Before we get too far let's set some definitions so we're all on the same page - “cheap” and bargain”. It's important to note that with shipping containers (as many things in life) you get exactly what you pay for. Many of the retail and wholesale shipping containers are 10-15 years old, except in the case of one trip containers which are brand new units. Containers of this age and condition are going to be in cargo worthy condition, or at the very least in solid shape. They may not be beautiful to look at, but they will be solid, sturdy, and keep everything dry, clean, and out of the harsh Montreal weather. So… how much are we talking? For a used 20′ container in Montreal you can expect to pay at least $1500, and for a used 40′ container you can expect to pay around $2200. There may be the occasional deals that are less, but if it’s too much less you’ll want to be concerned about condition and how to get it from point A to B.
What’s a Used Container in Montreal Look Like?
This is a hard question to answer exactly because it really depends on the age and the shipping line that was managing the container. To start, here are a couple of general points to consider:- It may be marked up with the shipping containers name and logo. Maybe not, but changes are good that it is.
- There may be a little surface rust or scaling. Technically, even with that it can still be cargo worthy, just not as nice to look at as a new unit.
- The doors should swing freely, and they should be repaired to have tight seals.
Cargo worthy, solid shipping containers.
A good cargo worthy container
Where to Shipping Containers in Montreal
There are many container dealers and shipping lines located in the port of Montreal and Quebec. Most times, the shipping lines and leasing companies prefer not to deal with the end user because they’re not geared to deal with single container purchases and the volume of questions that come with it. They’re much better at dealing with larger sales and moving containers out of the depot in volume.The easiest places to start searching for shipping containers are eBay.com, ContainerAuction.com, and craigslist.org, and here’s a summary of the three:
- eBay.com: Loads of containers, and other products, and you can find deals but there may be a lot more information than you’re looking for.
- ContainerAuction.com: A marketplace that’s custom designed for containers, and has sellers from around the United States that list and sell their containers on the site.
- Craiglist.org: You may find cargo containers at cheap prices, but you’ll need to make sure the person selling it knows what they’re talking about. If it’s a container that’s dirt cheap and has been in the back of their farm for 10 years, it may have some serious rust and you’ll have a hard time getting it onto a truck, and later off of a truck.
Finding a great deal on a shipping, cargo, or storage container in Quebec isn’t hard. There are bargains and seasonal sales taking place all the time. Be sure an investigate what condition the container is in, and make sure the price and condition match up. To start a container search, check out one of these links:
