20 Foot Shipping Containers for Sale Nationwide
How Much Does it Cost to Buy a 20ft Shipping Container
Used shipping containers are sold at the end of their useful life, and are counted in TEU’s (twenty-foot equivalent units). Used 20′ containers normally start as low as $1,500, but can cost as much as $2,900 in markets where supply is scarce. One-trip 20ft container prices are anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on availability.
During container shortages, you may see prices more than double those averages in many markets.
How to Get Started
How to Buy a 20-foot Shipping Container
Buying a 20′ shipping container is a seamless process with our efficient system. Our streamlined approach guarantees a hassle-free experience, allowing you to book and receive delivery of your 20′ storage container within a matter of days.
You Choose Container Specs
If you’ve decided on a 20ft shipping container, you can visit our dimensions page to get more information about the 20ft shipping container dimensions and specs. Alternatively, you can keep reading to find out about specs and costs of 20ft shipping containers.
Provide Delivery Details
Provide us with details about the location and contact details to ensure a smooth delivery process. Delivery is calculated at checkout, based on zip code. PLEASE NOTE: We do not move containers once they’re loaded (if that’s what you need, you might try our partner, PODS).
We Source Your Shipping Container
Then we source your shipping containers directly from intermodal cargo circulation. We work directly with the largest intermodal container suppliers, so you avoid paying unnecessary middlemen. After your order is placed, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You then get the next container off the stack that meets your criteria. We guarantee the doors, floors, and roof (but not the cosmetic condition). Unfortunately, the color of your container cannot be selected, however, if you buy more than one container we do our best to ensure that they are all the same color for uniformity.
Pick-up: 2–3 Business Days
Delivery: 4–7 Business Days
After you order, we’ll be in touch within one business day to confirm your order and coordinate the logistics. To ensure everyone’s safety, only customers with the proper equipment should select intermodal depot pick-up (please allow 2-3 business days for release information). Delivery is optional and calculated at checkout based on the zip code provided. Contact us with any questions, we’re always happy to help.
Things to Know Before You Order a 20ft Shipping Container
There are a few things to consider before you order a container, the most important is to be ready for delivery. We deliver containers on a roll-off trailer, so you won’t need a forklift or a crane to unload at delivery, but you’ll need to make sure you’ve got enough space for delivery and that your site is ready for the truck.
The Trucks Need Plenty of Space to Deliver a Shipping Container
We need 75′ of additional space in order to deliver a 20′ shipping container (75′ of total space), plus room for the truck to maneuver. Please make sure you’ve got space for delivery.
The Trucks are Heavy and Need a Firm Surface
The truck that delivers your container could weigh over 45,000-pounds. If we’re delivering on a soft surface (such as dirt or grass) please make sure your site can handle a heavy truck.
Plan on Delivery in 4-7 Business Days
We’ll coordinate with professional local haulers and be in touch with your delivery date within 1 business day of your order being placed (the driver will call when they’re en route). If you have a specific date you need the delivery to be made, this can be arranged during the checkout process on our online portal.
Used Shipping Containers are “Next Off Stack”
Please note that used containers are next off the stack at the intermodal depot, and color cannot be selected. Make sure to check out the sample photos prior to placing your order.
Used Shipping Container Conditions
Used 20ft shipping containers come in a wide variety of conditions. The most common are One Trip, Cargo Worthy (CWO), and Wind & Water Tight (WWT). There are also “As Is” Containers, which we do not sell because they are usually damaged, and thus cannot be guaranteed. As well as containers repaired to IICL (Institute of International Container Lessors) standards.
While we don’t offer IICL containers as an option, we do sometimes sell IICL condition containers. Our experience has been that containers repaired to IICL standards are in excellent structural condition, but don’t look cosmetically different than CWO or WWT containers (and, due to dents often being patched/welded instead of simply pounded out, IICL containers can sometimes look less visually appealing than their wind and water tight or cargo worthy counterparts.
Please Note: All used containers will have rust/dents. Make sure to check out the sample photos prior to making your purchase. No matter the grade, every container we sell is guaranteed to be structurally sound and comes with our three-year warranty.
Images of 20′ Shipping Containers
Shipping Container Dimensions & Specifications
You can find the internal and external shipping container dimensions for every size container we sell on this page. There’s also more information about shipping containers, for instance, what’s listed on intermodal shipping container doors is standardized so that the container can be handled at any port in the world. From the manufacturer information on the CSC plate to the size & capacity information, to the container identification number, everything is standardized on a shipping container. Furthermore, to ensure the same equipment can safely handle the containers anywhere in the world, shipping containers are held to a very specific set of specifications and dimensions.
More Information About Shipping Containers
The information listed on intermodal shipping container doors is standardized so that the container can be handled at any port in the world. From the manufacturer information on the CSC plate, to the size & capacity information, to the container identification number, everything is standardized on a shipping container. Furthermore, to ensure the same equipment can safely handle the containers anywhere in the world, shipping containers are held to a very specific set of specifications and dimensions.
The Western Container Sales & Rentals
Difference
We’re one of the largest buyers of used shipping containers in North America. By working directly with some of the largest intermodal shipping container companies in the world, we help our customers leverage our buying power and quality standards to buy quality shipping containers for sale at a fair price. We also believe in providing up-front and transparent pricing. We’re proud to have helped thousands of customers buy Conex containers and rent storage containers throughout North America.
Why Don’t We Make You Call for a Shipping Container Quote?
We know what a hassle it can be to call for a shipping container quote, as well as how annoying it can be to fill out a form on what appears to be a conex container rental site and consequently be bombarded with salespeople from third party companies because your information was sold as a lead. Unlike the big guys, we offer shipping containers for sale online with prices posted on our website. Why do we do this when other companies won’t? Simple, we know our prices are fair, and well below what you’d see with our large corporate competitors.
Western Container Sales will get you a fair price for a used shipping container sourced directly from global intermodal equipment providers, pulled from their inventories at your nearest intermodal depot. Because the containers were recently moving cargo, we know they won’t leak and we guarantee it. Check out our current shipping container prices (please note they do change with inventory levels). We also make renting steel storage containers just as easy, with our online rental order form.
How Do Steel Storage Containers Compare to PODS?
The largest nationwide portable storage company is PODS (Portable On Demand Storage). While both PODS and Western Container Sales offer nationwide portable storage rentals, there are some key differences.
Primarily that PODS containers are smaller, lighter units that are made from a combination of steel, fiberglass, aluminum, and plastic, and designed to be moved while loaded. In contrast, our rentals are re-purposed used shipping containers (all steel construction, with wood floors over steel cross members). Overall, steel shipping containers are a larger and heavy-duty alternative to standard PODS storage containers. PODS now offers an all-steel 16 ft container.
Get a 10% Discount with PODS
We don’t offer moving service, but we’ve partnered with PODS to offer their services to our customers that need moving and storage. Use the link below to get a 10% discount with PODS.
FAQs
What is the average cost of a 20 ft shipping container?
You can expect to pay between between $1,500 and $3,500 for a used 20 ft shipping container. Pricing depends on how far you are located from an intermodal shipping container depot, and the scarcity of containers at the time your order is placed.
How many cars can fit in a 20 ft container?
A 20-foot container can fit up to 2 cars or SUVs inside. If you are using your container as a garage or car storage facility, note that one 20 ft container will hold up to 2 vehicles.
How much can you fit in a 20-foot container?
The storage space in a 20 ft shipping container is 32.6 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet. Note that you will need space to maneuver around in the container, so you will likely not be able to use all of that space for storage.