People searching for can container usually mean a steel shipping container or storage container, the large metal box that moves freight and doubles as secure storage. Others are after a food can or a small metal bin, but if you want the big steel kind, Queen Container sells new and used units and ships nationwide.
What a can container usually refers to
The phrase is vague, so it helps to sort out the likely meanings. Some people type it when they mean a container for cans, such as a recycling bin. Most of the time, though, the search is a shorthand or typo for a steel intermodal container. You may also hear them called conex boxes, a name that comes from the US military CONEX box, or simply sea cans. In Canada and some other places, sea can is a common nickname, and that is probably where the can container wording comes from.
Standard sizes to know
| Size | Interior volume | Empty weight |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | Compact, smaller than a 20 ft | Light enough for small trucks |
| 20 ft | About 1,170 cubic feet | About 5,000 lb |
| 40 ft | About 2,390 cubic feet | About 8,000 lb |
| 40 ft high cube | About 2,700 cubic feet | Similar to a 40 ft |
A 20 ft box is 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet tall, and the high cube stands about 9.5 feet. A 45 ft model also exists for buyers who need extra length.
Common uses
- Backyard, farm or job-site storage
- Workshops, offices and event spaces
- Insulated or refrigerated storage for temperature-sensitive goods
- Container homes and cabins
Steel construction makes them strong, stackable and hard to break into, which is why they work so well for tools, equipment and inventory.
What does a can container cost?
Used 20 ft containers typically run $1,500 to $4,000, and used 40 ft containers $2,500 to $5,500. New or one-trip units are more often $3,500 to $6,500 for a 20 ft and $5,000 to $9,000 for a 40 ft. These are general market ranges, and your price will vary with grade, condition and location. Delivery commonly adds about $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more over long distances.
Grades in plain terms
Cargo-worthy containers are certified for ocean shipping and are usually the sturdier choice. Wind-and-watertight units are sound for storage but may show more wear. For plain storage, either can work well if the roof and doors are in good shape.
Whichever source you choose, confirm the size before you pay. A mix-up between a standard and a high cube box, or between 20 ft and 40 ft, is the most common mistake and the easiest to avoid with a written spec.
Where to buy one
Look for a dealer that shows photos of the actual unit, states the grade and gives a written delivered quote. Queen Container offers a range of sizes, from compact boxes to full-size units. Our 10 ft storage container suits tight spaces, while a 20 ft double door container handles bigger loads. Not sure where you are covered? Check the delivery areas.
Next steps
Decide what you will use the box for, pick a size and measure your delivery spot. Then browse our storage containers and contact us for a quote. If you still wonder whether a can container is what you need, tell us what you plan to store and we can point you to the right size among our shipping containers for sale.
