Shipping container questions and answers

Prices

• How much does a shipping container cost?As of November 3, 2026, pickup prices across our 56 US markets start at $850 for a 20ft standard and $1,250 for a 40ft high cube. Prices vary by market and grade. Delivery and sales tax are quoted to your address.
• How Much Does a 20ft Shipping Container Cost in Houston?As of November 3, 2026, 20ft standard containers in Houston start at $850 for pickup. The delivered price depends on grade, distance and site access, and we quote it to your address.
• How Much Does a 40ft High Cube Shipping Container Cost in Houston?As of November 3, 2026, 40ft high cube containers in Houston start at $1,250 for pickup. The delivered price depends on grade, distance and site access, and we quote it to your address.

Buying

• Can I visit the depot and choose my container?No. Containers are stored at third-party depots that are not open to the public, so visits, inspections and choosing an individual unit are not available. Containers are sold by size and grade.
• Do your shipping containers come with a warranty?No. Containers are sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty, unless a written warranty is stated in your quote, sales order or invoice. Used containers show normal wear for their grade.
• How can I pay for a shipping container?Payment terms are stated on your quote or invoice. We may require wire transfer, settled ACH or a verified cashier's check on any order, and may ask you to verify your identity before release.
• What do shipping container grades mean?Grade describes condition. We sell four: New (one-trip) has minimal wear, IICL meets the container lessors' inspection standard, cargo worthy is structurally sound for shipping, and as-is is the lowest price, sold in current condition.
• Do you offer rentals, modifications or refrigerated containers?Yes, from Houston, Texas. Rentals, modifications, walk-in coolers, repair, door work and refrigerated containers are offered from Houston. Container sales and delivery are available from all our markets.

Delivery

• Do you deliver shipping containers nationwide?Yes, from depot areas across the country. As of November 3, 2026 we have 25,238 containers in 56 US markets. Delivery is quoted to your address, and the closer you are to a market, the lower the trucking cost.
• What do I need for a shipping container delivery?You need a firm, level, accessible site with enough room and overhead clearance for the truck and trailer. You or your representative should be there at delivery.

Refrigerated and cold storage

• Can a refrigerated container be a walk-in cooler or freezer?Yes. We turn refrigerated containers into walk-in coolers and freezers, including adding a freezer door on the side. This work is built in Houston, Texas.
• What power does a refrigerated container need?Refrigeration units run on 380 to 440 volt three-phase power with an ISO reefer plug. A site with only 240 volt single-phase power needs a phase converter and a step-up transformer.

Sizes and weights

• How Much Does an Empty 20ft Shipping Container Weigh?An empty 20ft shipping container typically weighs approximately 4,850 pounds (about 2,200 kilograms). This empty weight is known as the container's tare weight.
• How Much Does an Empty 40ft Shipping Container Weigh?An empty 40ft shipping container typically weighs between 8,000 and 8,800 pounds (approximately 3,600 to 4,000 kilograms). This empty weight is known as the container's tare weight.
• How Much Taller Is a High Cube Container Than a Standard Unit?A High Cube shipping container is exactly 1 foot taller than a standard shipping container.
• What Are the Dimensions of a 40ft Shipping Container?A standard 40ft shipping container is built to international ISO specifications, meaning its dimensions are consistent worldwide. These standardized measurements allow the container to be transported safely by ship, rail, and truck.
• What Are the Standard Dimensions of a 20ft Shipping Container?A standard 20ft shipping container follows international ISO specifications, meaning its dimensions are consistent worldwide. These standardized measurements allow the container to be transported safely by ship, rail, and truck.
• What Is a "High Cube" Shipping Container?A High Cube shipping container is an ISO-standard intermodal container that is taller than a standard container. While the length and width remain the same, a High Cube container provides approximately one extra foot of interior height. This additional height makes High Cube containers especially popular for storage, shipping lightweight or bulky goods, and container modification projects.
• What Is the Standard Width of a Shipping Container?The standard width of a shipping container is 8 feet (2.44 meters). This width is set by international ISO standards and is consistent worldwide. Standardizing the width allows shipping containers to be transported efficiently by ship, rail, and truck using the same handling equipment everywhere.

About containers

• Are Shipping Containers Wind and Water-Tight (WWT)?Wind and water-tight (WWT) describes a used container that keeps out rain and wind. We do not sell WWT as a separate grade: those units are sold in our As-Is grade, where condition varies. If staying sealed matters, choose New, IICL or Cargo Worthy.
• What Are Shipping Containers Made Of?Shipping containers are primarily made from high-strength steel and are engineered to withstand harsh environments, heavy loads, and decades of use in global transportation. While they may look simple from the outside, shipping containers are built using specific materials chosen for durability, corrosion resistance, and structural strength.
• What Is an ISO Shipping Container?An ISO shipping container is a standardized steel container designed for transporting goods safely and efficiently across ships, trains, and trucks worldwide. "ISO" refers to standards set by the International Organization for Standardization, ensuring containers meet uniform size, strength, and safety requirements. Because of these standards, ISO shipping containers can be transferred seamlessly between different transportation modes without unloading the cargo. This standardization is the foundation of modern global trade.
• What Is the Lifespan of a Shipping Container?A shipping container typically has a lifespan of 25 to 50 years, depending on how it is used, maintained, and the environment it is exposed to.