Page 16 - Logistics News April 2021

Container Rental
Top 5 tips for renting
a container
Renting containers has increased in popularity as businesses and individuals discover their
value as a versatile storage solution with a multitude of functions and innovative uses.
IF YOU have decided to rent a container,
but find yourself wondering where to start,
Kashief Schroeder, Co-founder and Director of
Container Intermodal Trading (CIT), has five
top tips for you.
1. Specify your intent for the container
Firstly, be very clear about what you are going
to use the container for and comprehensively
specify this to your container company.
“A container is far more than just an empty
shell for storage space. There are specific
containers suitable for goods that need to be
transported or stored at specific temperatures,
for example. Remember that a container
company also needs to protect itself against
the possibility of being held liable for any
damages or spoils for whatever you are going
to place in the container, so any reputable
container company is going to need as much
information about your intentions for the
container as possible,” states Schroeder.
2. Expect a credit check
Containers are an enormous expense for the
companies that rent them out as part of their
services, and many container companies
have fallen victim to significant losses when
individuals have absconded with their hired
container.
“For this reason, know that is highly likely
that a container company will run a credit
check on you. It is also far easier to put your
container company at ease by renting the
container through an existing business, as
they can therefore be assured that they will be
able to contact you in case of any issues with
outstanding payments,” Schroeder adds.
3. Containers can be custom made at
minimal cost
“Containers for long-term rent can also be
significantly custom made at minimal cost,”
Schroeder enthuses. “One of the latest trends is
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that many people are actually using containers
as their primary residence, especially the
younger generation or individuals with large
families who need some extra rooms on their
property. A reputable container company will
be able to turn a container into an astonishing
home, o’ce, business or even a school. Dream
it, plan it, provide your wish list and you will be
surprised by how a ordable this option can be
for you.”
3. Choose your container provider wisely
Kashief says that proper research on the
container company of choice is imperative to
protect yourself from subpar service.
“Make sure that they have been around for a
while. If you can, find reviews of other people’s
experiences with the company. Also check if
the company has verified and credible social
media pages as you will be able to tell if they
are actively engaging with their customers that
way, and, of course, what others have to say
about them.”
5. Make sure the nal destination is
suitable for a container
This includes making sure your container
company is able to transport the container to
where you need it, that the ground on site is
suitable and that a secure space is available at
the desired premises if you simply want to rent
a container for special storage. It also always
pays to read the fine print in the agreement
you sign and take care of the container if it is
in your possession as many contracts state that
you will incur expenses for any damage.
Schroeder concludes: “By o ering new and
pre-owned containers for sale or rental, the CIT
team has amassed a number of years in the
industry. We are expanding across Southern
Africa, and as a top container brokerage in
Cape Town we constantly push the boundaries
in container and intermodal equipment
trading.”•
April 2021 | Logistics News