Buying a shipping container is simpler than most people expect — but the details matter. Paying too much, buying the wrong grade, or underestimating delivery costs are the three mistakes that trip up most first-time buyers. This guide covers everything you need to make a confident purchase.
Step 1
Choose the right size
10ft, 20ft, 40ft, high cube — a full breakdown of every standard size with interior dimensions and the right use case for each.
Size guide →Step 2
New vs used — which grade?
Container grades explained: one-trip, CWO, WWT, and AS-IS. What you actually get for each price point and when used is fine.
Grade guide →Most popular
20ft container guide
Complete specs, pricing, uses, and everything to inspect before you accept delivery of a 20ft container.
20ft guide →Most space
40ft container guide
Standard and high-cube 40ft containers: dimensions, pricing, delivery considerations, and who needs this size.
40ft guide →How buying a shipping container works
-
01
Decide on size and grade
The two variables that drive price more than anything else. A one-trip 40ft costs roughly four times more than a used 20ft. Get clear on both before you start talking to suppliers.
-
02
Get quotes from multiple suppliers
Container prices vary by location — depots in major port cities (LA, Houston, Savannah, Newark) tend to have the most inventory and competitive pricing. Getting three quotes is standard practice.
-
03
Understand the delivery quote
Delivery is priced separately and varies significantly by distance from the depot. Confirm the delivery quote includes a tilt-bed truck drop (standard) and whether a crane or forklift is needed for placement.
-
04
Inspect before or at delivery
For used containers, inspect in person at the depot if possible. At minimum, inspect the container before the delivery driver leaves — document any damage with photos immediately.
-
05
Prepare your site
The delivery truck needs clear access — typically 60–70ft of straight clearance. The container needs a level surface: gravel pads, concrete piers, or a full slab depending on your use.
Container grades explained
The grade tells you the condition of the container — and it has a bigger impact on price than size does.
One-trip
Highest price
Used once to ship cargo from a factory. Essentially new. Minor cosmetic marks only. Best for homes and visible applications.
CWO
Mid–high price
"Cargo worthy." Certified structurally sound, watertight, and suitable for international shipping. May have dents and repaints.
WWT
Mid price
"Wind and water tight." Not certified for shipping but keeps weather out. Good for storage. Inspect rust carefully.
AS-IS
Lowest price
Sold as found. May have holes, heavy rust, or structural damage. Only for buyers who know exactly what they're getting.
What affects the price
Container prices are more dynamic than most buyers realize. The same 40ft one-trip container can cost $3,000 more or less depending on a handful of factors:
| Factor | Effect on price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your distance from a depot | High | Every extra mile adds delivery cost. Inland locations pay significantly more than coastal. |
| Current inventory levels | High | Container supply tightens after major shipping disruptions, driving prices up 20–40%. |
| Size | High | 40ft containers cost roughly 50–80% more than 20ft in the same grade. |
| Grade / condition | High | One-trip vs WWT can be a $1,500–$3,000 gap on the same size. |
| High cube vs standard | Low–medium | High cube typically adds $300–$800 to the container price. |
| Color | None | Container color is cosmetic — don't pay extra for it. |
Delivery: what most buyers underestimate
Delivery typically adds $300–$2,000 to your purchase depending on distance from the nearest depot. But the cost isn't just financial — delivery logistics can cause real problems if you're not prepared.
Site access requirements
Standard container delivery uses a tilt-bed (roll-off) truck that needs a clear straight run of at least 60–70ft to slide the container off the back. Trees, power lines, fences, or tight turns can make standard delivery impossible and require a crane instead — which adds $500–$1,500.
Ground preparation
A shipping container weighs 4,900–8,900 lbs empty. It needs a stable, level surface — not bare soil that will shift seasonally. Gravel pads, concrete deck blocks, or purpose-built piers are the standard solutions. Don't skip this step; a container that shifts over time will cause door alignment problems and structural stress.
Ready to compare suppliers?
Shipped.com is the largest container marketplace in the US — buy, rent, or rent-to-own from vetted local suppliers with transparent pricing and delivery estimates.
What to inspect at delivery
For used containers, inspect these points before signing the delivery receipt:
- Roof: walk it if you can safely. Dents that hold water lead to rust through.
- Floor: jump on it and look for soft spots. Container floors are hardwood — they should feel solid everywhere.
- Doors: open and close both doors. They should move freely, seal fully, and lock properly. Door gaskets should be intact and supple, not cracked or missing.
- Interior walls and ceiling: look for holes (light from outside), heavy rust, or signs of previous cargo spills.
- Undercarriage: check the steel cross-members underneath for rust-through. Surface rust is normal; perforations are not.
- Smell: take a sniff inside before accepting. Certain chemical cargos leave a permanent odor that can't be fully removed.
Document everything before the driver leaves
Once you sign the delivery receipt, you own the container in the condition it arrived. Take dated photos of every side and the interior before signing. If there's damage you didn't agree to, note it on the delivery paperwork before the driver leaves.