| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
Here is a brief list of what you need to know before purchasing a container:
|
What is the condition of a new/used container?
|
|
Are there a lot of dents in the container?
|
|
How long will the containers last?
|
|
What does a container cost?
|
|
How much will a container hold?
|
|
What is the difference between a "standard" and a "high cube"?
|
|
How big are containers? What does a container weigh?
|
|
Do you have 30' containers or between 20' and 40'? Do you have containers larger than 40'?
|
|
What flooring is in a container? Do you have containers with steel floors?
|
|
Are containers painted? What color are the containers?
|
|
How long will delivery take from the time of order?
|
|
How is the container delivered?
|
|
Is there any site preparation necessary? Where can a container stand?
|
|
How much space is required for delivery?
|
|
What type of payment is required upon delivery?
|
|
How far will you deliver?
|
|
Can containers support cabins and such like?
|
|
What if the container I rented needs repair?
|
|
What type of modifications will you do?
|
|
Can containers be modified and still shipped?
|
|
Do the shipping lines take shippers owned containers (SOC)?
|
|
What kinds of custom rules apply if I want to use the container for import-export shipping?
|
 |
|
Q. What is the condition of a new/used container?
|
A.
Most of the new containers are manufactured predominantly in China. Therefore, new containers available
in US from Allstate Container have all been transported from factory sites by rail, road and sea transport.
In order to save shipping costs most containers are offered to shipping interests on one-way use basis.
By allowing a shipper to use the container for a single load, our cost to position a new container
into North America is reduced significantly. These savings are reflected in the price to you.
The majority of used containers are typically 10-14 years old when sold by the international shipping
interests that originally owned and operated the equipment in international trade.
Most are sold as they are considered to have reached the end of their practical working life.
This does not however mean that containers are valueless or without new productive applications.
Therefore we have our grading system that addresses the important aspects depending upon the intended use:
New (1 trip)
Premium or IICL-5 (2 to 8 years old): Excellent condition, meets specific repair standards suitable for
regular cargo use.
CW - Cargo Worthy (Over 8 years old): Structurally sound, suitable for project or single move shipping.
WWT - Wind and watertight (over 8 years old): Suitable for storage.
AS IS: Minor damage, should be inspected prior to purchase.
Handyman: Needs work, damage to the container could be expensive to repair.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. Are there a lot of dents in the used container?
|
A.
There can be but it need not be the case. Not all containers have had the same rigorous life.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. How long will the containers last?
|
A.
Without any form of preventative maintenance a new container, in a storage environment,
should last for more than 20 years. Used containers have a variable lifespan depending
upon the condition of the container when purchased. Our containers should be free of
problems for many years after purchase but as steel continues to rust attention should be paid
to areas of rust and preventative maintenance performed as required.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. What does a container cost?
|
A.
Because of changes in market and other variables, Allstate Container quotes specific prices daily bases only
from the container sales department directly. For more detail please call Toll Free: (877) 247-8800
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. How much will a container hold?
|
A.
A 20' standard will hold about 1,150 cubic feet. A 40' High Cube is almost 2,700 cubic feet while a
40' Standard will hold about 2,400 cubic feet. Click on Container Specifications to see in details.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. What is the difference between a "standard" and a "high cube"?
|
A.
A "standard" can be either 20' or 40' or 48' long, but they are all 8' 6'' high.
A "High Cube" refers to a container that is 9' 6'' tall.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. How big are containers? What does a container weigh?
|
| A.
Standard lengths are basically 20' and 40'. There are 8'/10' and some 45' containers readily
available whilst most other lengths need to be constructed. 20's weigh a little over 2 tons whilst 40'
containers weigh between 3,5 and 4,2 tons.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. Do you have 30' containers or between 20' and 40'? Do you have containers larger than 40'?
|
A.
Yes. Most sizes >20' but <40' need to be constructed. Quite often 40' containers are shortened
to the required length. These containers will not unless otherwise agreed be CSC plated.
We have some 45' (13,6m) and can in theory arrange containers of any length.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. What flooring is in a container? Do you have containers with steel floors?
|
A.
Sine the 1990's almost all standard containers have been manufactured with plywood floors.
Some earlier containers were manufactured with plank floors. Reefer containers have aluminum "T"
section floors. We manufacture a small percentage of new containers with steel floors.
Steel floors can also be installed in containers with wooden flooring.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. Are containers painted? What color are the containers?
|
A.
Yes all steel containers are painted at manufacture. Normally only steel components on aluminum containers
are painted. If you buy unpainted used container, it will come from our current inventory of available
containers and colors may vary. If you buy new or painted container, there are a few colors to chose
from. If you require a specific color to match your building, please let us know.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. How long will delivery take from the time of order?
|
A.
Normal delivery time can be as quick as two to four days providing you are not having any modifications done
to the unit. If you need something sooner, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. How is the container delivered?
|
A.
Allstate Container can deliver your container to you via flat bed if you have the ability to unload it at your location, or by tilt-bed
if you would prefer us to unload it. Container deliveries are done using a tilt-bed that allows the container to slide off at the
desired location and cannot handle the weight of a loaded container. The driver will back the trailer and lower the end of the container
until it touches the ground then will pull straight out from under the container. Our customer service
representative will ask you if we should load the container with the doors facing to the cab or to the rear of the truck.
You must make that decision based on the desired location of the container door at your site.
In confined areas a lift truck or crane can be used to set off the containers.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. Is there any site preparation necessary? Where can a container stand?
|
A.
The only thing to be concerned about is that the surface is fairly level, smooth, and firm. The truck and trailer weigh over 30,000 lb.,
a concrete pad, asphalt paving or other sturdy surface is preferred and most drivers will not drive off of a road or paved surface.
If you need an off road delivery it is best to discuss the road condition in advance. We can deliver on dirt, cement, pavement,
asphalt, gravel or grass as long as it is not too soft. In considering the resting location for a container Asphalt, gravel, grass,
earth, concrete surfaces are all acceptable. The container is self-supporting at the four corners. Therefore, on soft unstable surfaces
we recommend each corner casting to be supported with a concrete footing, railroad ties, asphalt or a bed of gravel to spread the weight.
This is also very important for container doors to operate smoothly.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. How much space is required for delivery?
|
A.
The amount of space required is minimal. For a 20' storage container, you will need approximately 50 feet of straight clearance.
For a 40' container, you will need approximately 100 feet of straight clearance. The width requirement is approximately 12 feet.
You should have at least 14 feet of overhead clearance on the road to the delivery site and 20 feet at the drop off location.
Any obstacles like trees and overhead wires must be cleared prior to delivery.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. What type of payment is required upon delivery?
|
A.
All the payments have to be made prior to delivery of the container. For rentals, we collect the first
three month's rent, plus delivery and pickup fees. For purchase, we collect the total sales price
including delivery charge and sales tax (if applicable). We accept wire transfer, personal or business
checks and money order. We only accept credit card payment through PayPal. To pay with PayPal, click on
the PayPal icon at the bottom of any page and follow the instruction. Please add %3 fee to the payment amount.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. How far will you deliver?
|
A.
We can deliver your newly purchased container via flatbed to nearly anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
The tilt-bed delivery is usually available within the 175 miles radius of the depot. Please contact
the container sales department for more information about delivery of purchased containers.
[back to top] |
|
Q. Can containers support cabins and such like?
|
A.
Yes. Containers are built to be stacked and through the 4 corner-posts most containers can safely
support over 300 tons static weight. The roof panels and side top rails can support only lightweight
items with causing permanent distortion/damage.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. What if the container I rented needs repair?
|
A.
Allstate Container will maintain the unit throughout the term of the rental period.
If you need maintenance, simply give us a call and we will come out promptly.
Regular maintenance repairs are free of charge for the life of the rental term.
In the case of sales, the unpainted containers are sold "as is". They are guaranteed leak proof at
the time of delivery. If you choose a painted container, it is guaranteed leak proof for one year
from the time of delivery.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. What type of modifications will you do?
|
A.
We can add extra doors, windows, turbine vents or partitions, etc. whatever works for you.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. Can containers be modified and still shipped?
|
A.
All containers shipped should comply with ISO and CSC regulations. In principal any modification
that changes the integral design or structural strength of the container should be re-tested prior
to shipment.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. Do the shipping lines take shippers owned containers (SOC)?
|
A.
Every shipping line has different policy for shippers owned containers; the booking or customer service departments will have
the information you need. If you are not familiar with the procedure for shipping a container to overseas, it is best that you let
a freight forwarder handle this for you. To find a local Freight Forwarding company check out
www.forwarders.com.
If the shipping line requires a "container condition survey" we can provide that too for an additional cost.
[back to top] |
|
|
Q. What kinds of custom rules apply if I want to use the container for import-export shipping?
|
A.
Custom's rules regarding the import / export of containers varies by countries. Again, if you are not familiar with the procedure,
it is best that you let a freight forwarder handle this for you. To find a local Freight Forwarding company
check out www.forwarders.com.
[back to top] |
|
