Shipping Container Frequently Asked Questions

What are common container uses?

Please visit our Construction, Commercial & Industrial, Hospitality, Municipal & Government pages to learn about the uses for each.

Should I rent or buy?

Generally speaking, if you plan to use a storage container for more than 3 years, you might want to buy. The break-even number for buying versus renting will depend on the purchase price of the portable storage container (plus delivery, tax, and any permitting fees) versus the monthly rental fee.

Shipping container shortages have increased prices significantly. Renting is a cost-effective way of gaining access to a steel portable storage container without spending thousands of dollars up front. If your storage needs are temporary and your cash flow is limited, renting is probably your best option. Please call a member of our sales team at 973-957-7600 to help guide you with this decision.

What do used containers look like?

Most used containers can have some cosmetic blemishes, surface rust, and dings/dents. Some containers have no cosmetic issues at all, but we want to set expectations for our customers as to the potential for cosmetic blemishes.

Containers can be painted and even power-washed and will look close to as good as new.  

Are shipping containers insect and rodent-proof?

Yes, generally speaking containers are insect and rodent-proof. Containers require periodic maintenance to make sure that no holes develop over time and that your door gaskets and floors remain intact.

How does Jake grade containers? What are the conditions of the units we sell?

Wind & Watertight Container:

Our most popular used grade of container. Container will be wind & watertight. However, since the containers have been used, they may have slight surface rust and dents, original shipping line container markings and will come in different colors. Wind & watertight containers work for customers who have little concern over appearance and simply need a dry storage container.

Cargo-worthy Container:

Same standards as wind & watertight above, but has the structural integrity to be used for short-term international marine use. The container will require a proper survey prior to maritime use and certain shipping container markings must be removed. Please note that cargo-worthy containers may still have surface rust and dents.

New Container (One Trip):

Like New or "One Trip Containers" are generally within a few years of their date of manufacture and are in excellent condition inside and out with very few dings and dents. While some one trip containers have only taken one trip across an ocean on a container ship, the term "one tripper" is more of a reference to a 1-2 year old container. One trip containers are great for customers when appearance and condition is extremely important.

Can I see the exact unit I will be purchasing?

It depends on the container you purchase and where we source it from. If the container is at our facility we can usually provide you with pictures. However, because most of the containers we sell are stacked at various yards called intermodal depots, we usually cannot obtain photos or guarantee a specific unit. The depots store empty shipping containers for shipping lines and intermodal equipment providers. When we place an order for our customers, they usually get the next container off the stack that meets their criteria. We will do our best to accommodate picture requests whenever possible.

How are Containers Delivered?

If you buy a container:

We will deliver the container to you, or you can engage a trucking company of your choice to pick up your container from our facility or a designated depot facility. Containers are delivered by truck, either tilt-bed or flatbed. A tilt-bed truck allows the container to be positioned on the ground at the delivery location. Delivery by flatbed truck generally costs less than by tilt-bed, but requires that you have the proper machinery to lift the container off the truck at your site.

If you rent a container:

We will deliver the container to you using a tilt-bed truck. The truck will back into the area where you want the container to be placed and the truck will tilt down. The truck will pull forward as the other end of the container is lowered to the ground.

Do I need to be present during delivery of my storage container?

Yes, we would prefer that you are present during the delivery to sign the paperwork and to identify your preferred delivery location.

What else can you tell me about delivery? How much space is required?

The ground should be flat and level, preferably asphalt, concrete or gravel surface.

• A 20’ tilt bed truck requires approximately 60 feet of straight clearance to drop a container.
• A 40’ tilt bed truck requires approximately 110 feet of straight clearance to drop a container.
• All vehicles need at least 10 feet of width and 25 feet of overhead clearance to accommodate the tilting of the tilt bed truck.

Additionally, when placing your order, you should choose if you want to have the container doors to the cab of the tilt bed truck or to the rear of the tilt bed truck (this will determine where the container doors will be located after we drop the container). Our delivery carrier will contact you prior to delivery to review all of the above and answer any additional questions you may have.

Can I move or relocate a rented container?

No, once a rented storage container is delivered it cannot be moved or relocated without contacting us.

What is the difference between a “standard” container and a “high cube” container?

High cube containers are 9 feet and 6 inches tall while standard containers are 8 feet 6 inches tall.

Can I use a shipping container to ship items overseas?

It is common to buy a new or used shipping container for shipping or exporting goods overseas. Shipper owned containers are a nice alternative to using a container provided by a shipping line, especially since you own the shipper owned container once it arrives overseas. Learn about shipping containers overseas