Shipping Container FAQs
Purchasing a Shipping Container
How do I buy a shipping container?
Visit www.containerone.net, enter your zip code to find the perfect shipping container for your needs. Add your desired product to the cart and proceed to checkout. Choose your payment method—card, check/ACH, or financing. Container One offers fast, hassle-free financing with Clicklease or installment plans up to 60 months, featuring quick approvals and no hard credit checks. Follow the checkout steps, and your order will be placed in no time!
Learn how to buy a shipping container online here.
What shipping container grades do you offer?
We provide several container grades to help you choose the right fit for your project and budget:
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New / 1-Trip – Almost brand new, used only once from the factory to the U.S. Comes with a 10-year structural and 10-year no-leak warranty.
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Multi-Trip – Used for several voyages but still in excellent, reliable condition. Ideal for customers wanting strong performance at a lower cost than new units.
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Cargo Worthy (CW) – Used containers that can pass a marine survey for overseas shipping. Includes a 5-year structural and 5-year no-leak warranty.
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Wind & Water Tight (WWT) – Structurally sound and guaranteed not to leak. Great for general storage. Includes a 5-year structural and 5-year no-leak warranty.
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Economy – Our most affordable grade. Expect visible wear, but the container will remain functional for storage use. Includes a 1-year no-roof-leak warranty.
Can I buy a blue shipping container?
Generally, no, you cannot select a specific container if you are buying a used container. If you are buying a new container you may have the option to select the color you want. Please get in contact with us before placing your order.
Can I look at the shipping container before I buy it?
No, unfortunately, you cannot. Container depots are busy commercial operations, and their insurance company will not allow the general public to visit their yard for safety purposes.
To address this concern, Container One offers a pay-on-delivery option, giving customers added confidence at the time of arrival. In addition, every container is sold based on a clearly defined grade, so it is important to select the grade that best fits your intended use. Understanding these grades upfront helps ensure there are no surprises when your container is delivered and that it meets your expectations upon arrival.
Is there a sales tax on the purchase of a shipping container?
We do not charge a sales tax on shipping container purchases. Customers are responsible for any local taxes they may have to pay which is rare.
Do you offer volume discounts to resellers?
We offer a wholesale price to everyone who buys 3+ containers per transaction.
Do you sell climate controlled or insulated units?
Yes. Browse our insulated and modified office units, including our 20' insulated office cabin, which provides temperature stability and a comfortable interior workspace. We also offer commercial refrigerated containers in both working and non-working models. Additional insulation or climate control options may also be added during customization.
Call 330-286-0526 or email us at [email protected] for pricing, as it varies by current market and availability.
Do you sell 53' shipping containers?
While the most popular container sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot units, which we primarily sell, we also offer a 53-foot Retreat Cabin Shipping Container for specialized projects. Because 53-foot containers are uncommon and significantly larger, unloading them requires extra equipment—typically a forklift or crane capable of lifting around 12,000 lbs.
If you're interested in a 53-foot container, contact us so we can check availability in your area and help coordinate delivery. These larger units are ideal for unique building projects but are less frequently stocked than standard 20- and 40-foot containers.
Why do 20' shipping containers cost more than 40' sometimes?
The cost is dependent on the current supply and demand of the container market. 20' containers are less common, which means 40' containers will be cheaper due to available inventory.
What are the shipping container dimensions?
- 20 ft Standard Shipping Container: 20' long, 8' wide, and 8' 6” tall
- 20 ft High Cube Container: 20' long, 8' wide, and 9' 6” tall
- 40 ft Standard Shipping Container: 40' long, 8' wide, and 8' 6” tall
- 40 ft High Cube Container: 40' long, 8' wide, and 9' 6” tall
- 53 ft High Cube Shipping Container: 53' long, 8' 6" wide, and 9' 6” tall
What's the difference between your Wind and Water Tight, Cargo Worthy and New/1Trip shipping containers?
- Wind and Water Tight (WWT): Shipping containers that can no longer be certified to ship cargo on trains and ships.
- Cargo Worthy (CW): Shipping containers that are guaranteed to pass a Marine Survey to be re-certified to be loaded back on a ship or train.
- New/1 Trip: New shipping containers that have only been loaded one time from the manufacturer.
Do shipping containers have titles?
No, containers do not have titles. Your invoice and receipt from us is all you need to prove ownership.
Can I customize my container?
Yes, you can customize your container. Container One offers a wide range of accessories and modifications to help you create the space you need, including additional doors, windows, partition walls, shelving, ventilation, and more. If you prefer, we also offer pre-modified containers that come ready with common upgrades such as finished interiors, electrical systems, and bathroom or kitchen installations, making it easy to get a container tailored to your project without starting from scratch.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and offer a 2% discount if you pay with a check or ACH at checkout. In addition, Container One offers several financing options as well as a rent-to-own program to make securing your container easier. Payment is completed during checkout, ensuring your container and delivery slot are reserved immediately.
Do I need permits for a shipping container?
Requirements vary by local regulations. Many areas allow containers for storage without permits, but permanent installations or office conversions may require approval. We recommend checking local codes before installation.
Shipping Container Delivery and Logistics
What's the delivery timeline?
Timelines always depend on a few factors, such as your location, when we receive your payment, weather conditions and more. Our Delivery/Dispatch department will contact you to schedule a date and time for delivery. Please ensure that both your phone number and email address are provided when ordering.
Expedited delivery options are available, but please check with our team first by chatting with one of our representatives. Click the red chat bubble on the bottom right of the screen to start chatting.
How are shipping containers delivered to me?
Common container delivery methods include:
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Tilt Bed/Roll Off: Tilt bed or roll off is by far the most common delivery method because it doesn't require customer assistance. The container will arrive on a trailer that will tilt back and place the edge of the container on the ground. The truck and trailer will pull away and allow the container to slide or roll off the trailer onto the ground. Here is a video that shows how this delivery method works.
- Customer Assist: This delivery method requires the customer to have an anchor point on the delivery site. A chain can be attached to the container and then attached to the anchor point. The trailer then pulls away, and the container slides onto the ground.
- Flatbed: 20ft and 40ft shipping containers will arrive on a flatbed trailer attached to a semi-truck. The customer will need to provide a means to lift the container off the trailer, which could be a crane, forklift, or any other heavy equipment.
- Customer Pickup: Customers are able to arrange a date and time to go to the depot and pick up their containers. We recommend that you have the proper equipment needed before attempting to move the container. Note: Customers choosing this delivery option often get their shipping container sooner and get a pricing discount. If you are interested in this method.
Click here for more container delivery options and information.
How should I prepare the site for delivery?
You want to ensure that you are placing the container on flat and level ground. You can make a gravel or concrete foundation, or even just put it in your yard when it arrives without preparation.
For access and unloading:
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20' Container: Requires 110' of straight, unobstructed space.
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40' Container: Requires 130' of straight, unobstructed space.
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Driving Clearance: Minimum 15 ft of height.
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Unloading Clearance: Minimum 22 ft of height along the entire unloading path.
- Width Clearance: Minimum 10 ft.
What if the container arrives damaged or not as expected?
Every container goes through a dual inspection—once at the depot and again during on-site delivery. If the container does not match the grade you purchased, you can refuse delivery. We will arrange a replacement or a full refund at no cost to you.
I already have a shipping container. Can you move it? What if the container is loaded?
We do not move containers, but we can give you a list of trucking companies that will assist you with moving containers. If the container is loaded you will need to discuss that with the trucking company that will be transporting your container.
I need to export my shipping container, can you help with that?
Absolutely, we can refer you to an international freight forwarder that will handle all your international shipping needs.
Shipping Container Care
How do I prepare the container for painting?
Pressure wash only and let it dry. Apply proper paint with pneumatic paint sprayer or roller. DO NOT sandblast or grind the container.
Learn more about painting a shipping container here.
I'm having a tough time opening and closing my doors.
You may need to grease or oil the hinges and they will get easier to open and close with use. Ensure the container is sitting on flat, level ground. If it is not then the frame may twist and make it difficult to open the doors.
Learn more about shipping container door issues here.
Are roll-up doors wind and water tight?
Roll-up doors are wind and water tight if they are installed correctly.
Learn More about Roll Up Doors
How many roll-up doors can be added to a container?
This can depend on your container and the sizing of any roll-up doors and windows. Typically, roll-up doors can be added to either side and on each end.
Please keep in mind that there are structural limitations on door placement without further reinforcement, and different door models may have different clearance needs. We will gladly help look into any specific solutions you are trying to figure out if you need further help.
Purchase shipping container roll-up doors here.
What if I have a question that wasn't answered in the FAQ?
If you have additional questions, you can open our online chat to get instant answers or speak directly with a product specialist. We’re happy to walk you through options, clarify details, and help you find the right container for your needs.
