Hi Expats

I hope you can help us. We are trying to research shipping container from the UK to Canada, and are interested in purchasing one to keep once we arrive.

Our last contact from a company over here advised that we can not purchase a shipping container in the UK to ship to Canada, we are only able to rent.

Is this true? This conflicts previous information we have had.

We really appreciate any input you have, and if anyone has purchased their own container to ship please let us know.

We have read the threads about shipping companies on the website, and have contacted the ones recommended, but are still waiting to hear back from them.

Regards
Saskbound

Why do you want to buy and keep a container?

There is a world shortage of containers, you may be able to buy a battered and bruised one that no reputable international removals company would use. The logistics of loading and unloading it from the truck that will haul it for you to your home.

Have you looked at the cost of hauling it to the port where it will ship from, getting insurance and then hauling it to your home in Canada.

Do your self a favour get a good removals company to ship your stuff, it will cost less and be less hassle - IMHO

I was scared that I lacked imagination Miss C! I read this this morning and had an odd thought or two.... For heavens sake what are you going to do with it? Do, do, tell!

Hiya

The above post is by my partner. As we are relocating to Saskatchewan, the container will come in handy. Also they are in demand and we can easily sell it to one of the farmers (people are already asking for it!)

I have to say this form has been so helpful with moving information, thank you to everyone who has shared their experience, and we will definitely post ours once we get over!

I am more involved with the exports out of Canada but hope this advice may help. In order to purchase a seaworthy container and make it an 'SOC' Shippers Own Container, you would need to get in contact with a container leasing company (likely located around the main container ports in (UK, Liverpool/Thamesport/Tilbury/Felixstowe, etc) that is looking to sell one of their old stock 20'ST or 40'ST that has a some refurbish work done on it (meaning little or no leakage). Buying a new unit is not worth it and trying to re-sell it won't be beneficial if its new.

Keep in mind that you will have to arrange the collection of the empty container to your local loading location, either live load or drop and return using a container drayage company and also make the freight booking with a freight forwarder or steamship line. They will bill you for the Ocean Freight, Origin and Destination Terminals, Destination Rail Inland from port of Montreal to Saskatchewan, and Documentation, etc. Then you have the Destination Delivery for which you will have to hire another local drayage carrier from the railyard in Saskatchewan to your door address, the biggest problem is getting the container off the chassis? You would likely need some heavy equipment / crane to lift off the container and place it on the ground. Otherwise you would need to temporarily rent or buy the chassis until you have it unloaded and then sell it to someone hopefully sooner than later.

In regards to insurance, you could by a 'total loss' coverage from a local insurance broker or purchase it through a freight forwarder, don't think the steamship lines will be keen to assist with the insurance. You will not be insured for bumps, scratches, and breakage, so sell the breakables and buy new in Canada.

I suggest if you are looking to save money, just use a commercial freight forwarder that is ready and willing to move personal effects /and/ not a white glove moving company.

Goodluck, any questions, lmk.

^^^^_____ Good Post. I was going to say much the same. It is possible to buy and ship your own container but it may not be practical. If you want a unit for storage when you get here it might be worth pricing one locally before going down the path of buying the one that your goods will come over from the UK in.

Yep, I have seen containers for sale here on craigslist but they are generally not seaworthy ones, which is probably why they are being sold.

They don't seem to be hugely expensive - 2K and upwards.
We thought about getting one to act as a temporary secure storage for motorbikes.
They were certainly cheaper than a similar-sized garage structure (though maybe less visually appealing.

They make great underground horticultural enterprises as well so I am told.
http://cfjctv.com/story.php?id=8017

If you want to save money do a d.i.y. shipment but as for actually owning the container it sounds like so much hassle. Presumably all these shipping companies get huge discounts due to the quantities they ship so you would probably be charged over the odds and still have an eye sore at the other end rather than a nice shed to sell to the farmer...

BUT may I suggest you contact Steve at EwePack. He was a really nice guy. We packed our container through them and I'm sure he would give you some genuine advice.

A big thank you to everyone and your input.

We have been contacted by GB Liners and they are coming to give us a quote on Friday. They advised that none of the shipping companies want to deal with a privately owned shipping container. It is starting to sound like it is more trouble than it was worth. We were originally told it could be done, and perhaps had grand ideas of a leisurely pack of a container....and getting the opportunity to pack all the stuff that you do not need.

I have to say we are both so pleased with this website and all the great advise so far. Thanks again!

Used shipping containers are frequently accepted by shipping lines provided they meet the standards required. Containers used for shipping internationally must have a valid 'CSC' plate. Provided that the container is an ISO standard container and has a valid CSC plate you should not have any problems at all - we frequently supply containers on this basis to freight forwarders and even individual buyers.