Help, resources, and support

Pelican Containers is a trusted supplier of new and used shipping containers across the U.S. With over 8 years of industry experience, we offer high-quality containers for sale and hire, catering to everything from custom conversions to standard storage solutions. Our knowledgeable team is here to assist with any inquiry, big or small, ensuring you get the right container for your needs.

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

If you’re purchasing a used container, color selection is generally not an option, as availability varies. However, if you’re buying a new container, you may have the option to choose a specific color.

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 simple! You can either call us at (888) 977-9085 or request a quote online. You can also browse our product catalog to check our inventory near your location. Our knowledgeable sales reps are here to answer any questions about containers, delivery, and the process, guiding you through every step to ensure you get the right container for your needs.

Yes! We offer a rent-to-own shipping container program starting at just $125 per month. If you’re interested in financing options, give us a call—we’ll go over your needs and help you find the best plan. You can also click here to learn more about our financing options.

Yes, we do! Our refrigerated containers (also known as reefers) are available in various sizes and conditions. Pricing depends on market availability, so we recommend checking our product pages for current stock. You can also call us at 330-789-5597 or visit our contact page to get the latest pricing and availability. We’re happy to help!

Yes, we do! We offer a variety of container chassis, including Gooseneck Chassis, Tri-Axle Chassis, Extendable Chassis, and Slider Container Chassis. Availability and pricing depend on current market conditions, so we recommend checking our product pages for the latest inventory. You can also call us at 330-789-5597 or visit our contact page for more details. We’re happy to assist you!

Yes, we do! We offer a variety 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. ​

Availability and pricing depend on current market conditions. To explore our latest inventory, please visit our product catalog. For personalized assistance, feel free to contact us, and our team will be happy to help!​

Yes, we do! However, due to their length and height, you’ll need to assist with unloading. In most cases, a forklift or crane capable of lifting 12,000 lbs is required.

Availability varies by location, so please contact us to check stock in your area and discuss delivery options. We’re happy to help!

Yes! We offer special pricing for bulk orders. If you’re purchasing 10 or more containers, we can provide additional discounts. To get a custom quote and explore our volume pricing options, please request a quote or contact us directly.

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.

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 truck used for delivery depends on your location, container size, and site conditions. We work with experienced drivers and specialized equipment to ensure a smooth process. Here are the most common truck types:

• 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: Availability may vary by location. If you have space limitations or special requirements, let us know in advance.

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, delivery is not included in the container price. The cost depends on the distance from our nearest depot to your location. Since shipping containers are delivered on large trucks weighing over 30,000 lbs, it’s important to ensure there’s enough space for safe delivery. Our team will work with you to coordinate the logistics and ensure a smooth drop-off. Contact us for a delivery quote and more details!

Delivery costs vary based on distance, location, and the type of equipment required. Tilt-bed delivery typically costs between $5–$10 per mile, with a minimum fee of $300–$500 to load and transport the container. Since shipping containers are large and heavy, they require specialized trucks for safe delivery.

For an exact quote based on your location, 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, delivery typically takes 2–5 days, depending on your location. Our insured fleet and skilled drivers ensure a smooth process. For more details, visit our Shipping & Delivery page.

Yes, you can! If you have the proper equipment to safely transport a shipping container, we’ll be happy to load your truck at the depot. After your purchase, we’ll provide you with a release number and pick-up details. You can then head to the designated intermodal depot, where they’ll load the container onto your truck.

If you don’t have a truck capable of hauling a container, we can assist with delivery. Please note that you must follow all DOT and OSHA regulations while at the depot, and we cannot be held responsible for any issues during transport.

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 affordable than traditional homes, but the total cost depends on several factors. While the container itself is relatively inexpensive, additional costs such as land purchase, permits, insulation, utilities, and modifications can add up. If you’re considering a container home, it’s important to plan for these extra expenses to get a full picture of the total investment.

No problem! If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, just fill out our contact form, and we’ll be happy to help. Our team is ready to walk you through your options and answer any questions you have.

We offer a Buyer Protection Policy to ensure you receive the container as described. Orders can be canceled before processing for a full refund, minus any banking fees. If processing has begun, cancellations may incur a restocking fee and other applicable charges. Refunds for returned equipment will be issued minus trucking charges. Customized containers are non-refundable.

For full details, visit our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

Yes! We work with trusted partners who provide financing options 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!

No, there are no hidden fees! We believe in transparent pricing, so what you see is what you pay. If you have any questions about costs, feel free to reach out

Yes, we do! At Pelican Containers, all used containers come with a wind and watertight guarantee, and all new or “one-trip” containers are also guaranteed to be wind and watertight upon delivery.

For full details on what’s covered, please visit our Container Guarantee page. You can also review our Terms & Conditions for additional information. And of course, if you experience any issues, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re here to help!

You can find detailed dimensions for all our available container sizes on our Container Dimensions page. Check it out to see the exact measurements and specifications!

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

Yes, absolutely. Shipping containers are specifically engineered to transport goods globally, which means they’re designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Their heavy-duty rubber door seals ensure they remain completely windproof and waterproof, 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.

10ft shipping containers are less common than standard 20ft and 40ft containers, making them more expensive to produce and transport. Since they don’t hold much cargo, shipping companies rarely use them, so they aren’t mass-produced like larger containers. Instead, they’re often custom-made by modifying larger containers, which increases costs. They’re mostly used for specialized storage solutions or unique projects, which also adds to their higher price.

No, shipping containers themselves do not have titles. However, if you’re transporting a container, you’ll need a container chassis or trailer, which does require a title and vehicle registration. In the United States, containers are treated as equipment rather than vehicles, so they don’t need a title or registration. If you have any questions about transport requirements, feel free to contact us!