Your 8 Step Container Rental Check List
Renting a container? Make sure you keep this in mind to protect yourself
By now you would have heard about the massive benefits of renting a container as it provides a solution for a variety of needs due to its versatility. However, before you go ahead there are some important factors to keep in mind in order to protect yourself, as Kashief Schroeder, Co-founder and director of Container Intermodal Trading (CIT), points out:
Due to the fact that container companies who rent out containers are asset companies, they need to protect their assets. Therefore, do not be overwhelmed by the amount of initial paperwork involved.
Once the documentation is submitted and successfully approved, these are some of the things you as the lessee should look out for:
Your 8 Step Container Rental Check List:
Find out who you are dealing with:
Make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. With social media voicing opinions on any topic, it will be very easy for you to see what others have to say about their past experience with the container company that you are dealing with.
Ask as many questions as you want:
Do not hesitate to ask the person you are dealing with the container company to provide you with as much information as you desire. Specifically ask questions such as how old the container is. Ideally you would want a container that is five years old or less – therefore be weary if you are informed that the container is older than 15 years.
The cheapest option is not always the best one for you. Also ask what condition the container is in. Think of it as renting a car or other vehicle – you will want to know exactly what you are getting and paying for.
Make sure that delivery of the container can actually take place at the desired location:
In most cases, even if there is a wall, a container company will be able to drop off your container with a crane. However, make sure that there are no trees, wires, municipal lights or other obstacles in the way that will make it impossible for the crane to actually get the container over the wall.
Residential areas need strong paving:
Keep in mind that the container itself might weigh up to 2 tons, and the delivery vehicle easily up to 6 tons. Many issues are incurred when at the delivery time, it is requested that the truck should not drive onto the paving. However, that is the only way in most cases that it can be delivered as the container cannot be rolled or carried.
Clearly communicate with your container company about the accessibility at the location. Also get the necessary approval from any governing bodies like a body corporate if needed.
Go and expect your container before delivery:
Make sure that you go and inspect your specific container that will be delivered a day or two prior as to ensure that you are completely satisfied and that the container will actually adhere to your needs and requirements.
Make sure you “go green” with containers for nature reserves and golf courses:
Very often, it is important and required by governing bodies that a container blends into the environment, for example with nature reserves and golf courses. Often the container needs to be painted – green when in a natural environment. Therefore, think long term about how the container will look in its specific desired location, and if need be, ask your container company to make the necessary adjustments.
Insurance is a requirement:
You will have to agree to taking out an insurance policy against fire, theft, vandalism and similar unexpected events which will cause damage to the container. You will be required to submit this insurance policy to the container company in most cases – otherwise you will be held liable for the damages. When it comes to natural wear and tear, the container company will normally cover those costs. Make sure you read the terms and conditions upfront about who is responsible for what damage.
Notify your container company if you are using the container for different purposes:
If after a time period you decide to use the container for a different reason, inform the container company. Normally this should not be a problem, but the container might not be suitable for what you have in mind and your container company can therefore make recommendations or suggest alternative plans.
Expanding across Southern Africa as one of the top container companies, renowned for quality and the best market related pricing, CIT is constantly pushing the boundaries in container and intermodal equipment trading.
Schroeder concludes: “Offering new and pre-owned containers for sale or rental, the CIT team have amassed a number of years in the industry. We’re able to provide you with sound advice, so I welcome anyone to contact me if they have any questions.”
For more information e-mail info@citcontainer.com.
ENDS/