Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What types of containers does UES provide to the marketplace?

A. UES carries an inventory of new and used 20’ Dry, 40’ Dry, 40’ High Cube, 45’ High Cube and 45’ Ro Ro Trailers for over the road use. Generally accepted industry standard grades of quality are as follows:

New (1 trip – generally from China)
Premium or IICL-5 (2 to 8 years old): Excellent, like new condition, meets specific quality standards suitable for regular ocean cargo use.
CW - Cargo Worthy (Over 8 years old): Structurally sound, suitable for ocean cargo, over the road, project site and storage.
WWT - Wind and watertight (over 8 years old): Suitable for ocean cargo, over the road and on site storage.
AS IS: Greater wear and tear due to use, suitable for onsite storage.

Q. How long will my containers last?

A. Without any form of preventative maintenance a new container, in a storage environment, should last for more than 25 years. Used containers have a variable lifespan depending upon the condition of the container when purchased. UES containers should be free of problems for many years after purchase but is, of course, subject to preventative maintenance being performed as required.

Q. What does a new or used container cost?

A. Prices are constantly subject to market fluctuations in the price of steel and the worldwide cargo container market. UES can quote your equipment and maintain our quoted price for ten (10) calendar days. For a quote please call (787) 783-1110 or (787) 559-0095 or contact us via email at customersevice@universaltrailerspr.com

Q. What is the condition of a new/used container?

A. The vast majority of factory new ISO steel containers are manufactured predominantly in China. Therefore, it is very highly probable that the factory new containers available in from Universal Equipment Services have all been transported from factory sites by ocean transport. In order to save on shipping costs most containers are offered to the various ocean carriers on a one-way-lease basis. By allowing a shipper to use the container for a single – one way - load, our cost to position a new container into Puerto Rico is greatly reduced and these savings are then passed on to the buyer. The same goes for used containers.

Q. How much cargo will a container store?

A. A 20' standard dry container will generally hold about 1,150 cubic feet. A 40’ Standard Dry will hold about 2,400 cubic feet and a 40' High Cube almost 2,700 cubic feet. Click on Container Specifications to see in details.

Q. What lengths do containers come in?

A. Standard containers come in 20’ and 40’ lengths. High Cube containers come in 20’, 40’, 45, 48’and 53’ lengths. UES generally carries 20’, 40’and 45’ containers in stock. 48’ or greater size containers can be provided via special order.

Q. What is the difference between a "standard" and a "high cube" container?

A. A dry standard box is 8' 6'' high while a High Cube is 9' 6'' high (exterior dimensions).

Q. What are container floors made of?

A. The majority of containers nowadays are manufactured with hard plywood floors although some containers were manufactured with plank floors. Reefer containers have aluminum "T - rail" section floors. Steel floors can be installed in containers by special request.

Q. Can containers be stacked on top of each other?

A. Yes. Steel ISO Containers are built to be stacked up to seven (7) high utilizing adequate stacking cones or similarly ISO acceptable stacking equipment at the 4 corner-posts and most steel ISO containers can safely support over 300 tons in static weight. Roof panels and top rails can only support very lightweight items without causing permanent structural damage to the container.

Q. What is the lead time for delivery from the moment ordered?

A. Normal delivery time is within one (1) day if you are having the unit picked up by your own conveyance. Delivery may take between one (1) to three (3) days providing you are ordering equipment that we have in stock. If you need something even sooner, we will do our best to meet your schedule. Equipment not in inventory may take longer.

Q. How is the container delivered?

A. UES can deliver your container to you on an ISO gooseneck chassis if you have the ability to offload it at your location, or by flatbed if you would prefer us to unload it. 20’ container deliveries are done using a tilt-bed that allows the container to slide off at the desired location and cannot handle the weight of a loaded container. The driver will back the trailer and lower the end of the container until it touches the ground then will pull straight out from under the container. Our customer service representative will ask you if we should load the container with the doors facing to the cab or to the rear of the truck. You must make that decision based on the desired location of the container doors at your site. In confined or restricted areas a forklift truck or crane can be used to set the containers on the ground.

Q. Is there any site preparation necessary? Where can I place a container?

A. The surface must be fairly level, smooth, and firm. The truck and trailer generally weigh over 30,000 lbs so a concrete pad, asphalt paving or other sturdy and firm surface is preferred. If you need an off road delivery it is best to discuss the road conditions with us in advance. We can deliver on dirt, cement, pavement, asphalt, gravel or grass as long as it is not too unstable, steep, inclined or soft. The container itself is self-supporting at the four corner posts. Therefore, on soft unstable surfaces we recommend each corner casting to be supported with a concrete footing, steel baseplate, asphalt or a bed of gravel to spread the weight. This is also very important for smooth door operation.

Q. How much space is required for delivery?

A. For a 20' storage container, you will need approximately fifty (50) feet of straight clearance. For a 40' container, you will need approximately one-hundred (100) feet of straight clearance. The width requirement is approximately twelve (12) feet. You should have at least fourteen (14) feet of overhead clearance on the entire road system to the delivery site and twenty (20) feet at the drop off location. Any overhead obstacles like trees and cables must be cleared prior to delivery.

Q. What type of payment is required?

A. All payments are due in advance of delivery. For rentals, we require the first month’s rent plus one (1) months deposit and the delivery and pickup fees. For purchases, we collect the total sales price including delivery charges and sales taxes (if applicable). We accept wire transfer, personal or business checks, major credit cards and money orders. For credit card payments please add three percent (3%) to the total payment amount.

Q. How far does UES deliver?

A. We can deliver your newly purchased container via chassis or flatbed to nearly anywhere a rig and trailer can go in Puerto Rico including Vieques and Culebra. Please contact us for delivery options to the surrounding Caribbean islands.

Q. Can containers be modified and still shipped?

A. All containers shipped should comply with ISO and CSC regulations. In principal any modification that changes the integral design or structural strength of the container should be re-certified for CSC compliance prior to shipment.

Q. Do the ocean shipping carriers accept shipper owned containers (SOC)?

A. All of the ocean carriers have their own policies for shipper owned containers. We suggest you contact their respective customer service or booking departments for specific requirements. If the shipping line requires a "container condition survey" prior to accepting the equipment we can provide you with one for a minimal fee.

Q. What kinds of custom rules apply if I want to use the container for import-export shipping?

A. Custom's rules and regulations regarding the import and export of cargo containers varies by country. If you are not familiar with the specific countries requirements, it is probably best that you let a freight forwarder (www.forwarders.com) handle this item for you.