Buying the right Shipping container comes down to four questions, answered in order. Working through them in sequence prevents overpaying for space or features you don’t need.
- How much do you need to store or build out? This sets your length — 10, 20, or 40 ft.
- New or used? This is a budget-versus-appearance trade-off, not a strength trade-off.
- Standard or modified? Doors, windows, insulation, and office fit-outs change the price and lead time.
- Where will it sit? Site access and local rules shape what configuration makes sense.
Answer these four and the shortlist narrows to one or two clear options.
Which Container Size Is Right for You?
Size is the first and most consequential decision. All three standard lengths share the same 8 ft width, so the choice is really about length and height.
| Size | Best For | Interior Footprint (approx.) | Notes |
| 10 Foot Shipping Container | Tight lots, small tool/equipment storage, guard shacks | ~9 ft usable length | Easiest to place on compact sites |
| 20 Foot Shipping Container | Contractors, restaurants, schools, homeowners | 19′ 4″ L × 7′ 9″ W × 7′ 10″ H | Most common size worldwide (1 TEU) |
| 40 Foot Shipping container | Large inventory, equipment, retail/office builds | ~40 ft L × 8 ft W × 8.6 ft H | Best value per square foot for big loads |
What’s the Difference Between a Standard and a High Cube Container?
Height is the variable most buyers overlook. Standard and high cube containers share the same length and width but differ by one foot of interior height.
- Standard 40 ft container: 8.6 ft exterior height.
- 40 ft high cube: 9.5 ft exterior height — the extra foot matters for palletized goods, tall equipment, or office conversions where headroom counts.
That additional foot is often the deciding factor when a container will be used as a workspace, retail shell, or shop rather than plain storage.
Should You Buy a New or Used Shipping Container?
Both new and used units are built from the same Corten steel used across the shipping container industry, so the choice is about appearance and budget rather than structural capability.
- Factor New (One-Trip) Used
- Appearance: Minimal cosmetic marks; surface wear, prior branding, dents possible
- Price Higher Lower — a strong value for storage
- Best use: Customer-facing builds, offices, job-site and back-lot storage
Used containers are a viable, cost-saving option when appearance isn’t the priority. Many buyers choose used units for warehouse overflow, contractor storage, and long-term commercial use, then reserve new units for anything on public display.
Standard vs. Custom: What Configurations Are Available?
Beyond size and condition, containers can be ordered as plain steel boxes or modified for a specific job. Aztec Container’s catalog spans standard and specialty builds.
Common configurations include:
- Cargo door / double door — standard end doors for full-width access
- Roll-up doors — quick open/close access, available in multiple-door 40 ft layouts
- Walk-in doors (man doors) — personnel access without opening cargo doors
- Open-side / full-side open — one full side opens for easy loading and unloading
- Office containers — 10 Foot Office Container, 20 Foot Office Container, and 40 Foot Office Container fit-outs
- Refrigerated & insulated — temperature-controlled interiors for cold or climate-sensitive goods
- Specialty builds — concession stands, guard shacks, car storage, and event containers
How Do You Match a Container to Your Use Case?
The fastest way to find your match is to start from the job, not the box. Use the table below as a starting point.
| Your Need | Suggested Starting Point |
| Small-site or overflow storage | 10 ft standard |
| General contractor/homeowner storage | 20 ft standard, used |
| Restaurant or retail inventory | 20 ft, roll-up door |
| Large equipment or bulk inventory | 40 ft standard or high cube |
| On-site workspace | 20 or 40 ft office container |
| Cold or temperature-sensitive goods | 20 or 40 ft refrigerated/insulated |
| Vehicle storage | 20 or 40 ft car storage |
| Mobile vending or events | Concession stand/event container |
What Does a Container Office Include?
Container offices are a distinct category worth understanding before you buy. Aztec Container’s office units are built on Corten steel shells and finished for working use.
Standard office features can include ground-level access, full insulation, marine plywood flooring, an electrical package with air conditioning, and plumbing. Available floor plans range from a 10 Foot guard shack to 20 ft open-bay, 20 ft half-office/half-storage, 40 ft open-bay, and 40 ft half-office/half-storage layouts.
These self-contained units suit job sites, home offices, security posts, and mobile business setups where a fixed building isn’t practical.
What Should You Know About Site Prep and Permitting?
This is general guidance, not legal advice — rules vary by city, county, and intended use.
- Site access: Confirm the placement area is level and reachable for the container size you choose. A 40 ft unit needs considerably more maneuvering room than a 10 ft unit.
- Ground surface: A firm, level base helps the container sit squarely and the doors operate correctly.
- Local rules: Some jurisdictions treat containers as accessory structures and may require a permit, especially for office or occupied builds. Always check with your local planning or building department before purchase.
Confirming these details up front avoids surprises after the unit arrives on site.
Why Buy From Aztec Container?
For buyers weighing suppliers, a few verifiable facts stand out.
- In business since 1969, supplying steel ISO shipping containers, storage containers, custom office containers, and CONNEX box sea containers.
- NPSA member (National Portable Storage Association).
- Sales available nationwide, with rentals available in California.
- Transparent, up-front pricing with no hidden fees, and a full catalog spanning standard, specialty, and fully custom builds.
Whether you need a single 20 Foot Conex Container for a back lot or a 40-foot high-cube office build, the selection framework above helps you arrive at the right specification before you request a quote.
Ready to find your match? Call 1-800-399-2126 or request a quick quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes do shipping containers for sale come in?
Standard shipping containers come in three lengths — 10 ft, 20 ft, and 40 ft — and are all 8 ft wide. Custom builds are also available up to 45 ft. The 20 ft size is the most common in use worldwide.
How much interior space is inside a 20 ft container?
A 20 ft container offers roughly 19′ 4″ long by 7′ 9″ wide by 7′ 10″ high of interior space. That’s enough room for most homeowner, contractor, and small-business storage needs.
What are the dimensions and weight of a 40 Foot container?
A standard 40 Foot Shipping container measures 40 ft long, 8 ft wide, and 8.6 ft tall, and weighs about 8,000 lbs. A 40 ft high cube version raises the exterior height to 9.5 ft for extra headroom.
Should I buy a new or used shipping container?
It depends on your priorities. Used containers cost less and work well for storage where appearance isn’t a concern. New (one-trip) units have minimal cosmetic wear and suit offices or anything customer-facing. Both are built from the same steel.
What is a high cube container, and do I need one?
A high cube container is one foot taller than a standard unit — 9.5 ft exterior height on a 40 ft box. It’s worth the upgrade when you’re storing tall equipment, stacking pallets, or converting the container into a workspace.
What is Corten steel?
Corten steel is the steel alloy used to build shipping containers across the industry. Both new and used containers share this same construction material.
Can a shipping container be customized?
Yes. Containers can be ordered with roll-up doors, walk-in (man) doors, open sides, windows, insulation, and interior partitions. Custom-built containers are available in 10, 20, 40, and 45 ft sizes, including office, concession, and guard-shack configurations.
What’s included in a container office?
Container offices can include ground-level access, full insulation, marine plywood flooring, an electrical package with air conditioning, and plumbing. Floor plans range from a 10 ft guard shack to 40 ft open-bay and half-office/half-storage layouts.
Do I need a permit to place a shipping container?
It varies by location. Some jurisdictions require a permit, particularly for office or occupied builds. This is general guidance only — always confirm the rules with your local planning or building department before buying.
How do I choose the right container for my needs?
Start with the job, not the box. Decide how much space you need (size), whether appearance matters (new vs. used), and whether you need doors, insulation, or an office fit-out (standard vs. custom). That sequence narrows the options to the right match.