What are the different grades of shipping containers?

Wind & Watertight Container

The container will be wind & watertight as advertised.  They likely will have some surface rust, dings and dents but be in fine condition for storage.  They will still have their original shipping line decals and will be in a variety of colors.  Wind & watertight containers are perfect for customers who have little concern over appearance and simply need a dry storage solution.

Cargo-worthy Container

Cargo worthy containers have similar characteristics to the W&WT containers, but still have the structural integrity to be used for short-term international marine use. The container will require an official survey prior to any maritime use by a certified inspector. It is important to note that cargo-worthy containers may still have surface rust and dents.

New Container (one trip or one way)

Like New or “One Trip Containers” are generally within a few years of their date of manufacture and are in excellent condition inside and out.  We can never guarantee no imperfections, but this is as close as you can get.  While some one trip containers have only taken one trip across an ocean, the term “one tripper” is more of a reference to being one or two years old. When appearance or repurposing the container for a build of some sort is important this is the container type to go with.

What condition are the containers in?

Most used containers can have some surface rust as well as some dings and dents. Containers can be painted to cover many of the imperfections.  The “one way” or “one trip” containers however are typically in “like new” condition. 

What is the difference between a “high cube” container and a “standard height” container?

High cube containers are 9 feet and 6 inches tall while standard containers are 8 feet 6 inches tall.  Keep in mind that these dimensions are the outside dimensions.  You can check the inside dimensions on our website under the “product” link.

Are shipping containers insect and rodent-proof?

Generally speaking containers are insect and rodent-proof. Containers require periodic maintenance to make sure that no holes develop over time and that your door gaskets and floors remain intact.

Can I see the exact unit I will be purchasing?

The short answer is yes.  We can provide photographs and we strongly encourage anyone to come see our inventory of available containers.

What types of trailers do you offer for sale or rent?

We typically offer both insulated and dry van trailers in various sizes.  The most common are 48’ to 53’.   The best thing to do is look at our active inventory to see what we have currently have on hand or call the office to see what we can find for you.

Should I rent or buy?

There is a point where it does make more sense to purchase a container instead of renting. If you plan to use a storage container for more than 3 to 4 years a purchase is usually the way to go.  The determining factor really is what the cost to purchase is compared to the cost of the monthly rental.

Generally speaking there is a shipping container shortage right now which has driven prices up over the last year.  In the short term this has made renting containers much more popular due to the rise in cost to purchase. 

Do you offer delivery of the containers and trailers?
We are able to deliver the container or trailer to your location through a third party trucking company.  You are also free to engage a trucking company of your choice to pick up your container or trailer from our facility. 

What else can you tell me about delivery? How much space is required?

The ground should be flat and level, preferably asphalt, concrete or gravel surface.

• A 20’ tilt bed truck requires approximately 60 feet of straight clearance to drop a container.
• A 40’ tilt bed truck requires approximately 110 feet of straight clearance to drop a container.
• All vehicles need at least 10 feet of width and 25 feet of overhead clearance to accommodate the tilting of the tilt bed truck.

A very important item to note is whether you want to have the container doors to the cab of the tilt bed truck or to the rear of the tilt bed truck (this will determine where the container doors will be located when we drop the container off). In most cases it is difficult and time consuming to switch the containers onsite.  It’s critical to have this information upfront.