The Ultimate Shipping Container Buyer’s Guide

1. Understanding Container Types

Standard Dry Containers

The most common container type – suitable for approximately 90% of uses.

20ft Standard Container

• Dimensions: 20′ L × 8′ W × 8′6″ H

• Capacity: 1,170 cubic feet

• Tare Weight: 4,850 lbs

• Max Payload: 47,990 lbs

• Best For: Small businesses, residential storage, construction sites, retail inventory

40ft Standard Container

• Dimensions: 40′ L × 8′ W × 8′6″ H

• Capacity: 2,390 cubic feet

• Tare Weight: 8,160 lbs

• Max Payload: 59,040 lbs

• Best For: Large-scale storage, business inventory, major construction projects

40ft High Cube Container

• Dimensions: 40′ L × 8′ W × 9′6″ H

• Capacity: 2,690 cubic feet

• Tare Weight: 8,600 lbs

• Max Payload: 58,960 lbs

• Best For: Offices, workspaces, tall equipment, maximum storage volume

Specialty Containers

Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers

• Temperature Range: -13°F to 85°F

• Features: Insulated walls with built-in refrigeration

• Uses: Perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, restaurants, floral businesses

• Considerations: Requires power source, higher maintenance

Open-Top Containers

• Removable canvas roof with metal frame

• Uses: Oversized equipment, crane loading, tall cargo

• Advantages: Unlimited height loading, weather protection when covered

Flat-Rack Containers

• Collapsible sides or fold-down ends

• Uses: Heavy machinery, oversized cargo

• Types: Fixed ends, collapsible ends, full collapsible

Tank Containers

• Cylindrical tank within standard container frame

• Uses: Liquid transport, chemicals, bulk liquids

• Considerations: Regulatory compliance and special cleaning required

Insulated Containers

• Thermal protection without active refrigeration

• Uses: Temperature-sensitive materials, certain food products

• Advantages: No power required, stable internal temperatures

2. Determining Your Needs

Ask These Critical Questions

What is your primary use?

• Simple Storage: Wind & watertight container

• Workspace/Office: High cube, better condition, modification-ready

• Shipping/Transport: Cargo-worthy certified

• Conversion Project: New or one-trip condition

• Retail/Restaurant: High cube, excellent condition

How long will you need it?

• Short-term (under 6 months): Rental or used “as-is” container

• Long-term (1–5 years): WWT or cargo-worthy container

• Permanent use: New or one-trip container

What environment will it be in?

• Coastal areas: Corrosion-resistant COR-TEN steel

• Extreme weather: Reinforced roof, upgraded seals

• Urban areas: Aesthetic considerations, noise regulations

3. Container Conditions & Grades

New / One-Trip Containers

• Virtually pristine, single-use

• Like-new flooring and paint

• Perfect door seals

• Price Premium: 40–60% above used

• Ideal For: Conversions, retail, long-term investment

Cargo-Worthy (CW)

• International shipping certified

• Watertight, structurally sound

• Minor dents and rust acceptable

• Best For: Shipping, resale, harsh environments

Wind & Watertight (WWT)

• Structurally sound, keeps contents dry

• Not certified for overseas transport

• Best price-to-condition ratio

• Ideal For: Storage, domestic use

As-Is

• Sold in current condition

• Lowest cost option

• May require repairs

• Recommended For: Experienced buyers, non-critical use

4. Comprehensive Sizing Guide

Capacity Planning

• 20ft Container: 1,170 cu ft (4–6 rooms)

• 40ft Container: 2,390 cu ft (8–10 rooms + appliances)

• 40ft High Cube: 12% more capacity

Common Use Examples

• 3-bedroom home move: 40ft container

• Small retail inventory: 20ft container

• Construction tools (6 months): 40ft High Cube

• 100 filing cabinets: 20ft container

Door Openings

• Standard: 7’8″ W × 7’6″ H

• High Cube: 7’8″ W × 8’6″ H

5. Detailed Budget Planning

Container Price Ranges

20ft Containers

• As-Is: $1,800 – $2,500

• WWT: $2,200 – $3,000

• CW: $2,800 – $3,800

• New: $3,500 – $4,800

40ft Containers

• As-Is: $2,800 – $3,500

• WWT: $3,200 – $4,200

• CW: $3,800 – $4,800

• New: $4,500 – $6,000

High Cube Upgrade: Add $500 – $800

Delivery Costs

• Local (under 50 miles): $200 – $500

• Regional (50–150 miles): $500 – $900

• Long-distance (150+ miles): $900 – $1,500+

Site Preparation

• Gravel pad: $300 – $800

• Concrete foundation: $1,500 – $3,500

• Blocking/leveling: $150 – $400

6. Inspection Checklist

Exterior

• Roof dents and standing water

• Wall damage or repairs

• Door alignment and seals

• Floor condition

• Corner posts and paint quality

Interior

• Water stains or leaks

• Odors or chemical residue

• Pest evidence

• Floorboard strength

Red Flags

• Structural rust

• Soft or rotting floors

• Door misalignment

• Chemical or fire damage

7. Modification Options & Pricing

Basic Modifications

• Lockboxes: $150 – $400

• Personnel doors: $350 – $900

• Windows: $250 – $600

• Insulation: $800 – $2,500

Advanced Conversions

• Office build-outs: $8,000 – $20,000+

• Retail/restaurant: $15,000 – $30,000+

• Residential: $20,000 – $50,000+

8. Delivery & Installation

Site Requirements

• Access width: 12–14 feet

• Overhead clearance: 14–16 feet

• Firm, level ground

Foundation Options

• Gravel pad

• Concrete blocks

• Concrete slab

• Piers for uneven terrain

9. Maintenance & Care

• Weekly door checks

• Monthly rust inspection

• Annual repainting and seal maintenance

10. Legal & Regulatory Considerations

• Zoning approval

• Permits for modifications

• HOA restrictions

• Flood zone requirements

11. Choosing the Right Supplier

What to Look For

• Clear grading system

• Transparent pricing

• Inspection availability

• Delivery and support services

Questions to Ask

• Can I inspect before purchase?

• What’s included in delivery?

• Do you offer warranties?

Ready to Move Forward?

Your Next Steps

• Measure your site

• Set your budget

• Check local regulations

• Compare suppliers

• Schedule inspections

Need professional guidance?
Our container specialists offer free site assessments, regulatory guidance, custom modifications, and professional installation support.