Today we’d like to introduce you to ANDRES VALENCIA.
ANDRES , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our Story
Econtainers Global was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to make container sourcing more reliable, accessible, and efficient for businesses operating in an increasingly complex global logistics environment.
More than 12 years ago, we recognized a recurring challenge across the container industry, particularly within the portable storage and container distribution markets in the United States. While some regions experienced oversupply, others faced severe shortages, volatile pricing, long lead times, and limited access to inventory. For many distributors and end users, these conditions created uncertainty, operational delays, and reduced competitiveness.
Rather than operating as a traditional container trader, we set out to build a solution-driven company focused on bringing stability, visibility, and flexibility to the market. Since establishing our operations in the United States in 2014, starting in Florida, we have expanded our footprint to 41 states and developed a global network that today spans North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
Over the years, we have built strong partnerships with shipping lines, depots, leasing companies, and logistics providers, allowing us to offer new and used dry and refrigerated containers, container leasing solutions, and strategic inventory positioning across key markets. Our operational model focuses on fast execution, guaranteed availability, and proactive market intelligence that helps customers navigate changing market conditions.
In 2025 alone, Econtainers Global supplied more than 40,000 TEUs worldwide while maintaining over 18,000 TEUs in active inventory. However, what defines us is not simply the volume we move, but the value we create. We help our customers reduce procurement costs, accelerate project execution, gain access to inventory in hard-to-reach markets, and operate with greater confidence during periods of market volatility.
Today, Econtainers Global is recognized as a trusted partner for container distributors, logistics companies, importers, exporters, and project cargo operators around the world. Backed by a dedicated team based in Miami and an international network of partners, we continue to grow with the same vision that inspired our beginnings: transforming the way businesses access, manage, and scale their container operations.
We don’t simply sell containers. We provide the infrastructure, expertise, and reliability that allow our customers to grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. The container industry is highly dynamic and has experienced significant disruptions over the past decade. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating market volatility, including fluctuations in container availability, changing freight rates, supply chain disruptions, and global events that impact international trade.
As we expanded our operations across the United States and internationally, another challenge was building a reliable network of suppliers, depots, shipping lines, and logistics partners capable of supporting our growth while maintaining the level of service our customers expect. Scaling operations across multiple markets requires not only infrastructure but also strong relationships, operational discipline, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
The pandemic and the global supply chain crisis were particularly challenging periods. Container shortages, port congestion, and unprecedented price increases created uncertainty throughout the industry. However, these challenges also reinforced the importance of our business model. Instead of reacting to market disruptions, we focused on anticipating them by diversifying inventory sources, expanding our global network, and positioning equipment strategically across key markets.
Another challenge has been helping customers operate in an industry where availability and pricing can change rapidly. We have invested heavily in market intelligence, inventory visibility, and operational efficiency to provide our customers with greater stability and confidence when making purchasing and leasing decisions.
Looking back, every challenge has helped shape who we are today. Those experiences pushed us to become more agile, more resilient, and more committed to creating solutions that bring certainty and value to our customers. The obstacles were significant, but they ultimately strengthened our company and contributed to our growth as a trusted global partner in the container industry.
We’ve been impressed with Econtainers, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Econtainers Global
Econtainers Global is a leading provider of maritime container solutions, specializing in the sale, leasing, sourcing, and strategic repositioning of dry and refrigerated containers worldwide. With more than 12 years of industry experience, we have built a reputation for delivering reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions that help customers optimize their operations and scale their businesses with confidence.
Since establishing our U.S. operations in 2014, we have expanded our footprint to 41 states and developed a truly global presence across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. This international network enables us to connect supply and demand efficiently while providing customers with access to inventory in strategic locations around the world.
What sets Econtainers Global apart is our ability to go beyond traditional container trading. We have built a business model focused on availability, speed, and market intelligence. Through strategic inventory positioning, direct relationships with shipping lines, and a global sourcing network, we help customers secure equipment where and when they need it, even in highly volatile market conditions.
Our expertise in container repositioning allows us to identify markets with active demand and move inventory efficiently to those locations, optimizing logistics costs while creating more competitive pricing structures. This approach not only improves operational efficiency but also provides customers with greater flexibility and access to inventory in markets where supply may be limited.
Today, our operations are supported by more than 8,000 TEUs of active inventory and a global track record of supplying over 40,000 TEUs. We maintain a service availability and on-time release rate of approximately 92%, reflecting our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
One of our greatest strengths is our ability to simplify the container acquisition process. Through direct negotiations with shipping lines and strategic purchasing agreements, we leverage our buying power to secure competitive pricing and pass those benefits directly to our customers. Rather than competing with container distributors, we position ourselves as their trusted procurement partner, helping them reduce costs, improve availability, and strengthen their market position.
We also offer innovative solutions such as Gate Buy transactions, allowing customers to secure containers while equipment is still in transit and have units delivered directly to their desired location, reducing unnecessary transportation costs and accelerating project execution.
Quality and compliance remain at the core of everything we do. All containers supplied by Econtainers Global are classified according to recognized industry standards, including Cargo Worthy (CW), IICL, As-Is, and Wind & Water Tight (WWT), ensuring transparency, consistency, and confidence in every transaction.
Beyond the numbers, we are most proud of the trust we have built with our customers. Our team operates with a long-term mindset, focusing on relationships rather than transactions. We believe our role is not simply to supply containers, but to provide the expertise, reliability, and strategic support that allow our customers to grow, navigate market uncertainty, and seize new opportunities.
At Econtainers Global, we are not just moving containers. We are helping businesses move forward.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is trust, relationships, and creating lasting value for the people around me. Throughout my life and career, I have learned that success is not measured solely by financial results or business growth, but by the impact we have on others and the reputation we build over time.
I deeply value my family, my team, and the relationships I have developed with customers, partners, and colleagues throughout the years. I believe that trust is earned through consistency, transparency, and keeping your word, especially during difficult moments. In business, anyone can be present when conditions are favorable, but true partnerships are built when challenges arise and you continue to deliver, support, and create solutions.
These values have guided me throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and as the CEO of Econtainers Global. When I founded and began growing the company, my vision was never simply to build a container business. My goal was to create an organization that people could rely on—one that would bring stability, certainty, and long-term value to an industry that is often affected by volatility and uncertainty.
Over the past 12 years, that vision has allowed us to transform Econtainers Global into an international operation with a presence across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
What makes me most proud is not the growth itself, but the trust that growth represents. The fact that our customers continue to do business with us year after year, that many view us as a strategic partner rather than simply a supplier, and that our team shares the same commitment to service and excellence, is what I consider our greatest achievement.
At the end of the day, containers are simply the product we provide. What we are really building is confidence, opportunity, and long-term relationships. Knowing that Econtainers helps customers grow their businesses, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals is what motivates me every day and what matters most to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://econtainersglobal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/econtainersglobal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcontaniersUSA
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andr%C3%A9s-valencia/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EcontainersGLOBAL
