Where can I buy a storage container? You have five realistic choices: a container dealer, a local reseller, a port or depot sale, an online marketplace, or an auction. For most buyers a dealer that quotes in writing and delivers to your address is the simplest and safest route. Queen Container is one such seller, with new and used containers shipped nationwide.
The five main places to buy
1. Container dealers
Dealers hold stock or source it for you, describe the grade, and arrange delivery. You pay a margin, but you get a clearer paper trail and someone to call if the box is not what you expected. Prices are quote-based because they depend on size, condition and your location.
2. Local resellers and yards
A nearby yard lets you walk around the container before you buy. Selection may be limited, and you will still need a truck to haul it unless the yard delivers.
3. Port and depot sales
Some depots sell retired boxes in volume. This can work if you know how to judge condition, but it is less friendly to first-time buyers.
4. Online marketplaces
Classified listings can be cheap, and they can also be risky. Ask for dated photos, the container number, and a clear explanation of who handles delivery. Never wire money to a seller you cannot verify.
5. Auctions
Auctions occasionally offer bargains, but sales are usually as-is and fees add up. They suit experienced buyers more than beginners.
What a storage container typically costs
As a rough guide, used 20 ft containers often run $1,500 to $4,000, and used 40 ft containers $2,500 to $5,500. New or one-trip units are typically higher, around $3,500 to $6,500 for a 20 ft and $5,000 to $9,000 for a 40 ft. Your local market, the grade, and the season all move these numbers, so treat them as ballpark figures.
Where can I buy a storage container? Checks before you pay
- Ask for photos of the roof, floor and inside corners, where rust and dents hide.
- Confirm the grade, such as cargo-worthy or wind-and-watertight.
- Get delivery cost in writing, since it is commonly $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more over long distances.
- Make sure the doors seal and swing freely.
Also think about your site. A truck needs a level, firm approach and enough turning room, and some cities require a permit for a container on your property.
Pick the right size first
A 10 ft storage container fits tight yards, while a 20 ft suits most homeowners and small businesses. If you need serious volume, a 40 ft high cube offers about 2,700 cubic feet. Lock boxes and ventilation are cheap upgrades worth planning for.
Delivery and site preparation
Once you know where to buy, think about how the box arrives. Most containers come on a tilt-bed trailer that slides the unit off at the back, which needs roughly twice the container length in clear space. Others arrive on a truck with a side loader or crane. Tell the seller about slopes, soft ground, gates and overhead wires, because surprises on delivery day can lead to extra fees or a failed drop.
Level the base with compacted gravel or concrete blocks so rainwater drains away and the doors keep swinging freely. Raising the corners slightly helps prevent rust from standing water.
Next steps
If you are still asking where can i buy a storage container that fits your plans, decide on size and budget, check that your site is ready, then request quotes from two or three sellers and compare the written details line by line. You can browse our storage containers or look at the 20 ft double door container. When you are ready, send your delivery ZIP code through our contact page and ask for a quote on shipping containers for sale.
