5 Red Flags to Check Before Buying a Used Shipping Container
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5 Red Flags to Check Before Buying a Used Shipping Container
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Summary
Most people buying a used shipping container don't know what to actually inspect — and that's how they end up with rust, smelly floors, jammed doors, and surprise delivery fees.
In this episode, Andy walks Emma through the 5 red flags he's learned from years in the container business — plus a bonus segment on how to spot online supplier scams.
What's covered:
→ Why the shipping line history matters more than the price
→ How to read a container's plate (and what sellers try to hide)
→ The plywood floor smell test — and why bad smells are permanent
→ Door rods, twisted frames, and how to spot them from photos
→ Lock boxes, lock types, and why a $10 padlock kills your security
→ Realistic delivery prices for AU and US — and what's a scam
→ Bonus: the biggest online scam signal Andy keeps seeing
Three quick takeaways:
— Brown rust-paint hides rust. Look closer at the welds.
— If the doors don't close pressed-tight, the frame is bent. Walk away.
— $625 AUD or $700–900 USD is fair for 20ft delivery within 100km. Way below = red flag.
More from Andy:
🇦🇺 shipping-containers.com.au
🇺🇸 shipping-containers.com
🇩🇪 containerbasis.de
📺 YouTube: @AndyKnowsContainers