20 Questions to Ask the Seller Before You Buy a Shipping Container

The fastest way to judge a container seller is to ask good questions. A trustworthy seller answers them clearly, in writing, without pressure. A seller who dodges them is telling you something too.

Here are 20 questions to ask before any shipping container buy, grouped by topic. Copy them into an email, or use them on the phone. When you're ready, see our shipping container buy options and ask us any of them.

About the container

1. What size, height and type is it? "20ft standard," "40ft high cube," "20ft open side." Make sure you're comparing the same thing across quotes.

2. Is it new (one-trip) or used? And if it's new, has it carried cargo on its one trip?

3. If used, what grade is it? Cargo-worthy, wind and watertight or as-is. Ask what the grade means to them.

4. How old is it? The CSC plate on the door shows the manufacture date.

5. Can I see photos of this exact container? Including the roof, floor, door seals, CSC plate and unit number.

6. What's the unit number? Four letters and seven digits. It should match your paperwork and the container that arrives.

About its condition

7. Are there any holes or leaks? A wind and watertight or cargo-worthy box shouldn't have any.

8. What's the floor like? Ask specifically about soft spots near the doors.

9. Do the doors open, close and seal properly?

10. Has it had any repairs? Welded steel patches are fine; filler isn't.

11. Has it carried anything that might leave a smell or residue? Important for offices, workshops and food storage.

About the price

12. What's the delivered total, including all fees and tax? Compare quotes on this number.

13. How long is this price valid? Prices move with the market.

14. Are there extra charges for waiting time, a failed delivery or door direction?

About delivery

15. Which depot is it coming from, and when can it be delivered?

16. What does the truck need on my site? Approach length, width, overhead clearance and ground conditions.

17. Do I need to be there for delivery?

About payment and paperwork

18. What payment methods do you accept? Prefer methods with protection, such as a credit card. Be cautious of wire-only sellers.

19. Will I get an invoice or bill of sale with the unit number?

About after the sale

20. What happens if the container doesn't match what I ordered? Ask how long you have to report a problem and how it's resolved.

Questions a good seller will ask you

A good seller asks questions too, because the answers decide what they quote:

• What will you use it for? Storage, shipping or a conversion changes the right grade.
• What's your ZIP code? For the delivery price and nearest stock.
• What's your site like? Approach, width, overhead clearance and ground.
• Which way should the doors face?
• When do you need it?
• Do you need extras? A lock box, vents, shelving or modifications.

If a seller quotes without asking any of these, the price may change later. A seller who asks is more likely to get the delivery right the first time.

How to use the answers

• Clear, consistent answers in writing are a good sign.
• Vague answers about grade or condition mean you should ask for photos and specifics.
• Pressure to pay quickly or refusal to answer is a warning sign.
• A delivered total far below other quotes needs extra checking.

A copy-and-paste version

Before I buy, could you confirm: the container's size, height and type; whether it's new or used and its grade; its age and unit number; current photos of this unit (roof, floor, door seals, CSC plate); any holes, repairs or floor damage; the delivered total including fees and tax; how long the price is valid; the depot and delivery window; what the truck needs on site; accepted payment methods; and what happens if the container doesn't match the order? Thanks!

FAQ

What's the most important question to ask a container seller?

"What's the delivered total for this exact size and grade, and can I see photos of the actual unit?"

How do I know if a seller's grade is accurate?

Ask what the grade means, get photos of the actual container and check it against the grade on delivery.

Should a seller give me the unit number before I pay?

For a specific used container, it's reasonable to ask. For new stock, the unit number may be allocated closer to delivery.

What if a seller won't answer my questions?

Treat it as a warning sign and get quotes elsewhere.

Is it rude to ask a container seller lots of questions?

Not at all. Good sellers expect questions and answer them quickly, because clear answers lead to smoother deliveries and fewer problems later.