How to Purchase a Shipping Container
The correct container depends on more than its length. Before purchasing, consider the required capacity, condition, door access, available placement space, intended use, and delivery conditions.
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Step 1: Select a size
- Compact storage units are suitable where space is limited.
- A 10ft container offers a smaller footprint.
- A 20ft container provides a practical balance of capacity and placement flexibility.
- A 40ft container provides greater volume but requires more delivery and maneuvering space.
- High-cube units provide additional internal height.
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Step 2: Select the condition
- New or one-trip
- Premium used
- Cargo-worthy
- Wind and watertight
- Storage grade
- As-is
The product page and order documents control the condition classification of the unit being purchased. See the Container Condition Guide for what each classification means in practice.
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Step 3: Confirm intended use
Consider whether the container is needed for:
- Storage
- Transport
- Construction use
- Agricultural use
- Workshop conversion
- Commercial equipment
- A custom project
Customers are responsible for confirming that the product and intended use comply with applicable zoning, building, environmental, fire, safety, transportation, and permit requirements.
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Step 4: Review delivery access
Before transportation is confirmed we need:
- Full delivery address
- Gate width
- Road width
- Turning space
- Overhead clearance
- Surface condition
- Preferred placement
- Door orientation
- Photographs where requested
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Step 5: Review the order
The checkout and order documents display:
- Product and condition
- Quantity and price
- Taxes and delivery
- Optional services
- Processing time and estimated delivery time
- Return classification
- Payment method
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Step 6: Complete payment
Accepted methods: major credit card (via secure hosted checkout) and bank wire transfer. See the Payment Policy — including the wire-fraud verification steps.
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Step 7: Prepare the site
The customer must ensure the site is lawful, accessible, safe, stable, and ready before the delivery vehicle arrives. Review the Delivery and Placement guide.