Buyers Guide

Here is a list of things to consider and questions to ask when making your decision to buy a shipping container.

Before You Start – Buyer Beware

In recent years, the container industry has become more and more convoluted. It has made the buying experience a nightmare for customers and we hope this post will help you.

But before you start, beware of sales reps and companies that are riddled with false advertising and misleading customers on containers they’re buying. This post will help you determine what to look out for the container condition, price, delivery and everything in between.

As a guideline, AVOID these kind of dealers:

No Terms & Conditions on their website
False warranty claims by sales rep that are different than the Terms & Conditions of the company
Selling you lower grade AS-IS condition containers as WWT (Wind & Water Tight)
They have no BBB page or BBB reviews
No Google reviews

Hopefully this helps get you started on the right path, now let’s get into how you can get your container.

Choose Shipping Container Dimensions

Shipping containers primarily come in four different sizes:

20 ft Containers

Standard units are 8′ 6″ in height and 8′ wide

40 ft Containers (most common)

Standard containers are also 8′ 6″ in height and 8′ wide
High Cube units are 9′ 6″ in height and 8′ wide
- This is the most common unit bought by customers

10 ft Collapsible Containers

Container One is the only supplier of the 10’ collapsible shipping containers.

Customer pickup is required – the units are FOB Ramp/Port
- If you need delivery please call 330-286-0538
Each order comes with 15 collapsed containers
- The units are shipped in a 40 ft High Cube container

53 ft Containers

Container One is the nation’s leading 53 ft Container supplier

Customer pickup is required
High Cube units are 9′ 6″ in height and 8′ 6″ wide
- This is the most common unit bought by customers

It is recommended to measure the items that you will be storing and ensure that the container will accommodate your needs. If you need more more information on the specifications and dimensions of containers, click here.

Choose Used Shipping Container Conditions

There are 4 main container conditions:

New/1Trip

New containers have only been loaded one time from the manufacturer
These are the highest condition of containers offered

Wind and Water Tight (WWT)

Units that are no longer certifiable to ship cargo on trains and ships
Perfect for consumers that need a container to store personal items or anything else that needs to be protected from the elements

Cargo Worthy (CW)

Guaranteed to pass a re-certified to be loaded back on a ship or train
These can be packed with cargo and shipped across the globe

AS IS

Used units and will most likely have holes, floor damage and other fixable repairs

What to look out for?

One issue that we have seen with other companies is customers buying one condition but receiving a container that is a lesser condition. We receive numerous customer complaints about these companies and you should beware.

These companies sell you an ‘As-Is’ container as a ‘Wind and Water Tight’ one. They can purchase As-Is containers very cheap and label them as any other condition. ‘AS IS’ containers have no guarantee and will leak, come with bad door and door seals and have holes in floors. Make sure you confirm the condition of your container and read the terms and conditions to ensure what you’re buying.

Get A Quote

There are a few ways to get a quote, you can search marketplaces, do some online search or talk to a sales rep.

The best companies in the nation provide instant quotes for containers which include delivery. These companies know you want quick answers and have built tools to get you the best and cheapest prices.

Container One is one example of a company that does this, all you do is enter a zip code and you get a list of containers and their final prices in an instant. Search your zip code below to check it out.