So you’ve decided to purchase a shipping container but need help figuring out where to start. This guide covers everything you should consider when choosing the right shipping container.
So you’ve decided to purchase a shipping container but need help figuring out where to start. Should you go with a 20ft container, a 40ft container, or a non-standard size?
What about the height of the container?
Should you pick a new unit or stick with a used one?
If this is your first time shopping for a shipping container, navigating all the details and specs can seem overwhelming — but it’s actually pretty simple. Selecting the right container comes down to five key elements: size, spec, type, condition, and budget. This guide covers everything you should consider when choosing the right shipping container.
Before You Get Started
Let’s level-set: What is a shipping container?
Shipping containers, also known as “conex containers”, “cargo containers”, or simply “boxes”, are large steel boxes manufactured and used for international shipping. They carry everything from shoes to food, medicine to toys.
You might be surprised to learn that most of the things surrounding you were transported by shipping containers. In fact, around 90-95% of the world’s goods are transported by shipping container.
And with that, it’s time to dive in!
1. Shipping Container Sizes & Dimensions
One of the best things about working with shipping containers is their standardized size and capacity. Just like giant Lego blocks, shipping containers’ universal design and modular character yield endless possibilities for creation, from tiny homes to health clinics to urban gardens. Connect them, stack them, kit them out with amenities — there’s no limit on what you can create!
The most common shipping containers available for sale are 20ft and 40ft long. Each are available in two heights: standard height (8’6″) and high-cube height (9’6″). Other, less common options include 10ft, 45ft, and 53ft — though their scarcity comes with a heftier price tag.
For a detailed breakdown of shipping container sizes, dimensions, measurements and specs, consult our shipping container dimensions guide.
2. Container Conditions: New vs. Used
Now that you know what size of container you need and how high it should be, it’s time to decide if you want to purchase a new container or upcycle a used one.
New (One-Trip) Shipping Containers
New containers, also known as one-trip containers, are units that have only been used once to ship a single load of dry cargo on their journey to the U.S. These containers are durable, built to last for 25-30 years, and do not require any upfront maintenance or painting.
While they may have light scratches and dents on their interior and exterior, one-trip containers are the newest and nicest containers available on the market. Additionally, if you purchase your one-trip container from Container House Lda, you’ll be covered by a 5-year condition guarantee.
One-trip containers are ideal if:
- Your container will be placed in a highly visible area (e.g., visible to neighbors or customers).
- Your container will be used to build a dwelling, such as a tiny home, office, or cabin.
- Your container will be associated with an upscale, customer-facing business — like a winery or public park.
- You need a container for international shipping.
Here are some new “one-trip” containers we’ve delivered recently.
2. Container Conditions: New vs. Used
Now that you know what size of container you need and how high it should be, it’s time to decide if you want to purchase a new container or upcycle a used one.
New (One-Trip) Shipping Containers
New containers, also known as one-trip containers, are units that have only been used once to ship a single load of dry cargo on their journey to the U.S. These containers are durable, built to last for 25-30 years, and do not require any upfront maintenance or painting.
While they may have light scratches and dents on their interior and exterior, one-trip containers are the newest and nicest containers available on the market. Additionally, if you purchase your one-trip container from container House Lda you’ll be covered by a 5-year condition guarantee.
One-trip containers are ideal if:
- Your container will be placed in a highly visible area (e.g., visible to neighbors or customers).
- Your container will be used to build a dwelling, such as a tiny home, office, or cabin.
- Your container will be associated with an upscale, customer-facing business — like a winery or public park.
- You need a container for international shipping.
Here are some new “one-trip” containers we’ve delivered recently.
