Wholesale shipping containers: The ultimate guide

Investing in wholesale shipping containers can be a wise choice for organizations and individuals who are likely to have regular container demands, who are considering renting out containers as an investment, or who are considering utilizing containers for retail, storage, or accommodation. This blog contains the information that you need to know about how and where to buy shipping containers wholesale, from their benefits and uses to top tips for making the right buying decisions.

Buying wholesale shipping containers

Depending on what kind of business you’re in, or hoping to get into, there are plenty of reasons to buy shipping containers wholesale, or in bulk.

•   Wholesale shipping containers for sale tend to be cheaper. As with many purchases, if you buy containers in bulk, they’ll usually cost less per unit. In addition, logistics costs, i.e., paperwork, certification checks, transport, and storage, are usually cheaper when done in larger batches.
•   Quality consistency. If you’re hoping to create a “fleet” of containers for a construction or retail project, for hire, or for organizational branding, wholesale purchases mean that you’re more likely to buy containers made by the shipping container manufacturers. This makes it easier for you to ensure consistency in both quality and appearance. It’s also much easier for you to inspect and standardize features such as condition, size, and modifications of several containers at once instead of one at a time.
•   Security of supply. The container industry is expanding across the globe, and this can lead to localized shortages. When you buy in demand, it’s easier for you to strategize for your shipping container business, as you’ll have a clear idea of your fleet size and won’t have to worry about finding new containers to match your existing inventory.
•   Value-driven customization. If you’re hoping to customize your containers, for example, add pre-installed shelving, specialized doors and locking systems, or insulation, it’s much easier and cheaper to do so in bulk than individually.

Strategic Uses for Shipping Containers in B2B Operations

Container xChange’s customers use containers for a range of uses, and we have heard plenty of fantastic success stories, for example, this one from Indus Container Lines. 

Goods transportation. Of course, the original and primary use of shipping containers is for the transportation of goods. To use a container for transportation, you must make sure that you choose the right type of container and have a container survey report to make sure that the container is seaworthy and wind- and water-resistant.

Pro Tip: Ensure the quality of your containers with a container survey report to verify seaworthiness and durability.

Storage and warehousing. Shipping containers are popular because they are so versatile, and once they’ve transported goods, they can make effective modular warehousing quickly and effectively. They are ideal for construction sites and factories and provide seasonal storage for a relatively low cost.

Construction. In construction, containers make ideal temporary offices, storage, or even housing; their modular nature means that they can be stacked, so investors can capitalize on limited space.

Hospitality and retail. The surge in container popularity is partly due to the industrial retail and hospitality era. From boutique hotels to pop-up cocktail bars, a talented designer and savvy investor can soon turn a container into a worthy investment.

Community projects and accommodation. From disaster relief to eco-friendly living, containers provide weathertight, versatile accommodation options that are also cost-effective and efficient.

What to Consider When Selecting Shipping Containers

There are several factors to consider when buying shipping containers, either wholesale or individually, including condition, size, customization needs, and transportation and delivery.

The condition of the container is important. New (one-trip) containers have only been used for their first journey and are in great condition, so they are ideal for long-term or high-end investment. Used ones are cheaper and come in a range of shipping container grades but will have varying levels of wear and tear, depending on their condition. 

Containers come in a range of sizes, specifications, and dimensions, but 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers are the most common and therefore usually the cheapest. Customization costs will depend on what you’re looking for; you may get lucky and find containers for sale that meet your needs. 

And finally, the location of the containers that you’re buying and their distance from where you want them to be will impact logistics costs. Transporting in bulk, or leasing your containers at a discounted rate for transporting goods from their current location to their destination, can make transportation cost-effective.

How to buy wholesale shipping containers

For full buying information, you can take a look at our blog, ‘How to Buy a Shipping Container’. If you’re considering buying a single container or wholesale containers, it pays to keep an eye on the market; our container logistics report will make this easier for you. It’s important that you plan ahead so that you know roughly how many containers you need and can afford and the timeframe that you’re likely to need them. 

Using a reliable wholesale container supplier such as Container xChange can help you to find the best deals across different regions while making sure that your transaction is protected. Browse more than 100,000 shipping containers offered at wholesale prices by over 1,700 vetted sellers from around the world and benefit from a 7-day money-back guarantee with our secure payment platform.

Buying shipping containers in bulk can unlock a wealth of opportunities to develop your existing business or branch out into something new. By making sure that you get the right containers from the right sellers at the right time, you can make sure that you’re making the best possible investment. 

xChange – Learn More About Shipping Containers

These articles offer practical advice to help you find the right containers, understand their value, and make confident decisions for your business.

• Shipping container business – Details about top manufacturers for new and used containers.
• How to buy a shipping container – A complete guide to buying containers the right way.
• Shipping container investment – Why containers are a smart investment for businesses and individuals.
• Shipping container grades – A breakdown of container grades and container conditions.
• Types of containers – A closer look at the different container types and finding the best for your business needs.
• Try Container xChange for free – Book a demo to see how it works.

Wholesale Shipping Containers: Common FAQs