Frequently Asked
Shipping Container Questions (FAQ)

No, but we have short-term, and long-term rentals and we sell containers.

Advanced Container sometimes offers wholesale pricing to those who buy 5+ containers per transaction. Please give us a call for more information.

Yes! We rent shipping containers to small businesses, large corporations, the government, and the military. We have short-term and long-term rental options.

We sell containers to individuals, small businesses, large corporations, the government, and the military. We provide containers to everyone through a seamless and hassle-free process.

Pricing depends on size, condition, and modifications. Used containers are the most economical, while new or modified containers cost more. Contact us for a current quote.

Generally speaking, no, but it dependents on the current supply and demand of the container market. 20’ containers are slightly less common, which means 40’ containers can sometimes be cheaper due to available inventory.

Used containers have seen multiple years of service and show wear. ‘One-trip’ containers are essentially new, only shipped once from the manufacturer.

A High Cube container is 9’-6” tall, making it one foot taller than a Standard container (8’-6”). That extra space is useful for oversized cargo or modifications that need more headroom.

We stock 20-ft, 40-ft, and 45-ft containers, along with Double Door and High Cube options for extra height.

There are 3 relevant weights to consider which are painted on the outside of the container doors.

• The container tare weight is the weight of the container without any contents.
• The container gross weight is the weight of the container + the maximum payload it can hold. In other words, the maximum total weight of the container.
• The payload (net weight) is the weight of the cargo or contents that a container can hold.

The weight of an empty shipping container (tare weight) varies by size. 20ft containers weigh about 5,000 pounds. 40ft standard and high cube containers weigh around 8,000 pounds.

This could be due to several reasons. New containers sometimes have a paint or chemical smell because the doors have been closed for 99% of the time since being built with minimal air circulation. We recommend leaving the doors open for a few days to let it air out or purchasing industrial strength odor neutralizers from your local hardware store.

There are thousands of ways to use shipping containers. In fact, there is no limit to what a shipping container can be used for. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into almost anything. Almost every industry uses them in some way including industrial, commercial, and personal uses.

• Temporary workspace: Containers are used by businesses that need to quickly set up or break down a temporary workspace. And because they’re made from sturdy steel, they can handle the rigors of being moved and transported multiple times without any damage.
• Storage: They can be used to store supplies, equipment, and even hazardous materials. They can also be used as temporary storage space for excess inventory or materials.
• Transporting goods: Containers are often used to transport goods from one location to another. They can be used to store or transport items in a warehouse setting, or they can be taken on the road and used as a mobile storage unit.
• Industrial Uses: There are many industrial applications including workshops, toolrooms, confined space training, and more. They can also be modified to be employee housing on a jobsite.
• Container homes: Need portable and affordable housing options? Shipping containers can be modified to include basic facilities like a bed, bathroom, and kitchen, and they can be transported virtually anywhere. People use them as homes, studios, or extensions to their homes. They are also converted into barns, sheds, camp houses, and even mancaves.

Our fabrication shop will modify a container to fit your needs.

Start by greasing the door hinges with an industrial lubricant for ease of use. Prevent the container from settling and causing an uneven doorframe by placing wood blocks under the doorframe posts. If the container has settled, the doorframe will be uneven, causing the door to not open and close properly.

Follow this simple checklist to maintain your container structure:

As Needed:

• Remove heavy debris, ice, snow, and standing water from roof immediately.
• Remove visible dirt to prevent damage to paint which can lead to rust.
• Maintain level flooring, so the structure does not weaken.

Annual Checklist:

• Inspect for peeling paint and ruse. Repaint rust patches as needed to maintain a weatherproof seal.
• Inspect caulking and weather stripping on doors and windows for leaks and replace as needed.
• Inspect the leveling of the container. Some settling of the foundation and the container is normal. Re-level if necessary.
• Inspect roof for dents and debris. Fill major dents with a sealant, such as caulk, to prevent further damage.
• For climate-controlled shipping containers, check for mold and clean the AC unit by replacing the filter.

Check out our shipping container maintenance blog post for more info.

Standard container doors are approx. 7 feet, 8 inches but there are many other custom door options.

Yes. Shipping containers are built to be wind- and watertight. However, with age, some may require minor maintenance such as replacing door gaskets or addressing rust to maintain full protection.

Yes! Our fabrication department has experience in every area to customize a basic shipping container into any creative project. From adding a roll-up door to making a tiny home, we can do it all!

Our modified containers are built in-house per our client’s specific needs. We do not stock fully modified containers.

Yes. We offer repainting in custom colors and can add your company branding or logos as part of our modification services.

We do modify containers to have 3 sides. It will be reinforced with steel to maintain its stability and structure.

Yes, we install solar and we will make any modifications that are necessary. Contact us today to ask about your specific customizations.

Yes, Shipping Containers are designed to bare all the weight through the 4 corners making them perfect for stacking 2, 3 and even 4 high. It’s recommended you use twist locks to hold ensure the containers are locked together and completely square.

Roll-up doors are wind and watertight if they are installed correctly.

This can depend on your container and the sizing of any roll-up doors and windows. Typically, roll-up doors can be added to either side.

Please keep in mind that there are structural limitations on door placement without further reinforcement, and different door models may have different clearance needs. We will gladly help look into any specific solutions you are trying to figure out if you need further help. Purchase shipping container roll-up doors here.

Yes. We will arange delivery of your containers throughout Houston, the Gulf Coast, and nationwide. Delivery is usually made on a tilt-bed truck that sets the container on the ground at your site.

We do not move containers that are not from Advanced Container Co. If you need an existing container moved, look into a local heavy duty hauling company.

Shipping containers are self-supporting and do not need any special foundations, but it’s important to place them on level ground to help ensure functionality and longevity. The container should ideally be positioned on a flat, level surface. If the ground is uneven, consider using materials such as railway sleepers or concrete paving blocks underneath each corner to level it. A well-placed container allows the doors to operate correctly and can hold up to approx. 30 tonnes of load without any issues.

• You will be responsible for preparing the grounds you intend to place your container. This includes leveling, any leveling blocks you intend to utilize, and property clearing necessary.
• Delivery trucks are approximately 73’ long, so you will need to confirm there will be enough room for our trucks to enter/exit your property and turn around, if necessary.
• Your property grounds should be dry enough to allow for the weight of the truck, trailer, and container. If you confirm delivery, it is assumed that you feel your property is in good condition for delivery. If the delivery truck gets stuck, as a result, you will be charged an inconvenience fee of $50/hour that the truck is immobile at your site.

Please expect anywhere from 20,000-30,000 pounds.

Coming soon.