After many weeks spent searching for containers, making contacts and multiple attempts at being scammed (see Container Scams) I finally came upon a couple of “big boxes” that were available. Last week I went to a depot in Durban. There were five 40ft HC containers available.
This one was the best:
The price was OK and included transport, so now I’m just waiting on an invoice from the supplier. Delivery should be made soon.
It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine.
What movie is the above quote from?
Update 23 August 2017: So the container is paid for. But, there is a bit of a problem to get a big truck into where I’ll be working on it. So we need to level some ground so the truck can get access. Hopefully this won’t take too long to get sorted.
Update 22 September 2017: The leveling has been done. Except now it’s been raining ever since! We’re going to wait for a couple of dry days so that the truck does not get stuck. C’mon weather, play your part.
Update 30 October 2017: So another month went by and quite a lot happened. The container I paid for was sent somewhere else. So I had to choose another container. Then that container hadn’t been released by the shipping merchant. So I was offered other containers which weren’t as good, so I had to wait. Then, once it was released the weather didn’t play fair so we had to wait again.
All in all, as of 30 October I now have a container!
What to Look for When Buying Big Boxes
I’m certainly no expert when it comes to buying containers. But I’ve picked up a couple of tips along the way that might assist someone else looking to buy a “big box.”
Firstly, and most importantly, don’t pay anyone until you’ve seen the container in person. There are so many scammers out there. Always be suspicious.
Secondly, don’t buy anything without inspecting the container, even if you trust the seller. What is termed as “good” seems to be very subjective, or maybe it’s just the German engineer in me coming out.
So, what do you need to look out for during your inspection of your “big box?” Check for structural damage. Structural damage means damage to any of the corners or corner posts, and any of the lengths of steel between the corners. The correct terms are the Rear End frame and Front End Frame as well as the Top Side Rail and Bottom Side Rail.
You’ll also need to check the Sidewall panel and Endwall panel for major deformities. If they are really bent out of shape this will obviously affect the frames and rails negatively.
Another thing you’ll need to check for is rust. Because shipping containers are designed for being shipped – on ships, one may think they are impervious to rust. Well, even though they are made from corten steel, which makes it super strong, they are still susceptible to rust if not maintained properly. Surface rust is actually not a major problem, and to be expected on our big boxes. In fact, the steel is allowed to rust in order to form a protective coating which prevents the rust penetrating further. But this does not mean rust proof. Take a look at this picture…
So be careful to look for rust that has progressed beyond the surface. Especially so in the Roof Panels where water can enter. Also, check carefully around the rubber seals on the Door Assembly. If possible, try and check underneath the container to check the floor joists. The wooden flooring can be fairly easily changed to look “new,” but don’t be fooled.