
The Most Frequently Asked Questions [And Answers] About Renting Shipping Containers
Helping people find the right shipping container rental to meet their needs is the Rent-A-Container mission. Part of achieving that goal means answering shipping container rental questions on a regular basis. To help you as you shop for rental storage containers, our shipping container experts here at Rent-A-Container have put together this comprehensive list of shipping container rental FAQs. These are the most common shipping container rental questions we receive, so keep reading for the answers you need. Of course, for personalized help contact Rent-A-Container today. Your Shipping Container Rental Questions: Answered Got questions about renting a shipping container? We have answers. See below. Should I Rent a Shipping Container or Buy One? This is one of the most common shipping container rental questions we receive, and for good reason. The answer is complicated and depends on your situation. If you know you are going to need the shipping container permanently, then you probably want to buy containers. But if you have cost restrictions or aren’t sure how long you will need your container for, renting containers may be the better option. These options allow you to get a shipping container now without putting a lot of money down upfront. For more information, check out our container rental guide. How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Shipping Container? The price of a shipping container rental will vary depending on your needs. For example, some shipping container rental companies will charge more for short-term leases or newer containers. At Rent-A-Container, we don’t change rental rates over time, and we don’t do cumbersome long-term shipping container rental contracts. We are all about flexibility to meet your needs. Need a shipping container at a specific site? Browse available containers on our website, using your zip code to find a shipping container for rent near you. How Long Are Shipping Container Rental Contracts? Shipping container rental contracts can range from months to multiple years. Some companies will allow month-to-month container rental contracts after the initial rental period is up, while others are more strict about long-term leases. Rent-A-Container allows month-to-month shipping container rentals after a three-month minimum lease period. In a monthly agreement, you can hang on to the container for as long as you would like and be charged at the beginning of each month. When you’re done, we come pick it up. Do You Need a Permit to Have a Rented Storage Container on Your Property? This is one of the toughest shipping container rental questions to answer because it depends so heavily on local zoning laws, homeowners’ association rules and state laws. Check with your local government to see if you need a permit for keeping a shipping container on your property. What Are the Available Sizes for Shipping Container Rentals? The most common lengths of shipping containers for rent are 20 ft. and 40 ft. A standard container is 8 feet and six inches tall, and a high cube container is a foot taller. Some container leasing companies, such as Rent-A-Container, offer additional sizes of containers. We also offer 10 ft. containers and 45 ft. containers for rent. Can I Rent to Own a Storage Container? YES! Rent-to-own shipping containers are available, but they are not very common. Rent-A-Container is the industry leader in easy rent to own options. With no credit checks or cumbersome application process, you can checkout in just minutes and have a container delivered on site for the lowest possible amount. Can I Move My Rented Storage Container from Place to Place? While shipping and storage containers are meant to be moved with relative ease, doing so does require specialized equipment and can cause damage to the container. Most storage container rentals are meant for on-site, durable, stationary storage. While our shipping container rentals are not meant to be moved while on lease, we understand that moving containers is sometimes necessary. On a case-by-case basis, Rent-A-Container will sometimes give approval to move a container during a lease. If this is something you are considering, contact our team to discuss it further. How Do I Rent a Shipping Container? Here is how renting a shipping container works with most companies: You call the supplier or meet with a representative You wait for a price quote You and the supplier discuss shipping container rental terms Once agreed and purchased, you arrange for the delivery and pickup At Rent-A-Container, we like to approach the shipping container rental process a little differently. With Rent-A-Container: You browse our website: Find the right container rental for you Get an instant price Put it in your cart Fill out less than a minute’s worth of documentation Pick your container up or have us help get it delivered to you — we will do what it takes to make the process easy and transparent for you. Of course, if you need assistance or want help throughout the process, our team is available to guide you over the phone. How Can I Find Shipping Containers for Rent Near Me? Many shipping container suppliers maintain depots at ports and similar industrial areas in major cities around the world. The typical process involves contacting the closest supplier and asking what they have available. Rent-A-Container’s website can save a lot of time when it comes to finding a container for rent near you. Simply enter your ZIP code, and our online shipping container store will present results that are closest to you. Still on the fence about renting vs. buying a shipping container? Learn more about the advantages to renting a shipping container. Can I Modify a Rented Shipping Container? You will need explicit approval to modify a rented shipping container. Think of your container rental like a rental car — it needs to be in standard condition for the next person who rents it, so permanent changes are usually not allowed. Which Type of Shipping Container Should I Rent? Which type of shipping container