Shipping Container & Transportation Services

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What size shipping containers are available for purchase?

The most commonly requested shipping container is 20' long.  For areas that can accommodate them, 40' shipping containers are also available.  Custom lengths are available as well, such as a 10' length. Note that custom sizes require larger containers to be cut down to those smaller sizes. Shipping containers are 8' wide and may be either 9' or 10' tall.

How can shipping container be re-purposed or up-cycled?

Shipping containers, also known as cargo containers and conex boxes, may be used for all types of purposes when they are no longer in use for oversea or overland shipment of goods.  Some of the ways that shipping containers may be re-used include:

• providing extra storage space
• alternatives to sheds
• greenhouses
• garages
• workshops
• tack rooms
• yoga studios
• art studios
• hay, grain and feed storage

Re-purposing used shipping containers provides a second life for these durable items and reduces the need for new construction and materials.

Are custom doors, windows and other features available?

Custom features may be added to a shipping container prior to delivery.  The most commonly requested features are roll-up doors, walk-through doors, windows, and vents. 

What do I need to do to prepare for a shipping container delivery?

The delivery site should be level and access to the location should be clear.  For standard delivery, a 70' truck and trailer needs to be able to back directly up to the delivery site on pavement or hard-packed ground.  For more complex placements, specialty equipment may be used to maneuver the shipping container to the desired location.  It is common for shipping containers to be placed on two railroad ties, concrete slabs, or directly on the ground. 

What determines the complexity of the delivery?

Several factors determine the complexity of the delivery including:

• clear access to the delivery location
• type of terrain
• other placement requirements related to landscape and structures

Particularly in our Southern California desert communities, access to the delivery location may be a bit more challenging. Soft-sand, sloped ground and rocky terrain, trees, landscape, hardscape, other structures or fencing may limit access. In those situations, specialty equipment may need to be utilized to place the container in the desired location.  Providing detailed information about the site access and terrain often enables us to determine what type of equipment will be required for delivery in advance.  

Do I need a permit for a shipping container?

Clients are responsible for assessing the suitability of their location for the placement of shipping containers.  In some areas, permits and/or compliance with other local ordinances are required and are the sole responsibility of the property owner and/or the container owner.  Please look into such requirements prior to purchasing a shipping container or arranging for one to be delivered to your location.

Do you purchase shipping containers from individuals?

Wilson Trucking generally acquires shipping containers from commercial suppliers located at the ports.  However, we will purchase shipping containers from individuals depending on the condition of the containers.  Sometimes, we receive inquiries when there is a need to remove a container from a property and the owner no longer wants it.  We can transport it for a potential buyer or may purchase those containers directly from the owner. Sometimes we can connect potential buyers to sellers based on inquiries we receive.

What about shipping container homes and shipping container swimming pools?

While we do not fabricate shipping container homes or shipping container pools, we are asked to deliver both pre-fabricated units that have been purchased elsewhere or deliver containers that will be part of a larger construction project.  These types of specialty shipping container uses require advance planning for delivery as the types of vehicles that are able to transport those items on the roads and highways may not be able to deliver them to their final location.  Special care is required to make sure components are protected during the delivery process. Again, it is important for (and the sole responsibility of ) the property owner and project coordinator to be in compliance with all permitting, codes and/or other jurisdictional requirements.

What is the availability and pricing of shipping containers?

Availability and pricing of shipping containers will vary based on the global supply chain. For example, there was a widely reported shortage of shipping containers due to the disruptions in international trade resulting from  the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about this from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal:

• 'I've Never Seen Anything Like This': Chaos Strikes Global Shipping
• Shipping Container Shortage Gives Commodity Prices Extra Boost

While historically pricing has been more stable, in today's environment prices are fluctuating weekly as containers become available.  Quotes provided are based on what is currently available.