- Check 8 points before paying, the floor, doors, seals, rust, welds, leaks, smell and container number
- The build date and container number are on the CSC plate on the door
- Inspect the actual unit at the yard before transferring money. It takes only 15 minutes
The 8-point checklist before you pay
- Floor: walk the whole length. It must not flex, rot or have holes.
- Doors: both should open and close easily, with all 4 locking bars present.
- Rubber seals: the door seals must be soft, not torn or brittle.
- Rust: surface rust is fixable, but rust that has gone through at the bottom corners and roof is a serious problem.
- Welds: lots of welded patches means the container has had heavy repairs.
- Leaks: step inside and close the doors. If you can see daylight, it leaks.
- Smell: a container that once carried chemicals can hold the smell and is not suitable for living in or storing food.
- Container number: check that the number matches the paperwork and the photos the seller sent.
Reading the container number and CSC plate
A standard container number has 4 letters and 7 digits, for example ABCU 123456 7, printed on the doors and walls. The CSC plate (safety approval plate) is a metal plate on the left-hand door giving the build date, maximum gross weight and tare weight. If the plate is missing or the numbers do not match the paperwork, get a clear answer from the seller before you buy.
Common scams
- Photos that do not match: the ad shows a clean container but the one delivered is in far worse shape. Always ask for photos showing the container number.
- Deposit and disappear: the seller takes a deposit and stops answering. Check the company name, yard address and company registration number before transferring anything.
- No paperwork: a container without a receipt or tax invoice can be a problem when you want to book it as a company asset.
Why you should visit the yard, and what to check in 15 minutes
At our yard at 134 Moo 2, Na Kluea, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, you choose the exact unit you are buying. It takes about 15 minutes: 5 minutes walking around the outside looking for rust and dents, 5 minutes inside with the doors closed looking for daylight, and 5 minutes noting the container number and checking the CSC plate. Our team then tags that unit as reserved for you straight away.
What a fair used price looks like in 2026
A used price far below the market is a warning sign. Our approximate prices start at <<FILL>> THB for a used 20ft and <<FILL>> THB for a used 40ft. See the latest price table by grade on containers for sale, read more about grades A, B and C in 20ft container prices 2026, and if you are not sure about buying yet, have a look at container rental.
Want a real price today?
Message us on LINE with the container size and your site location. We reply within 30 minutes during business hours.