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.
20ft High Cube
20-Foot High Cube
An upgrade to the standard 20-footer with one extra foot of height. 12% more usable volume without requiring additional floor space. Ideal for taller cargo or standing room.
Dimensions
- External: 20' 0" × 8' 0" × 9' 6"
- Internal: 19' 4" × 7' 8" × 8' 10"
- Door Opening: 7' 8" × 8' 6"
Key Benefits
- Extra foot of headroom
- 12% more volume than standard
- Same footprint as 20' standard
- Better for standing/working inside
Best For
20ft Standard
20-Foot Standard (General Purpose)
The foundational small-capacity option. Perfect for smaller shipments, domestic storage, and applications where space isn't a premium constraint. Single rear door access.
Dimensions
- External: 20' 0" × 8' 0" × 8' 6"
- Internal: 19' 4" × 7' 8" × 7' 10"
- Door Opening: 7' 8" × 7' 6"
Key Benefits
- Most affordable container size
- Easy to transport and place
- Fits in standard parking spaces
- Great for residential use
Best For
40ft High Cube
40-Foot High Cube
The most abundant container type on the secondary market. Same length as 40' standard but with an extra foot of height for 2,694 cubic feet - the highest volume among standard configurations.
Dimensions
- External: 40' 0" × 8' 0" × 9' 6"
- Internal: 39' 5" × 7' 8" × 8' 10"
- Door Opening: 7' 8" × 8' 6"
Key Benefits
- Most popular container size
- Highest standard volume
- Often best value per cubic foot
- Excellent for conversions
Best For
40ft Standard
40-Foot Standard (General Purpose)
Doubles the length of a 20-footer with approximately 2,390 cubic feet of volume. The workhorse for large shipments, bulk cargo, and substantial storage needs.
Dimensions
- External: 40' 0" × 8' 0" × 8' 6"
- Internal: 39' 5" × 7' 8" × 7' 10"
- Door Opening: 7' 8" × 7' 6"
Key Benefits
- Double the space of a 20'
- Most popular business size
- Reliable and cost-effective
- Wide availability
Best For
Quick Size Comparison
| Size | Volume | Floor Space | Internal Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard | 1,172 cu ft | 148 sq ft | 7'10" internal | Personal, small business |
| 20' High Cube | 1,316 cu ft | 148 sq ft | 8'10" internal | Workshops, retail |
| 40' Standard | 2,390 cu ft | 302 sq ft | 7'10" internal | Business, bulk storage |
| 40' High Cube | 2,694 cu ft | 302 sq ft | 8'10" internal | Homes, offices, max volume |
Which Size Is Right for You?
The right container depends on what you plan to store, how much space you have, and whether you need headroom inside.
20ft vs 40ft: Length Matters
A 20-foot container (148 sq ft) fits in most driveways and backyards. It holds roughly one bedroom of furniture or a small workshop setup. Think of it as a large single-car garage.
A 40-foot container (302 sq ft) doubles that space. It can hold a full household, several vehicles, or serve as a walk-in commercial workspace. It needs a larger delivery area — about 60 feet of straight access.
Quick rule:
- Personal / residential use → 20ft
- Business / commercial use → 40ft
- Not sure? Start with 20ft — you can always add a second one later.
Standard vs High Cube: Height Matters
A Standard container has 7'10" of internal height. That's enough for most storage but tight if you plan to work or live inside — especially after adding flooring or insulation.
A High Cube container adds a full foot, giving you 8'10" inside. That extra 12 inches makes a real difference for standing comfort, ceiling fans, lighting, and overhead storage racks.
Quick rule:
- Just storing things → Standard (saves money)
- Working, living, or spending time inside → High Cube
- Adding insulation or a raised floor → High Cube (you'll lose inches)
Best Container Size by Task
| Task | Best Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard storage | 20' Standard | Affordable, fits tight spaces |
| Home workshop / garage | 20' High Cube | Standing room, compact footprint |
| Small business inventory | 20' High Cube | Enough space, easy to access |
| Construction site | 40' Standard | Large capacity, budget-friendly |
| Container home / office | 40' High Cube | Max space + ceiling height for finishing |
| Pop-up retail / café | 20' High Cube | Transportable, good customer headroom |
| Farm / ranch equipment | 40' Standard | Wide doors, handles large machinery |
| Vehicle storage | 40' High Cube | Fits trucks/SUVs with clearance |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft High Cube 1,316 cu ft | $3,500 | $2,400 | $1,950 | $1,400 |
| 20ft Standard 1,172 cu ft | $3,200 | $2,100 | $1,650 | $1,200 |
| 40ft High Cube 2,694 cu ft | $4,500 | $3,250 | $2,850 | $2,200 |
| 40ft Standard 2,390 cu ft | $4,200 | $2,850 | $2,450 | $1,800 |
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.