A Complete Guide to Containers for Rent: Everything You Need to Know

Guide to renting containers

Shipping containers are the best solutions for storing inventory, personal belongings, and transporting goods. Buying them needs investment, so companies with a smaller budget can use the option of leasing or renting containers. Containers for rent can be a flexible and cost-efficient solution for temporary storage needs or creative infrastructural projects. They are available in sizes ranging from 10 feet to 40 feet, serving storage purposes. You have to follow a full-fledged process to get containers for rent. 

In this blog, we will explore container renting, how to rent containers, their benefits, factors to consider, the process, and the costs of renting containers. 

What do you mean by shipping container rental?

Container rental is a service that offers shipping containers for storing goods and many other purposes temporarily. Different types and sizes of containers are available for rent, be they open-top, flat-rack, or high cubes in sizes 10 to 53 feet. The most common uses of containers for rent are temporary office spaces, storage solutions on construction sites, one-time shipments, and pop-up spaces. 

Comparison of container leasing and buying

Undoubtedly, shipping containers are used for various purposes, but there are times when their use is less, so to solve that issue, we can rent containers. There are particular selling seasons for containers and use cases. The question arises: what should you do with the containers you bought when the shipment is done? They must be stored somewhere as they can’t be kept at the container ports, which requires money. Buying a shipping storage container is far better than renting one as it leads to long-term cost savings. It also makes the shipping process flexible; you can adjust the number of containers per the market’s current state, and it reduces maintenance charges. 

Types of shipping containers for rent

Different types of containers are available for rent, providing you with various options. Let’s explore the different types of containers for rent in detail.

  1. Standard dry containers: These are the most popular containers among shippers and brokers for storing dry goods such as machinery, grains, electronics, and paper. The most commonly used sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet. 
  2. Refrigerated containers (reefers): Reefers are refrigerated containers that transport temperature-sensitive goods from one place to another. The most frequently transported goods in these containers are perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and plants. ISO refrigerated containers have standardized sizes of 20 ft and 40 ft. 
  3. High cube containers: High cube shipping containers are like standard shipping containers but are one foot taller, providing extra spacing for goods. Tall and bulky items are the most suitable for transport through these containers. The most used sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot-high cube containers
  4. Open-top containers: As the name suggests, open-top containers have an open top covered by a flexible roof that can be removed. They do not have doors like standard containers; goods are only placed inside from the roof. The standard sizes of open-top containers are 20-foot and 40-foot containers. 
  5. Flat rack containers: Flat racks do not have side container doors and roofs like other containers. They are a portable storage solution suitable for tall and heavy containers. The most used flat rack containers are 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Goods can be placed inside them from both the top and sides. 
  6. Specialized containers: Specialized containers are made for specialized cargo, such as hazardous materials and oversized machinery, that cannot fit into standard containers. They can also be customized according to requirements. 

Container rental companies offer all these containers for rent, and you can buy them according to the requirements of your cargo. 

What are the benefits of renting a shipping container?

Renting shipping containers is beneficial for moving your home, storing equipment, transporting inventories, or setting up mobile offices and container homes. Instead of buying a shipping container, in the initial stage of your business, try to rent shipping containers to understand which are most suitable for your business. Let’s have a brief of the benefits of renting a shipping container: 

  1. Money-saving: To grow your business, you need to cut costs as much as possible. Renting a shipping container instead of buying one would be less expensive for you and your business, as shipping containers require advance payments and are very expensive. If you want portable storage containers for small shipments, renting containers would be the best option. Affordable container rentals would be a significant benefit to your business. 
  2. Mitigates the discarding problem: If you use containers for rent, it helps you solve the disposal problem. When you are done using the container, you need to assume that those containers that require space or storage rooms will cost money and time as you can’t dispose of them inappropriately. But if you want containers for lease, you can return them to the container rental company
  3. Agility: Renting containers would be a good option for short and long-term storage needs. During the work, store supplies and equipment are required for the short term, allowing for quickly and efficiently completing tasks. 
  4. No maintenance charges: Buying a shipping container would add to the maintenance expense at regular intervals. But if you are using containers for rent, you will use them for a particular time and return them to the company as required. 

Factors to consider for shipping container rental

When renting a shipping container, you need to remember certain things to get the best container that fits your needs. Let’s delve into those factors that need to be considered while renting a shipping container: 

  1. Size: As we all know, shipping containers are available in various sizes; you must select which size will be the best for your cargo. Rental container sizes matter a lot while leasing containers. A 20-foot shipping container is large enough to fit a three-bedroom, while a 40-foot container facilitates storing large bulky items and commercial use. 
  2. Condition and quality of a container: Before renting a shipping container, you must check it for any dent, scratch, or rust. Carefully check for any sign of a hole, ensure the door is opened correctly, and look for leaks or security problems. 
  3. Rental cost: Be sure of the container rental rates and whether you must pay any additional fees. Specify your rental period with the rental company and be aware of the penalties if you return the container late. This will help you manage the expenses even if your needs change. 
  4. Pickup and delivery: You must consult the rental company to determine whether they will deliver the container to your place or if you must pick it up yourself. Also, be sure they will pick up the container after the work is completed. Confirm any additional charges for rental container delivery. 
  5. Safety features: Consult the container rental company if the container is insured or has liability coverage. Some companies also provide padlocks and lock boxes to prevent theft or unauthorized entry, which is very important if you want to store valuable cargo. 
  6. Duration of the rental period: It is very important to be aware of the period for which you rent the container and the charge you have to pay. For extra safety, be updated about the late fees, too. 
  7. The reputation of the container rental company: Research the company from which you rent containers, read their reviews, comments, and pricing structure, and be assured that you will get the best container, along with customer support and services. 

How do you rent a shipping container?

The question of how to rent a shipping container is a universal one that seems essential but is very important. Every rental company has a process for renting a container. Let’s discuss the essential infrastructure for renting a container. 

  1. Understand what you need: Be precise about why you need a shipping container, whether for storage, shipping, or other purposes and accordingly choose the appropriate type and size. 
  2. Search and compare rental companies: After understanding your needs, research the available rental companies in the market and then compare their prices, container conditions, and reviews. 
  3. Request quotes: Get quotes from the container rental companies regarding the delivery, pickup, and insurance costs. Also, enquire about any additional charge or fine for late delivery.
  4. Condition check: Before renting, check that the container is in the best possible condition. If you cannot physically inspect the container, ask for photos and review them carefully. 
  5. Review the agreement: Read the rental agreement carefully, including all the terms, conditions, adherences, features, costs, and liability, and ask questions if you don’t understand something. 
  6. Arrange delivery: Interact with the companies and arrange the container delivery at your desired location. 

Offering shipping containers for rent is a basic but essential service that needs to be understood. Deciding what would be more suitable for your business, such as buying or renting containers, is very important. You need to analyze the advantages, the whole process, and the factors you need to consider while renting a container in the best state.
 
LOTUS Containers offers the best quality, ISO-verified, CSC-plate-certified, new or used containers for rent or sale. With their efficient workforce and experience, they will provide you with the best customer service.