Cargo containers have versatile options that can easily be overlooked. While their main function is obviously shipping, their uses fall far beyond the everyday, back and forth shipment needs. Containers can be purchased, rented or leased for short and long terms. They can be used as on-site storage options, extra refrigeration or freezer space, additional office spaces or even homes these days. That's right — as a way to recycle old cargo containers, architects are now designing condominiums, offices and homes using recycled shipping containers.

While a recycled cargo container home or office may not be what you have in mind, other options for using container sales and leasing to benefit your business are still plentiful. Review your needs, and think outside the box when choosing a cargo container for use with your business. Get the most out of cargo container leasing by:

1. Choosing to rent, buy or lease a cargo container after you have researched your options.

2. Staying informed when shipping items in cargo containers.

3. Finding tools to make using cargo shipping containers easier.

Action Steps for Getting the Shipping Containers You Need
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find shipping containers for sale, lease or rent

Shipping containers for lease or to purchase come in standard 20- or 40-foot sizes, but some companies do offer other sized options. Before buying a container, you'll need to choose a style -- open top, multiple-side doors, steel, aluminum, refrigerated, temperature controlled or any other options you are offered.

I recommend: Visit the Container Alliance website to review a cargo container buying guide. Review your container add-on options like security, electrical, extra doors or insulation at Office Trailer.

Keep up on the latest storage container regulations and trends

Moving storage containers onto a property may seem easy, but every municipality has its own regulations on containers. Some consider them in the same group as dumpsters and have strict regulations on how long and where they can be located. Check with your local governing body before securing a container.

I recommend: If you'll be using the container as an overseas shipping unit, stay informed with the U.S. International Trade Commission's website, and find out the latest shipping news and highlights at the Journal of Commerce.

Use cargo shipping containers after researching them fully and using available online tools

The logistics of shipping cargo containers, no matter how far, can be overwhelming. Make the job a little easier by using tools set up to help businesses ship with ease. Find conversion calculators, weather updates, maritime reports, world clocks and more all online.

I recommend: Use the metric conversions calculator at Online Conversion. If you're not sure what day your shipment will arrive, use the Time and Date world clock information page to help you figure it out.

Tips & Tactics for Best Use of Cargo Containers

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Used shipping containers should never be purchased without first inspecting them. While their exteriors can look appealing on a photo, interiors can be damaged or contaminated beyond repair and not suitable for your use.

Shipping containers (aka storage containers or cargo containers) are just what they sound like: big metal boxes specialized for holding cargo for shipment by flatbed truck, rail flatcar or ship. Shipping containers are especially handy for "intermodal" shipping wherein the goods inside must be moved among carriers — say, from a ship in port to a truck for final delivery — or when the goods must be stored at one or more points along the way. Containerized cargo can easily be moved by swinglift, hoist or even helicopter far faster than the goods within could be manually moved piece by piece; smaller containers can even be moved by forklift. And shipping and storing in locked containers protects your goods from theft or the damage than can occur in manual or forklift loading and unloading.

That said, shipping containers have a staggering array of uses. Some companies use them for convenient long-term storage in warehouses or on-site, while others build custom containers for use as makeshift utility sheds or even portable offices. Some folks have even converted storage containers into residences. Cargo containers come in four basic types, by design:

1. Dry cargo containers, useful for sheds, portable shops, portable offices, equipment storage, records/file storage, mini storage, warehousing, farm machinery/feed storage, maintenance buildings, welding shops, guard shacks, snack shops, and, of course, shipping.

2. Refrigerated shipping containers, useful for shipping and storage of refrigerated goods such as food or medicines. These are typically not self-powered; they need to be plugged into power during shipment and storage.

3. Insulated shipping containers, which can maintain an even temperature for a short period; best for quick trips during which power is not available for refrigeration.

4. Open-top cargo containers, used for heavy or over-height loads.

Here are the most effective solutions for container sales and leasing:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose shipping containers by size

What size shipping containers do you need? Although most are eight feet wide (a standard for easy loading on truck, train or ship), cargo containers come in varying lengths, up to about 54 feet long, and most are about eight feet high. How wide a door do you need in order to pass your cargo through it? Do you have cargo too tall to containerize, requiring one of the open-top containers?

I recommend: Learning about the available cargo containers options will help you decide what to request in a quote; check out the detailed specs at S. Jones Containers and Container Outlet.

Decide whether to buy, lease or hire your shipping containers

Should you buy, lease or hire (rent) your cargo containers? That's always a tricky question. The rule of thumb is that you should buy if you expect to need your shipping containers for more than two years.

I recommend: Mckinney Trailers and Containers offers shipping containers for purchase, hire or lease; they invite customers to call and discuss which option is best for them.

Check out options for buying used containers

For budget-minded folk who plan to buy (not lease), used containers may fit the bill. As with anything else used, used containers may not have the fit, finish or durability of new ones, but sometimes the price is too good to ignore.

I recommend: Interport Maintenance Company offers quotes on its new equipment and on a large stock of used containers and refurbished containers. Another good source for refurbished containers is TheContainerMan.

Customize shipping containers to meet your needs

You can buy shipping containers pre-customized for particular cargo needs or for use as offices, sheds and so on, or you can hire a company to build custom containers to your exact specifications.

I recommend: To see more of what a steel box can do, check out the custom containers at Georgia Custom containers and the Mobile Storage Group.

Hire a logistics company to coordinate your cargo containers needs, shipping and more

If you are considering buying or leasing storage containers as part of a larger strategy of moving and storing goods, consider hiring a logistics consultant or third-party logistics (3PL) provider. They can help coordinate your shipping and storage needs, advise you on cargo containers and shipping, and help ensure that you are shipping and storing efficiently.

I recommend: Learn more about logistics on Work.com, or check out logistics consultancies like Accugistics, Chainalytics or The Progress Group to learn how they can help with your shipping and shipping container strategy.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can buy worn-out cargo containers cheap for use as dumpsters or fill boxes.
• •  Many vendors offer maintenance policies to keep your shipping containers in top condition and to replace them when necessary.
• •  It's sensible to try to buy your shipping containers locally; however, most containers dealers will deliver your containers from anywhere to anywhere.

Cargo shipping containers come in all shapes and sizes. From dry freight cargo containers to refrigerated units, shipping containers are available for all uses. Choosing a container for purchase or lease will be a lot easier once you have an overview of container sales and leasing key terms and information.

Cargo containers make great storage solutions for short or long terms as well. There are many types of rental, used shipping containers or new containers for purchase as storage units. Finding the storage container that will work for your business depends on the use, available space and price you're willing to spend. Learn the basic key terms before you start by:

1. Considering the different kinds of dry cargo units.

2. Brush up on temperature-controlled cargo container choices.

3. Learn about the extras for a cargo container.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Distinguish between types and sizes of dry cargo containers

Dry cargo containers come in many options, from mini storage to bulk shipping containers. Knowing which type of container to use is not an easy task. Open-top containers work great for dry bulk or heavy items inserted from the top with a crane, or multi-side door shipping containers are a great option if you need easy access to heavy or bulk shipments that can be rolled in. The dimensions of the container along with its capacity should be considered first. The standard 20- or 40-foot containers work well for shipping on trains, ships and semi trucks. Each container will also have a maximum load volume. Make sure your needs don't exceed the volume limit.

I recommend: Use information from the Container Alliance to help you choose which storage containers are best for your use. Order The Illustrated Guide to Ocean Freight Containers if your shipping needs are sea bound. Review storage container options at BSL Containers. With many sizes and types of storage containers to choose from, the company offers quotes and personalized specification information by request.

Learn about temperature-controlled containers for sale

Whether you need additional refrigerated storage outside your restaurant, or you want a container to ship your product from one coast to the other, you have several options of refrigerated cargo containers. Choose electric or diesel operated refrigeration units in 10- or 40-foot sizes. Find containers constructed of steel and quality insulation. Most will work as either freezers or refrigerators with a simple adjustment to the thermostat. Insulated containers are also available without refrigeration units. They keep your product in a temperature-controlled environment.

I recommend: To get refrigerated cargo container quotes from several sales and leasing companies at one time using the Buyer Zone, you need to better understand the terms used to describe the containers. Use your new understanding of shipping container terms when you contact HDL Services or Aztec Containers to find out more about their refrigerated shipping containers for sale.

Find out what extras are available for a cargo container

Customize a cargo container with the extras you need to store and protect your cargo. Find wire rack systems, electrical wiring, heating options, vents, partitions and other options to turn your cargo unit into a unique storage facility specifically designed for your needs. Add security extras to keep your cargo secure, or find units with fire and weather protection. To understand what extras are available, make sure you understand the descriptions of each.

I recommend: Use the storage container guides from Office Trailer to find the right storage unit for your business. They explain purchasing, leasing and buying pros and cons as well. American Steel Cargo Containers is a dealer of all types and sizes of containers. Download a brochure from their website to get a better understanding of container terms and the options you have.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Containers that will be shipped overseas must be watertight to protect your cargo from being damaged in route.
• •  Storage containers even come in office forms. If you've run out of space or need a temporary office on a building site, consider leasing a temperature controlled container with windows, lighting, electricity and whatever else you'll need.