Buy shipping containers online
Shop shipping containers for sale directly from ContainerPlus, your trusted source for new and used steel containers across the United States. Whether you need a standard 20ft dry box, a tall 40ft high cube, a refrigerated unit, or a custom office container, we deliver to your door at competitive prices. Request a free quote in minutes.
Buy shipping containers online USA
Buying a shipping container used to mean hours of phone calls, paper forms, and guesswork about pricing. Today, the entire process from selecting a size to scheduling delivery can happen from a laptop or phone. The market has shifted fast, and buyers across the United States are taking full advantage. Whether the goal is secure outdoor storage, a portable job-site office, or a creative building project, knowing how to buy shipping containers online correctly saves both money and headaches. This guide covers everything, from container grades and sizing to delivery logistics and what to watch for when ordering remotely.
What is a shipping container?
A shipping container is a standardized, weatherproof steel box engineered for the transport and storage of goods across land and sea. Built to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) specifications, these units are designed to be stacked, lifted by crane, and loaded onto freight vessels without any modification.
The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft in length, with standard heights of 8ft 6in and high-cube heights of 9ft 6in. Their corrugated Corten steel walls, heavy-duty locking doors, and treated hardwood or steel floors make them one of the most durable storage solutions on the market. Once retired from active shipping use, these containers find second lives as on-site storage units, pop-up retail spaces, residential studios, agricultural storage, and even modular offices.
Select shipping containers by size
Container Plus can offer numerous sizes of new and used shipping containers for either sale or rental options. Please contact us for further information on our new and used shipping containers.
Standard Container
Discover a versatile and cost-effective container type that serves multiple purposes. Its intermodal design enables seamless transportation by train, truck, or ship worldwide. Ideal for storing and shipping a wide range of dry cargo, this standard storage container is available for both sale and rent. They are highly favored for modification projects due to their popularity and accessibility.
Mini Container
Maximize efficiency with this compact container, perfect for projects with limited space. They efficiently store various supplies or equipment without occupying much room. Stackable for additional space savings, this container is as robust as larger intermodal counterparts, ensuring durability without compromise.
Container with Extra Doors
Streamline your logistics with containers equipped with extra doors. These additional access points facilitate quicker loading and unloading, allowing multiple teams to work simultaneously. Ideal for situations requiring rapid access to stored cargo, these containers optimize operational speed and efficiency.
Reefer & Insulated
Ensure stable temperature and humidity control independent of external fluctuations with reefers. This specialized container maintains cargo at a consistent temperature range. The insulated container offers similar insulation benefits without a cooling unit, ideal for short-distance transport of temperature-sensitive goods.
Industrial Containers
The cargo containers are designed to store a wide range of cargo, including liquids, powders, and gases. For special cargo with unconventional shapes and sizes, utilize open top and flat rack containers for efficient transport. Ensure workplace safety by securely storing hazardous substances in our dedicated dangerous goods containers.
OFFSHORE 2.7-1 DNV CONTAINERS
In the offshore oil and gas industry, where operations span across platforms at sea, robust and secure containers are essential. Our DNV 2.7-1 certified containers ensure the safety and protection of your equipment and supplies. Tradecorp offers a wide range of shapes and sizes in offshore shipping containers for sale, with rental options also available. Contact us today to discuss your DNV container needs.
Modified Containers
In industrial activities, mining operations, and construction projects, there is a constant demand for custom products tailored to specific needs, such as accommodation and logistical solutions. With our expertise, we specialize in providing customized containers that meet diverse project requirements effectively.
Why buy shipping containers online in the United States?
The traditional route involved visiting a depot in person, negotiating without a clear price reference, and hoping the container you agreed on was actually delivered. Ordering online flips that dynamic entirely.
- Transparent pricing: Reputable online sellers publish price ranges up front so you can compare before committing.
- Wider inventory selection: Online platforms connect buyers to depots across all 50 states, increasing the likelihood of finding the exact size, grade, and type needed.
- Faster ordering: A quote request can be submitted and confirmed within the same business day.
- Photo documentation: Quality sellers provide actual photos of the unit before delivery, not just stock images.
- Delivery coordination: Scheduling, access requirements, and drop-off logistics are all handled digitally before the container ever leaves the yard.
When you buy shipping containers online through a verified provider, you gain control over the entire process. We make it straightforward: browse the inventory, request a quote, confirm the specs, and schedule delivery to your address.
How much do shipping containers cost in the United States?
Pricing is one of the first questions every buyer asks, and rightfully so. The current average cost of a used 20ft shipping container runs between $1,500 and $3,000, while a new 20ft unit typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000. Used 40ft containers average $2,000 to $4,500 for standard models and $2,500 to $5,000 for a 40ft high cube, while new 40ft units range from $3,500 to $6,500.
Several variables shift the final price:
| Container type | Condition | Price range (United States) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | Used (WWT) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| 20ft standard | New (one-trip) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| 40ft standard | Used (WWT) | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 40ft high cube | Used (WWT) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| 40ft high cube | New (one-trip) | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Refrigerated (reefer) | Used | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Mini / 10ft container | Used | $1,000 – $2,500 |
Prices are U.S. market averages and may shift based on your location, delivery distance, and current inventory levels.
The price gap between new and used containers is consistently 35 to 50 percent across standard sizes in the U.S. market. That difference is significant enough to influence which size a buyer can reasonably afford, especially for large-scale storage or construction projects.
Coastal areas near active ports tend to offer wider supply and more competitive pricing, while inland regions can face higher transport fees. Delivery costs inside the United States typically range from $500 for short hauls under 200 miles up to $2,000 or more for cross-country transport, so factoring in your address matters.
Which container size is best for your needs?
Choosing the right size before you order a shipping container online prevents costly returns or upgrades later. Here is a practical breakdown:
20ft shipping containers
The 20ft shipping container is the most popular choice for homeowners, small businesses, and contractors. It holds roughly 1,100 cubic feet of space and fits on a standard residential driveway. It is the ideal choice for seasonal equipment storage, small business inventory, or a compact on-site office build.
40ft standard shipping containers
The 40ft standard shipping container doubles the floor space of a 20ft unit and suits commercial storage needs, large-scale job sites, and warehousing applications. At 8ft 6in tall, it accommodates most palletized goods comfortably.
40ft and 20ft high cube containers
The 20ft high cube and its 40ft counterpart offer an extra foot of interior height (9ft 6in), making them the preferred choice for container conversions, tall equipment, and any project requiring overhead clearance. Home studios, retail kiosks, and modular offices frequently use high cube units for exactly this reason.
Mini containers
Mini containers (typically 10ft) are a compact solution for residential storage, small garden sheds, or tight urban lots where a full-size unit would not fit. They offer the same steel durability at a smaller footprint and a lower price point.
Refrigerated containers
Refrigerated containers (reefers) maintain controlled internal temperatures and are essential for food service businesses, pharmaceutical storage, and any application requiring climate control. Refrigerated containers often cost two to three times more than a standard dry container, but for temperature-sensitive goods there is no comparable alternative.
Side-opening containers
Side-opening containers feature full-length doors along one side of the unit rather than just the rear. This makes loading wide equipment, vehicles, or bulk materials far more efficient and is a popular choice for contractors and agricultural operations.
What to check before you buy a shipping container online
Buying remotely means you are relying on photos, descriptions, and seller reputation rather than a physical walk-through. Here is what to verify before confirming any order.
Container grade definitions
- One-trip (new): The container completed a single international voyage from the manufacturer. It is essentially new and shows minimal wear.
- WWT (wind and watertight): A used container certified to be free of holes, leaks, or structural damage. The most common grade for storage purchases.
- CW (cargo-worthy): Certified for active international shipping. Holds a valid CSC plate.
- As-is: Sold with visible damage or defects. Priced low, but should only be purchased if you can inspect in person or plan to modify extensively.
Asking the seller whether the container is WWT or cargo-worthy is a critical first question before purchasing a used unit.
Exterior and structural integrity
Before buying, check for exterior signs of rust or damage that can impact structural strength. Pay close attention to the container doors, hinges, and seals to confirm they are in working condition. Request photos that include all four sides, the roof, the floor, and the door interior. Dents on the corrugated panels are normal and generally cosmetic. Dents on the corner castings or frame rails are a structural concern.
Floor condition
Check the floor for rotting wood or pest infestation in wooden-floor containers, and for corrosion or metal fatigue in steel-floor units. Most shipping containers use kiln-dried hardwood floors treated with pesticides for international trade compliance. Ask the seller whether the floor has been treated and whether any patches or repairs were made.
Delivery logistics
Confirm that your delivery address has adequate clearance for the truck and trailer. A standard tilt-bed delivery truck requires approximately 100ft of clear, level space. If your site is tight, ask about crane or side-loader delivery options. Proper care ensures containers last for decades; routine maintenance includes inspecting for rust, clearing the roof of debris, repainting as needed, and lubricating door hinges.
Local permits and regulations
Check the regulations in your area before purchasing a shipping container. You may need a temporary permit to place a container on your property. Contact local authorities and confirm all container storage requirements before delivery. Requirements range from no permit at all (rural property) to full zoning review (urban or HOA-governed areas).
Best uses for shipping containers in the United States
The versatility of steel containers is one of the main reasons demand continues to grow year over year. Here are the most common applications our customers across the United States choose:
- On-site construction storage: Secure tools and materials directly at the job site.
- Farm and agricultural storage: Protect equipment, feed, or harvested goods from weather and theft.
- Shipping container offices: Convert a high cube unit into a fully equipped workspace with insulation, electrical, HVAC, and windows.
- Retail and pop-up spaces: Containers provide a distinctive, durable shell for boutique retail, food service, and market vendors.
- Residential storage: Replace a traditional shed with a lockable, weatherproof steel container.
- Modular building: Stack and connect containers to create multi-level structures for housing, hospitality, and commercial use.
- Disaster relief and emergency housing: Rapidly deployable and structurally sound in extreme conditions.
“A well-maintained shipping container can last 25 years or more with minimal upkeep, making it one of the best long-term storage investments for both businesses and homeowners.” (Source: Container Management)
How to order a shipping container online: step-by-step
Placing an order through our platform is straightforward. Here is what the process looks like from start to delivery:
- Choose your container type: Browse our full range at ContainerPlus.us and select the size, grade, and type that matches your project.
- Submit a quote request: Use our quotation form to provide your delivery address, preferred size, and any special requirements.
- Review the quote: Our team will respond with transparent pricing that includes delivery. No hidden fees.
- Confirm the order: Once you approve the quote, we schedule delivery to your location.
- Prepare your site: Ensure you have a flat, accessible area with the dimensions needed for the delivery vehicle.
- Accept delivery: The driver will position the container using a tilt-bed or flatbed truck. Most deliveries take under an hour.
- Inspect on arrival: Walk around the container and check it against the photos provided before signing off.
We encourage every buyer to read our customer reviews before ordering. Transparency and reliability are the foundation of every transaction we make.
Why buy from ContainerPlus in the United States?
We are not a marketplace or a listing aggregator. ContainerPlus is a direct supplier of new and used shipping containers with inventory available across the United States. When you buy shipping containers online through us, you work directly with our team throughout the entire process.
- Full range of container types: From standard dry boxes to refrigerated units and office containers.
- Transparent pricing: Quotes include delivery. No surprises at checkout.
- Fast response times: Our team typically responds to quote requests the same business day.
- Nationwide delivery: We serve buyers across all 50 U.S. states.
- Real product photos: We provide photos of the actual unit before dispatch.
- Expert guidance: Not sure which size or grade is right? Contact our team and we will walk you through the options.