Tips & FAQ

Our containers are stored at secure third-party shipping yards that do not permit public access due to safety and security regulations. However, many customers choose to have photos taken of the container during loading so they can review its condition before delivery. For added peace of mind, payment is not required until your container has been delivered.

Color selection is available for One-Trip containers, as these units are offered in specific colors. For used containers, color availability varies based on current inventory and cannot be guaranteed.If you have a preferred color, we are happy to note your request and will do our best to accommodate it. However, because inventory changes daily, the exact color of a used container is often not known until the unit is selected and loaded for delivery.

We accept identity-verified credit cards, Zelle, bank wire transfers, personal and business checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and cash in most markets.For your peace of mind, payment is not due until your container has been successfully delivered. Exceptions to this include bank wire transfers and self-pick up, which must be completed prior to delivery or pick up.

It is important that your shipping container is placed on a level surface. If the container is not level, the doors may not operate properly and the floor may be affected over time. We recommend elevating the container if there is a possibility of water pooling or drainage issues near the site, especially since the container has a door threshold of approximately 6 inches. Otherwise, a flat, level surface is typically sufficient. Common materials used for support and leveling include railroad ties, pavers, cinder blocks, or treated wood blocks, which can be found at most local hardware stores.If you plan to move the container in the future, it is also a good idea to keep it slightly elevated to allow space for lifting equipment such as a truck or forklift. Once a container sits directly on the ground for an extended period, it can become more difficult to access underneath for relocation.

Shipping containers are made from Corten steel, a high-strength, weathering steel designed for durability in harsh marine environments. One of its key properties is that it forms a protective layer of surface rust over time, which helps prevent deeper corrosion. Because containers are originally built for long-term use at sea, some surface rust is normal and does not indicate structural weakness. In fact, it is a natural part of the steel’s protective process. For customers purchasing used containers, sanding and repainting is often recommended for appearance and added protection. This helps improve the look of the unit while providing an additional protective coating for long-term use.

There are no detailed records of what individual used containers previously carried. Most used shipping containers have been in service for approximately 10–18 years and may have transported a wide variety of general cargo during that time. If you prefer a unit with minimal prior use, we recommend selecting an A-Grade One-Trip container. These units have typically made a single shipment from the manufacturer overseas to the United States, which helps reduce unknowns related to prior cargo history. As a general industry practice, hazardous materials are not transported in standard shipping containers. Specialized containers are used for regulated or chemical-specific cargo, and those units are not released into the resale market.

Any 1/4-inch diameter lock will work to secure your shipping container. Common options include Master Locks, circular key locks, and long-shackle combination locks. One-Trip containers come standard with a built-in lockbox that helps protect the locking mechanism and adds an extra layer of security against cutting or tampering. For additional protection, aftermarket lockboxes are also available online and can typically be self-installed if desired.

Yes, we offer modification services in the Dallas, Houston, Oakland, and Chicago markets. Modified container projects are quoted on a case-by-case basis, and design drawings are provided for customer approval before any work begins.A 50% deposit is required to begin modification work, with the remaining balance due upon successful delivery.For modification quotes in these areas, please contact our sales office to schedule a consultation with a representative.We also offer custom-built containers through our factory partners overseas. These prefabricated units can be ordered with specific sizes, colors, and configurations. Production and delivery typically take around 120 days from the time of order, and minimum order requirements may apply depending on the specification.For all custom build or specialty container requests, please contact our sales team to discuss your project and receive a detailed quote.

While we do not offer a formal warranty, we guarantee that your container will be delivered in wind and watertight condition. If your container arrives with a hole or any issue that prevents it from being wind and watertight, you may reject the unit before it is unloaded. In some cases, we may also offer a discount to cover the cost of repairs, depending on the situation. Customer satisfaction is important to us, and we work to ensure every container meets our quality standards before delivery.