Shipping A Container Easier Than You Think
Wednesday, 24th March 2010
Many people think that shipping is something which is very complicated and costly and that is best left to the professionals. Obviously this is true to an extent but these days as with many other industries agents and middlemen are being pushed aside by the end user and carrier.
The process is a fairly simple one, depending on your intended destination and the nature of the goods you are shipping. Providing the goods are not hazardous, prohibited or extremely fragile then getting a shipping container from A to B may not be as difficult to arrange as you may expect.
The first thing to do is to find a cheap container to buy. This does not necessarily have to be a one trip unit, as long as it is in cargoworthy condition and has a valid csc plate or acep sticker the line will accept it. If you are sending expensive or cherished goods it may be worth visiting the storage and repair depot first to pick out a box for yourself.
Deciding whether to ship a 20ft or 40ft container depends on the amount and size of goods you have to ship. If you have over height cargo then an open top or flatrack may be the way to go.
The next step is to decide where to load your contents, if you do not have space for a shipping container at your own premises usually the depot selling it to you will be happy to provide you with some secure storage in London. If the container is being loaded for export from Tilbury for example then sourcing your storage in Essex would be beneficial due to the close proximity to the port.
If you are intending to use the unit at the other end as a workshop or living accommodation then container conversions will be the way to go. By speaking to the modifications team at your local depot they will be able to advise you on customizing the box and architecture.