Andy Knows Containers

5 Red Flags to Check Before Buying a Used Shipping Container

Most people buying a used shipping container don't know what to actually inspect — and that's how they end up with rust, smelly floors, jammed doors, and surprise delivery fees. In this episode, Andy walks Emma through the 5 red flags he's learned from years in the container business — plus a bonus segment on how to spot online supplier scams. What's covered: → Why the shipping line history matters more than the price → How to read a container's plate (and what sellers try to hide) → The plywood floor smell test — and why bad smells are permanent → Door rods, twisted frames, and how to spot them from photos → Lock boxes, lock types, and why a $10 padlock kills your security → Realistic delivery prices for AU and US — and what's a scam → Bonus: the biggest online scam signal Andy keeps seeing Three quick takeaways: — Brown rust-paint hides rust. Look closer at the welds. — If the doors don't close pressed-tight, the frame is bent. Walk away. — $625 AUD or $700–900 USD is fair for 20ft delivery within 100km. Way below = red flag. More from Andy: 🇦🇺 shipping-containers.com.au [http://shipping-containers.com.au] 🇺🇸 shipping-containers.com [http://shipping-containers.com] 🇩🇪 containerbasis.de [http://containerbasis.de] 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyknowsContainers [https://www.youtube.com/@AndyknowsContainers]