Shipping Container Buying Guide — Everything You Need to Know

Buying a shipping container for the first time can feel overwhelming — there are sizes, grades, delivery requirements, and prices to consider. This complete guide walks you through every step so you can buy with confidence and get the right container for your budget and project.

Step 1: Decide What You Will Use It For

Your intended use is the most important factor. Common uses include:

• General storage — household goods, tools, equipment, inventory, or retail overflow
• Construction site storage — secure, lockable storage for materials and tools on active job sites
• Agricultural storage — grain, feed, machinery, and chemicals on farms and rural properties
• Container home or ADU — residential living space using one or multiple containers
• Container office or workspace — portable office, studio, or commercial unit
• Pop-up retail or food service — container cafe, bar, shop, or market stall
• Chemical or hazmat storage — bunded stores with spill containment for fuel, oil, and hazardous materials
• Cold chain logistics — refrigerated (reefer) containers for temperature-sensitive goods
• Freight and export — ISO-certified containers for international shipping

Step 2: Choose the Right Size

Shipping containers come in standard ISO sizes. Here is what each size is best suited for:

• 10ft container — compact storage; fits in tight spaces; great for residential yards and small job sites
• 20ft container — the most popular size; versatile for storage, offices, and conversions; fits most driveways
• 30ft container — a middle option for when a 20ft is too small but a 40ft is too long
• 40ft container — maximum capacity for large storage, commercial use, or multi-room conversions
• High Cube (HC) — adds 1ft of extra interior height (9ft 6in vs 8ft 6in); best for tall items or conversion projects

Rule of thumb: When in doubt, go one size up. Extra space is always useful. A 20ft container holds approximately 1,170 cubic feet; a 40ft holds around 2,385 cubic feet.

Step 3: Choose Your Container Grade

• New / One-Trip — used once to carry goods from overseas; arrives in near-new condition with minimal wear. Best for modifications, container homes, offices, and anywhere appearance matters. Highest price point.
• Cargo-Worthy (CW) — inspected and certified as structurally sound for international shipping. Some dents, rust, and surface wear are normal. Great balance of quality and price.
• Wind and Watertight (WWT) — structurally intact and weatherproof, but not certified for shipping. Most popular choice for on-site storage. Best value.
• AS-IS — sold in their current condition without warranty. May have minor to significant cosmetic or structural issues. Lowest price; ideal for non-critical storage or raw material for modification projects.

Step 4: Check Your Site and Access

Before ordering, confirm your delivery site meets these requirements:

• Level ground — containers need a flat, firm surface (gravel, concrete, asphalt, or compacted soil)
• Access clearance — tilt-bed delivery trucks need at least 60ft of clear, straight run-up to slide the container off
• Overhead clearance — check for low-hanging power lines or tree branches along the delivery route and at the placement site
• Gate and road width — standard delivery trucks are 8-9ft wide; gates and roads must accommodate this
• Permits — some municipalities require permits for permanent container placement; check local zoning before ordering

Step 5: Understand Shipping Container Prices

Container prices vary based on size, grade, condition, color, and your location. As a general guide for 2024-2025 pricing in the US:

• 10ft WWT used container: from $1,800
• 20ft WWT used container: from $2,200
• 20ft one-trip container: from $3,500
• 40ft WWT used container: from $3,200
• 40ft high cube one-trip: from $4,800

Delivery cost is separate and depends on your distance from the nearest container depot. Request a free all-in quote from Swift Ship Containers to get your exact delivered price before committing.

Step 6: Place Your Order

You can order directly through our online shop, or call +1 (435) 229-9359 for a custom quote and expert advice. We accept all major credit cards, bank transfer (EFT), and financing options. Once your order is confirmed, we will schedule delivery and keep you updated through to placement.

Tips From Our Experts

• Always inspect photos of used containers before buying — ask us for condition photos on any specific unit
• For modifications (cutting, welding, fitting windows), always start with a one-trip or CW container — the steel is in better condition and modifications will be cleaner
• Consider a container with double doors on both ends if you need regular full-length access
• If the container is going on soft ground, place it on railway sleepers, concrete blocks, or a gravel pad to prevent sinking and improve ventilation
• Add a lock box over the lock rod handles for maximum security — standard padlocks can be cut; lock boxes prevent access to the padlock itself

Still have questions? Contact our team or call +1 (435) 229-9359 — we are happy to walk you through every detail and make sure you get exactly what you need.