Things to Look for When Hiring a Shipping Container

It is often a convenient and affordable option to rent a shipping container than buying one. Not every business wants to spend too much money on buying one.  Rather hiring and renting the services of a shipping container sometimes makes more sense. There are some crucial things which you should keep in mind while hiring a shipping container service so that you get the best deal for your business. Read through to know more:

Check for security

The area most vulnerable inside a shipping container is the door. The door has to be properly sealed and you have to make sure the company renting you provides you with a locking facility.  Look for a lockbox that has high-security features which are attached to the container and secures the door properly. Better advanced locking mechanisms use an internal locking system akin to the systems in a bank vault.  This will prevent any unauthorised access to your stuff even if you have valuables that you want to store.

Size matters

Containers come in various size and shapes, and you must choose a standard size that would suit your business at all times. A standard size of 20X40 ft is what can take care of all your business storage needs. Smaller ones are eventually cut out from the larger ones and lack durability and strength. More standard sizes come in 20’x 8’ x 8’6” tall totalling about (160 sq ft).  Others are 40’ x 8’ x 8’6” tall totalling (320 sq ft).

Opting for a portable storage container is a viable option only when your storage requirements are fixed over time.

Check for insurance

Insurance forms a major component in hiring a shipping container service.  In order to stay protected from the risks, you have to be insured. You need to check the insurance obligations with the company and make sure the documentation of the insurance is done properly. In the absence of documentation, there would be issues of liability later on.

Type of material

Since you are going to store stuff in varied weather conditions, make sure the container you hire has a corrosion resistant coating on it to prevent rust from developing on the container. Enquire about the steel that the container is made up of. Galvanised steel is the best as it is the most corrosion resistant. Moisture could cause significant damage to the container over time if it is not resistant to corrosion.

Before renting make sure the container provided to you is free of dents, holes or severe rust. All of this could exacerbate the condition of your container and lead to more hassles for you.

Enquire about multiple suppliers

Always enquire and check for user reviews before zeroing in on the renting company you want to hire. Checking the after sale user reviews is a great option to start with. In fact, some companies offer better discounts if you engage in a long-term contract. Check for any hidden charges with the company as it can add up to your entire cost.

Rental Contract

Before you stike a deal with any of the suppliers, make sure you are done with all the necessary documentation and paperwork. Enquire about the fees and any discounts that are applicable.  The contract should clearly define your liability and the company’s liability in case of theft or damage to avoid issues in the long run.

Towards the end, you have to make sure that you get in touch with the right company considering all the above aspects in mind. Make sure to hire an experienced company  for your business on comparative industrial standards.

 

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