Shipping Containers FAQ

You can find detailed information about container dimensions for all our available container sizes on our Container Dimensions page. Also, see the exact measurements and specifications!

Shipping containers are generally made of steel, occasionally aluminium, with a hardwood floor.

Yes. Shipping containers are specifically designed to transport goods around the globe and handle harsh weather conditions. Shipping containers’ heavy-duty rubber door seals make sure they remain completely waterproof and windproof, protecting your cargo or stored items from the elements.

The weight of a shipping container depends on its size and type. Here are the approximate empty weights:

• 10ft Standard: 2,870–3,300 lbs (1,300–1,500 kg)
• 20ft Standard: 4,850–5,300 lbs (2,180–2,400 kg)
• 40ft Standard: 7,980–8,820 lbs (3,620–4,000 kg)
• 40ft High Cube: 8,420–8,820 lbs (3,820–4,000 kg)
• 45ft High Cube: 10,630–11,000 lbs (4,820–5,000 kg)
• 53ft High Cube: 13,230–14,330 lbs (6,000–6,500 kg)

If you need more details or have specific weight requirements, feel free to contact us!

Shipping containers—also called “boxes”—are large steel structures designed for intermodal transport (by land, rail, and sea). Built to ISO standards (International Organization for Standardization), they are extremely durable, well-constructed, and have an exceptional lifespan.

Ideal for both short- and long-term storage, shipping containers are:

• Highly secure
• Weathertight
• Versatile – They can be converted into offices, cabins, mess rooms, control rooms, changing rooms, and more.

Standard Dimensions:

• Width: 8 ft
• Height: 8 ft 6 in
• Standard lengths: 10 ft, 20 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft and 53 ft

Custom Sizes Available

Need a different size? Standard containers can be modified into lengths such as 6 ft, 8 ft, 12 ft, or other custom dimensions.

You’ll find that 10ft shipping containers are a bit of a rarity compared to the more typical 20ft and 40ft containers, which makes them more costly to manufacture and ship. These 10ft containers have a small capacity to carry cargo, so shipping companies don’t often opt for them for transport.  These smaller 10ft containers are mainly used for specific storage solutions or unique projects, which also adds to their higher price.

No, shipping containers do not have titles. Transporting a container requires a container chassis or trailer, both of which need vehicle registration and titles. 

In the United States of America, shipping containers are considered equipment, so they don’t need a title or vehicle registration.

If you have any questions regarding container transport requirements, kindly contact us! 

We are happy to help you!

We offer a Buyer Protection Policy to guarantee that you will receive your container as described. Orders may be canceled before processing for a full refund, minus any banking fees. If processing has started, cancellations may incur a restocking fee and other applicable charges. Refunds for returned equipment will be issued by deducting trucking charges. Kindly note that customized containers are non-refundable.

For more details, please visit our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

Yes! We offer financing options with trusted partners for both businesses and individuals looking to purchase a shipping container. Additionally, we offer payment terms for qualified businesses and government entities that wish to place an order using a purchase order (PO).

Contact us to learn more about your options and see if you qualify!

Absolutely no hidden fees here! We believe in transparent pricing, so what you see is what you pay. If you have any questions about the costs, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Yes! Pelican Containers provides a wind and water-tight guarantee for all used shipping containers. All new or “one-trip” shipping containers are also guaranteed to be wind and watertight upon delivery. For more information about the container guarantee, please visit our Container Guarantee page! For additional information, you can check our Terms & Conditions. If you have any concerns, feel free to reach out here and contact us!

Our shipping containers are engineered to endure harsh marine environments while maintaining exceptional durability. Key features include:

• Robust Construction: Built from high-tensile steel for maximum strength and longevity
• Protective Coatings: Available with specialist paint treatments to extend container lifespan
• Condensation Control:

Standard air vents to minimize moisture buildup
Optional moisture traps available (last approximately 3 months per unit)

Designed for heavy-duty performance, our containers deliver reliable protection in even the most demanding conditions.

Our containers are built with security as a priority, featuring:

• High-tensile steel construction for maximum strength and durability
• Enhanced locking system recommendations:
• Lockbox protection for padlocks
• Thatcham-approved high-security padlocks (to prevent unauthorized access)

For additional security, we offer:

• Portable alarm systems
• Wireless alarm installations

Security note: While our containers are extremely robust, we always recommend reinforcing the locking mechanism – typically the most vulnerable point in any secure storage solution.

Any metal surface exposed to temperature variations will inevitably suffer from condensation, but there are ways to mitigate this. Evidence shows that the construction of modern containers helps prevent condensation, and the quality of the paint now used also contributes to this.

Condensation is more likely to occur when a container is sitting on cold, damp ground such as soil; the cold from the earth permeates the container, lowering the temperature of the air inside and thus causing condensation.

All air contains moisture; therefore, reducing the amount of air in the container minimizes the chances of condensation. This can be achieved by ensuring items are placed inside on a dry day. Additionally, a container can be vented on a dry day to allow air to circulate.

Shipping containers are relatively low maintenance. Shipping containers that are used as static storage rarely require any attention, the steel work is unlikely to deteriorate as long a it is coated in high-quality paint. Door hinges and locking bars require lubricating with oil to keep them free moving, and the door seal will deteriorate over time, but again, these are easily replaced and should last in the region of 10 years.

Shipping Container homes can be more budget-friendly than traditional houses. The container home price depends on several factors. While building the container home, it’s important to consider that additional costs may arise for land purchase, permits, insulation, utilities, and modifications. If you’re planning to build a container house, it’s important to check these extra expenses to get the complete budget for the investment.

No worries! If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, kindly fill out this contact form, and one of our team members will connect with you to answer your questions.

We can provide delivery for any size box and these will usually be delivered on a hiab vehicle (crane mounted to the vehicle) which will lift the container to the ground. An assessment of the site might be necessary to establish if access for the vehicle is possible. Cost of delivery is available on request

Delivery and collection of new and used containers are predominantly done by hiab lorry fitted with cranes. The lorries can site the shipping container up to 18ft from the side of the lorry. The lorries are not capable of lifting the containers over houses. It is the buyers’ responsibility to ensure access to the HGV as appropriate access to the site. All deliveries are agreed in advance, and you will be supplied with a date and time and be kept informed of any changes to the schedule. Delivery can only be arranged once full payment has been received. If you have concerns regarding delivery, we are happy to provide advice and guidance to ensure the container can be installed with minimal disruption.

The delivery truck depends on the container size, delivery location, and site conditions. We collaborate with experienced drivers and use special equipment to ensure hassle-free delivery. Here are the most common truck types used for delivery:

• Roll-Off or Flatbed Tow Truck – Best for 20-foot or smaller containers and tight spaces.
• Tilt-Bed Trailer (One-Ton Dually) – Can deliver all container sizes and is highly maneuverable.
• Semi-Truck & Trailer – Handles all container sizes but requires more space.
• Step Deck Trailer – Used for Hi-Cube containers and long-distance transport. This truck doesn’t tilt, so offloading must be arranged separately.
• Container Chassis – Designed for intermodal transport, carrying standard and Hi-Cube containers.

🚛 Important: Truck availability may vary by location. Please let us know if you have space limitations or specific requirements.

For more details on the delivery process and what to expect, check out our How We Deliver Shipping Containers page or Contact us for more information!

No. The free delivery option is not available for your purchased container. The delivery cost is based on the distance from the nearest depot to your location. Generally, containers are delivered on large trucks, so make sure there is enough space for safe delivery in your location. Our experts will coordinate with you for seamless delivery. Contact us for more details on the delivery process.

The cost of delivery depends on several factors, including distance, location, and the type of equipment required. Regarding Tilt-bed delivery, the cost will be between $5–$10 per mile, with a base charge of $300 to $500 for loading and transporting the container.

For detailed information, please request a quote or contact us, and our team will assist you!

Containers are classed as temporary structures and, in most instances, are not subject to planning laws. However, it is always advisable to seek assurances from your local planning office and any neighbours who could be affected by the siting of your container.

To ensure a smooth delivery, your site must be level and stable with enough space for the truck to maneuver. Here’s what you need to know:

Foundation: Shipping containers only need support at the four corners due to their rigid construction. Ideal supports include concrete pads, flagstones, railroad ties, or blocks. If using blocks, place them under each end and every 10 feet along the length for added stability.

Clearance & Space: Ensure at least 5 feet of clearance in front of the container to open the doors. For truck access:

• 10ft & 20ft containers need 75 linear feet of space.
• 40ft & 45ft containers need 120 linear feet of space.

If a 20ft container is delivered on a semi-truck (for multiple unit deliveries), allow for additional space.

Leveling: A level surface is crucial for the container doors to function properly. If the site is uneven, use blocks or supports to prevent alignment issues.

🚨 Important: If delivery is rejected because the driver cannot safely back into the site, a restocking fee of 15% plus trucking charges will apply. Make sure your location is properly prepared before delivery!

For more details, check out our Delivery Guide page.

Once your order is confirmed, you can look forward to delivery in about 2 to 5 days, depending on where you are. Our fully insured fleet and skilled drivers make sure that your container delivery goes smoothly and reliably. For more information, check out our Shipping & Delivery page.

Yes, you can! If you have the right gear to safely haul a shipping container, we’ll be glad to load your truck at the depot. Following your purchase, we’ll issue you a release number and pick-up information. You may then go to the specified intermodal depot, where they’ll load the container onto your truck.

If your facility does not have a truck that can carry a container, delivery assistance is available. Just be aware that you are responsible for complying with all DOT and OSHA regulations while on the depot grounds, and we cannot be held liable for anything that happens during transit.

Pelican Containers is a leading and trusted supplier of New/One-trip and used shipping containers across the globe. We offer a range from 10ft to 53ft with open-top, side-opening, high cube, reefer containers, and tunnel containers. Our experts are always ready to assist you in choosing the perfect container for your needs.

In most cases, the answer is yes. The buyback price will always depend on the return condition.

It depends. If you are buying a used container, color selection is usually not an option due to limited availability.  If you opt for a new container, you may choose the specific color as per your needs.

Please request a quote, and our reps will guide you through the available options!

Unfortunately, no. Container depots are active commercial sites, and for safety and insurance reasons, public visits are not allowed. However, we can provide photos and detailed information upon request. Contact us for more details!

Ordering a container is straightforward! You can fill request a quote form online here or call us at +18002523767. Browse our container’s product catalog! Our experts are here to answer any questions regarding container types, the container delivery process, etc.

We offer a rent-to-own option for shipping containers, starting at $125 per month. If you’re interested in rent-to-own financing options, just call us at +18002523767 or contact us. We will assist you in finding the best financing option for the container you need.

Yes, of course! We sell refrigerated containers (reefers). We have in stock 20ft & 40ft reefer containers in various conditions. Prices may vary depending on the availability of the market, so we suggest checking our product pages for current stock. Contact page or call us at +18002523767. We are always happy to help you.

Yes, we do! We have a variety of container chassis, including 20ft & 40ft Tri-Axle Chassis, 40ft- 45ft Gooseneck Extendable Chassis, and Slider Container Chassis. The price depends on market availability, so we recommend exploring our product catalog for stock availability. For detailed information, contact us or call us at +18002523767.

Yes. We sell various types of gensets to power your refrigerated containers, including:​

Clip-On Gensets: These units attach to the front of the reefer container, providing a reliable power source during transport or when shore power isn’t available.

Undermount Gensets: Securely fastened beneath the container chassis, these gensets are ideal for frequent container swaps and over-the-road transportation. 

Price may vary depending on the availability of market conditions. Explore the current stock of Gensets here product catalog. For personalized assistance, feel free to contact us, and our team will be happy to help!​

Yes, we do! But, due to the height and width of a 53ft container, you’ll need to help unload. Lifting needs usually require a forklift or crane that lifts 12,000 lbs.

Stock may vary, so contact us to check availability in your area. We’re happy to help!

Yes. We give a discount on bulk orders. If you order 10 or more shipping containers, we offer the lowest price. To know the price for bulk orders, please contact us or reach out to us at +18002523767.

We offer several easy and secure ways to pay for your container. You can use personal or business checks, wire transfers (including international), ACH payments, and major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. If you’re paying by check, there’s no need to mail it—just upload a photo for electronic deposit.

Please note that we don’t accept cash on delivery, and full payment is required before delivery. If you’re a government entity, we offer purchase orders with net 30-day payment terms upon approval.

Credit card payments for Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are free, but a 3.99% processing fee applies for certain transactions. For more details, including our Payment Verification Process, click here.

No, we don’t charge sales tax on any shipping container purchases.