A reliable shipping container supplier tells you where the containers are, what grade they are in writing, how pickup works and what happens if a unit isn’t as described. That holds whether you buy one container or a hundred. This guide covers the types of sellers, what a reliable one gives you, and the red flags to watch for.
Buying containers in volume or for resale? Request a wholesale quote or call (888) 471-9099.
Know who you are buying from
Several kinds of sellers sell containers, and they work very differently:
- Wholesalers own or control containers at container depots and sell them by the unit or in volume to retailers, brokers and large buyers. Containers sit in stacks at the depot, so buyers don’t pick an individual box.
- One way shippers sell new containers after their first trip from overseas.
- Retailers usually have a yard you can visit, deliver to your site and sell to end users. Many grade on looks, using their own scale such as A, B and C.
- Brokers have no yard. They buy from a wholesaler, add a markup and resell. A “retailer” with no yard you can visit is probably a broker.
- Marketplace sellers list containers on sites such as Facebook Marketplace. Some are brokers, some are individuals.
None of these is wrong for every buyer, but you should know which one you are dealing with. Our guide to wholesalers, resellers and brokers explains who owns the box.
What a reliable supplier gives you
Grades defined in writing
Ask for the grade of every unit in writing: new (one trip), IICL, cargo worthy, wind and watertight, or as is. Wholesalers grade on structure, so a cargo worthy box can look worse than a wind and watertight one and still be the better box. A good grade doesn’t mean a good-looking container, and a reliable supplier explains that up front. Every container also carries a CSC safety approval plate under the International Convention for Safe Containers, but the plate alone doesn’t tell you the grade. See our guide to container grades.
The depot location before you pay
You should know the depot city before you commit, because trucking from the depot is part of your cost. Lummid quotes by depot and sells from 350+ container depots across the U.S. and Canada. See where we have equipment on our locations page.
A release order
After payment, a wholesaler issues a release order that lets your driver collect the container at the depot. If a seller can’t explain how release works, ask more questions. Our guide to container release orders covers what the driver needs.
A clear damage policy
Ask what happens if a container isn’t in the grade you paid for. At Lummid, if a missed repair or damage puts a unit outside the grade you bought, we compensate the estimated repair cost. Dings, dents, scratches and scuffs within IICL guidelines aren’t covered. Report problems at pickup, when the depot can often load a different unit, because once you leave the depot with a container you have accepted its condition.
Honest answers on stock and timing
Some containers are built to order. TriCons and QuadCons, for example, take time to build and ship. A reliable supplier tells you that instead of promising stock it doesn’t have.
Clear payment and tax terms
Wholesalers usually take wire, ACH, check or direct deposit, and most don’t accept credit cards. They don’t charge sales tax on resale purchases but need a copy of your resale tax certificate. A reliable supplier states this before you order.
Red flags
- No depot or yard you can name. If the seller can’t say where the container is, you can’t plan trucking or check it at pickup.
- No grade in writing. “Good condition” is not a grade.
- A price far below everyone else. Compare a few quotes. A price that is much lower than the rest deserves questions.
- Fast delivery promised on built-to-order units. Containers such as TriCons and QuadCons take time to build.
- No company details. A real business can tell you its legal name, phone number, how long it has been selling containers and who to call if something goes wrong.
- Pressure to pay now. A reliable supplier answers your questions first.
Supplier checklist
- Which kind of seller is this: wholesaler, one way shipper, retailer, broker or marketplace seller?
- Is the grade of every unit in writing?
- Which depot or yard are the containers at?
- How does release and pickup work?
- What is the damage policy, and when must I report a problem?
- Are the units in stock or built to order?
- Which payment methods are accepted, and do you need my resale certificate?
- Can you help with delivery if I don’t have a driver?
How Lummid works
Lummid has been in the wholesale container market since 2000 and is a member of the National Portable Storage Association (NPSA). We sell new and used containers, reefers and gensets, chassis, and military and specialty containers to resellers, depots, contractors, government buyers and businesses buying in volume. We quote by depot, put grades in writing, issue release orders, and can put you in touch with local drivers or schedule delivery. Only need a container or two? Send us your city and we will help you find a trusted retailer near you. Learn more about Lummid.
FAQ
How do I know if a container seller is legitimate?
Ask for the depot or yard location, the grade of each unit in writing, how pickup works and the damage policy. A real supplier answers all four before you pay.
Why don’t wholesalers let me pick my container?
Wholesale containers sit in stacks at container depots, and the depot loads a unit of the grade you bought. If you want to pick a specific box, buy from a retailer with a yard you can visit.
Is it a red flag if a supplier won’t take credit cards?
No. Most wholesalers take wire, ACH, check or direct deposit instead of credit cards.
Get a quote
Tell us the sizes, grade, quantity and city. Request a wholesale quote or call (888) 471-9099. Buying for resale or in volume? See our resellers and bulk buyers page.