Our Options For Buying Shipping Containers
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When you need to buy a new or used shipping container in Minnesota, we're the team to call.
We work with all the local depots to get containers delivered to you quickly and at an affordable price. Our team has spent years building relationships with these suppliers, and we use those connections to get you the best deals possible. Trust the Minnesota crew that's got your back when it comes to cargo containers. Not sure which size or condition is right for your project? No problem. Keep reading to learn about your options, or check out our Container Buying Guide for even more details on how to choose what works best for you. 
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Here's what our customers say about our ability to provide shipping containers throughout Minnesota.
Great experience with their customer service. They were helpful and told me exactly what container I needed. And they gave me an exact number for the quote which is nice to know! - Tony D.
I had no idea what the different ratings of shipping containers were and which one I needed. Minnesota Shipping Containers walked me through everything until I understood. They were really patient and I had an amazing experience. - Mary T.
Container Sizes We Offer in Minnesota
We stock the most popular container sizes, and each one serves a slightly different purpose. Here's a quick breakdown to help you figure out which option fits your needs.
20 Foot Shipping Container
The 20 foot container is our most popular option, and for good reason. It's the perfect size for a lot of common uses without taking up too much space on your property.
Exterior Dimensions:
Interior Dimensions:
This container works great for backyard storage, small business inventory, job site equipment, or even creative projects like workshops and studios. It's big enough to hold a decent amount of stuff but compact enough to fit in most driveways and side yards.
If you're a first time buyer and you're not sure where to start, the 20 foot container is usually a safe bet. It handles most storage needs without overwhelming your space or your budget.
See 20 Foot Containers Here
Exterior Dimensions:
- Height: 8'6"
- Length: 20'
- Width: 8'
Interior Dimensions:
- Height: 7′ 9-⅝”
- Length: 19' 5"
- Width: 7′ 8-⅛”
This container works great for backyard storage, small business inventory, job site equipment, or even creative projects like workshops and studios. It's big enough to hold a decent amount of stuff but compact enough to fit in most driveways and side yards.
If you're a first time buyer and you're not sure where to start, the 20 foot container is usually a safe bet. It handles most storage needs without overwhelming your space or your budget.
See 20 Foot Containers Here
40 Foot Shipping Container
Need more room? The 40 foot container gives you roughly double the storage space of a 20 footer. It's a popular choice for commercial storage, larger residential projects, and people looking to do something creative like build a container home or mobile office.
Exterior Dimensions:
Interior Dimensions:
This size is ideal when you've got a lot to store or when you're working on a bigger project that needs the extra square footage. Contractors love them for large job sites. Retailers use them for serious inventory overflow. And homebuilders often start with 40 foot containers as the foundation for conversion projects.
Just keep in mind that a 40 foot container needs more clearance for delivery. Make sure your site can accommodate a longer truck and more space for the drop off.
See 40 Foot Containers Here
Exterior Dimensions:
- Height: 8'6"
- Length: 40'
- Width: 8'
Interior Dimensions:
- Height: 7' 9-5/8"
- Length: 39' 4"
- Width: 7' 8-1/8"
This size is ideal when you've got a lot to store or when you're working on a bigger project that needs the extra square footage. Contractors love them for large job sites. Retailers use them for serious inventory overflow. And homebuilders often start with 40 foot containers as the foundation for conversion projects.
Just keep in mind that a 40 foot container needs more clearance for delivery. Make sure your site can accommodate a longer truck and more space for the drop off.
See 40 Foot Containers Here
40 Foot High Cube Shipping Container
The 40 foot high cube (often called a 40 HC) gives you everything the standard 40 footer offers, plus an extra foot of interior height. That might not sound like much, but it makes a real difference for certain projects.
Exterior Dimensions:
Interior Dimensions:
The additional vertical space is perfect if you're stacking items, installing shelving systems, or converting the container into livable or workable space where ceiling height matters. A lot of people doing container homes or offices prefer high cube units because that extra headroom makes the interior feel less cramped.
High cube containers often come as one trip units, which means they're basically brand new. They've only made one voyage from the overseas factory to the U.S., so they arrive in excellent condition with minimal wear.
See 40 Foot High Cube Containers Here
Exterior Dimensions:
- Height: 8'6"
- Length: 40'
- Width: 8'
Interior Dimensions:
- Height: 8' 9"
- Length: 39' 4"
- Width: 7' 7"
The additional vertical space is perfect if you're stacking items, installing shelving systems, or converting the container into livable or workable space where ceiling height matters. A lot of people doing container homes or offices prefer high cube units because that extra headroom makes the interior feel less cramped.
High cube containers often come as one trip units, which means they're basically brand new. They've only made one voyage from the overseas factory to the U.S., so they arrive in excellent condition with minimal wear.
See 40 Foot High Cube Containers Here
About Shipping Containers
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At first glance, shipping containers might just look like big steel boxes. And technically, that's what they are. But they're also one of the most versatile and durable storage solutions you can buy.
Here's what makes them so useful:
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Common Uses For Shipping Containers
People buy containers from us for all kinds of reasons.
Here are some of the most common projects we help with:
- Residential storage. Extra space for seasonal items, tools, furniture, or belongings you don't use every day.
- Business inventory. Retailers and wholesalers use containers to store overflow inventory, especially during busy seasons.
- Construction site storage. Contractors need somewhere secure to keep tools, materials, and equipment overnight.
- Farm and agricultural storage. Containers work great for storing feed, supplies, equipment, and machinery.
- Workshop or studio space. With some modifications, a container becomes a private workspace for hobbies, art, or small business operations.
- Container homes and offices. More people are converting containers into livable spaces, guest houses, or mobile offices.
- Event storage. Event planners use containers to store decorations, tables, chairs, and other supplies between events.
New vs. Used Containers
One of the first decisions you'll make is whether to buy new or used. Both options have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget and your priorities.
New (One Trip) Containers
These containers have only made one voyage across the ocean from the overseas factory. You're the first person to use them for storage or any other purpose. They arrive looking clean and sharp with fresh paint, smooth operating doors, and no rust or dents.
New containers cost more, but they're perfect for visible locations or projects where appearance matters. If you're building a container home or placing a unit in front of your business, one trip is probably worth the investment.
New containers cost more, but they're perfect for visible locations or projects where appearance matters. If you're building a container home or placing a unit in front of your business, one trip is probably worth the investment.
Used Containers
Used containers have been in active shipping service for a while. They've got some miles on them, and it shows. You'll see cosmetic wear like paint chips, minor dents, and maybe some surface rust.
That being said, used containers still work great. A cargo worthy or wind and watertight unit keeps your stuff dry and secure just like a new one does. You just pay less for it. If function matters more than looks, used containers are an excellent value.
We sell both new and used options and can help you decide which makes sense based on what you're trying to accomplish.
That being said, used containers still work great. A cargo worthy or wind and watertight unit keeps your stuff dry and secure just like a new one does. You just pay less for it. If function matters more than looks, used containers are an excellent value.
We sell both new and used options and can help you decide which makes sense based on what you're trying to accomplish.
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Get a Free Quote on Shipping Containers!Ready to buy? Have questions about which size or condition is right for you? We're here to help.
Call us at (612) 324-5309 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote. We'll walk you through your options, give you clear pricing that includes delivery, and answer any questions you have along the way. Minnesota Shipping Containers Serves Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding areas. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the questions we get asked most often.
What's the difference between a shipping container, storage container, and conex box?
Honestly, there's no difference at all. These are just different names people use for the same thing. "Shipping container" is probably the most common term you'll hear. "Storage container" describes how a lot of folks end up using them. And "conex" (sometimes spelled "connex") is an old military term that stuck around and became generic over time.
You might also hear terms like "ISO container," "sea can," or "cargo container." They all refer to the same standardized steel boxes used in global freight shipping. When you call us asking about any of these, we know exactly what you mean. And we'll quote them the same way regardless of what you call them.
You might also hear terms like "ISO container," "sea can," or "cargo container." They all refer to the same standardized steel boxes used in global freight shipping. When you call us asking about any of these, we know exactly what you mean. And we'll quote them the same way regardless of what you call them.
Are your containers weathertight?
Yes. We only sell containers that are weathertight or better, with the exception of "as is" units that buyers specifically request for DIY projects. Every container we deliver is designed to keep your belongings dry and protected from the elements. Our team checks containers before they go out for delivery. That said, occasionally a small issue might slip through. If you notice a leak or seal problem after your container arrives, let us know right away. We stand behind what we sell and we'll work with you to make it right.
How long do shipping containers last?
These things are built tough. A typical container stays in active ocean shipping service for 15 to 25 years, getting stacked on ships, exposed to salt water, and moved around constantly. After they're retired from shipping, they've still got plenty of life left for stationary storage use. When you're using a container on land (especially somewhere like Minnesota where there's no salt water exposure), you can expect it to last decades with basic maintenance.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, which is the fastest and easiest way to pay. We also accept electronic checks and can offer a small discount for customers who choose this option since it saves on processing fees. We don't accept cash on delivery or layaway programs. Payment is required upfront before we schedule your delivery. If you're interested in financing options for a larger purchase, give us a call and we can talk through what might be available.
Can I choose a specific color for my container?
For used containers, unfortunately not. We source from depot inventory, and colors vary depending on what's available at the time. You might get blue, gray, tan, green, red, or something else. It's basically random.
The good news is that shipping containers are pretty easy to paint if you want them to match a specific color scheme. A coat of exterior paint goes a long way toward making a container blend in with your property. For new one trip containers, we can sometimes arrange for a specific color like gray or tan, but it depends on what our suppliers have in stock. If color matters to you, mention it when you call and we'll see what we can do.
The good news is that shipping containers are pretty easy to paint if you want them to match a specific color scheme. A coat of exterior paint goes a long way toward making a container blend in with your property. For new one trip containers, we can sometimes arrange for a specific color like gray or tan, but it depends on what our suppliers have in stock. If color matters to you, mention it when you call and we'll see what we can do.
Do you deliver to other parts of Minnesota?
Yes, we deliver shipping containers throughout Minnesota. If you're in a smaller town or a more rural area, don't worry. As long as your site meets the basic clearance requirements for delivery, we can get a container to you. Just tell us your zip code when you request a quote and we'll confirm everything.
