Buyers Guide

Container Sizes Explained

Popular Container Sizes Comparison

Container Type	External Dimensions	Internal Volume	Door Opening	Best For
20ft Standard	20' L × 8' W × 8'6" H	1,170 cu ft	7'8" × 7'6"	Small storage, residential, equipment
40ft Standard	40' L × 8' W × 8'6" H	2,390 cu ft	7'8" × 7'6"	Commercial storage, freight, construction
40ft High Cube	40' L × 8' W × 9'6" H	2,694 cu ft	7'8" × 8'6"	Tall cargo, container homes, retail
20ft Reefer	20' L × 8' W × 8'6" H	1,000 cu ft	7'8" × 7'6"	Perishables, cold storage, pharma

Container Condition Types

New ("One-Trip") Containers

Used once from overseas
Clean interior, minimal exterior marks
Full 10-year structural warranty
Highest resale value
Premium pricing

Cargo Worthy Containers

Certified for ocean freight
Structurally sound, watertight
Passed CSC inspection
Moderate exterior wear
Balanced price/performance

Used ("WWT") Containers

Wind & watertight for storage
Functional doors and flooring
Visible exterior dents/rust
Not freight certified
Most affordable option

2026 Price Guide

Prices vary by location, condition, and market demand. Nationwide averages:

Container Pricing by Type & Condition

Type/Condition	New (One-Trip)	Cargo Worthy	Used (WWT)
20ft Standard	$4,200–$5,500	$2,800–$3,800	$1,800–$2,600
40ft Standard	$6,500–$8,200	$4,200–$5,800	$2,800–$4,000
40ft High Cube	$7,200–$9,000	$4,800–$6,500	$3,200–$4,600
20ft Reefer	$8,500–$11,000	$6,200–$8,500	N/A

*Prices exclude delivery. Add $1.50–$3.50 per mile from nearest depot.

Best Container Uses by Industry

Residential Storage

20ft standard containers
Secure backyard storage
Boat/RV/equipment cover
Workshop conversions

Construction Sites

40ft containers for materials
Tool & equipment storage
On-site office conversions
Weatherproof protection

Commercial/Industrial

High cube for tall inventory
Reefers for cold storage
Retail pop-up containers
Farm equipment housing

10-Step Buying Checklist

Before You Buy

Measure your space accurately
Check local zoning regulations
Verify ground stability/prep
Plan access for delivery truck

Choosing Your Container

Select proper size & door type
Choose new vs used condition
Request cargo certification
Get delivery quote upfront

After Purchase

Inspect upon delivery
Document condition photos
Secure properly to ground
Apply protective coatings

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a container is cargo worthy?

Cargo worthy containers have passed a CSC (Container Safety Convention) inspection confirming structural integrity, watertightness, and floor strength for international freight. Always request certification documents.

What is the delivery process like?

1) Schedule with our logistics team
2) Receive real-time GPS tracking
3) Driver calls 30 minutes prior
4) Site inspection & placement
5) Sign-off & documentation

Can I finance a container purchase?

Yes. We partner with equipment financing companies offering flexible terms for business and commercial purchases. Minimum $2,500 purchase required. Approval typically within 24 hours.

How much does delivery cost?

$1.50–$3.50 per mile from nearest depot + $250–$500 base fee. Flat rates available within 100 miles. Tilt-bed delivery for hard-to-reach sites: $800+.

What modifications are popular?

Office conversions, roll-up doors, windows/AC, shelving, electrical, insulation, flooring upgrades, custom paint/graphics, security locks.

Shipping Container Buyer's Guide