The Complete Guide to Shipping Containers
Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
A Brief History of Shipping Containers
How Steel Boxes Revolutionized Global Trade
In 1956, entrepreneur Malcolm McLean revolutionized global shipping by introducing the standardized shipping container. Before containers, cargo was loaded and unloaded piece by piece—a labor-intensive process that took weeks and often resulted in damaged or stolen goods.
McLean's innovation was simple but transformative: uniform steel boxes that could be easily transferred between ships, trains, and trucks. This "intermodal" system reduced shipping costs by 90% and cut loading times from weeks to hours.
By the 1970s, international standards (ISO) were established, creating the 20ft and 40ft sizes we know today. These durable steel structures were designed to withstand ocean voyages, extreme weather, and years of heavy use—making them perfect for repurposing after their shipping life ends.
Today, over 200 million shipping containers are in circulation globally, transporting 90% of the world's goods. When containers reach the end of their shipping life (typically 10-15 years), they find new purpose as secure storage units, custom homes, offices, retail spaces, and creative projects.
How Containers Are Built
Engineered for Strength and Durability
Corten Steel Frame
Containers are built with corrugated Corten steel (weathering steel), which forms a protective rust layer that prevents further corrosion. This self-protecting material can last 25+ years with minimal maintenance.
Marine-Grade Plywood Floor
Most containers feature 1.1" thick marine plywood flooring treated with pesticides to prevent infestation. These floors can support up to 67,200 lbs when evenly distributed.
Heavy-Duty Cargo Doors
Double doors with cam-lock mechanisms and rubber gasket seals ensure weatherproof security. Vertical locking bars run the full height of each door for maximum strength.
Corner Castings
Eight ISO-standard corner castings (twist locks) allow containers to be stacked, lifted by cranes, and secured during transport. These enable modular stacking up to 8 containers high.
Standard Container Sizes
Detailed Dimensions and Specifications
| Size | Exterior Dimensions | Interior Dimensions | Floor Space / Total Volume | Weight | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft Container |
L: 10' W: 8' H: 8'6" |
L: 9'5" W: 7'8" H: 7'10" |
Floor: 72 sq ft Volume: 560 cu ft |
2,850 lbs | 22,150 lbs |
| 20ft Standard |
L: 20' W: 8' H: 8'6" |
L: 19'4" W: 7'8" H: 7'10" |
Floor: 148 sq ft Volume: 1,172 cu ft |
5,071 lbs | 62,369 lbs |
| 40ft Standard |
L: 40' W: 8' H: 8'6" |
L: 39'5" W: 7'8" H: 7'10" |
Floor: 302 sq ft Volume: 2,385 cu ft |
8,159 lbs | 59,281 lbs |
| 40ft High Cube |
L: 40' W: 8' H: 9'6" |
L: 39'5" W: 7'8" H: 8'10" |
Floor: 302 sq ft Volume: 2,694 cu ft |
8,775 lbs | 58,665 lbs |
72 sq ft Floor
560 cu ft Total Volume
Small storage, job site tool storage, backyard shed
148 sq ft Floor
1,172 cu ft Total Volume
Residential storage, equipment storage, workshops
302 sq ft Floor
2,385 cu ft Total Volume
Commercial storage, construction sites, large equipment
302 sq ft Floor
2,694 cu ft Total Volume
Container homes, retail spaces, tall equipment storage
Understanding Container Conditions
What the Grading System Really Means
New One Trip
Used once to ship cargo from overseas, essentially new
Features:
- Minimal cosmetic wear
- No dents or dings
- Like-new appearance
- Perfect for conversions and visible locations
Best For:
Container homes, retail spaces, office conversions, customer-facing uses
Cargo Worthy (CW)
Certified to ship cargo internationally, meets ISO standards
Features:
- Structurally sound
- Wind and water tight
- Working doors and seals
- Minor cosmetic imperfections acceptable
Best For:
Secure storage, commercial use, equipment storage, international shipping
Wind & Water Tight (WWT)
Weatherproof and secure, not certified for shipping
Features:
- No holes or significant rust
- Doors close and seal properly
- Floor intact and dry
- May have cosmetic wear and patches
Best For:
General storage, workshops, budget-friendly projects, backyard use
As-Is
Functional but may need repairs, sold without guarantees
Features:
- May have holes, rust, or damage
- Doors may be stiff or damaged
- May not be weatherproof
- Priced significantly lower
Best For:
Parts, scrap metal, DIY repair projects, budget-conscious buyers
What Can You Do With a Shipping Container?
Endless Possibilities for Every Industry
Storage Solutions
- Equipment storage
- Inventory overflow
- Seasonal items
- Tools & machinery
- Document archives
Living & Working Spaces
- Container homes
- Mobile offices
- Job site offices
- Tiny houses
- Guest houses
Commercial & Retail
- Pop-up shops
- Food trucks & cafes
- Gyms & studios
- Event spaces
- Retail kiosks
Workshops & Studios
- Woodworking shops
- Auto repair garages
- Art studios
- Photography studios
- Music rehearsal spaces
Construction & Industrial
- Site storage
- Break rooms
- Equipment housing
- Secure tool storage
- Material storage
Agriculture & Farming
- Farm equipment storage
- Hay & feed storage
- Livestock shelters
- Seed & chemical storage
- Farm stands
Built to Last Decades
Weather Resistance and Longevity
Shipping containers are engineered to survive the harshest conditions on Earth. During their shipping life, they endure saltwater corrosion, extreme temperature swings, heavy seas, and being stacked 8 containers high while loaded with 60,000+ lbs of cargo.
25+ Year Lifespan
With proper maintenance, containers can last 25+ years on land. Even retired shipping containers have 15-20 years of useful life remaining.
Weatherproof
Cargo Worthy and Wind & Water Tight grades are completely weatherproof. Contents stay dry even in heavy rain, snow, and hurricanes.
Extreme Temperature Tolerance
Corten steel withstands temperatures from -40°F to 140°F without structural damage or warping.
The corrugated steel design provides exceptional structural strength. Each ridge in the steel panels acts as a support beam, allowing containers to be stacked up to 8 high when loaded (over 560,000 lbs of vertical pressure). This same strength makes them ideal for ground-level storage, workshops, and even multi-story container buildings.
Maintenance is minimal: A simple coat of rust-preventive paint every few years and ensuring drainage around the base will keep your container in excellent condition for decades. Unlike wood sheds or traditional buildings, containers don't rot, warp, or deteriorate from moisture.
How to Choose the Right Container
Match Your Container to Your Project
- 10ft: Perfect for small backyards, tool storage, or job site equipment. Compact and easy to place.
- 20ft: The most popular size for residential storage, workshops, and small businesses. Fits on most residential lots.
- 40ft Standard: Ideal for commercial storage, construction sites, or large equipment. Double the space of a 20ft.
- 40ft High Cube: Extra foot of height makes this perfect for container homes, retail spaces, or tall equipment storage.
- New One Trip: Choose if appearance matters (homes, retail, visible locations) or you need pristine condition for custom modifications.
- Cargo Worthy: Best value for secure storage, commercial use, or shipping. Structurally certified with minor cosmetic wear acceptable.
- Wind & Water Tight: Budget-friendly option for general storage, workshops, or backyard use. Weatherproof but not shipping-certified.
- As-Is: Only if you're handy with repairs or need parts. Not recommended for storage of valuable items.
- Check available inventory at your nearest location for fastest delivery and lowest delivery costs.
- Ensure you have at least 14ft of width for delivery truck access (10ft container width + 4ft clearance).
- Consider overhead clearance (power lines, trees) - delivery trucks need 15-20ft of vertical clearance.
- Plan for a level, compacted surface or concrete pad to prevent settling and door misalignment.
- Container prices vary by size, condition, and location. Browse our live inventory to compare current pricing.
- Factor in delivery costs (usually $200-$600 depending on distance and accessibility).
- Consider long-term value: A higher-grade container may cost more upfront but lasts longer and needs fewer repairs.
- Buying vs. renting: For projects lasting 12+ months, buying is typically more cost-effective than renting.
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