If you need to use a shipping container to transport your goods, it’s usually more efficient to rent the containers than to buy them. Rental is often more convenient since you may not have a place to store the containers and the rental process is usually much more affordable, since you won’t have to pay full price for the containers. Here are some of the ways that container rental can benefit your company.
One of the first things you’ll need to do is determine whether you need a permit for the containers. The requirements for a permit will vary depending on the city or county you’re in. Most of the time, if the container will be permanently fixed on your property, you’ll have to get a permit for temporary use. There are even some instances in which a permit isn’t required, but make sure you know if this is applicable to you before renting the container(s).
Generally, if your property is close to a neighborhood, you’ll have stricter permit regulations. This is largely due to the fact that many homeowners won’t want to have a large steel container close to their community, since it’s not visually appealing. You’ll usually have flexible permit requirements if your business is in a rural area or your company is in a low-traffic area.
Common requirements for permits include the fact that the container can’t be on your property for more than 90 days. The container also has to be between 5 and 15 feet from your property line. The container can’t be tagged with any graffiti. Most container suppliers in your area will know the legal requirements and can give you more information when you’re renting your container. If you’re not sure about the permit regulations, get in touch with your local authorities before you complete the rental process.
You’ll also need to know which deliveries are required. It’s easy for these fees to add up so make sure you stay within budget. One of the biggest charges is the cost of delivery. Your fee for delivery will likely be determined by how far the company’s employees have to travel to get the container to you. So, the closer the container rental facility is to your business, the lower your delivery fees will be. Some suppliers will also charge a flat rate if your business is within 60 miles; if your company is outside of this radius, you may be charge a per-mile rate. Before you sign a contract with a container supplier, make sure you know exactly how much you’ll pay in fees. The delivery cost could drastically change the total price of the rental.
Finally, make sure you know how long you’re going to need the container. Some container suppliers will provide you with a better rate if you keep the rental for a longer period of time. If you’re not sure how long you’re going to need the container, you can work with the supplier to come up with a monthly contract so you can have the containers you need while still staying in your company budget.
