Steel Shipping
Containers
For Sale

The reason our pricing is often among the lowest prices for used shipping containers in the industry is because we’ve built software that automatically updates pricing on our website based on current market conditions. We then allow customers to see prices online and order their container without a sales rep getting involved. Our competitors all pay commissioned sales reps on your order, but we just have a customer service and logistics team to help make sure you get the right container for your needs.

We don’t believe you can talk anyone into buying a shipping container that they don’t need, so we don’t have sales reps on staff. If you have any questions about the process, you’re always welcome to contact our customer service team. We’re always happy to help.

Western Container offers a variety of shipping containers, including 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft high cube options. We have both used shipping containers and one trip shipping containers available for a variety of storage and transport needs.

Conex Containers for Sale

Used shipping containers are sometimes called conex containers, a name taken from the old military abbreviation for the “container express” system. Conex containers are just another name for used intermodal shipping containers. We offer used and one trip (like new) conex containers for sale nationwide. The most common sized conex containers we offer for sale are 20ft standard conex and 40ft high cube conex containers. We also offer 40ft standard height conex containers.

We offer 3 different categories of containers: One Trip, CWO (Cargo Worthy), and WWT (Wind & Watertight). We do not offer “as is” containers like many other container companies do, and we discourage anyone from purchasing these for one simple reason: you don’t know what you’re getting.

While we do not offer new shipping containers for sale, this is as close as you’re going to get. These containers have delivered one shipment of goods and are still in great condition. Often, these containers even still have that ‘just painted’ smell. So while they may have a nick here and there, they are, for the most part, new.

Cargo Worthy containers are still structurally sound and have been approved to work in the shipping industry. This means they may have a dent or two, but are still sturdy and strong. These are a good option if you are looking to buy a container for shipping purposes. However, if you are merely using your container for storage, purchasing a cargo-worthy container means you may be overspending and we encourage you to opt for a Wind & Watertight container.

These containers have generally been used for a decade or more in the shipping industry, and have some wear and tear. They are no longer approved to work in the shipping industry (this is often because containers need to be stacked on top of each other on ships, meaning they need to be able to support a heavy load). 

While these containers may not be approved for shipping, they are still structurally sound for storage and keeping goods protected from the elements outside. For most purposes, WWT containers get the job done and provide the most affordable option. Please note that WWT containers will have rust and dents.

Used shipping containers are classified in four categories: as-is, wind and watertight (WWT), cargo worthy (CWO), and IICL (international institute of container lessors). As-is containers are just that, they probably need some repair to the roof, doors, or floor and you should expect them to probably leak. We don’t sell as-is containers, because we can’t guarantee them. Unless you have a facility capable of handling shipping container repairs we don’t recommend you buy as-is containers.

Wind and Watertight (WWT) containers are used shipping containers that are 10+ years old and being retired from service. They’re still guaranteed to be wind and watertight like the name suggests, but are no longer certified to be stacked while loaded on a container ship. Since containers are stacked 7-high while loaded with up to 50,000 pounds each, the bottom container could be supporting 300,000 pounds on top of it. If it fails, the stack falls and containers end up falling into the ocean with their cargo. Any WWT container can be repaired to cargo worthy status, but after a certain age it’s usually cheaper for a shipping line to just build a new container instead of continually making repairs. Often times the repairs needed are something that wouldn’t matter to a customer who wants to use the container for storage (such as the cross-members under the floor being slightly bent or the sidewall having a dent larger than a softball).

The biggest issue with WWT containers is cosmetics, and you should expect it to look like a 10-15 year old steel box. Surface rust and dings and dents are common, but if you can pressure wash and paint your container it will look pretty good and last as long as the steel will last. We offer a 3-year warranty with all used containers, and beyond that you should expect to paint your container and repair or replace the door seals once every 15 years or so. Steel containers are very durable, so as long as you maintain the unit properly it should last for decades.

Cargo Worthy (CWO) used shipping containers are used shipping containers that are guaranteed to pass a CSC-Survey and can be safely stacked while fully loaded with cargo. There’s no cosmetic difference between CWO and WWT containers, even though some of our competitors will sell them as higher quality units. If you’re not using the container for export there’s no reason to buy a CWO container, but if you are using your container for ocean shipment then it will require a survey. Surveys must be completed by a third party for safety reasons, and that usually takes about a week, so make sure to plan accordingly if you need a CSC-Survey.

IICL (international institute of container lessors) used containers are basically just CWO containers that are held to a higher standard in terms of dent size and things like that. Some of our competitors will sell IICL grade units as premium units, but cosmetically they are often uglier than CWO units because they usually have patches welded in them where a CWO container would just have a small dent. Unless you plan to use your container for multiple years of ocean shipment then there’s really no reason to buy an IICL grade container.

What are “A Grade” Containers?

A Grade, B Grade, C Grade Containers don’t actually exist, and those are just classifications less professional companies use to describe equipment. Those grades are totally subjective and completely made up. One company’s A Grade might be another company’s C Grade. If anyone tries to sell you based on grade it should raise a red flag.

Shipping container purchase prices tend to fluctuate where storage container rental prices are steadier. Container purchase prices tend to also vary by market, so the math isn’t the same for everyone on when it makes more sense to buy or rent. In most cases we tell customers who plan to use the container for over 18 months that it’s better to buy than rent, but in some places where container prices are low that can be as short as a year.

If you’re paying $145/mo for a container that would normally cost $2,000 to buy then the break even point is just over a year (14 months), but if that container price is closer to $3,000 then the break even point is almost two years. That’s why we generally tell people that 18 months is a good break even point to use for deciding whether to buy or rent a container.

Standard shipping containers are 8ft 6in tall (outside height) and high cubes are a foot taller at 9ft 6in outside height. Usually used high cubes are about $100 more than used standard height containers, but you get about 11% more space inside a high cube container (2,385 cubic feet for a 40ft standard container vs. 2,660 cubic feet for a 40ft high cube). The extra $100 to upgrade to a high cube is almost always worth it.

One Trip 40ft high cube containers are usually cheaper than 40ft standard containers now because the overwhelming majority of new containers produced are 40ft high cubes. High cube containers also have slightly thicker corrugated steel walls, so they’re a little more durable. The best bang for your buck in terms of storage space is almost always a 40ft high cube.

We sell containers directly from cargo circulation, and there are hundreds of containers coming and going from every intermodal depot daily. It’s possible to get photos of a container and have it set aside while a customer decides if they want it, but it’s a huge hassle to the intermodal depot and costs a few hundred dollars per container so we don’t do it.

Part of the reason we can offer wholesale prices is we source directly from the largest intermodal companies in the world. We also have the driver perform a multi-point inspection of every shipping container we pick up, so we know the doors will seal properly, the floor is free of holes, and there are no visible leaks in the roof. You can rest assured that the container we deliver will be backed by our 3-year structural warranty, but if you’re worried about cosmetics then you should either plan to paint your container after delivery or buy a One Trip container.

There are container sales companies that bring containers out of the depot to their own holding yard who can offer photos of specific containers, but the cost of trucking from the depot is usually at least a few hundred dollars per unit so they can’t offer the same wholesale prices that we do. In the shipping industry containers are viewed as an interchangeable commodity. All containers are going to have some surface rust, but we source our equipment through reputable global intermodal suppliers so we know whatever container comes next off the stack will be structurally sound.

All used shipping containers have rust, even One Trip containers will usually have scrapes or small dents from stacking and un-stacking that end up with some surface rust. The good thing about shipping containers is they’re meant to be durable. Steel shipping containers, sometimes called “conex containers,” are made from corten steel (a group of steel alloys mixed with copper, chromium, and nickel). Corten steel is extremely durable, and is described as having “rust shield” qualities where rust stays at surface levels.

Since containers are banged together and scrape each other up during the loading process, dents and scrapes are inevitable. You should expect to see surface rust on all used containers, but that won’t impact the structural integrity. Small dents (up to the size of a basketball) are also not an issue.

If you’re worried about the cosmetic appearance of your container you should buy a one trip. If another container sales company is promising you a used container with no rust, they’re being dishonest. The best way to deal with rust on a used shipping container is to pressure wash it and paint the container every 10-15 years.

Roof Panel and Crossmember Maintenance

The only areas where rust is a concern is on the roof panels and in the crossmembers under the floor. If there’s a large dent where water can pool on the roof that standing water will eventually rust through at the lowest point. If that happens, it’s not a big deal to repair, but it can usually be avoided with occasional maintenance. Ideally you’ll want to visually inspect your roof at least once a year to identify any low spots with rust. If it hasn’t rusted through, you can paint over it with a direct to metal paint and usually avoid the problem getting worse. If it’s starting to leak, you can usually plug it with caulk or a fiberglass patch and then paint over it.

The roof of a shipping container isn’t designed to hold any weight, so the roof panels are usually pretty thin compared to the rest of the container. All you need the roof to do is not leak, so patches and caulk will significantly extend the life of your container.

To prevent your cross members from rusting out, make sure to keep your container out of standing water or mud. The steel crossmembers support the wood floor, so if they start to fail your floor will sag. We recommend customers put their containers on wood 4×4’s to keep the cross members above the ground and dry. The only way to repair cross members is at a depot where the unit can be lifted and welded from underneath. It’s expensive and cumbersome, so it’s best to avoid it by keeping your container out of standing water.

Shipping containers are incredibly versatile and can be used for all sorts of projects. Whether you’re looking for a shipping container for storage or need a sturdy option for transport, these containers have got you covered.

Shipping containers are ideal for storage solutions due to their construction and versatility. Whether you need to store equipment, tools, or supplies, a storage shipping container provides a secure and weather-resistant option.

These containers can be transported to various locations, making them perfect for construction sites, agricultural properties, or personal residencies. Their durability ensures that your belongings are protected from the elements and potential theft, offering peace of mind and convenience. Please note: Western Container does not move loaded containers.

Shipping containers make excellent workshops, offering a customizable and secure space for various activities. Whether you’re a hobbyist, artist, or small business owner, a container workshop can be outfitted with electricity, insulation, and shelving to suit your specific needs. 

These containers provide a dedicated area for projects, free from the distractions of home, and can be relocated if necessary. Their sturdy construction means they can handle heavy tools and equipment, providing a functional and long-lasting workspace.

Shipping containers are being used more frequently in agriculture for a variety of innovative applications. They can be adapted into controlled environments for urban farming and hydroponic systems, allowing for year-round cultivation of crops regardless of external weather conditions. 

Containers also provide secure storage for farm equipment, feed, and harvested produce, and protect them from pests and theft. Their portability allows farmers to optimize the use of space and resources on their properties.