then some) about shipping container pools, from installation and popular features to some ideas for how you can develop your own at home. How Do You Install a Shipping Container Pool? Installing a shipping container pool is a great idea. But you’ll need to know the right process for installing one so you don’t accidentally demolish your backyard or purchase a shipping container with a hidden leak. Let’s explore the correct way to install so you can reap the benefits of your shipping container pool without issue. Permits For starters, you’ll need to consider any permits you might need from your local municipality zoning office before installing a shipping container pool. There are a variety of permits that you’ll likely need– including ones for plumbing, electrical work, and the actual construction of your pool. There are usually permits required for both aboveground and in-ground pools. Secure any permits you might need, and pay any applicable fees, before moving forward. A little bit of research should be able to tell you what kind of shipping container pool you can install on your property, but if you have underlying questions, call your association or local housing authority for more information. Sizes   Next, consider the size of the pool you want to build. Shipping containers typically come in either 20′ or 40′ sizes, so those are two easy options to pick from. Shipping containers are usually 8 ft 6 in tall, while certain high cube shipping containers provide an extra foot of height. Either way, you’ll need to cut or modify your container to get to your pool’s desired depth. But the key thing to decide is how deep and how wide you want your pool to be ahead of time, so you don’t purchase a container that doesn’t fit the space you have provided on your property.  Foundation and Reinforcement Now it’s time to construct the foundation for your pool. Purchase the supplies for and lay a concrete slab foundation where the bottom of your pool will sit– whether that’s above-ground or in-ground. The foundation will support the container and the eventual water’s weight. Do not skip this part– otherwise, your container may leak and break after some time. After you secure your shipping container, you’ll also need to reinforce the walls and base of the shipping container so it can contain all the water for your pool over the long-term. Shipping containers are not designed to store water inside by default, so you’ll have to reinforce the walls with steel and other materials. Pool Linings In addition to reinforcing your shipping container with steel and other external supports, you’ll also want to pay close attention to the inside of your pool. Consider using a waterproofing method to make sure there won’t be any leaks to contend with in the future. Secure any steel sheets on the walls with watertight welding processes and materials. It’s also a good idea to prevent water spillage by welding a flat plate over your shipping container’s lip. The lip can also be bolstered by timber cladding, which makes for a smoother surface.  It’s also wise to be selective about what kind of liner to use on your pool. Pool liners vary greatly in price, and can be made of various materials, including epoxy, plastic polymer, vinyl, and fiberglass. This will take your pool from a simple metal shipping container to a luxurious spot to take a dip! Only after fully preparing your shipping container, ensuring that the site on which it is to be located is level, and reinforcing the container’s walls for water storage can you actually install it. Be sure to hire experienced engineers and contractors to do the installation for you, since they’ll be able to make sure that your water pipes are hooked up properly and your filtration system is working on the first try. What Are the Shipping Container Pool Features? Just like conventional pools, shipping container pools offer a variety of features. If you are looking for a hot tub or a combination of a pool and hot tub, you can consider adding heating and divider features to a shipping container pool.  If you are wanting a pool for training purposes, elongated shipping containers are great for swimming laps. However, if you want to have a training section for the pool as well as a place for the kids to play simultaneously, dividers can again be useful to add multiple sections.  You can also apply additional features to help spruce up your shipping container pools like color changing LED lights. In this day and age, you can conveniently control both the heating and light features from the click of a button on your smart devices. Other shipping container pool features often available include adding doors, ladders, glass, etc. to personalize it and make it feel less industrial. However, for some people, the industrial look goes well with their aesthetic, and they enjoy keeping their shipping container as is for their pool. It really depends on

In late December 2023, we completed the acquisition of an exciting company called Rent-A-Container (RAC), founded by Brandon and Lauren Dietrich in King of Prussia, PA. That acquisition (and the others we have made over the past 12 months) presented an opportunity to use our ModuGo logistics software to better service portable storage and containerized office needs throughout the Country. With Brandon joining our team to lead our Northeast expansion, we are excited to formally announce our next phase and new name: The Rent-A-Container Network (Powered by ModuGo). The Rent-A-Container Network is the latest step in our plan to give customers a single nationwide provider of portable storage and containerized offices at competitive rates. By visiting our website (www.rentacontainer.com) customers can access our network of branch locations using the ModuGo logistics engine to find the best combination of price, speed and quality to meet their needs. Unlike other portable storage providers that solely offer options from their limited branch locations, RAC uses the ModuGo engine to identify the least expensive, swiftest option to meet a customer’s needs (even if RAC needs to acquire the asset to fulfill the order). Because our software is constantly optimizing shipping costs, available inventory and timing, customers can rent or purchase shipping containers knowing they are receiving the best option available for them and their needs. The Rent-A-Container Network includes owned regional brands such as “Rent-A-Container,” “ModuGo,” “A-1 Portable Storage,” and “Kelcon.”

Your business needs storage and shipping containers are the chosen solution. Perhaps you have already decided on the number of containers you need and what sizes, features and accessories you want. Excellent! That means you are ready to make the last big decision before you secure your containers: leasing vs. buying a storage container.  Knowing when to rent a shipping container and when to buy one can save you money, time and stress. But how do you decide? You must carefully consider several key factors.  To help, we have put together a list of pros and cons of leasing vs. buying a storage container.  For the answers you need, keep reading and reach out to Rent-A-Container’s team of storage container experts.     When to Lease a Shipping Container: Pros and Cons Storage container rentals offer a lot of flexibility and convenience. But they can fall short if you need long-term storage. Here are some of the pros and cons of shipping containers for rent.    Flexible Shipping Container Rentals Knowing when to rent a storage container is the first step. Then, you have to decide how long you want to hold onto it. The good news is that there are several types of storage container leases available.  From full-service master leases, long-term leases, short-term and even one-way leases, you can find a shipping container rental agreement that fits your unique needs. At Rent-A-Container, the length of your storage container rental is in your hands because we never lock you into long term contracts. After an initial three-month minimum rental period, you can hang onto your storage container for as little or as long you’d like, paying just one flat fee every month.    Storage Container Damage? You May Be on the Hook Pretty much any shipping container lease you sign is going to have a provision that puts you financially on the hook for damage outside of normal wear and tear.  If you are considering leasing vs. buying a storage container, it’s important to think about your intended use for the container.  Do you want to be able to modify a container you own or be careful with one you rent?   Shipping Containers for Rent: The Latest and Greatest When you buy a container, that’s the type of shipping container you are going to have until you sell it or it is too old to use anymore. But if you rent a storage container, you can choose the latest model and updated features.  For example, you can rent a standard container for a few months and then upgrade to a rented refrigerated container. If you had purchased that standard container to begin with, you would have to buy a whole new container to get the new features you need.   Rented Containers Are Not Approved for All Uses While flexibility is typically on the side of rental containers in the leasing vs. buying a storage container debate, there is one way in which buying a container could offer more flexibility.  You can store anything you want in a purchased container, but storage container rental agreements typically prohibit certain items, such as hazardous materials.   Container Rentals Are Cost-Effective in the Short Term… While storage container prices when purchasing can reach into the tens of thousands, renting one can cost less than $120 per month.  Knowing when to lease a storage container depends on you knowing how long your business will need it.  At Rent-A-Container, storage container rentals start at just $115 a month and increase based on the size and type of container you decide to lease.   …But Can Be More Expensive in the Long Term If you plan to use the container for more than a few years, the monthly cost of renting a storage container can easily become more expensive than buying the container outright.    Renting a Shipping Container Is Like Taking a Test Drive Do you need a 20-foot container or a 40-foot container? Standard or high cube? Do you really know what you need?  If not, renting a storage container can be a great way to “test drive” a certain type of container before committing to a big purchase.   You Can’t Sell a Container You Didn’t Buy Leasing a storage container is kind of like renting an apartment. While the month-to-month costs are lower than buying, you don’t build any equity or gain any real assets.  That means what you spend on shipping container rentals is a sunk cost. Buying a container, on the other hand, can allow you to resell it and recover some value if your needs change.   Storage Container Transportation: Hassle-Free if You Rent This is one of the key benefits of leasing vs. buying a storage container. Transporting containers takes special equipment and money. And if you own the container, you have to transport it yourself or pay someone else to do it.  But shipping container rental companies like Rent-A-Container will often drop off containers at your choice of location and come pick them up when you are done.   When to Buy a Storage Container: Pros and Cons After a global shipping container shortage in 2020, many companies faced this question in a big way: should I buy or rent a storage container? Of course, just like the pros and cons listed for renting a storage container, there are pros and cons to buying a storage container. Many of the reasons to buy a storage container are simply the flip side of the cons of leasing a storage container, but it is important to consider all sides before you make your decision.  Here is what you need to know before you buy a storage container.   Buying a Storage Container: A Long-Term Investment Purchasing a container is a long-term investment. It is an asset your business can own, leverage, use and sell. That helps your business build value in the long term.   But Purchasing a Container Comes with Larger Upfront Costs However, that

Helping people find the right shipping container rental to meet their needs is the Rent-A-Container mission.  Part of achieving that goal means answering shipping container rental questions on a regular basis.  To help you as you shop for rental storage containers, our shipping container experts here at Rent-A-Container have put together this comprehensive list of shipping container rental FAQs.  These are the most common shipping container rental questions we receive, so keep reading for the answers you need.  Of course, for personalized help contact Rent-A-Container today.     Your Shipping Container Rental Questions: Answered Got questions about renting a shipping container? We have answers. See below.   Should I Rent a Shipping Container or Buy One?  This is one of the most common shipping container rental questions we receive, and for good reason. The answer is complicated and depends on your situation.  If you know you are going to need the shipping container permanently, then you probably want to buy containers. But if you have cost restrictions or aren’t sure how long you will need your container for, renting containers may be the better option. These options allow you to get a shipping container now without putting a lot of money down upfront.  For more information, check out our container rental guide.   How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Shipping Container? The price of a shipping container rental will vary depending on your needs. For example, some shipping container rental companies will charge more for short-term leases or newer containers. At Rent-A-Container, we don’t change rental rates over time, and we don’t do cumbersome long-term shipping container rental contracts. We are all about flexibility to meet your needs. Need a shipping container at a specific site? Browse available containers on our website, using your zip code to find a shipping container for rent near you. How Long Are Shipping Container Rental Contracts? Shipping container rental contracts can range from months to multiple years. Some companies will allow month-to-month container rental contracts after the initial rental period is up, while others are more strict about long-term leases.  Rent-A-Container allows month-to-month shipping container rentals after a three-month minimum lease period. In a monthly agreement, you can hang on to the container for as long as you would like and be charged at the beginning of each month. When you’re done, we come pick it up.   Do You Need a Permit to Have a Rented Storage Container on Your Property? This is one of the toughest shipping container rental questions to answer because it depends so heavily on local zoning laws, homeowners’ association rules and state laws. Check with your local government to see if you need a permit for keeping a shipping container on your property.   What Are the Available Sizes for Shipping Container Rentals? The most common lengths of shipping containers for rent are 20 ft. and 40 ft. A standard container is 8 feet and six inches tall, and a high cube container is a foot taller.  Some container leasing companies, such as Rent-A-Container, offer additional sizes of containers. We also offer 10 ft. containers and 45 ft. containers for rent.   Can I Rent to Own a Storage Container? YES! Rent-to-own shipping containers are available, but they are not very common. Rent-A-Container is the industry leader in easy rent to own options. With no credit checks or cumbersome application process, you can checkout in just minutes and have a container delivered on site for the lowest possible amount.   Can I Move My Rented Storage Container from Place to Place? While shipping and storage containers are meant to be moved with relative ease, doing so does require specialized equipment and can cause damage to the container. Most storage container rentals are meant for on-site, durable, stationary storage.  While our shipping container rentals are not meant to be moved while on lease, we understand that moving containers is sometimes necessary.  On a case-by-case basis, Rent-A-Container will sometimes give approval to move a container during a lease. If this is something you are considering, contact our team to discuss it further.   How Do I Rent a Shipping Container? Here is how renting a shipping container works with most companies:  You call the supplier or meet with a representative You wait for a price quote You and the supplier discuss shipping container rental terms Once agreed and purchased, you arrange for the delivery and pickup At Rent-A-Container, we like to approach the shipping container rental process a little differently.  With Rent-A-Container: You browse our website: Find the right container rental for you Get an instant price Put it in your cart Fill out less than a minute’s worth of documentation Pick your container up or have us help get it delivered to you — we will do what it takes to make the process easy and transparent for you. Of course, if you need assistance or want help throughout the process, our team is available to guide you over the phone.   How Can I Find Shipping Containers for Rent Near Me? Many shipping container suppliers maintain depots at ports and similar industrial areas in major cities around the world. The typical process involves contacting the closest supplier and asking what they have available. Rent-A-Container’s website can save a lot of time when it comes to finding a container for rent near you.  Simply enter your ZIP code, and our online shipping container store will present results that are closest to you.  Still on the fence about renting vs. buying a shipping container? Learn more about the advantages to renting a shipping container.   Can I Modify a Rented Shipping Container?  You will need explicit approval to modify a rented shipping container.  Think of your container rental like a rental car — it needs to be in standard condition for the next person who rents it, so permanent changes are usually not allowed.   Which Type of Shipping Container Should I Rent?  Which type of shipping container