Where can I buy shipping containers? You can buy from container dealers, depot resellers, online marketplaces and private sellers, and most buyers do best with a dealer that gives written quotes and delivers. Use the checklist below before you commit. Queen Container sells new and used containers and ships nationwide.
Where can I buy shipping containers? A buyer checklist
Instead of guessing, run each seller through the same short list. A seller who answers clearly is usually a seller you can trust.
- Do they show photos of the exact container you will receive?
- Do they state the grade, such as cargo-worthy or wind-and-watertight?
- Is the quote in writing, with the size, condition and total price?
- Does the price include delivery to your address?
- Do they explain how the unit gets unloaded?
- Can they describe the payment steps and timing?
Choosing a size and type first
Know what you want before you shop, because it shortens every conversation. For general storage, a standard 20 ft dry container is the usual start. Used 20 ft units typically cost about $1,500 to $4,000, and used 40 ft about $2,500 to $5,500, with new or one-trip boxes priced higher.
If you need to load heavy gear from the side, an 20 ft sliding door container may suit you. If you are planning a build, such as an office, our office containers are already set up for work use.
Think about modifications as well. If you plan to add windows, vents or a personnel door, tell the seller up front so they can point you to a suitable unit. Cutting steel weakens the walls, and a container that is already built for your purpose usually costs less than a retrofit. Insulated models, for example, are easier to heat and cool than a bare steel shell.
Check location and delivery
When you ask where can I buy shipping containers near me, the closest seller often wins on total cost, because delivery is priced per loaded mile. Typical rates are $2 to $6 per mile, often $150 to $500 for local drops and $1,000 or more for long trips. A distant bargain can disappear once the truck is added.
Confirm the drop-off needs too. The driver will need a firm, level area and a straight approach, often 100 feet or more for a 40 footer. See our delivery areas for how we handle shipments across the country.
Red flags to avoid
- A price far below every other quote, with no photos.
- Pressure to pay in full before you see a written quote.
- Vague answers about grade or condition.
- No contact details beyond a messaging app.
Also be careful with stock photos. A listing should show the container you are buying, including the doors, the floor and the roof where possible. If something looks different when it arrives, you want your written quote to say exactly what was agreed.
Finally, keep your records. Save the quote, the photos and any messages about condition, so that if the container arrives different from what you agreed, you have clear proof of what was promised.
Next steps
Choose your size, set a delivered budget and send the same questions to two or three sellers. Compare their answers side by side. When you are ready, browse our shipping containers or the whole range of containers for sale, then contact us for a quote based on size, condition and your delivery location.
