Ask for useful photos
Request the outside walls, roof where safely visible, all corners, doors and seals, and the inside floor and roof. Ask which container the photos show and whether any repairs or defects are excluded from the description.
Doors and seals
Ask whether both doors open, close and latch properly. Look for damaged seals, rust around the bottom of doors and distorted frames. Check the locking arrangement and whether a lock box is included or available.
Roof, walls and floor
Look for holes, deep corrosion, damaged panels, soft or broken flooring and significant repairs. Ask about unusual odours, staining or previous cargo if relevant to your intended use. Do not climb onto a container to inspect it.
Match the grade to your contents
New single-trip containers have made a shipping journey and can have handling marks. Cargo-worthy used containers have worked at sea and can have dents, repairs and surface rust. Ask about the actual unit, its doors, floor and weatherproof condition. As-is containers are not sold watertight.
For weather-sensitive contents, ask how the unit’s condition has been checked. A photograph alone cannot establish that a container will keep out water.
When it arrives
Check the delivered unit against what was agreed and take photos of any issue. Raise concerns promptly with the supplier. Do not enter or inspect while the truck is unloading; follow the driver’s directions first.