Should You Buy or Hire a Shipping Container?

Choosing to rent or own sea containers is a decision shaped by short and long-term needs. You want the option that benefits you, your home or your business now and in the future.

At True Blue Containers, we know shipping containers are versatile and sturdy. Ask yourself the following questions to help determine whether you should rent or buy a container.

Are my needs short-term or long-term?

If requiring a container short-term for the fixed duration of a project or commission, hiring may work best. You get to enjoy a flexible schedule and minimal financial commitment.

We see return clients rent containers for use on work sites, to meet additional transport needs across numerous industries, or for increased storage space in industrial settings. 

Personal storage container rental is common, as is using containers to transport belongings when moving. The container fulfils a one-off task for a reasonable fee. Done and dusted.

The issue is when short-term need turns into long-term commitment. While long-term rental is popular, deciding between continued rental and a move to purchase can be tough.

Will renting put me out of pocket? Would purchasing be better for my final budget?

With a fixed timeframe, the answer is easy to calculate. But the demands of business can be less clear-cut, especially if a project’s stages stretch beyond predicted deadlines.

When will ongoing rental fees surpass the cost of container purchase? Is it possible your project will extend that far? If the answer is no, renting is probably best.

If the answer is yes, container rental does have the potential to go on for months or even years, purchasing becomes an option to help avoid blowout rental costs.

Switching from a hire to a buy is more feasible and cost-effective early on, and you can always sell the container at a later date, recouping part of the purchase price. 

Can I access the container I need to get the best results?

You might find that renting a container lets you source the perfect size and model that would otherwise be out of your price range when exploring a potential purchase.

As a leading shipping container supplier offering 8ft-40ft containers for domestic, commercial, and industrial use, we know the right container can increase performance.

Am I only thinking about present day needs?

As business intensifies, it can be easy to overlook an increase in container usage. When we compartmentalise different projects, we risk missing the big picture. 

Renting is a fast, easy way to get the job done. But buying over hiring may increase profit in the long run. Signs that point to container purchase as a proactive step include:

• Increased container hire

Different teams may be hiring containers separately, and costs add up over time. Look at container rental trends across the board. Would you be better off buying a container?

• Change in business focus

Perhaps container needs are increasing because service demands are changing. Where is your business model heading in the future? Would a container be a solid investment?

• Multi-use approach

You need a container for occasional transport. You also rent storage space for short-term periods. Would owning a container for transport and storage prove more cost-effective?

Do I have the capacity for a container to remain in my care?

Owning a container year-round means having somewhere safe and legal to keep it. If your requirements are seasonal, you may still prefer renting over buying.

As the owner, you are responsible for container safety and maintenance year-round. These potential costs should be factored into your buy versus hire decision.

Is accessibility a lead factor?

Buying the container means having what you need on hand when demand hits. You know the condition of the container and the availability. No need to book delivery or return.

If work is fast-paced, having immediate access to a container may benefit your business. Otherwise, renting from a reliable supplier when necessary is enough to meet your needs.

Should I rent for a while before I consider buying a container?

One of the biggest pros when it comes to container rental is that it enables you to trial a type of shipping container for a few months without making a long-term commitment.

Otherwise, if you know the container type you want, are confident in its promised performance, and are buying from a reliable supplier, you can go ahead with the purchase.

Is an upfront purchase financially viable?

Renting may be the safer and more affordable choice, from a financial perspective. Without the access to capital or credit, the question of borrowing or hiring becomes a moot point.

If buying a container looks to be the better long-term solution, talk to our friendly team. We have a range of second-hand containers at an array of prices. This could be the answer.

True Blue Containers uses a second-hand grading system for full transparency. Containers are inspected and surveyed for structural damage, overall integrity, and aesthetics.

Will my needs best be met with container modification?

If your cargo has strict transport specifications, you may be better making a purchase. Renting a container means the range of modifications available on request are limited.

Owning a container gives you more freedom to customise. As the role of the container changes over time, purchasing lets you slowly modify the container when required.

A container bought for shipping may be used for storage at a later date, and can be customised to provide extra accommodation or office space in the future.

True Blue Containers 

We know our ISO standard containers are high-quality investments that will serve you well. We also know renting or buying depends very much on your individual situation.

Whether you decide to hire or buy, we make the process simple and easy. Tell us what you need. Containers can be delivered to your nominated address or collected from us. 

If you have questions around shipping container hire and storage, we’re happy to help. Contact us with queries so we can sort out your container acquisition asap.