Shipping Container Buyer's Guide

01 Choose the Right Size

• 10ft: Compact storage for tight spaces, residential tools, or small job sites. Easier to place but less common and often a premium per cubic foot.
• 20ft: The most popular and versatile size. Easy to deliver and place, ideal for storage, workshops, and conversion bases.
• 40ft: Maximum volume for large storage, commercial use, or spacious conversions. Requires longer site access for delivery.
• 40ft High Cube: An extra foot of height (9'6" vs 8'6"). Ideal for tall items, standing room, living spaces, and offices.

02 New vs. Used vs. Refurbished

• New (One-Trip): Used once for a single cargo voyage. Best cosmetic condition, longest lifespan, and full warranty. Recommended for customer-facing or living-space uses.
• Used (Wind & Watertight): Retired from active service but fully functional. The most economical choice for secure storage. May show surface rust, dents, and repaint marks.
• Refurbished: Used containers restored with new paint, flooring, and repairs. A balance of value and appearance for projects needing a cleaner look without the new-container price.

03 Condition Checklist & Inspection Rights

When evaluating a container, confirm it is:

• Wind and watertight — no light, no leaks (inspect inside with the doors closed in daylight).
• Free of major dents, rust, or structural damage to the frame and corner castings.
• Fitted with working doors, intact seals, and a functional locking mechanism.
• Floored with intact marine plywood (no soft spots, no rot).
• Square and level — doors open and close smoothly without binding.

04 Plan Your Site

Your delivery site must accommodate a tilt-bed or roll-off truck. Prepare flat, well-compacted ground (concrete, gravel, or compacted dirt) with roughly 100–120 feet of straight access, 14 feet of overhead clearance, and no tight turns or low gates. Measure gate width and overhead clearance before ordering, and mark the exact placement spot.

05 Modifications & Custom Builds

If you need doors, windows, insulation, electrical, plumbing, shelving, or a full conversion, browse our modifications or request a custom quote. Custom work typically adds 2–6 weeks to delivery. Modified containers require a deposit to begin fabrication, with the balance due prior to delivery.

06 Permits, Zoning & HOA

Permitting varies by municipality and intended use. Storage containers on private property often do not require permits, but permanent installations, living spaces, and commercial use typically do. Check with your local zoning or building department and confirm HOA rules before delivery. We can provide guidance and specification documents, but obtaining permits is the buyer's responsibility.

07 Title, Ownership & Risk of Loss

Title and risk of loss pass to you once the container is placed at the agreed delivery location and the delivery receipt is signed. Until then, the container is insured and remains our risk during transit. For financed or commercial purchases, title arrangements are documented in your purchase agreement.

08 Insurance & Transit Protection

Every shipment is insured during transit. If transit damage occurs, note it on the delivery receipt or report it as concealed damage within 48 hours with photographs. Once placed, consider whether your homeowners, commercial property, or builder's risk policy covers the container, or ask us about additional coverage options.

09 Financing & Payment

10 Warranties & Guarantees

• Written condition guarantee: the container matches its listed grade.
• Workmanship warranty on custom modifications.
• Concealed damage claim window of 48 hours after delivery.
• Full terms in our Warranty, Returns, and Shipping policies.

11 Cancellations & Returns

Stock orders may be cancelled prior to dispatch for a full refund. Delivered containers may be returned subject to our Return & Refund Policy with applicable return freight and restocking fees. Custom builds in progress may be non-refundable once fabrication has begun. Always review the terms provided with your order.

12 Delivery Methods & Pricing

We offer three delivery methods with transparent, fixed pricing. All methods include 1–3 business days handling before transit begins. Transit times are measured in business days (weekends excluded).

Arrival dates are estimates and not guaranteed. See our Shipping Policy and Delivery Information for full terms.

13 Regulatory & Legal Compliance

14 Maintenance Tips

• Keep the container level to prevent door misalignment and water pooling.
• Place on blocks, a pad, or railroad ties to keep the floor off wet ground.
• Lubricate door hinges and locking bars annually.
• Inspect seals and repaint rust spots promptly to extend lifespan.
• Ensure ventilation to prevent condensation in storage use.

15 Common Uses

Containers are used for on-site storage, workshops, job-site offices, container homes, pools, pop-up retail, farming storage, and disaster relief. Browse our categories to explore options tailored to each application.

16 Need Help?

Our team at CargoVault Containers, LLC can recommend the right container for your project and provide a written, no-obligation quote. Call (912) 231-5533 or email sales@cargovaultcontainers.com, and we will guide you from selection to delivery. We serve all 50 states from our Savannah, GA headquarters.