Question 1

How do I actually buy, there's no add-to-cart?

Accepted Answer

By design. Shipping containers aren't t-shirts. Your ZIP, site access, timing, and grade choice all change the delivered price. You tell us what you're trying to do, we call within 1 business hour with a written quote, and if you like it we send a secure Stripe checkout link. Pay and we dispatch.

Question 2

How long does the quote-to-delivery process take?

Accepted Answer

Quote back within 1 business hour. Checkout link within 24 hours if you're moving forward. Delivery typically 3-7 business days from payment.

Question 3

Do you have a minimum order?

Accepted Answer

No. One 20ft used WWT is fine. We quote one-offs and fleet orders with the same attention.

Question 4

Will you price-match a competitor's written quote?

Accepted Answer

Yes, send us a legitimate written delivered-all-in quote and we'll beat it. If we can't beat it, we'll tell you where to buy instead. We'd rather lose a sale than lose trust.

Question 5

Can I finance it?

Accepted Answer

Not yet in v1. We're partnering with a couple equipment finance lenders, if you need financing, tell us on the call and we'll refer you to one. Most container buyers pay cash or business card.

Question 6

Where do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere in the continental US within ~300 miles of a depot. We have depot coverage in most major metros. Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories take longer but are possible.

Question 7

How does tilt-bed delivery work?

Accepted Answer

A specialized trailer arrives, the driver tilts the bed, and the container rolls off onto your pad. Full breakdown on the /delivery page.

Question 8

What if my site won't fit a tilt-bed?

Accepted Answer

We arrange crane delivery as an add-on (typically $800-$2,400). You send site photos during the quote phase so there are no surprises.

Question 9

What grade do I actually need?

Accepted Answer

For storage, WWT. For modification projects where you'll replace panels, WWT or CWO. For container homes, retail, offices, or anywhere it'll be seen, go New/IICL. Full breakdown on /grades.

Question 10

Will it arrive with rust?

Accepted Answer

Used containers (WWT/CWO) come with visible surface rust, that's normal and structural weathering steel forms a protective patina. New/IICL arrives with factory paint intact.

Question 11

Do you ship containers from the port?

Accepted Answer

New One-Trip containers yes, they come from the port after one ocean voyage. Used containers come from depot yards after years of international service.

Question 12

Can I build a container home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, One-Trip/IICL containers are the standard starting point. We don't modify in-house but can refer regional fabricators. Tell us the plan on the call and we'll advise which size, orientation, and grade to buy.

Question 13

Do I need a permit?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your county + HOA. Storage containers usually don't require permits if temporary; permanent installations and modifications (windows, doors, electrical) typically do. Check with your building department before you buy.

Question 14

Can I stack containers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, shipping containers are designed to stack 8 high at sea. Dry-land stacking typically goes 2-3 high with proper corner castings and locking hardware. We can quote the twist-lock hardware.

Question 15

Are you a broker or do you own the containers?

Accepted Answer

We're a marketplace. We partner with depot operators across the US rather than owning a single yard, which means better pricing, better availability, and honest quotes. The depot owns the container until you pay; then we dispatch it to you.

Question 16

Who answers when I call?

Accepted Answer

Our team does, not an outsourced call center. Containers Direct is a small, family-run operation founded by Chris Riley, and whoever picks up can quote your ZIP, pull up your order, and coordinate the delivery. No handoffs, no ticket numbers.

Question 17

How is this different from Boxhub or Eve on Containers?

Accepted Answer

Same marketplace model, better execution. We pre-call every delivery, send depot photos (not stock photos) with every quote, and price-match any written offer. Founder-led and family-run means you're talking to the people whose names are on the LLC, not a rotating call center.

Questions, answered in plain English.

Buying

Delivery

Grades & Condition

Modifications & Use

About us

Ask our team directly.