Rentals

Rental

Yes! We do rent shipping containers. If you’re renovating your home, moving, having restoration work done after a mishap, or just need temporary in on-site storage, then renting a shipping container may be the most cost effective option for you. We rent our Used units, in 20’ and 40’ lengths. Call us and we can have a container on the ground at your location and ready to use in a short time. 

Our minimum rental period is (3) months, then month-to-month after that for as long as you need it. Delivery and pickup fees are one-time charges in addition to and separate from the monthly rent.

*Rental containers are available on a limited basis - please call beforehand to pre-schedule.

*See our Pricing page for rates. 

*Note: we do not move containers if loaded or filled, we deliver our containers clean & empty and expect the same upon pickup.

Rent-to-own & Financing

Q3 does have a Rent-to-own option if customers desire to purchase the same container they have been renting. The container purchase price will be noted on the initial rental invoice and should the customer decide to cease renting and purchase the container outright, Q3 will apply 50% of the previously paid rent toward the final purchase price. Delivery charges are not included. 

Q3 Shipping Containers does not offer financing at this time. 

Shipping Container Conditions

Almost all shipping containers are manufactured in Asia, loaded with trade goods and then shipped around the world.

“New” or “1-Trip” shipping containers have made a single journey overseas to the United States before being offloaded and transferred to the private market as a Storage Container. This means that they have been moved or handled by cranes, forklifts and trucks a dozen times or more. Scratches, dings and even small dents are to be expected in a New / 1-Trip container. The design and features of containers have been constantly improving in recent years and many New units now come standard with multiple air vents (10 or more vs 2-4 for the older units), easy open waist-high door handles and theft-resistant lock shrouds. New shipping containers are perfect for applications where a clean, neat outside appearance is important or for storage of sensitive personal items such as household furniture.

“Used” shipping containers can vary widely in condition, appearance and age. These containers have been owned or leased by the steamship lines and logistics companies and have been maintained and repaired until they are replaced by newer containers. For a container to be utilized in overseas commerce or the shipping of goods it must be inspected and certified that it meets CSC (Convention of Safe Containers) and IICL (Institute of International Container Lessors) standards. This is known as a “Cargo Worthy” (CWO) or “Seaworthy” container. Many of the Used containers can still pass such an inspection and be certified to ship goods. For most private storage applications however this is an unnecessary and unneeded expense (Marine Surveyors charge fees to certify a container).

A container lacking a “Cargo Worthy” certification is generally classified by the industry standard term of “Wind & Watertight” (WWT). This simply means exactly what it says; it is structurally sound and will secure and protect stored goods from the weather. While extremely durable and long-lasting, for the most part WWT shipping containers are…..UGLY…! They have been scratched, rusted, dented and repaired. They range from 8-20 years old and could have made overseas trips up to 30 times. If you are concerned about appearance you may want to consider a New / 1-Trip container. But, if you want immediate, cost-effective, weatherproof and durable storage - a Used shipping container is a great deal. A simple coat of paint will also do wonders for your containers looks. 

Shipping containers that are not Wind & Watertight (holes in floors, walls or ceilings) are classed as “As-Is” units. Many can be easily repaired by welding a metal plate over the puncture or replacing a section of the floor, etc. No guarantees are given with As-Is units and it is up to the customer to inspect the container and understand what he/she is buying.

How does the shipping container purchase process work? 

We really like to keep things simple at Q3 Shipping Containers. Our focus is threefold: help you understand what options are available, choose and view your specific unit, and then have it delivered on time at a fair price.  Learn about Shipping Containers. If you’re considering them for the first time and want to learn more, you may go to the Details page of our website, browse though our pictures and read about the various uses, specifics, and conditions of shipping containers. Q3’s available container inventory is posted right on our website, complete with photos, prices and specifics. We strive to keep the information current and accurate, enabling you to see each unit and know exactly what your choices are. Delivery prices are calculated simply by measuring the mileage from your site to our Yard in Frederick, MD and multiplying it by $1.95* per mile (round-trip), so you can quickly determine how much it will be to have a container brought right to you. It’s that easy! Contact us. We’ll either answer right away or get back to you shortly thereafter. We enjoy meeting new people and are happy to take the time needed to answer any questions you may have. Because Q3’s operations are completely in-house, we are able to price, schedule and facilitate delivery and payment quickly, easily and correctly. 

*price may vary slightly based on current fuel costs, etc.

Things to know before ordering a shipping container.

Don’t buy it without seeing it. Most companies selling Shipping Containers are off-site brokers; meaning they never see the container they are selling. While there is a place for this type of business in our world of commerce, YOU probably don’t want to be the last person in this chain, i.e. - the person who finally gets to touch and use the product that half a dozen brokers have passed up the line. That’s where we come in. We DO want to be the people that inspect, categorize and put containers on the market with a clear and accurate description of the product. Don’t be confused by nomenclature or terms. When choosing a shipping container there are really only two criteria that matter:

(A) Is the unit weathertight & how long will it remain that way? Will your container protect items stored inside from rain, snow, wind, rodents and thieves? If you are planning to ship goods overseas, will your container stand up to the rigors of the open sea? Metal rusts and wood rots when not properly cared for. ALL Used containers have been scratched, dented, repaired & repainted in varying degrees. Even so, most Used containers still have a significant useful life remaining - usually measured in decades when properly maintained. 

(B) how does the unit appear? Looks do matter, especially if your container is to be placed near your business, home, or public venue. A Used container may be perfect for the farm or back forty, but might not quite meet expectations sitting in your upscale driveway!