Buying a used shipping container can be a practical and cost-effective way to add storage to a construction site, ranch, business, warehouse, or property. However, used containers can vary considerably in appearance, age, and overall condition.
If you’re searching for used shipping containers for sale in New Mexico or West Texas, knowing what to inspect before purchasing can help you choose a container that’s appropriate for your needs.
AE Boulet LLC provides shipping and storage containers for sale and rent throughout New Mexico and West Texas. Whether you’re looking for a 20-foot container for additional storage or a 40-foot container for a larger commercial project, there are several important things to consider before buying.
What Is a Used Shipping Container?
Shipping containers are originally designed to transport cargo. During their service life, they may travel thousands of miles and experience loading, unloading, transportation, weather, and normal handling.
Once removed from active cargo service, many containers can continue to provide useful stationary storage.
Because they’ve previously been used, buyers should expect cosmetic wear.
This may include:
- Dents
- Scratches
- Faded paint
- Surface rust
- Shipping markings
- Previous repairs
- General signs of use
A used container doesn’t need to look new to provide useful storage. The important question is whether its condition is appropriate for your intended application.
1. Start With the Container Doors
The doors are one of the most important parts of a used shipping container.
Open and close both doors and inspect:
- Handles
- Locking bars
- Hinges
- Door frames
- Seals
- Locking points
The doors should be capable of closing securely.
If they’re unusually difficult to operate, determine whether the problem is related to the doors themselves or the way the container is sitting.
Shipping containers generally perform best on a reasonably level surface. Uneven placement can sometimes twist the container enough to affect door operation.
2. Inspect the Roof
The roof deserves careful attention because it protects everything stored inside.
Walk around the container and inspect as much of the roof as can be safely viewed.
Look for:
- Significant dents
- Holes
- Heavy corrosion
- Damaged areas
- Previous repairs
- Areas where water may collect
Minor dents may be normal on a used container.
The primary concern is whether damage could affect the container’s ability to protect its contents.
3. Examine the Exterior Walls
Walk around the entire container and inspect each side.
Surface rust, scratches, dents, and faded paint are common and don’t automatically indicate a serious problem.
Pay closer attention to:
- Holes
- Deep corrosion
- Major structural damage
- Significant deformation
- Damaged corner posts
- Substantial previous repairs
It’s important to distinguish between cosmetic wear and damage that could affect the container’s function.
4. Check the Container Floor
Don’t overlook the flooring.
Walk through the entire container and inspect the floor for:
- Soft areas
- Holes
- Significant cracks
- Excessive wear
- Major damage
- Areas of deterioration
Floor condition can be especially important if you plan to store heavy tools, machinery, commercial inventory, building materials, or other valuable items.
If you expect to place particularly heavy equipment inside, discuss your intended use with the supplier before purchasing.
5. Inspect the Interior During Daylight
One simple inspection technique is to enter the container during daylight and close the doors.
Once your eyes adjust, examine the walls and roof.
Unexpected daylight coming through the roof or walls may indicate a hole or damaged area that deserves further inspection.
You should also check for:
- Evidence of moisture
- Water staining
- Significant interior corrosion
- Unusual odors
- Visible damage
An interior inspection can sometimes reveal issues that aren’t obvious from outside.
6. Check the Door Seals
Door seals help protect the container interior from outside conditions.
Look around the seals for deterioration, missing sections, cracks, or significant damage.
Used containers naturally experience wear, but damaged seals may require attention depending on how you intend to use the container.
For customers storing tools or construction equipment, requirements may differ from a business storing inventory that is particularly sensitive to moisture.
7. Understand Cosmetic vs. Functional Condition
One of the biggest mistakes buyers can make is judging a used shipping container entirely by its appearance.
A container may have faded paint, scratches, surface rust, and dents while remaining useful for storage.
At the same time, a container with fresh paint shouldn’t automatically be assumed to be in excellent structural condition.
Focus on the areas that affect functionality:
- Roof
- Walls
- Doors
- Door seals
- Flooring
- Frame
- Overall structural condition
Cosmetic appearance can matter, especially when the container will be visible to customers or placed near a commercial building, but appearance shouldn’t replace a proper inspection.
8. Decide What You Will Store
The appropriate container condition depends heavily on its intended use.
Before purchasing, ask yourself:
- What will I store?
- How valuable are the contents?
- How long will they remain inside?
- Are they sensitive to heat?
- Are they sensitive to moisture?
- How frequently will I access the container?
- Will heavy equipment be stored inside?
A construction contractor storing tools may have different requirements than a retailer storing business inventory.
Knowing your intended use helps determine what condition and features you should prioritize.
9. Consider the New Mexico and West Texas Climate
New Mexico and West Texas can experience intense sunlight, high summer temperatures, wind, dust, and seasonal storms.
These conditions should be considered when planning container storage.
A steel shipping container provides a durable enclosure, but the inside temperature can still change based on outdoor conditions.
Items that are sensitive to heat, humidity, or temperature fluctuations may require:
- Ventilation
- Insulation
- Climate control
- Specialized storage method
Discuss specialized storage needs before purchasing a container.
10. Compare 20ft and 40ft Used Shipping Containers
Two of the most common options are 20ft and 40ft used shipping containers.
Used 20ft Shipping Containers
A 20ft container can be a good option when you need additional storage but don’t have room for a larger unit.
Common uses include:
- Tools
- Construction equipment
- Building supplies
- Ranch supplies
- Business inventory
- Residential storage
- Renovation materials
Their smaller footprint can also make them easier to accommodate at some properties.
Used 40ft Shipping Containers
A 40ft used shipping container provides significantly more storage capacity.
These containers can work well for:
- Large construction projects
- Commercial inventory
- Warehouse overflow
- Industrial equipment
- Ranch equipment
- Business storage
- Long-term storage needs
Before ordering a 40ft container, make sure there’s adequate space for both placement and delivery.
11. Understand Container Delivery
Finding a good used container is only part of the process. You also need to get it to your property.
Before purchasing, discuss delivery requirements with the supplier.
Potential obstacles include:
- Narrow roads
- Small driveways
- Gates
- Fences
- Trees and branches
- Buildings
- Overhead power lines
- Soft ground
- Tight turns
- Limited maneuvering space
The delivery vehicle needs adequate room to enter, unload the container, and safely leave the property.
12. Determine the Container’s Orientation
Think about where you want the doors before delivery.
A container may need to be loaded onto the delivery equipment in a particular orientation to place the doors where you want them.
Knowing your desired placement ahead of time can help avoid having the container positioned in an inconvenient direction.
Discuss the desired orientation with the supplier before delivery.
13. Prepare a Level Storage Area
A used shipping container should generally sit on a firm, reasonably level surface.
Depending on the property, possible support options may include:
- Gravel
- Concrete
- Blocks
- Railroad ties
- Another appropriate foundation
- Good drainage is also important
Avoid placing the container in an area where water routinely pools underneath or around it.
Proper site preparation can help keep the container stable and help the doors operate properly.
14. Compare the Total Delivered Price
When searching online for used shipping containers for sale, it’s easy to focus on the advertised container price.
However, that doesn’t always represent your final cost.
Ask about:
- Container price
- Delivery charge
- Delivery distance
- Placement
- Other applicable charges
A container with a lower advertised price may ultimately cost more if it has to be transported a considerable distance.
Comparing total delivered prices provides a better picture of your actual cost.
15. Be Careful With Extremely Cheap Container Offers
If an advertised price seems unusually low, find out why.
Verify:
- Where the container is located
- Whether photographs show the actual container
- What condition the container is in
- Whether delivery is included
- Who is selling it
- What you’ll actually pay before delivery
Buyers should understand exactly what they’re purchasing before making payment.
Used Shipping Containers for Construction Sites
Construction is one of the most common applications for used storage containers.
A container placed at a job site can provide convenient storage for:
- Power tools
- Hand tools
- Equipment
- Building materials
- Electrical supplies
- Plumbing supplies
- Safety equipment
- General job-site materials
Keeping supplies on site can reduce the need to transport frequently used items back and forth.
Used Shipping Containers for Ranches
Ranches and agricultural properties throughout New Mexico and West Texas can also benefit from container storage.
A container can provide space for tools, equipment, supplies, and materials in a convenient location.
For larger properties, being able to place storage closer to where equipment is used can be particularly beneficial.
Used Containers for Businesses and Warehouses
Businesses may need additional storage because of growth, seasonal inventory, renovations, or limited warehouse capacity.
Used containers can provide extra space for:
- Commercial inventory
- Equipment
- Supplies
- Seasonal merchandise
- Renovation materials
- Warehouse overflow
For businesses that need additional storage temporarily, renting may also be an option.
Should You Buy or Rent?
Buying a used shipping container isn’t always necessary.
If you need storage only for a construction project, renovation, seasonal inventory, or temporary business requirement, renting may make more financial sense.
Purchasing may be appropriate when you expect to use the container long term.
AE Boulet LLC offers both shipping container sales and rentals, allowing customers to choose based on their particular needs.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Shipping Container
Before placing an order, ask your supplier:
- What size is the container?
- What condition is it in?
- Are there any known holes or significant damage?
- How do the doors operate?
- What condition is the flooring in?
- Is delivery included in the price?
- How much will delivery cost?
- What access does the delivery vehicle require?
- How should I prepare the site?
- Are rental options available?
Getting these answers before purchasing can help avoid surprises later.
Used Shipping Containers From AE Boulet LLC
If you’re searching for used shipping containers for sale in New Mexico or West Texas, AE Boulet LLC provides storage solutions for contractors, businesses, ranches, warehouses, commercial properties, and individual customers.
Our options may include:
- 20ft used shipping containers
- 40ft used shipping containers
- Storage containers for sale
- Shipping container rentals
- Construction-site storage
- Commercial storage
- Ranch and agricultural storage
- Delivery options
AE Boulet LLC is a family-owned shipping and storage container company serving New Mexico and West Texas.
Whether you’re looking for a used 20ft container for tools and equipment or a 40ft container for a larger commercial or construction storage requirement, contact AE Boulet LLC to discuss current inventory and options.
Looking for a used shipping container in New Mexico or West Texas? Contact AE Boulet LLC today for current availability, pricing, rental options, and a delivery quote.