What most people ask
General Frequently Asked Questions
International standard (ISO) sizes are 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot “high-cube,” which are the three most common sizes. For additional sizes, dimensions, and technical specifications, view our containers for sale.
New ISO containers are constructed of steel with marine-grade plywood flooring.
CH & S sells both new and used containers. New containers come direct from the factory, as one-trip units, meaning they have only been used to carry freight once. Used containers are available in a range of conditions. CH & S categorizes containers into four classifications.
IICL: (As recommended by the International Institute of Container Lessors.) IICL used shipping containers meet the highest quality, uniform standards and are suitable for prolonged international marine use, ground level storage, and modifications.
Cargo-worthy: – (Not repaired or maintained in accordance with IICL guidelines.) Cargo-worthy used shipping containers are a great option for ground level storage and modifications. These used containers are also suitable for international marine use, but first need to be physically inspected and certified by a third-party container surveyor. These shipping containers may have minor surface rust and dents.
Wind and watertight: (A slightly lower standard than cargo-worthy.) These used shipping containers may not meet international marine use standards but are wind and water-tight, and a good choice for ground level storage. These shipping containers may have minor surface rust and dents.
As is where is: As is where is containers are sold in their current condition, which can include dents, rust, holes in the floor, and other interior irregularities or missing components. Suitable for fencing, walls, barriers, and other non-transportation applications.
Container uses include weather-tight storage, overseas shipping, portable offices and restrooms, modular buildings, machinery and equipment storage, military command centers, hunting shelters, and much more. For more popular modifications, view our shipping container modifications and customization options.
If you are using the container for international shipping it will require a physical inspection and certification by a third-party container surveyor. CH & S can facilitate this process.
CS & S outsources its delivery service to third-party trucking companies. Containers can be delivered by either flatbed, tilt-bed, low-boy (low-bed) trailer, or chassis. Please note container delivery by flatbed, low-boy (low-bed) trailer, or chassis requires a forklift or crane at the delivery site. Alternatively, you can arrange for pick-up at CS & S using a trucking company of your choice.
Your shipping container should be placed on firm, dry, level ground, i.e. pavement, gravel, or hard dirt. If your container is being delivered by flatbed trailer, you will need a crane or forklift onsite at the time of delivery so you can lift the container off the truck.
A 20-foot container requires 60-feet of straight running room (no bends), 12-feet wide. A 40-foot container requires 120-feet of straight running room for delivery by tilt-bed truck (no bends), 12-feet wide. For the height, a minimum of 14-feet of overhead clearance is needed for containers on a chassis/tilt-bed or on a low-bed (low-boy) so as not to hit wires, etc. If the trucking company cannot make delivery, customer will be responsible for all related trucking and transportation costs.
CS & S has a dedicated, purpose-built modification shop on-site. Some popular modifications are personnel doors, roll-up doors, windows, painting, electrical, and HVAC. Other container customization options are also available.
Once you have ordered your shipping container, CH & S will issue you an invoice. Once your invoice is paid via Bitcoin, money order, wire transfer, cash, or credit card, CH & S will release your container to you or to the trucking company making your delivery. You can also make online payments here.