Shipping Container Hire - What Options Are Available?
There are a variety of alternatives when it comes to hiring shipping containers in the UK. These containers can be used for all types of purposes from storage to creating an office space for temporary use.
Leasing or renting a container is a great way to reduce the initial costs. Market trends can affect the price of PU and therefore it is important to understand your options.
Buying vs. Hiring
Shipping containers are among the most adaptable equipment that is available, offering both shortand long-term storage options and transportation options. They are also strong and resistant to weather which makes them ideal for a variety of uses. It's important to consider your budget and personal requirements when deciding whether to buy or lease. It can be more costly to purchase a container in advance however, if you intend on using it over a long time, it is a good option.
The purchase of a container comes with some maintenance responsibilities, including regular inspections for damage and weathering. If you plan on using your container in a marine setting, for example you may have to invest in a anti-corrosion treatment. Also, you should consider whether you'll need to modify your container to meet the specific needs. The overall function of your container can be improved by adding additional ventilation, insulation and ply lining.
The cost of leasing a shipping container is much more affordable. This is especially true in the case of only needing the container for a short duration, such as moving or renovating. The leasing of a container also gives you greater flexibility in terms of disposal. If you no longer need your container, it can be returned to the leasing company and reused again.
In addition, leasing a container offers lower initial costs than purchasing. It's also a good choice for businesses that want to expand and benefit from temporary extra space.
If you're considering shipping to the UK or overseas you must be aware of the trends and current rates. From the recent recession in Germany to seasonal fluctuations, there are a variety of factors that could affect the price and availability. To get the best rates find shipping containers for hire in the UK that can connect you to vetted suppliers in your area.
Sizes
The container industry has a large variety of containers available. There are the standard containers you'll see on the highway or in the ocean, but there are also containers that have been made for specific uses. The most commonly used sizes of containers are 10 feet and a 20ft container, but larger ones are also available. The size of a container depends on the height and the width, and the capacity for weight. The height of the container is measured vertically from the ground up to the top of the door. This is a good indicator of the size of the container. The widest point is the front of the container and this can be up to 3 meters in length. The weight of a container can be determined by the weight of the tare, which does not include cargo or other items contained in the container. The weight is determined by weighting the container on a special platform. The weight is divided by dimensions of the container, so you will know how much cargo it can carry.
The tare weight is usually written along the sides of the container. Shipping Containers has an unique number. The initial three letters identify the owner of the container and are registered with the Bureau International des Containers ("BIC"). Then, there are six more numbers. You can look up your BIC number online.
You can learn more about the options available by clicking here.
Renting (also referred to as leasing or hiring) containers for shipping can be a viable option for those who cannot afford to purchase one. Container rental is offered on a temporary or long-term basis and prices can be very competitive. Highway Logistics offer standard 20ft units with double doors at one end and also a variety of Hi cube tunnel, Opensider and Tunnel units, all with a single set of doors at each 8ft end.
Knowing the market trends is vital for sourcing containers as rates to the UK being on a sharp decline from their recent highs due to economic slowdowns and recessions. xChange insight, our free tool, will keep you up to date on the rates of PU. Find the most current one-way lease rates in 180 locations around the globe.
Costs
There are a number of factors that influence the price of shipping containers. These include the size of the container, the shipping route and the ports for departure and arrival. The more things you pack into a container, the more expensive it will be. Air freight is also more expensive than road or sea transport. It is more expensive at certain periods of the calendar year as demand on major trade routes rises or decreases.
The option of leasing or renting a shipping container will be cheaper than buying one for yourself. It also allows for greater flexibility as you can hire containers for weeks, days or even months at an time. This is perfect for those who are moving and require a place to store their items until they can find an appropriate place to live. Shipping containers are weatherproof and durable which means they can be used for long-term storage.
These massive steel boxes have been utilized by creative individuals to transform their homes into unique micro-houses. Some have transformed them into trendy offices, garden sheds, and some even transformed into swimming pools. Your imagination is the only limit! Shipping containers are an eco sustainable option, since they produce less emissions than road or air transport.
Be aware that some countries charge quarantine charges if you are importing your container. This is because they're worried about foreign pests or bacteria disrupting their ecosystems. Officials will examine your container to ensure it's free of the dangers. It can cost you a significant amount of your move costs.
If you're looking to buy or hire, a shipping container is the ideal choice for your next project. Instead of building from scratch a container will help you save time and money, while providing you with the space you need to create your ideal office or home. It's also very adaptable and can be used for different purposes once your time at sea is over. If you're looking to purchase shipping containers, Highway Logistics offers competitive rates for suppliers who have been vetted.