Shipping Container Questions -- Answered

Yes -- always. Every quote we provide includes delivery to your California ZIP code. No freight charges added at checkout, no surprise fuel surcharges the day before delivery, no re-delivery fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. Period.

Most orders deliver within 1 to 2 weeks after your order is confirmed. Remote locations -- mountain communities, Central Valley agricultural areas, desert locations -- may take 2 to 3 weeks. We always give you a delivery estimate when you confirm. If you need something faster, call us and we will see what we can do.

Containers are delivered on a tilt-bed truck that needs straight, level clearance to slide the container off. General guidelines:

• 20ft container: 105 to 110 ft of straight clearance from the drop point
• 40ft container: 125 to 130 ft of straight clearance from the drop point

The truck also needs adequate width (about 10 to 12 ft) and overhead clearance -- low-hanging utility lines, trees, or overhangs can block delivery. California properties with tight driveways, especially in older neighborhoods in LA and SF, need careful assessment. Describe your access when you request a quote and we will advise.

Watch how container delivery works: Container Delivery Video

Container prices vary based on size, condition (used WWT vs. one-trip new), and your location in California. Pricing changes with market conditions and inventory availability. We do not publish a static price list because what we quote you is all-in, including delivery to your address -- which varies by location. The best way to get an accurate, current price is to fill out our quote form or give us a call.

We sell containers outright, and we also work with financing partners who offer rent-to-own and lease-to-own programs. These let you spread payments over time and own the container at the end. We do not offer short-term rentals. If you need a container, you are buying it or financing it. Call us and we will walk you through the options that fit your budget.

It depends on your city or county and intended use. Many rural California counties have no permit requirement for temporary storage containers on private property. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego generally require permits for permanent placement or structural use. Temporary containers tied to active construction may be exempt for limited periods. Always check with your local building department first. Read our full California permits guide.

Yes -- California has the best ADU laws in the country for container construction. AB 68 and SB 13 reduced barriers statewide and eliminated impact fees for units under 750 square feet. A single 40ft high cube container provides about 320 sq ft, well under that threshold. Container ADUs must meet the California Building Code, Title 24 energy requirements, and seismic standards. Cities must process ADU permit applications within 60 days. Read our container homes guide.

Shipping containers are extremely strong steel structures that handle seismic events well. For storage use, no special modifications are needed -- the container sits on its corner castings and its own weight provides stability. For habitable container structures, the container must be positively anchored to its foundation using engineered connections designed to resist seismic lateral and uplift forces. A California-licensed structural engineer designs this as part of the building permit process.

Steel containers are inherently non-combustible, which gives them an advantage in fire-prone California. For storage use, containers offer excellent protection for contents during wildfire events. For habitable structures in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones, additional fire-rated construction standards apply -- including ember-resistant vents, Class A roofing, and 100 feet of defensible space. The steel shell itself meets non-combustible exterior wall requirements naturally.

Bare steel containers get very hot in California's sun -- interior temperatures can exceed 130F in the Central Valley and desert areas during summer. For storage use, ventilation helps significantly. Turbine vents on the roof pull hot air out naturally. A reflective roof coating reduces heat absorption.

For habitable space, proper insulation is non-negotiable. Closed-cell spray foam combined with a radiant barrier is the most effective approach for California's heat-dominated climate. Title 24 energy code requirements must be met for any container converted to living or working space. Read our California insulation guide.

Yes. We deliver to farm properties, ranches, and rural addresses throughout California -- the Central Valley, Sierra foothills, desert communities, North Coast, and everywhere in between. If you have unpaved road access or the container needs to be placed in a field, let us know the road conditions and we will coordinate appropriately. The delivery truck needs a reasonably firm surface to extend the tilt-bed and slide the container off safely.

WWT stands for Wind and Water Tight. It is an inspection certification confirming the container's doors seal properly, there are no holes or significant gaps, and the structure is sound enough to keep weather out. All of our used containers are WWT certified before delivery. Surface rust, paint wear, and minor cosmetic dents are normal for used containers, but the interior stays dry.

A one-trip container has made exactly one ocean crossing and is essentially like new. Floors are clean, paint is mostly intact, and everything looks nearly brand new. One-trip units cost more but are worth considering for conversion projects (offices, ADUs, etc.), sensitive storage, or if you want the best-looking container on your property.

We offer 20ft standard containers (20' x 8' x 8.5'), 40ft standard containers (40' x 8' x 8.5'), and 40ft high cube containers (40' x 8' x 9.5'). We also offer modified containers and refrigerated reefer units in both 20ft and 40ft sizes.

Size	Interior (L x W x H)	Capacity	Empty Weight
20ft Standard	19'4" x 7'8" x 7'10"	1,170 cu ft	~5,070 lbs
40ft Standard	39'5" x 7'8" x 7'10"	2,350 cu ft	~8,380 lbs
40ft High Cube	39'5" x 7'8" x 8'10"	2,694 cu ft	~8,775 lbs

We can source containers with man doors, roll-up garage doors, windows, vents, skylights, electrical wiring and panel, LED lighting, insulation, spray foam, HVAC / climate control, shelving, workbench, exterior painting, and more. Insulation is especially important in California's warm climate. Spray foam insulation with a radiant barrier is the most popular choice for California containers because it blocks heat gain and prevents condensation on the steel walls. Describe what you need and we will discuss what is available.

For temporary storage, level compacted ground or gravel works fine. For permanent placement, common options in California include:

• Railroad ties or treated timber (budget-friendly, works on most soil)
• Concrete blocks at the four corners (solid, affordable)
• Gravel pad (good drainage, prevents moisture pooling)
• Poured concrete slab (best for conversions and permanent structures)

California's frost depth is only 12 to 18 inches in most areas, which keeps foundation costs lower than cold-climate states. For container homes and ADUs, a California-licensed engineer must design the foundation to meet seismic requirements. In areas with expansive clay soils (common in parts of LA County and the Central Valley), a grade beam foundation may be needed.

Yes. At minimum, make sure the placement area is level and firm. Clear any debris, rocks, or vegetation. The delivery truck needs straight access (105 to 130 ft depending on container size) and overhead clearance for power lines and trees. If you are placing on a slope, you may need to grade the area first. Send us photos of your site when you request a quote and we will tell you if any prep is needed.

Red flags to watch for: prices that seem too good to be true, sellers who will not let you see the container before buying, requests for payment through wire transfer or cryptocurrency only, no physical business address, and pressure to buy immediately. Buy from a local dealer who can show you inventory or provide verified photos. Ask for references. A legitimate seller will answer your questions, provide a real phone number, and not rush you. We are a California-based operation and happy to answer any questions before you commit.

Very secure. Shipping containers are made from 14-gauge Corten steel, which is extremely difficult to cut through. The weakest point is the lock. Skip the standard padlock and use a hidden shackle lock (also called a hockey puck lock) with a lockbox welded to the door. A lockbox is a steel housing that covers the lock so it cannot be cut with bolt cutters. Many of our containers come with lockboxes already installed.

The list is long. Common uses in California include:

• Construction job-site storage
• Farm and ranch equipment storage
• Extra garage or workshop space
• ADU and container home conversions
• Entertainment industry prop and equipment storage
• Retail pop-up shops
• Restaurant walk-in coolers (reefer units)
• Home renovation temporary storage
• Wine and beverage storage
• Vehicle and equipment storage

A standard 20ft container gives you about 1,170 cubic feet of lockable, weatherproof space. See our modified containers page for conversion options.