Your Container Questions, Answered

A shipping container is a standardized steel box originally designed for transporting goods by ship, truck, or rail. Made from Corten (weathering) steel, these containers are incredibly strong, stackable, and weatherproof. The most common sizes are 20ft (approx. 160 sq ft) and 40ft (approx. 320 sq ft). They are increasingly repurposed for construction projects like tiny homes, ADUs, offices, and workshops due to their strength, affordability, and modular design.

Shipping containers are built from Corten steel (also called weathering steel), specifically engineered to resist corrosion from saltwater and harsh weather. The walls are corrugated 14-gauge steel for maximum strength, the floor is marine-grade plywood over steel crossmembers, and the doors feature heavy-duty rubber gasket seals. The roof is made from a single sheet of steel. This construction makes containers incredibly durable for building projects in Florida’s humid climate.

Shipping containers typically last 25+ years even in harsh maritime conditions. With proper maintenance and conversion (sealing, painting, insulation), a container home or building can last 50+ years. The Corten steel is self-healing — it develops a protective rust patina that actually resists further corrosion. Many containers currently in use for shipping are 15-20 years old and still structurally sound.

Yes! Shipping containers rated Wind & Water Tight (WWT) or above are waterproof. They are designed to cross oceans carrying valuable cargo, so they are sealed against rain, wind, and moisture. Cargo Worthy and One-Trip containers have even better seals and gaskets. Minor surface rust on the exterior does not affect waterproofing — it is actually the Corten steel’s natural protective layer doing its job.

Used shipping containers in St. Petersburg start from around $1,200 for a 20ft Wind & Water Tight grade, up to $2,450+ for a 40ft High Cube Cargo Worthy. One-Trip (like new) containers start around $2,800. Prices vary based on size, condition, current availability, and market demand. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees — the price you see is the price you pay (plus delivery).

Several factors affect container pricing: Size (20ft vs 40ft), condition/grade (One-Trip is most expensive, As-Is is cheapest), type (High Cube costs more than Standard), market demand (prices fluctuate with shipping industry trends), and location (proximity to ports affects availability). Seasonal demand for construction projects can also influence pricing. We recommend getting a current quote for the most accurate pricing.

Yes! We offer volume discounts when you purchase 2 or more containers. This is common for larger projects like multi-container homes, commercial builds, or development projects. The discount varies based on quantity, sizes, and conditions ordered. Contact us for a custom bulk quote — many of our customers building container homes buy 2-4 containers at once and save significantly.

No hidden fees. Our container prices are straightforward. The only additional cost is delivery, which we quote separately based on the distance to your site. We provide a complete, itemized quote before you commit so there are no surprises. No documentation fees, no processing fees, no environmental charges. What we quote is what you pay.

Yes! We offer a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on every container. If the container does not match its described condition upon delivery, we will make it right — either with a replacement or a full refund. Cargo Worthy containers also come with a valid CSC plate certifying structural integrity. We stand behind the quality of every container we sell.

One-Trip: Used only once for import — near-new condition with minimal wear. Cleanest option, least prep needed. Premium price.

Cargo Worthy (CW): Structurally certified and in good condition. May have cosmetic wear but fully sound. Best value for most conversion projects.

Wind & Water Tight (WWT): Sealed against weather, but may have dents, surface rust, or cosmetic imperfections. Budget-friendly option — great since imperfections are hidden after insulation and cladding.

As-Is: Sold without guarantees. May have more significant wear. Cheapest option, best for experienced builders who know what to look for.

For most container home projects, we recommend Cargo Worthy (CW) — it offers the best balance of quality and value. The structure is certified sound, and cosmetic imperfections do not matter since they are covered during conversion. If budget is not a concern and you want minimal prep work, go with One-Trip. If you are on a tight budget and experienced with builds, WWT is a solid choice. We help every customer choose the right grade for their specific project.

A High Cube (HC) container is one foot taller than a standard container. Standard containers have an interior height of 7'10", while High Cube containers are 8'10" (exterior 9'6"). This extra foot of headroom is critical for living spaces — after adding insulation, flooring, and ceiling finishes, you still have a comfortable 8’+ ceiling height. High Cube containers are the #1 choice for tiny homes and ADUs.

The 40ft High Cube is the most popular choice for tiny homes, offering about 320 sq ft of floor space and 9'6" exterior height. It provides enough room for a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. For smaller projects like studios or home offices, a 20ft container (about 160 sq ft) works well. Many builders combine two 20ft containers side-by-side for a wider layout, or stack containers for two-story designs.

Absolutely! Many container homes use 2-6 containers combined in various configurations. Common layouts include: side-by-side (two 40ft containers for a wider home), L-shaped, T-shaped, or stacked for two stories. Containers can be welded together and sections of walls removed to create open floor plans. A two-container home can easily reach 640+ sq ft — comparable to a comfortable apartment. We can recommend contractors experienced with multi-container builds.

Containers are delivered on a tilt-bed truck (also called a roll-off or tilt-back truck) that hydraulically tilts and slides the container off directly onto your prepared site. The driver positions the truck, tilts the bed, and the container slides off onto the ground. For tight spaces, a crane delivery is also available at additional cost. The whole process typically takes 15-30 minutes once the truck arrives.

Standard delivery in the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area takes 3-7 business days from order confirmation. Expedited delivery may be available for an additional fee. Delivery timelines depend on container availability, your location, and scheduling. We coordinate with you on a specific delivery date and time window so you can be on-site when the container arrives.

You will need a level, compacted area at least 5 feet wider and 15 feet longer than the container. The ground should be firm (gravel, concrete, or compacted earth). Many customers use concrete blocks, railroad ties, or a gravel pad as a foundation. The truck needs a clear approach path — at least 12 feet wide with overhead clearance of 14+ feet. We will guide you through site prep requirements before delivery day.

Yes! We deliver to residential properties throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport, Pinellas Park, and the entire Tampa Bay area. The main requirements are that the delivery truck (an 18-wheeler) can access and maneuver on your street. Narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or tight corners may require a crane delivery instead. We will assess access at your location before scheduling delivery.

Yes! Shipping containers make excellent building shells for homes, ADUs, guest houses, offices, and more. With proper insulation (closed-cell spray foam is most popular in Florida), framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, a container becomes a comfortable, code-compliant living space. Thousands of container homes have been built across the US, and Florida’s climate makes them especially practical year-round.

In most Florida counties, yes — you will need building permits for a container home or ADU. Pinellas County and St. Petersburg have specific zoning and building codes that apply to container construction. Florida has been increasingly friendly to ADU construction, especially in 2024-2025 with new state legislation. We recommend checking with your local building department before starting your project, and we can point you to helpful resources and experienced contractors.

The most popular insulation method in Florida is closed-cell spray foam applied directly to the interior walls and ceiling (2-3 inches provides R-13 to R-20). It creates a vapor barrier, prevents condensation, and adds structural rigidity. Other options include rigid foam board panels, mineral wool batts with a vapor barrier, or exterior insulation with cladding. In Florida’s hot climate, proper insulation is critical for energy efficiency and comfort.

Absolutely! Openings for windows and doors are cut into the steel walls using a plasma cutter or angle grinder. Steel framing is then welded around the opening for structural support. You can install standard residential windows and doors. Many container homes feature large sliding glass doors, picture windows, or even fold-out walls for indoor-outdoor living — perfect for Florida’s climate. A skilled fabricator can cut openings in a few hours.

A basic container conversion (insulation, electrical, plumbing, basic finishes) typically costs $15,000-$35,000. A mid-range conversion with full kitchen, bathroom, and quality finishes runs $35,000-$50,000. A high-end, turnkey container home costs $50,000-$80,000+ total including the container itself. This works out to roughly $50-$150 per sq ft — significantly less than traditional construction at $150-$400 per sq ft in the St. Petersburg area.

Yes, container homes can and do meet Florida building code when properly engineered and constructed. The key requirements include: proper foundation (engineered for Florida wind loads), hurricane strapping (containers are inherently strong but must be anchored), insulation meeting energy code, proper electrical and plumbing to code, and egress windows. Working with an architect or engineer experienced in container construction is recommended. We can connect you with local professionals who specialize in container builds.

We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, bank wire transfers, ACH payments, and certified checks. For larger orders, we also accept cashier’s checks and company checks. A deposit is required to reserve your container, with the balance due before delivery. We provide a detailed invoice with every order.

While we do not offer direct financing, many of our customers finance their container purchase through personal loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOC), or construction loans. Some banks and credit unions in the Tampa Bay area offer specific ADU or tiny home construction loans. We can provide the documentation and invoices needed for loan applications. For larger projects, some customers also use SBA loans or equipment financing.