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Buyers guide: how to order a shipping container

New to buying containers? This guide walks you through it in six steps — choosing the right size and grade, prepping your site, and getting free tilt-bed delivery anywhere in the continental US.

  1. 01

    Choose your container size

    Start with how much space you need. A 10ft unit suits tight sites and light storage; a 20ft (about 160 sq ft) is the workhorse for jobsite and household storage; a 40ft (about 320 sq ft) carries large inventory or forms the shell of a home or office. Need extra headroom? Choose a high-cube, which adds a foot of interior height. We also stock 30ft and 45ft units.

    Browse containers →
  2. 02

    Pick the right grade

    Match the grade to the job. One-Trip (New) for a near-showroom finish and customer-facing builds. Cargo Worthy (CWO) for export-certified, structurally sound units. Wind & Water Tight (WWT) for sealed, weatherproof storage at a lower cost. As-Is for the most economical option. Every grade ships under our 5-Point Condition Guarantee.

  3. 03

    Add specialty or custom options

    Beyond standard boxes we carry refrigerated (reefer), open-top, flat-rack and flat-pack containers, plus container homes, offices and pools. Our fabrication team can add doors, windows, HVAC, insulation, electrical and custom paint. Tell us what you are building and we will quote a turnkey unit.

    See container homes & offices →
  4. 04

    Confirm delivery & site access

    Freight is free across the continental US on a tilt-bed truck that sets the container in place — no crane needed. Make sure you have a firm, level spot and clear straight-line access: about 60ft of run for a 20ft container, 100ft for a 40ft. If access is tight, let us know and we will arrange crane placement.

    Delivery details →
  5. 05

    Place your order & pay securely

    Order online, by phone or by email. Pay with any major card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay. For large or multi-unit orders we accept bank wire and ACH, and financing is available on request. All prices are in USD, delivered.

    Payment options →
  6. 06

    Prepare your site & take delivery

    Before the truck arrives, lay a firm, level base — gravel pads, concrete piers or railroad ties under each corner casting keep the unit level and draining. Check whether your city or county requires a permit for permanent placement. On delivery day we set the container, you inspect it against the 5-Point Condition Guarantee, and you are done.

    Site prep FAQ →
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Frequently asked questions

How do I know which size to buy? +
A 20ft container (about 160 sq ft) holds the contents of a two- to three-bedroom home or a busy jobsite; a 40ft (about 320 sq ft) doubles that. If you need headroom for a build or tall equipment, step up to a high-cube. Not sure? Call us with your load and we will recommend a size.
What is the difference between the container grades? +
One-Trip (New) has made a single voyage and looks near-new. Cargo Worthy (CWO) is certified for export shipping. Wind & Water Tight (WWT) is sealed against the elements for storage. As-Is is our most economical, sold in current condition. All grades carry our 5-Point Condition Guarantee.
Is delivery really free? +
Yes. We include tilt-bed freight across the continental United States on every container, so the delivered price is the price you see. Crane or forklift placement for tight sites is available for an additional fee.
Do I need a permit or special site prep? +
For temporary storage, most areas need no permit. Permanent placements, homes and offices usually require zoning or building approval — check with your local jurisdiction. For site prep, a firm, level base such as a gravel pad or concrete piers under the corner castings is all most containers need.
Can I pay by wire or finance the purchase? +
Yes. Alongside major cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay, we accept bank wire and ACH for large orders, and financing is available on request. Contact sales@llcontainers.com or call +1 (888) 555-0142.

Prefer to order over the phone?

Call our sales line Mon – Fri, 8AM to 6PM and Sat 9AM to 2PM, and we will help you pick the right container and place the order.

+1 (888) 555-0142

Need a quote or a custom build?

For volume pricing, financing, or a custom-modified container, home or office — email our sales team and we will reply within one business day.

sales@llcontainers.com

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