Shipping Container Questions: Answered

Delivery timing depends on location, payment, weather, container availability and site access. Container One's Delivery/Dispatch department schedules the date after payment is received and the site is reviewed. The written quote lists the charges.

Delivery timing depends on location, payment, weather, container availability and site access. Rural locations, the Eastern Plains, the Western Slope and mountain areas may require additional scheduling time depending on road access.

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

• 20ft container: 110 feet of straight, unobstructed clearance, at least 15 feet of height for driving clearance, 22 feet of height along the entire unloading path, and at least 10 feet of width
• 40ft container: 130 feet of straight, unobstructed clearance, at least 15 feet of height for driving clearance, 22 feet of height along the entire unloading path, and at least 10 feet of width

If you're unsure about your site, describe your access road and driveway when you request a quote so it can be reviewed before a delivery date is scheduled.

Watch how container delivery works: ▶ Container Delivery Video

Container prices vary based on size, grade and your location in Colorado. Pricing changes with market conditions and inventory availability. For an accurate, current price, fill out the quote form or call.

Yes. One-trip containers cost more because they've only made a single ocean voyage and are in essentially like-new condition: minimal surface rust, pristine floors, tight seals. Used WWT containers are inspected and certified to be wind and water tight, but will show cosmetic wear: surface rust, paint chips, minor dents from years of use. The selected grade should match the storage conditions and use case.

We sell containers outright, and we also work with financing partners who offer rent-to-own programs. These let you spread payments over time and own the container at the end. We sell containers and do not rent them. Compare purchase and rent-to-own costs in our rent vs buy guide. Call us and we'll walk you through the options available for your situation.

The City and County of Denver may require a permit for storage containers placed on a property longer than a short temporary period, or when used as an accessory structure. For permanent placement or any kind of structural use, contact Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) at 720-865-2705 or check the Denver zoning code online. Read our full Colorado permits guide.

In Colorado Springs, permit requirements depend on your zoning district and intended use. Long-term storage or any structural use may require a permit from the Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development department. Properties outside city limits in El Paso County fall under county regulations. Check with your local building department first.

Yes, when the road access allows it. The key factors are road grade, road width for the tilt-bed trailer to maneuver, and weight limits on any bridges or unpaved roads. Share your address and access details when requesting a quote so the logistics can be assessed.

Yes, when the road access allows it. A standard container has no powered equipment, so elevation does not affect it. Refrigerated units are the exception, because lower air density at altitude can affect refrigeration unit performance. The main considerations for delivery are road access (width, grade, surface condition), seasonal road closures, and any weight restrictions. Share your specifics so the logistics can be reviewed.

Shipping containers are built for ocean freight, which exposes them to salt air, humidity, freezing temperatures, and wave impacts. A container graded Wind and Water Tight is inspected and certified to keep wind and water out.

One thing to know about: condensation. Containers can develop interior condensation, sometimes called "container rain," during rapid temperature changes or in humid conditions. This happens when warm moist air meets the cold steel walls. Ventilation helps. You can add passive vents, turbine vents on the roof, or use desiccant packs inside for extra moisture control. If you're storing anything moisture-sensitive long-term, add roof vents.

Maintenance is light. Inspect the door seals once or twice a year, touch up any rust spots with a rust-inhibiting paint, and keep debris off the roof. A repaint helps with appearance and UV protection but is not strictly required.

Yes, when the road access allows it. Delivery to a ranch property, farm, or rural address on the Eastern Plains, in the San Luis Valley, or on the Western Slope depends on the road conditions. If you have unpaved road access or the container needs to be placed in a field or pasture, describe the road conditions when you request a quote. 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's an inspection certification that confirms the container's doors seal properly, there are no holes or significant gaps, and the structure is sound enough to keep weather out. Certification depends on the grade selected. Review the condition guide and ask which certification applies to the quoted unit. You can expect surface rust, paint wear, and minor cosmetic dents (that's normal for a container that's been in commercial shipping service).

A one-trip container has made exactly one ocean crossing carrying cargo and is essentially like new. You'll see minimal surface marks from that single voyage, but floors are clean, paint is mostly intact, and everything looks nearly brand new. One-trip units cost more but are worth considering if you're doing a conversion project (office, cabin, etc.), want a clean interior for sensitive storage, or want a container that looks new.

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 (custom doors, windows, HVAC, electrical, etc.) and refrigerated reefer units in both 20ft and 40ft sizes.

Interior dimensions, capacity, and weight:

Size	Interior (L x W x H)	Capacity	Empty Weight
20ft Standard	19'4" x 7'9" x 7'10"	1,170 cu ft	~5,070 lbs
40ft Standard	39'5" x 7'9" x 7'10"	2,350 cu ft	~8,380 lbs
40ft High Cube	39'5" x 7'9" x 8'10"	2,694 cu ft	~8,775 lbs

A 40ft high cube is exactly one foot taller than a standard 40ft: 9 feet 6 inches tall outside versus 8 feet 6 inches, with about 8 feet 10 inches of interior height versus about 7 feet 10 inches. That extra foot gives more headroom for taller equipment (ATVs, work trucks, scaffolding) and for cabin or office conversions.

It fits when the delivery truck has the clearance it needs. A 20ft container is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. You'll need 110 feet of straight, unobstructed space, at least 15 feet of driving clearance, 22 feet of clear height along the unloading path, and 10 feet of width. If your driveway is tight, send a photo or description with your quote request so it can be reviewed before a delivery date is scheduled.

A wide range of modifications can be requested: 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. Fully built-out office containers, bunkhouse containers, and custom cabin conversions are all possible. Describe what you need, and a Container One sales representative will discuss what is available.

Reefer containers have an integrated refrigeration unit built into one end. They're plugged into a 460V 3-phase electrical supply (standard in commercial applications) and can maintain temperatures from -25°F to +70°F. The refrigeration unit can be run continuously or cycled. For properties without 3-phase power, they can be run from a compatible generator.

You don't always need a formal foundation. For temporary storage, level compacted ground or gravel works fine. For permanent placement, options in Colorado include:

• Railroad ties or treated timber
• Concrete blocks at the four corners (solid)
• Gravel pad (good drainage, prevents mud)
• Poured concrete slab (suited to conversions and permanent structures)

If you're going permanent, check your local frost depth requirement. The ground needs to be level.

Gravel drains well, stays firm, and keeps the container off wet ground. Dirt or grass works for temporary placement, but moisture can pool under the container over time and promote rust on the bottom rails. If you're placing on dirt or grass long-term, consider putting down a layer of crushed gravel or railroad ties to keep air flowing underneath. Concrete is a permanent option but costs more.

Yes. At minimum, make sure the placement area is level and firm. Clear any debris, rocks, or vegetation. The delivery truck needs 110 feet of straight, unobstructed space for a 20ft and 130 feet for a 40ft, with at least 15 feet of height for driving, 22 feet of height along the unloading path, and 10 feet of width. If you're placing on a slope, you may need to grade the area first. Send photos of your site when you request a quote so any needed prep can be identified.

Check these key areas:

• Doors: should open and close smoothly, gaskets should seal tight
• Floor: look for soft spots, holes, or water damage in the marine plywood
• Roof: walk alongside and look for dents, holes, or patches
• Walls: check interior for light leaks, which means holes
• Corner castings: should be solid, not cracked

Surface rust is normal and cosmetic. Deep rust, holes, or a floor that flexes when you walk on it are red flags.

Red flags to watch for: prices that seem too good to be true, requests for payment through wire transfer or cryptocurrency only, no verifiable business identity or contact route, and pressure to buy immediately. Buy from an established seller who can provide verified photos of the unit. Ask for references.

Shipping containers are made from 14-gauge Corten steel. 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 and shields it from bolt cutters. For high-security needs, you can add crossbar locks or electronic locks.

Yes. We work with financing partners who offer rent-to-own and traditional financing for container purchases. You don't need to pay the full amount upfront. Call or fill out the quote form to ask about financing options.

Uses include:

• On-site storage for contractors and construction crews
• Farm and ranch equipment storage
• Extra garage or workshop space
• Job-site offices
• Hunting cabins on the Western Slope
• Retail pop-up shops
• Restaurant walk-in coolers (reefer units)
• Home renovation temporary storage
• Vehicle and ATV storage
• Full container home conversions

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