Shipping containers are one of the most versatile things you can buy. People use them for storage, job sites, workshops, offices, retail pop-ups and of course shipping cargo. But with so many sizes and conditions on the market, it helps to know what you are looking at before you buy. This guide walks you through the basics.

Common Shipping Container Sizes

Containers come in a handful of standard lengths. Each one suits a different kind of job:

8ft and 10ft containers are compact and easy to place in a driveway, backyard or tight commercial lot. They are great for tools, seasonal items and small inventory.
20ft containers are the most popular size. They hold the contents of a typical one or two bedroom home and fit on most delivery trucks.
30ft containers sit in the middle and work well when 20ft is too small but you don’t have room for a 40ft.
40ft containers give you roughly double the space of a 20ft and are the go-to choice for large storage, warehouses and bulk shipping.

Standard vs High Cube

A standard container is about 8ft 6in tall. A high cube container adds an extra foot of height, which makes a big difference if you are storing tall equipment or converting the container into an office or living space. If you plan to add insulation, lighting or shelving, the extra headroom is worth it.

New vs Used Containers

New (one-trip) containers have made a single voyage and are in near-perfect condition. They look clean and are ideal if appearance matters, like for a storefront or office conversion.

Used containers cost less and are perfect for storage and job sites. They are usually graded by condition. A wind and watertight (WWT) unit has no holes and seals properly, while cargo-worthy units meet the standards for shipping goods overseas.

What to Check Before You Buy

Doors: They should open and close smoothly and the seals should be intact.
Roof and walls: Look for holes, deep dents or heavy rust that could let water in.
Floor: Most containers have marine-grade plywood floors. Check for soft spots or damage.
Delivery access: Make sure the truck has room to reach your site and drop the container on level ground.

Popular Uses

Beyond storage, containers are often turned into site offices, workshops, farm storage, retail kiosks and even homes. Many buyers start with a basic unit and add doors, windows, vents or shelving later. If you need something ready to go, ask about modified units like office containers with AC.

Buying in Bulk

If you run a construction company, farm or logistics operation, buying several containers at once can save you money on both the units and delivery. We handle single units and bulk orders, and we ship nationwide and worldwide.

Ready to buy? Browse our shipping containers for sale or request a quote and our team will help you find the right fit.

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International shipping containers are built to the dimensions in ISO 668 and must carry a safety approval plate under the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC).