Demand for Shipping Containers

I was searching eBay looking at what shipping containers were available, and the one thing I noticed is how the pricers have increased.

An average good condition 20 ft shipping container on eBay is selling between $2500 and $3000,

There are some less expensive selections on offer at around $2000 for a 20 foot shipping container, but if  your selection is to re purpose as a shipping container home then selecting a good condition container to start with is essential.

This nice 20 ft shipping container was on eBay

The 40 ft Shipping Containers offer a better value for money coming at around $3000 to $3500, but your transportation cost will also be much higher.

My thoughts on the forty foot container is they are great if you have good access and lots of moveable space, otherwise their size makes them extremely difficult to move around.

Imagine this trailer making its way up your driveway?

One concern to take in to consideration when making a purchase is its location. You might find a really good deal on eBay for a shipping container in Florida, but having it delivered or collecting yourself when you live in Idaho will add a considerable amount to the cost.

At least with a twenty foot container a smaller truck can deliver or you can use a farm tractor or other means to move it.

Purpose built crane on the truck

Also I think with a little creation you could weld some axles and tow bar to turn a 20 Foot shipping container in to a trailer.

Shipping Container trailer concept 

This would be great as a moveable work site office and accommodation.
It would also help eliminate some of the building regulations by making it a non permanent home on your land.
be interested to here if anyone has thoughts or experience on that?

Anyway take a look, I noticed a couple of companies had over 20, 20ft shipping containers for sale!
Take a look at the Shipping containers on eBay

Earth Science Far North Queensland Australia

Earth Science Far North Queensland Australia

Remote accomodation is always a challenge in difficult terrain.

What follows is an example of using two conventional shipping containers to create 90 square meters of living space in dense rainforest adjoining World Heritage Rainforest. The facility, on a nature refuge is used for rainforest research. The terrain is extremely difficult and accessed via a narrow track. In less severe terrain a 40' container might be better value, however the larger container at about 3.5 tonnes would require a much larger truck and a much better road. Unloading would also be a problem.

Shipping containers have wooden, not steel floors. It is important to leave some air space below them in wet environments. When stacking containers, most of the weight is carried by the steel frames around the ends of the container. If you wish to stack containers at right angles additional internal support for the bottom container may be required. Some containers have additional support along their side edges but they are hard to find.

 We used two 6m (20') containers placed 3m (10') apart.

The original roof was damaged in a storm.

http://earthsci.org/education/fieldsk/container/container.html

Tin Can Cabin in northern Wisconsin

Tin Can Cabin in northern Wisconsin

3 x 20 ft shipping container place on concrete lentils in 40 acres of farmland and woods, simple but practice and well done

http://www.tincancabin.com

 

 

 

Urban Outfitters Container Store on Tour

Urban Outfitters Store on Tour
created from 2x 20ft shipping containers, a great concept store that will relocated to different venues from the brand Urban Outfitters.
http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/category/store_on_tour

Team China Tongji University, Y Container

Team China Tongji University, Y Container
Team China's U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 entry, Y Container, combines six recycled shipping containers into a succinct, Y-shaped solar house. Y Container is easy to transport, assemble, and expand—providing the freedom to live anywhere with low costs and clean energy. It is a living house that can contain the energy, water, and plants required for an individual to enjoy an independent and natural lifestyle.

MEKA ALP 320 custom built Container Homes Canada

MEKA buildings are very affordable because they are produced in our factory making them cost effective compared to conventional construction.

MEKAs are constructed in an enclosed facility, therefore weather is not a factor in the construction timeline. Material delivery fees are also out of the equation because an ample amount of material will always be available at our factory, as opposed to being delivered in limited quantities to the job site, nearly eliminating construction delays, and theft of building materials from the site.

MEKAs are priced lower than their site-built counterparts and are more cost-effective to builders and consumers

2 x 20ft ISBU high top containers, making a nice 16x20 feet home.

La Boite Cafe Shipping Container Austin TX

La Boite is built from a re-purposed 20 foot shipping container. The concept was borne from the desire to re-use existing materials and to provide a clean, functional space.
http://laboitecafe.com/