Container Sales in South Africa

Shipping Containers have become a hot commodity in recent years, and for good reason.

Although designed originally for the intermodal carriage of goods and cargo, shipping containers provide versatile and durable modular structures offering usable space, which is being used for everything from container storage, to pop-up container stores, spaza shops, container site offices, including housing and multilevel architect designed container homes.

If you’re in South Africa and interested to consider tapping into the potential and versatility of a shipping container, you’ve come to the right place, to consider buying or hiring a shipping container. Lighthouse Containers is available to assist you with your container solution.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to expand your operations, or an individual looking for an affordable usable space solution, Lighthouse Containers can provide the solution you have been looking for.

Let’s dive into the world of container sales and unlock some of the potential it holds for you.

Advantages of using shipping containers for various purposes

One of the biggest advantages of using shipping containers is their durability and strength. Shipping containers are designed to withstand severe weather conditions, transiting thousands of kilometres by road, sea, and rail, whilst ensuring that high value cargo is safe and secure. By design, shipping containers are manufactured to last for decades, making them a long-term cost-effective option for a variety of uses.

Shipping containers are designed to be easily transportable, making them ideal for use in remote locations or for temporary structures, whilst still retaining the attributes of being weatherproof and secure.

The versatility of shipping containers allows them to be easily modified, and easily repurposed to suit and provide a solution for a variety of needs, from housing to commercial spaces. Their modular design and strength make them easy to stack and combine to create larger structures.

Shipping containers have a low environmental impact and can be repurposed or recycled themselves when they are no longer needed.

Different types of containers available in South Africa

There are several types of cargo shipping containers available in South Africa, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common type is the standard 20′ foot or 6M General Purpose container, which is the perfect size for small businesses or residential structures. 40’foot containers or 12M containers provide a solution for larger product stores and commercial spaces.

40’GP containers are a Standard Height of 8′ foot 6″ inches, whereas the 40’High Cube container is 9′ foot 6″ inches or 9’6″ or 2.9M in height and provide a good working height for modular accommodation solutions.

Refrigerated containers (also known as Reefer Containers), are designed to keep temperature sensitive goods and perishable products at a specific temperature setpoint. Refrigerated containers are used for transporting perishable and temperature sensitive items, and when used for domestic cold storage purposes, they can be modified and repurposed into cold store facilities, walk-in cold rooms and blast freezers.

The versatility of shipping containers has led to many innovative uses in South Africa. They have been used to create affordable housing solutions, such as Drivelines seven story apartment project in Johannesburg.

Containers have also been used to create unique commercial spaces, such as the “Boxshop” in Cape Town, which is a container-based shopping center.

Shipping containers have even been used for community projects, such as the “Box Park” in Durban, which is a container-based park that features a skate park, retail spaces, and a community garden.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to shipping container use, and their affordability and versatility make them an attractive option for many projects.

Factors to consider before purchasing a shipping container

Before purchasing a shipping container, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the condition of the container, and the application of the container.

Used containers are more affordable, but they will be withdrawn after many years of freight service and they will not have the same appearance or lifespan remaining, in comparison to a New Container. New containers are more expensive, but they offer a longer lifespan and should be considered when determining the purpose and application of the container.

Another factor to consider is the location of the container and the site access. We are available to assist you with these decisions, both for your container purchase and container hire decisions, for both private or commercial use. When deciding to buy the container, we are a company that specialize in shipping container sales and rentals and we provide a complete solution, including “lease to own”.

When purchasing a container online, it is important to ensure that the seller is reputable and that the container will be supplied and delivered as promised.

Shipping container modifications for different applications

If you need to buy a converted container, container conversions allow for a container to be modified to suit your needs, and modifications can be made to include windows, doors, insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Modifications for pop-up shops and pop-up stores, can include automated roll-up doors, led lighting and signage systems, ventilation and fire suppressant systems.

Whatever the intended use, we work with professional certified service providers, experienced in container modifications to ensure that the modifications are safe and fit for purpose. The cost of the modifications will also depend on the scope of the project. Simple modifications such as adding windows and doors will be less expensive than more complex modifications such as creating a multi-level structure.

It is important to budget for both the cost of the container and the cost of modifications when considering a shipping container for your project.

Container Rental versus Container Purchasing

Container rental, and container hire, is an option for short-term container projects, and container storage requirements which do not need to purchase a container, but still require a container solution. Rental prices vary depending on the size and type of the container required, as well as the delivery location, and the length of the rental period.

While rental may be a more affordable option in the short-term, purchasing a container may be more cost-effective in the long-term.

Whatever you decide, contact Lighthouse Containers today for an affordable container solution.