Container Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about shipping container sizes, conditions, and how to choose the right one for your needs in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Container Sizes Explained
Shipping containers come in two primary lengths (20ft and 40ft) and two heights (Standard and High Cube). Here's what each offers.
Quick Size Comparison
| Size | Volume | Floor Space | Internal Height | Best For |
|---|
Understanding Condition Grades
Container condition determines price, appearance, and certification. Choose based on your intended use and budget.
As-Is
Budget option - sold without warranty
Containers sold with no guarantees or certifications. May have structural damage, holes, non-functional doors, or other defects. Lowest cost but highest risk - ideal for creative projects, scrap, or major reconstruction.
What's Included
- Lowest price point available
- Good for DIY/creative projects
- Scrap metal value
- Foundation still usable
Not Included
- Weather-tight guarantee
- Structural warranty
- CSC certification
- Functional doors guaranteed
Ideal For
Cargo Worthy
Certified for shipping - proven reliability
Containers that have cycled through multiple shipping operations but meet rigorous international CSC certification standards. Structurally sound, weathertight, and certified for ocean transport. The best balance of cost and proven reliability.
What's Included
- Wind and water tight
- CSC certified for export
- Structurally sound for stacking
- Operational doors and seals
- Valid for international ocean transport
- Functional locking mechanisms
Not Included
- Like-new appearance
- Zero cosmetic wear
Ideal For
One-Trip
Like new - single voyage from factory
Near-new containers that have completed just one voyage from the manufacturing facility. Typically 6-18 months old with excellent condition, clean interiors, and fresh factory paint. The best option for customers prioritizing appearance, longevity, or resale value.
What's Included
- Excellent near-pristine condition
- Clean interior with original flooring
- Fresh factory paint
- CSC certified for export
- Known single-cargo history
- 10-20+ years expected lifespan
Not Included
- Brand new (has one voyage)
- Zero cosmetic marks
Ideal For
Wind & Water Tight
Weatherproof storage - retired from shipping
Older containers retired from active shipping service but still structurally sound and completely weatherproof. NOT certified for international shipping, but perfect for static storage where appearance is secondary to function.
What's Included
- Fully sealed - no wind or rain infiltration
- Functional doors that close securely
- Good structural integrity
- Can support heavy loads
- Best value for storage-only use
Not Included
- CSC certification
- Export eligibility
- Fresh appearance
Ideal For
Condition Comparison
| Feature | One-Trip | Cargo Worthy | Wind & Water Tight | As-Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather Sealed | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Maybe |
| Export Certified | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Structural Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years | 3 Years | None |
| Typical Age | 6-18 months | 5-15 years | 15+ years | 18+ years |
| Best For | Premium, Homes, Resale | Export, Storage, Homes | Storage, Workshops | Projects, Scrap |
Complete Pricing Matrix
All container sizes and conditions with current Tulsa pricing. Delivery calculated separately based on your location.
| Container Type | 1-TRIP Near New | CWO Cargo Worthy | WWT Wind & Water Tight | AS-IS Project Grade |
|---|
Prices shown are base container prices. Delivery fees calculated based on your location. Use our calculator for total delivered price.
How to Choose the Right Container
Answer these questions to find your perfect match.
By Use Case
- Personal Storage: 20ft Standard WWT
- Small Business: 20ft High Cube CWO
- Large Business: 40ft High Cube CWO
- Container Home: 40ft High Cube 1-Trip
- Workshop: 20ft/40ft High Cube
- Export/Shipping: Any size, CWO or 1-Trip
By Space Available
- Tight Space: 20ft (20' × 8' footprint)
- Moderate Space: 40ft (40' × 8' footprint)
- Need Height: High Cube (+1ft external)
- Low Clearance: Standard height (8'6" external)
Tip: Measure your delivery path too. Trucks need room to maneuver.
By Budget
- Best Value: WWT condition, best $/sq ft
- Mid-Range: CWO for certified quality
- Premium: One-Trip for like-new
- Lowest Cost: As-Is for DIY projects
Tip: 40' HC often best value per cubic foot due to high supply.
Quick Decision Guide
Do you need to ship internationally?
Does appearance matter?
Need it weatherproof?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Standard and High Cube?
High Cube containers are 1 foot taller than Standard containers (9'6" vs 8'6" external height). This gives you 12% more volume without taking up more ground space. High Cube is essential for any project where you'll be standing or working inside.
Can I use a WWT container for shipping?
No. WWT (Wind & Water Tight) containers are retired from shipping service and are NOT certified for international ocean transport. If you need to ship goods, you must use a Cargo Worthy (CWO) or One-Trip container with current CSC certification.
Why are 40' High Cube containers sometimes cheaper than you'd expect?
The 40' High Cube is the most common container on the secondary market because it's the standard for international shipping. High supply means competitive pricing. You often get the best value per cubic foot with a 40' HC.
What should I expect from a WWT container's appearance?
WWT containers typically have surface rust, dents, faded paint, and worn flooring. They're 15+ years old and have seen years of shipping service. However, they're still structurally sound and completely weatherproof - just don't expect them to look pretty.
Do all containers come with warranties?
One-Trip and Cargo Worthy containers come with a 5-year structural warranty. WWT containers have a 3-year structural warranty. As-Is containers are sold without warranty - you're accepting them in their current condition, whatever that may be.
How much space do I need for delivery?
You'll need the container footprint plus room for the delivery truck to maneuver. For a 20' container, plan for at least 40' of length. For a 40' container, you'll need about 60' of straight access. The ground should be level and able to support the weight.
Ready to Find Your Container?
Browse our inventory of 20ft and 40ft containers in all conditions, or use our calculator to get an instant delivered price quote.