Guide to Buying vs. Renting Storage Containers

When your business needs additional storage space, the choice between buying and renting directly impacts your bottom line. While monthly rental fees seem convenient, purchasing becomes more cost-effective faster than most businesses realize. And for those who need flexibility, rent-to-own programs bridge the gap perfectly.

As a licensed container surveyor with over 30 years in the shipping industry, I’ve helped thousands of customers across Florida, Georgia, and Eastern Alabama make this decision. Your timeline, budget, and specific storage requirements determine which option delivers maximum value.

When Buying Becomes Cheaper Than Renting

Understanding the break-even point is critical for making a financially sound decision. This is when cumulative rental payments equal the purchase price.

Monthly rental costs in Florida and Georgia range from $125-$200 for 20ft units and $175-$275 for 40ft units. These fees continue indefinitely as long as you need the container.

Purchasing a cargo-worthy used 20ft container costs $2,100-$3,000, while a 40ft high cube runs $2,700-$3,600. Once purchased, it’s yours with no ongoing payments. A permanent storage solution.

Break-Even Timeline by Container Size

Container Size	Average Rental Cost	Purchase Price	Break-Even Point	Monthly Cost After Break-Even
20ft Standard	$150/month	$2,500	17 months	$0 vs $150 lost
40ft High Cube	$225/month	$3,200	14 months	$0 vs $225 lost

The 18-Month Rule: If you need storage for longer than 18 months, buying almost always makes better financial sense. This holds true across all sizes and grades.

For projects lasting 6-18 months, rent-to-own programs offer the best approach. Flexible monthly payments that build toward ownership.

Should You Buy or Lease?

Rent When

• Storage need is temporary (3-12 months maximum)
• Testing a solution before long-term commitment
• Seasonal storage repeats annually (agricultural, holiday inventory)
• Cash flow is extremely tight and financing isn’t available
• Location uncertain and frequent relocation needed

Buy When

• Storage needed for 18+ months (past break-even threshold)
• Modifications required (doors, windows, paint)
• Permanent on-site storage at your business or property
• Capital available or financing secured
• Asset retention matters with potential resale value
• Certified units needed for international shipping

Choose Rent-to-Own When

• Timeline falls in 12-24 month range (where rental and purchase costs are close)
• Want eventual ownership but need flexible payment terms now
• Evaluating container storage but want payments counting toward ownership
• Immediate storage needed without upfront capital expenditure
• Cash flow management matters more than minimizing total cost

Complete Cost Analysis

Total Rental Costs

Cost Category	Details	Impact
Base Rental	$125-$275/month	Ongoing indefinitely
Rate Increases	3-8% annually	Compounds over time
Delivery Fees	One-time, distance-based	Initial cost
Equity Building	$0	No ownership or resale value

Total Purchase Costs

Cost Category	Details	Impact
Purchase Price	$2,100-$5,900 one-time	Size and grade dependent
Delivery Fee	One-time, distance-based	Initial cost
Monthly Payments	$0 after purchase	No ongoing fees
Resale Value	60-70% of purchase price	Asset recovery potential

Site Preparation Requirements

Both rental and purchase require proper site preparation. Your location needs a level, compacted surface capable of supporting the weight. 20ft units weigh 5,000 lbs empty (67,200 lbs loaded), while 40ft units weigh 8,000-8,500 lbs empty (67,200 lbs loaded).

Delivery trucks require 14 feet of width clearance, 14 feet of overhead clearance, and about 100-120 feet of straight approach space for 40ft units. Soft ground, steep inclines exceeding 10 degrees, or obstacles like overhanging trees prevent safe delivery.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners

Tax Treatment	Rental	Purchase
Deductions	Monthly payments as operating expenses	Section 179 immediate expensing available
Depreciation	None	Asset depreciation over time
Balance Sheet	No asset addition	Equipment asset recorded

Business purchasers can leverage Section 179 to immediately expense the full purchase price, creating substantial first-year tax benefits that rental cannot match.

Best Solution for Flexible Ownership

E&S Equipment’s rent-to-own program eliminates the forced choice between renting and buying:

Program Structure:

• Select size and grade (new, cargo worthy, or wind/water tight)
• Choose term: 12, 24, 36, or 48 months
• Make monthly payments with portion applied toward purchase price
• Own outright at term end (no balloon payment, no additional fees)

Key Advantages:

• No credit checks required
• Income-based approval only
• Early payoff rewards with discount on remaining balance
• Flexibility to modify agreement if needs change
• Clear documentation with ownership transfer at completion

Who Benefits from Rent-to-Own Programs

• Small businesses with tight cash flow preserving working capital
• Seasonal operations aligning payments with revenue cycles
• Growing companies adding storage without depleting credit lines
• Property owners testing before full commitment
• Organizations with uncertain timelines needing flexibility
• Credit rebuilding situations establishing payment history

Available Sizes and Grades

Rent-to-own covers most grades and sizes:

• 20ft standard height (8’6″ tall)
• 40ft standard height (8’6″ tall)
• 40ft high cube (9’6″ tall)
• Cargo worthy used units
• Wind and water tight units
• Specialty containers (double door, open side, quad door) by request..

Learn how our rent to own program works.

Key Factors When Choosing

Modification and Customization Options

Rental Restrictions: Most agreements prohibit modifications or severely limit changes. You can’t add doors, windows, ventilation, paint, or structural modifications.

Ownership Freedom: Complete control over modifications including roll-up doors, man doors, windows, wall-mounted AC units, and custom paint.

Roll-up door installations require cutting structural corrugations and reinforcing openings with steel framing to maintain integrity. Man doors are positioned inside walls with door frame welding, weather stripping, and lockable hardware. Window installations include structural reinforcement and options for fixed, sliding, or security bar configurations.

If your application requires any customization, purchasing or rent-to-own is essential. When planning shipping container modifications, working with experienced professionals ensures structural integrity remains intact.

Budget and Cash Flow Considerations

Financial Situation	Best Option	Reasoning
Capital Available	Purchase	Lowest total cost, best long-term value
Cash Flow Constrained	Rent-to-Own	Preserves capital while building equity
Seasonal Business	Rent-to-Own	Aligns payments with revenue periods
Very Short Term	Rental	Avoid purchase commitment for 3-12 months

Maintenance Requirements

Shipping containers manufactured from corten steel develop a protective rust patina preventing progressive corrosion. Properly maintained units last 25-30 years in stationary storage without structural deterioration.

Basic maintenance includes:

• Keeping drainage channels and door seals clear
• Annual door mechanism inspection
• Ensuring level placement prevents door misalignment
• Roof inspection for standing water (coastal: annual salt washing)

Plywood floors handle typical storage indefinitely but may require replacement under forklift traffic. Steel floor containers eliminate wood maintenance with less insulation from ground temperature.

Read the full guide on buying a shipping container. 

New vs Used Quality Standards

Rental Fleet Quality Standards

Rental units show higher exterior wear from multiple relocations, accumulated dents and paint damage, interior cargo residue from various uses, and limited cosmetic condition choice. You don’t select your specific unit. You receive whatever’s available.

Purchase Grade Options

Grade	Condition	Best For	Warranty
New One-Trip	Nearly pristine, one voyage	Appearance matters, modifications	5 years
Cargo Worthy	Certified shipping standard	Quality balance, cost-effective	2 years
Wind/Water Tight	Weather-resistant, not certified	Domestic storage, budget-friendly	90 days

Container Grading Standards:

Cargo worthy units meet IICL-5 specifications requiring structurally sound corner posts, header and sill beams within deformation tolerances, floor load capacity meeting ISO 1496 standards, and weather-tight door gaskets.

CSC certification plates document maximum gross weight, tare weight, stacking capacity, manufacture date, and unique identification number. CSC certification expires five years after issuance, requiring re-inspection for continued international shipping.

Wind and water tight units don’t meet current CSC standards but maintain structural integrity for stationary storage. Common reasons for classification include expired CSC plates, minor floor damage exceeding cargo worthy tolerances, or cosmetic rust not compromising structural steel thickness.

Understanding different container grades and conditions helps you select the right quality level for your specific needs and budget.

Why Choose E&S Equipment Sales

We Own Our Inventory

E&S Equipment maintains direct ownership of our entire inventory. We’re not brokers listing units we don’t control. This guarantees accurate condition descriptions, quality control, direct pricing without broker markups, and reliable availability.

30+ Years of Industry Experience

As a licensed container surveyor with over 30 years in the shipping industry, I help customers select appropriate grades, understand quality expectations, navigate delivery logistics, and make informed decisions.

Professional Delivery Service Across FL, GA, and Eastern AL

E&S Equipment provides professional delivery throughout Florida, Georgia, and Eastern Alabama using specialized tilt-bed trucks and CDL-licensed drivers. Delivery radius extends from Macon, Georgia to Miami, Jacksonville to Panama City, and all points between.

Delivery uses hydraulic tilt-bed systems sliding units onto prepared surfaces. Unlike crane delivery requiring overhead clearance, tilt-bed delivery needs only linear approach space. Appointments are scheduled within 2-hour windows with actual placement taking 15-30 minutes on prepared sites.

In-House Modifications and CSC Certification

Available modifications include roll-up doors, man doors, windows, wall-mounted AC units, and custom paint. All performed by experienced technicians understanding structural requirements.

As a licensed container surveyor, I issue CSC certifications for cargo worthy and new units, confirming international shipping safety standards compliance.

Ready to solve your storage needs? Call 800-995-2417 to discuss whether buying, renting, or rent-to-own delivers the best value for your timeline and budget. 

Common Questions About Buying vs Renting