Buying used shipping containers is the cheapest way to own serious steel storage, provided you know exactly what grade you are getting. We label every unit honestly by condition (cargo-worthy, wind-and-watertight, or as-is), show the price up front, and back each grade with a matching wind-and-watertight warranty, with free delivery and placement across the contiguous US.
How to Choose Used Shipping Containers
Grade is everything in the used market, so buy on the written grade, not the photos. Cargo-worthy (CW) units are certified sound enough to ship freight again, solid floors, working doors, no structural damage, and are the safest used buy. Wind-and-watertight (WWT) units are no longer certified for shipping but are guaranteed to keep weather out, which is all most storage buyers need. As-is units may leak or have damaged floors or doors, and belong only in projects where the shell is being cut up anyway. Whatever the grade, inspect on arrival: check the roof for patches, the floor for soft spots, the door seals for daylight, and operate both doors.
| Grade | What it means | Typical saving vs one-trip | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo-worthy (CW) | Certified structurally sound, ship-ready | Moderate | Long-term storage, resale value |
| Wind-and-watertight (WWT) | Guaranteed weatherproof, not ship-certified | Substantial | Everyday dry storage on a budget |
| As-is | Sold with known defects, no weather guarantee | Largest | Cut-up projects, swap bodies, salvage builds |
Current market pricing by grade and region is covered in how much a shipping container costs. Once you have settled on a grade, browse used stock by size in 20 ft containers and 40 ft containers.
How much do used containers cost?
As of 2026, used 20 ft units typically run $1,800-$3,500 and used 40 ft units typically $2,400-$4,500, varying with grade and distance from port markets. All our prices are delivered prices, delivery and placement in the contiguous US are free.
What if the container that arrives doesn't match its grade?
Inspect it at delivery. You have a 48-hour window to report damage or a unit that does not match what you ordered, and every container carries a wind-and-watertight warranty appropriate to its stated grade, a WWT or CW box that leaks is our problem, not yours.