How to Buy a Cheap Shipping Container Without Buying Junk

A cheap container is only a bargain if it keeps your things dry and secure for years. The trick is knowing which savings are real and which ones just move the cost somewhere else, into repairs, extra fees or a box that doesn't do the job.

The good news: you can buy cheap shipping containers that are perfectly sound if you cut the right corners. Here's how. For current starting prices, see where to buy cheap shipping containers in our price guide.

Where the real savings come from

Buy the grade you need, not the best grade

For storage, a wind and watertight container keeps out the weather just as well as a cargo-worthy one for less money. You only need cargo-worthy if you'll ship goods overseas. See the used container grades.

Accept cosmetic wear

Dents, surface rust, faded paint and old logos don't affect how well a container works. Buyers who insist on looks pay for them.

Choose standard height

A high cube costs more than a standard container of the same length. Unless you need the extra foot, skip it.

Make delivery easy

Delivery is part of every quote. A firm, level spot with a long straight approach means a quick drop-off with no extra charges.

Compare per square foot

A 40ft container usually costs well under twice as much as a 20ft. If your site has room and you'll use the space, the bigger box can be the cheaper choice per square foot.

Be flexible on timing

Ask whether a later delivery date, or a unit at a different depot, lowers the price.

Corners that are safe to cut

• Dents in the side walls
• Surface rust that brushes off
• Faded, patchy or mismatched paint
• Old shipping line markings
• Scuffs and stains on the floor that don't affect strength
• Cosmetic repairs that are welded and sound

Corners you should never cut

• The roof. Holes or deep dents holding water lead to leaks and rust-through.
• The floor. Soft, rotten or broken floors won't hold weight and are expensive to fix.
• The doors and seals. Doors that won't close or seal leave your things exposed.
• The frame. Bent corner posts or a twisted frame can't be fixed cheaply.

If a cheap container has problems in any of these areas, it isn't cheap.

Cheap-container traps

As-is surprises

As-is containers are the cheapest because they have known problems. That's fine if you plan to repair or modify them, but price in the fixes. A box that needs a new floor and roof patches can cost more in the end than a wind and watertight one.

Low box price, high delivery

Some sellers advertise a low price for the box and make it up on delivery, fuel surcharges or fees. Always compare the delivered total.

Scams

The cheapest listings online are often scams: stolen photos, prices far below the market and payment by wire or gift card only. If a price is far below every other quote, verify the seller before you pay.

The wrong size

A cheap 10ft that's too small, or a 40ft your site can't take, costs more in the long run than the right container at a fair price.

How to spot a genuinely good deal

A real bargain usually has a clear reason behind it:

• Cosmetic issues: heavy dents, mismatched paint or old logos on an otherwise sound box.
• Grade: a wind and watertight unit priced as storage, not shipping.
• Timing: a seller clearing a full depot, or a slow season in your area.
• Location: stock that's already close to you, so delivery costs less.

If a seller can explain why a price is low, and the explanation makes sense, it may be a good deal. If they can't, or the price is far below everyone else's with no reason given, be careful.

A cheap container checklist

• The grade is right for the job (wind and watertight for storage)
• I've seen photos of the actual unit, including the roof and floor
• The light test shows no holes
• The doors open, close and seal
• I've compared delivered totals, not box prices
• I've checked the seller is genuine
• My site is ready, so delivery is quick

Other ways to spread the cost

• Rent-to-own: get the container now and pay monthly toward owning it. See rent-to-own.
• Rent short-term: if you only need it for a few months, renting may cost less than buying and reselling.
• Ask about specials: sellers sometimes discount slower-moving stock.

FAQ

What's the cheapest type of container?

A used, standard-height container in wind and watertight or as-is grade. As-is is cheapest, but expect repairs.

Are cheap containers safe for storage?

Yes, if they're wind and watertight. Check the roof, floor and doors, and see photos of the actual unit.

Is a used container always cheaper than renting?

Not for short periods. If you only need storage for a few months, renting can cost less.

Why are some online container prices so low?

Sometimes it's a genuine deal on an as-is unit. Often it's a scam. Verify the seller and the unit before paying.