How To Get Your Shipping Container

Delivered

Avoiding high delivery charges and surprises…

Transporting Your ISBU or Shipping Container Simply, ...if you are buying an ISO shipping container, it is best to have your experienced Dealer or Broker arrange delivery. They should have all the connections that are necessary. If they don’t have that ability then you should probably purchase from someone who does.                                                                                                           [Photo: Container Dealers Association] What Do You Really Need To Know? Unfortunately there are many people with no experience offering information on Blogs.  Thus, we felt this update and comment was very necessary to address this absolute mis-information for our readers. We’ve had numerous readers in recent months reading some Blogs and wondering if they should be buying their Containers from China, or getting insurance, or crazy shipping costs of up to $23,000….?? !!  We were stunned! As you might guess, these people who write Blogs usually have little, or no experience buying, shipping, transporting, or in fact, have no real experience in any way utilizing Containers for construction. The Professionals are our members Our ISBU Association Corporate and Professional members include the largest ISO container wholesalers, the largest container manufacturers, and the largest container project developers in the world. We know these companies and global professionals very well and most of these Internet Blogs simply create anything to fill space on their Blog to ultimately get you to buy their over-priced publications. They are not Container industry professionals who write these other Blogs and publications with bad information!! Just remember, they are simply Bloggers and Book Sellers… Let’s set things straight with information from our professional Members who do know what they’re talking about regarding buying, shipping, and unloading shipping containers for your construction project….                                                                                                                            [Graphics: ISBU Association]                                                      It is if you listen to the wrong people… Buy Containers Direct From China??!! The “bad information Blogs” have produced many concerns for readers. Here are a few… • Do I really need to buy my shipping containers from China? • Do I really need to worry about shipping insurance? • Do I really need to understand transportation fees and taxes? The simple answer is “absolutely not”!  It’s very simple... Now we will explain why. What People Actually Buy Containers Direct From The Chinese Factories? Very, very few… If you lived in Canada, where would you buy your car, motorhome, or tractor? Europe? China? Of course not, you will buy those products from local dealer nearest you in Canada. Not matter what country you live in, the answer will be the same. But if you are a dealer or distributor of those items, then of course, you may buy them from overseas in large quantities. And if you do, then you already know how to import them using shipping containers. Who Buys ISO Shipping Containers Directly From China? The only people who buy shipping containers directly from China are some of the larger shipping container Dealers and Distributors who use large quantities of containers. Actually, most of our Container Dealers buy their shipping containers locally. 10, 20, 50, and even more. They buy from local Container wholesalers or shipping companies in their own countries because they want quicker, more predictable delivery. They don’t want to wait 3-4 months. There certainly are some very dependable container manufacturers in China who sell as few as 50 units, and they arrange everything for you, door-to-door, but it can still take 3-4 months. Some container dealers or larger project developers may purchase their containers directly from China, but they already know how to do it. Smaller quantities such as 1, 10, or even 50, are purchased locally, no matter what country you live in. They certainly don’t read a Blog to get their information. The Dealers contact their industry Trade Associations such as CDA, ISBUA, NPSA, or COA to get accurate information….   • Every country has shipping containers for sale locally! Locally… • Every country has shipping container Dealers or local Logistic    companies with surplus. • When you buy shipping containers, or any products from overseas,   the Logistics company already knows how to do it for you. They   already quote with taxes, insurance, and other fees if you ask. If you absolutely need large quantities from China and need them shipped without worry, then contact a credible Logistics company  near you to make all the arrangements. Most ISO container manufacturers already have Logistics companies who can arrange everything. Compare prices, but most people have no need to buy their shipping containers overseas. Not even most Container Dealers…. For any Blogger, or publication to cause worry and suggest that buying Shipping Containers is difficult and scary is absolutely ludicrous! You simply buy your containers from a local Dealer, …a Dealer within your own country, and they will arrange for the container(s) to be delivered directly to your site with no other concern to you. Period. How To Transport Shipping Containers Locally Container Delivery: The Simple Facts This section is regarding shipping container or ISBU delivery only. To learn about choosing and purchasing ISO containers please visit our section on Buying Shipping Containers.                                                                                       [Courtesy: Container Dealers Association (CDA)]                   Efficient global delivery and distribution of shipping containers. Your container delivery options are either: • Self-delivery (DIY) • Dealer delivery (seller) • Independent driver delivery (driver/owner) Self Delivery Self delivery is not recommended, unless you have your own appropriate equipment. The appropriate equipment would entail: proper strength trailer, and proper strength truck. Additionally, you will need a forklift or crane at your delivery site to safely remove your containers. The trailer and truck ratings would need to handle 5,000 lbs. minimum for a 20’, and 8,000 lbs minimum for a 40’. If you have that type of equipment then most dealers will load it on to your trailer at their lot or facility and that is where their responsibility ends. Dealer/Seller Delivery Credible container dealers usually deliver, but not free. When you obtain your quotation “always ask”, does this include delivery costs. Usually the price you see on website do not include delivery. This isn’t a trick, but just the reality of delivery costs. The cost of delivery obviously fluctuates depending on how far your project is from the container facility, or how remote your project is. Always ask… and get it in writing before continuing with the deal. Dealers almost always are the most qualified to deliver. The certified container dealer is legal, experienced, licensed, insured, and is usually the best experience for shipping container deliveries no matter what country, province, or state you live in. If you think the delivery costs from the dealer are too high, then obtain a quote from a reputable Independent drive. The key word is reputable. Independent Driver Delivery It’s not always easy to find and hire a reputable, experienced, licensed and insured independent delivery trucker. The price may be lower, but may grow before the delivery is complete. Be certain they are insured. Be sure they are reputable. Fully understand “in writing” any wait time and extra delivery fees. We see more issues due to the inexperienced customer, than with the driver. Things To Know About Shipping Container Delivery 1) You need a generous amount of space for the delivery truck to maneuver.                                                                                                             [Courtesy: Western Container Sales] If you don’t have the proper space you need to notify your container dealer and discuss other options. This part of buying a container is very important. In fact, you should fully understand any site issues before considering to buy property or housing designs. Leave plenty of room! 2) You need to fully understand the types of delivery trucks. Always ask if it’s a slide-off or crane type. Generally the dealer will quote using a ‘tilt bed’ truck with slide-off. It is the most common and least expensive method.                                                                                                                                    [Courtesy: Mr. Box - UK] Truck mounted cranes are often available and my be best for tight spaces, or when placing directly on the project foundation. This method is much more accurate than the tilt-bed / slide-off method. 3) Have Your Site Ready. This point is critical or your delivery costs can be much higher than the quotation. Have you site clear and level long before the driver arrives. If it’s a slide-off--have it level. If it’s a foundation-drop, then have your foundation dry, clear, and ready for delivery. All these suggestions are the same for 20’, 40’ 45’ 53’ and Reefer ISO containers--Common sense, good planning, and proper communication with the dealer. Other Key Delivery Points • Check your site and also the driveway leading to your site for power lines and trees that may prevent the delivery truck from easy access. • Be certain your driveway and project site are well marked to prevent excess charges for lost or confused drivers. • Inspect the ISO container or containers before they are taken off the truck to be certain they are the same containers you ordered and paid for. Check and compare the CIN or CSC-plate ID code. • Be certain the site is dry enough for a heavy load. Remember the loaded truck is much heavier than a normal truck. • If you don’t have a foundation or concrete slab you may want to have several 4x4 x10’ boards to put under each container for easier access later on. It also prevents the container from sinking. • Be aware that most deliveries only expect drivers to be on site for 30 minutes. Excess issues or needless conversation can create additional charges for time on site. • If you have a foundation or slab, be certain all concrete work is completed, and very dry. Double check every measurement numerous times before placing steel connectors in the concrete. This  is a common error reported by container dealers. The correction costs are enormous. Common sense and good communication with your Container Dealer will ensure a positive experience….