The Best Intermodal Containers for Sale Right Now
Why Intermodal Containers for Sale Are the Smartest Storage Investment Right Now
Intermodal containers for sale are available in three standard sizes — 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft — and can be purchased new (one-trip) or used, in grades ranging from Wind & Water Tight (WWT) to Cargo Worthy (CWO).
Quick answer — what you need to know:
| Size | Best For | Condition Options |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft | Tight spaces, small storage needs | One-Trip, WWT |
| 20ft | Job sites, business storage | One-Trip, CWO, WWT |
| 40ft | Large equipment, bulk inventory | One-Trip, CWO, WWT |
| 40ft High Cube | Tall cargo, office conversions | One-Trip, CWO |
These steel boxes are built to ISO standards, which means they stack, ship by truck or rail, and hold up in almost any weather. That’s why they’ve become a go-to solution for construction managers, small businesses, and anyone who needs secure, flexible storage.
Nearly 90% of the world’s goods travel inside shipping containers. That track record of durability and security is exactly why so many businesses are repurposing them for on-site storage, mobile offices, and even modular buildings.
But with so many grades, sizes, and sellers out there, choosing the right container — and the right source — can feel overwhelming. That’s what this guide is for.
I’m Steve Hyndman, Vice President of Aztec Container, and I’ve spent over 30 years helping businesses find the right intermodal containers for sale — from standard used units to fully customized office containers. In the sections below, I’ll walk you through everything you need to make a confident purchase.
Intermodal containers for sale word list:
Understanding Intermodal Containers for Sale
When people talk about intermodal containers for sale, they are referring to the industrial-strength steel boxes that form the backbone of global trade. The term “intermodal” is key — it means these units are designed to move seamlessly between different modes of transport, such as ships, trains, and trucks, without the need to unload the cargo inside.
What makes them so tough? It starts with the material. Most high-quality containers are constructed from Corten steel, also known as weathering steel. This material is designed to develop a protective layer of rust that actually prevents deeper corrosion, allowing these units to survive the salty, harsh environments of the open ocean for decades.
To ensure they can be used anywhere in the world, these containers must adhere to ISO 668 Standards. These international regulations dictate the exact dimensions and structural requirements for every unit. This standardization is why we can stack them like giant LEGO bricks on a ship or a job site.
Every certified intermodal container features a CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate. Think of this as the container’s passport. It lists critical data, including the date of manufacture, weight capacity, and safety certifications. If you are looking to ship a container overseas, a valid CSC plate is mandatory. For storage use, it’s a hallmark of structural integrity.
Security is another major factor. These containers are essentially steel vaults. With heavy-duty locking bars and the option to add specialized lock boxes to protect against bolt cutters, they offer a level of security that traditional wooden sheds or plastic storage units simply can’t match.
Standard Sizes and Specialized Configurations
Choosing the right size is the first big decision you’ll make. While the industry is vast, most of our customers in states like Arizona, California, and Texas find that three primary sizes meet almost every need.
| Feature | 10ft Container | 20ft Container | 40ft Container | 40ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External Length | 10′ | 20′ | 40′ | 40′ |
| External Width | 8′ | 8′ | 8′ | 8′ |
| External Height | 8’6″ | 8’6″ | 8’6″ | 9’6″ |
| Internal Volume | ~560 cu ft | ~1,170 cu ft | ~2,390 cu ft | ~2,700 cu ft |
| Max Payload | ~20,000 lbs | ~55,000 lbs | ~58,000 lbs | ~63,000 lbs |
The 10ft Unit
The 10ft container is the “compact car” of the storage world. It’s perfect for tight urban spaces, residential driveways, or small construction sites where space is at a premium. Because 10ft units aren’t a standard shipping size for ocean freight, they are often “cut-down” from larger units or specially manufactured as one-trip units.
The 20ft Standard
This is the industry workhorse. In the shipping world, it’s known as one TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). It’s large enough to hold the contents of a one- to two-bedroom apartment or a significant amount of job-site equipment, yet small enough to be delivered easily to most locations.
The 40ft Standard and High Cube
If you have serious storage needs, the 40ft unit is the way to go. The “Standard” version is 8.5 feet tall, while the “High Cube” (HC) version gives you an extra foot of vertical space, bringing the height to 9.5 feet. That extra foot is a game-changer if you’re storing tall machinery or planning an office conversion where you need space for ceiling fans or recessed lighting.
Choosing the Right Intermodal Containers for Sale
When deciding between sizes, we always tell our clients to look at two things: what you’re storing and where it’s going.
If you are storing heavy, dense materials like tiles or engine parts, a 20ft unit is often better because it’s easier to maneuver. If you have bulky but lighter items — like furniture or seasonal retail inventory — the 40ft High Cube offers the best value per cubic foot.
For those needing specialized access, we offer 10ft walk-in door options that make it easy to use the unit as a small tool shed. For larger projects, 40ft roll-up door units allow for quick access across the entire length of the container.
Custom Modifications for Intermodal Containers for Sale
One of the most exciting things about intermodal containers for sale is their versatility. We don’t just sell boxes; we create solutions. Our fabrication team can transform a standard steel container into a fully functional workspace or specialized storage unit.
Common modifications include:
- Personnel Doors & Windows: Adding standard entry doors or dual-pane windows makes the container feel less like a box and more like a building.
- HVAC Systems: Essential for our customers in Nevada and Arizona, we can install wall-mounted AC and heating units to keep the interior comfortable. (Note: We use high-quality fiberglass or mineral wool insulation, never foam).
- Electrical & Lighting: We can wire your unit with outlets, overhead LED lighting, and breaker panels, so it’s ready to plug in and work.
- Specialized Storage: For businesses dealing with perishables, refrigerated units (often called “reefers”) can maintain temperatures as low as -20°F.
- Mobile Offices: Our 20ft office configurations are popular for construction sites, providing a secure, air-conditioned space for managers to review blueprints and hold meetings.
Condition Grades and Quality Standards
When browsing intermodal containers for sale, you’ll encounter several “grades.” Understanding these is crucial because they directly impact the container’s appearance and lifespan.
One-Trip Containers
These are as close to “new” as you can get. They are manufactured in Asia, loaded with a single cargo shipment to the United States, and then sold. They have minimal wear and tear, though you might find a few small scratches or “shunting” marks from the shipping process. If aesthetics are your top priority, go with a One-Trip.
Cargo Worthy (CWO)
A Cargo Worthy container has spent several years in the shipping fleet but has been inspected and certified as safe for international transport. These units will have some dents and surface rust, but they are structurally sound. We ensure these units meet IICL Standards, which are the most rigorous repair criteria in the industry.
Wind & Water Tight (WWT)
WWT is the most economical grade for storage. These units are no longer certified for overseas shipping, but they are guaranteed to be leak-free. The doors will seal properly, and the floors will be solid. They will have more cosmetic imperfections than CWO units, but for basic backyard or warehouse storage, they are a fantastic value.
Inspecting Used Intermodal Containers for Sale
If you’re buying used, there are a few things we always check (and you should too):
- The Floor: Most containers have marine-grade plywood floors. We check for soft spots or excessive staining.
- The Seals: The rubber gaskets around the doors are what keep the rain out. We ensure they are supple and intact.
- The Roof: We do a “light test.” We step inside, close the doors, and look for any pinpricks of light that might indicate a hole.
- Door Functionality: We make sure the locking bars engage smoothly. This is especially important for 40ft cargo door units where the large doors can be heavy to move if the frame isn’t level.
Delivery Logistics and Site Preparation
Getting your container delivered is the final piece of the puzzle. At Aztec Container, we handle the heavy lifting, but we need your help to ensure the site is ready.
We typically use roll-off trailers for delivery. This means the truck backs into position, tilts the trailer, and the container slides off the back as the truck pulls forward. Because of this, we don’t need a crane or a forklift on your site.
Space Requirements
- For a 20ft Container: You need at least 60 feet of straight-line clearance.
- For a 40ft Container: You need at least 100 feet of straight-line clearance.
- Width & Height: You’ll need about 12 feet of width and 14 to 16 feet of vertical clearance to account for the truck tilting the container.
Site Preparation
The most important thing you can do is provide a firm, level surface.
- Surface: Asphalt, concrete, or compacted gravel are ideal. If you’re placing it on dirt, be aware that the container (which weighs several thousand pounds) may sink if the ground gets wet.
- Leveling: If the site isn’t perfectly level, the container frame can twist slightly, making the doors difficult to open. We recommend having some pressure-treated wood blocks or “railroad ties” on hand to shim the corners.
- Timeline: We pride ourselves on fast delivery, typically getting units to our customers in Arizona, California, and our other service states within 3 to 7 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do intermodal containers last?
With basic maintenance, a new (One-Trip) container can easily last 25 to 40 years. Even a used WWT container can provide 20+ years of reliable service if you keep it off the bare ground (to prevent floor rot) and touch up any deep scratches with rust-inhibitive paint.
Do I need a permit for a shipping container?
This depends entirely on your local zoning laws. In many rural parts of Texas or Montana, you won’t need a permit for a temporary storage unit. However, in residential areas of Los Angeles or Phoenix, there may be restrictions on size, placement, or how long the unit can stay on-site. We always recommend checking with your local building department first.
What is the difference between a standard and high cube container?
The difference is exactly 12 inches of height. A standard container is 8’6″ tall, while a High Cube is 9’6″ tall. While it doesn’t sound like much, that extra foot increases the internal volume by about 12% and is highly recommended if you plan on adding insulation and a ceiling to create an office or living space.
Conclusion
Finding the right intermodal containers for sale doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether you’re looking for a simple 20ft unit for seasonal inventory in Boise or a custom-modified office container for a job site in San Diego, we have the inventory and expertise to help.
At Aztec Container, we focus on direct sourcing to keep our quality high and our prices competitive. We serve a wide range of locations across the Western United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. Please note that while we sell nationwide, our container rentals are currently only available in California.
To keep our operations streamlined and our prices fair, we have a few specific policies: we do not accept credit cards, and we do not offer third-party financing. This allows us to focus on what we do best — providing the highest quality steel storage solutions on the market.
Ready to find your perfect container? Browse our full inventory and let us help you secure your gear, expand your office, or start your next big project today.