Frequently Asked Questions
For detailed shipping container dimensions across all available sizes, please refer to our Container Dimensions page.
The primary distinction between a Cargo Worthy (CWO) and Wind and Water Tight (WWT) container lies in their ability to pass a CSC Survey and be securely placed at the bottom of a stack of seven loaded containers for shipment on a cargo ship. Both CWO and WWT containers typically exhibit similar characteristics, such as surface rust, dings, and dents.
Regardless of whether you purchase a WWT or CWO container, it will resemble a typical used metal shipping container. WWT containers may be more prone to cosmetic issues due to their age, but all WWT containers can be restored to CWO status.
In either case, we guarantee that your shipping container will be leak-free, have properly sealing doors, and feature floors devoid of holes. If aesthetics are a concern, pressure washing and painting used containers can greatly improve their appearance.
One Trip containers, on the other hand, are essentially Cargo-Worthy containers that have been manufactured within the last 1-2 calendar years. They typically exhibit minimal cosmetic issues, such as a few dings, dents, or scraped paint resulting from stacking, but are otherwise in excellent condition.
Chicken use are pressed removed.
We do not facilitate the sale of refrigerated containers due to the irregularity and restricted availability of our used inventory. For customers in need of reefer containers, we recommend visiting ReeferContainerPros.com.
We do not provide 48' and 53' containers for sale or rent due to the challenges associated with managing their delivery and our limited inventory availability.
Used container pricing is driven mainly by local supply, and 40' shipping containers are a far more common size than 20' shipping containers. Because containers are a byproduct of shipping, the containers that move the most cargo tend to be the most widely used. So 40' shipping containers (standard and high cube) are the most common used container length and tend to be less expensive per square foot than 20' shipping containers. Depending on supply, sometimes used 40' shipping containers can even be the same price or lower in cost than 20' shipping containers (however, usually 20' shipping containers are a few hundred dollars cheaper than 40' shipping containers).
Shipping companies typically avoid using 10' shipping containers due to their limited cargo capacity. These containers are more commonly utilized for custom projects or incorporated into storage container rental fleets.
Uneven door frames pose the primary challenge with container doors. If the ground beneath the door frame is uneven, or if the container is loaded unevenly or placed on a surface causing bending or twisting, the doors may not operate smoothly. Container doors are designed to function optimally when the container is squarely positioned on a chassis.
Over time, spanning 20' or 40', a container may undergo enough twisting for the door frame to become misaligned. Placing wood blocks under the door frame at the corner posts is the most effective preemptive solution. Additionally, applying an industrial lubricant to the hinges and operating the doors back and forth for a few minutes can help loosen them up.
As intermodal depots are bustling hubs primarily dedicated to cargo operations, most of the containers stacked there are actively utilized for shipping purposes. When you purchase a used shipping container from our company, we serve as a broker, directly sourcing containers from global intermodal equipment providers. While we cannot accommodate customer requests for specific colors when it comes to used containers, we do offer beige and grey color options for One Trip containers. Additionally, for orders involving multiple units, we can typically ensure matching units upon request, subject to availability.
Customers reserve the right to refuse delivery if the container fails to meet the specified criteria agreed upon at the time of purchase. Our objective is to provide customers with a transparent understanding of their purchase upfront. We encourage customers to review our sample photos and familiarize themselves with the purchasing process before buying a container for the first time. In instances where the container is rejected due to the inability of the truck to safely drop it at the desired location, the customer will be liable for trucking charges along with a restocking fee of 15%, if applicable.
Neither you nor Western Container Sales desires a rejected delivery. We urge customers to thoroughly explore our container gallery and gain a comprehensive understanding of their purchase before making a decision. If uncertainties persist even after reviewing all available information on our website, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always eager to assist.
Limitations Due to Intermodal Depot Operations
Due to the nature of intermodal depot operations, we cannot provide photos or ensure the selection of a specific unit. These depots primarily store empty shipping containers for shipping lines and intermodal equipment providers. When placing an order for our customers, we select the next available container off the stack that meets their specified criteria.
Our shipping containers originate directly from the intermodal depot. However, due to the high activity levels at these depots, customers cannot choose from a wide range of container options. Furthermore, not every container in the stack is available for sale; the majority are still in use for cargo purposes (over 95% of containers at depots are not for sale).
Unfortunately, this means that we cannot accommodate customer requests to pick a specific container. Nevertheless, we guarantee the quality of every container we sell and strive to provide realistic expectations regarding their appearance.
Similar to One Trip containers, used containers typically have their doors closed with minimal air circulation for the majority of their existence. Consequently, it's not unusual for a container to retain a lingering odor. This odor can usually be alleviated by opening the doors and allowing the container to air out. Additionally, industrial-strength odor neutralizers, readily available at most hardware stores, can be effective in addressing any persistent odors. If you've ever been inside a semi-trailer, the smell of your container will likely resemble that of the interior of a semi-trailer.
Many of our competitors employ grading systems such as "A Grade," but we find this terminology to be somewhat misleading. When you contact major national rental companies and they offer you an "A Grade" container, it typically indicates a container that is wind and water tight and may or may not have been repainted since their acquisition. Alternatively, it might exhibit less rust than what one might typically find on an average Wind and Water Tight (WWT) grade unit. However, it's crucial to recognize that this grading system is largely subjective, and there is significant variability in what different entities consider to be "A Grade" containers across the country. Therefore, when you hear "A Grade," you can safely interpret it as indicating a container in WWT condition.
Exporting a container entails a more intricate process compared to purchasing one. We strongly advise all customers intending to use their container for export to collaborate with a freight forwarder beforehand. It's recommended to reach out to us to buy the container approximately a week or two before you plan to pick it up. Additionally, we suggest having your freight forwarder manage all trucking arrangements.
Since we offer ground-level delivery and cannot transport loaded containers, you'll likely require a crane to load your container onto the chassis when the truck arrives for pickup. Alternatively, a simpler approach is to work with your freight forwarder to arrange for a hauler to drop the container onto a chassis, eliminating the need for a crane to load it onto the trailer later.
For customers purchasing a shipping container for export purposes, we offer the option to include a CSC Survey with your purchase. Please note that surveys add 3-5 business days to the standard timeline. We are pleased to provide a Cargo Worthy (CWO) container and can coordinate a CSC survey at the depot before your hauler collects the container. Learn more about CSC surveys.
We do not move loaded containers under any circumstance. If you need moving services, we suggest calling companies like PODS.
We exclusively handle the transportation of containers that have been sold or rented through our company. If you require the relocation of an existing container that was not purchased or rented from us, we advise consulting with a local heavy haul company or a heavy-duty wrecking/towing company for assistance.
Our delivery trucks require 120 linear feet of space to deliver 40 and 45-foot containers, while 10 and 20-foot containers necessitate 75 linear feet. Both truck types require clearance from obstacles measuring 12 feet wide and 13.5 feet high during transportation (up to 16 feet high when tipped at delivery). For additional information, please refer to our Delivery Info section.
Please refer to our Delivery Info section for an overview and detailed information about the delivery process. Ensuring adequate space for the truck to drop the container is paramount. For 20 and 10-foot containers, 75 linear feet of space is required, while 40 and 45-foot containers necessitate 120 linear feet. If a 20-foot container is delivered on a semi-truck (for example, when multiple 20-foot containers are delivered on the same truck), additional space must be accounted for.
If delivery is rejected due to the driver being unable to safely back into the location, the customer will be charged for trucking, along with a restocking fee of 15%. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that you have sufficient space at your location.
Additionally, the delivery location must be level. You can achieve this by laying concrete, gravel, or using railroad ties or blocks capable of supporting the container. A good practice is to place a railroad tie or block under each end of the container, with additional blocks every 10 feet or so, depending on your surface area. A level surface is crucial for ensuring that the doors align properly, so having blocks in place is advisable. Please note that Western Container Sales does not provide blocks, so it's essential to have your site ready at the time of delivery.
We are pleased to offer assistance in loading your truck at the depot, provided you have the appropriate equipment to safely transport a shipping container. If you do not possess a truck capable of safely hauling a container, we can assist you with delivery arrangements. Upon purchase, we will furnish you with a release number and pick-up information. Subsequently, you can proceed to the intermodal depot on the designated release date and have the container loaded onto your truck.
It's important to note that while at the intermodal depot, you are required to adhere to all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules. Western Container Sales cannot be held liable for any issues arising during transport.
We prioritize the security of your online transactions. All payment processing is conducted on secure third-party platforms such as Stripe, Bread, or Shopify's Payment Gateway. For credit card transactions within the Shopify portal, payments are processed by Shopify Payments, powered by Stripe. These third-party platforms are renowned industry leaders in eCommerce transactions, trusted by prominent companies like Pinterest and Lyft for online payment processing.
In addition to utilizing trusted third-party payment processors, our website is validated with high-level SSL encryption to safeguard your information. As Western Container Sales does not retain complete credit card or payment method details (only enough to identify your transaction), your sensitive information remains protected. Our objective is to uphold a stringent standard of transaction security for all our customers.
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We collaborate with partners to provide financing options for shipping container purchases, catering to both businesses and individuals. For individuals, we've teamed up with Bread to offer financing with rates as low as 0%. Simply select Bread as your payment option at checkout, and you'll be redirected to their website to finalize your purchase.
For businesses, we've established a partnership with CIT to extend container financing options, allowing companies to spread their shipping container purchase payments over time. You can initiate the business credit application process with CIT by completing their form. Additionally, we offer payment terms to qualified businesses. To pay with a purchase order, please complete our payment terms credit application.
We provide a 5% volume discount for multi-unit orders, which is automatically calculated at checkout. For customers planning to purchase more than 10 shipping containers at once, we can offer even deeper discounts. If you're interested in pricing for a large volume order, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us..
The application of sales tax depends on the delivery location. Western Container Sales primarily acts as a broker, facilitating the purchase of shipping containers from international logistics providers with equipment in local intermodal depots. Currently, we charge sales tax in approximately half of the markets we serve, although this is subject to change at any time.
If the buyer is tax-exempt, we do not impose sales tax (provided a valid tax-exempt form is submitted to Western Container Sales before the purchase). Please contact us if you believe your purchase qualifies for tax exemption. It's important to note that Agriculture Exemptions are not applicable, and a valid sales tax exemption certificate must be provided. We strive to adhere to local and national tax laws, but please be aware that this policy may change.