How much does a 20ft shipping container cost in California?

The price of a 20ft shipping container in California depends on condition, delivery location, and current market availability. Used 20ft WWT (Wind and Watertight) containers in the Southern California market typically range from $2,000 to $3,600, while one-trip (like-new) units run higher. Because Pier Containers is based in the Los Angeles area — close to the Ports of Long Beach and LA — we offer competitive pricing with strong inventory options. Contact us for an up-to-date quote based on your ZIP code and the condition you need.

What is Wind and Watertight (WWT) condition for shipping containers?

Wind and Watertight (WWT) is a container grade that means the unit is fully sealed against wind and water infiltration — keeping your belongings dry and protected from the elements. WWT containers are not certified for export shipping but are ideal for on-site storage. They typically show cosmetic wear like surface rust, dents, or faded paint from years of use, but structurally and functionally they perform reliably. If you're using your container for storage rather than international shipping, WWT is one of the most cost-effective grades available.

How long does shipping container delivery take in Southern California?

In most cases, we can deliver your container within a few business days of your order — typically 3 to 7 business days for most Southern California locations. Delivery times can vary depending on your location, order size, and current driver availability. We'll confirm your delivery window when you place your order and keep you updated every step of the way. Same-week delivery is often available — just give us a call.

Do I need a permit to place a shipping container on my property in California?

In most cases, yes. A building permit is generally required for placing shipping containers on a property in California, and applications typically need to include site plans showing intended use and compliance with local codes. Rules vary by city and county, and many jurisdictions also require containers to be placed in a manner that minimizes visibility from public roads and neighboring properties. For temporary use tied to an active construction project, a temporary permit valid up to 180 days may be sufficient. We recommend checking with your local planning or building department before delivery.

Where can I buy a shipping container near Las Vegas?

Pier Containers serves the greater Las Vegas, Nevada area as part of our expanding West Coast and Southwest delivery network. We can source and deliver containers to Las Vegas and surrounding communities. We've grown beyond Los Angeles to serve multiple states across the West Coast and beyond. Contact us directly at (951) 344-5926 to check current inventory and delivery availability for your Las Vegas location.

Do you deliver shipping containers to Riverside County?

Yes — Riverside County is one of our core delivery areas. We serve communities throughout Riverside County, including the city of Riverside, Perris, Moreno Valley, Temecula, and beyond. Our drivers are experienced with residential driveways, commercial lots, and job sites across the Inland Empire. Call us to confirm availability in your specific city and get a delivery quote.

What areas of Arizona do you deliver shipping containers to?

Pier Containers delivers to select areas of Arizona as part of our multi-state service footprint. While our primary base is Southern California, we work with customers throughout the Southwest — including major Arizona markets. Reach out to us at (951) 344-5926 to discuss your specific location, and we'll confirm current availability and delivery lead times for your area.

New vs. used shipping containers — which should I buy?

It comes down to your budget, intended use, and how much condition matters to you. New (one-trip) containers have made a single journey from the manufacturer overseas, guaranteeing cleanliness and structural integrity — ideal for conversions into offices, homes, or retail spaces. Used containers have been in active service for many years and are graded as Cargo Worthy, Wind and Watertight, or As-Is. For most storage applications, a quality used container in WWT condition offers excellent value. If you're doing a conversion project, a one-trip unit gives you the cleanest starting point. Our team can help match the right grade to your specific needs and budget.

20ft vs. 40ft shipping container — which size do I need?

The right size depends on how much space you need and where the container will be placed. A 20ft container is compact and easy to transport — it can hold the contents of a two-bedroom home and is ideal for tight spaces, affordable storage, or projects like retail kiosks and mobile workspaces. A 40ft container offers twice the storage capacity, making it ideal for larger storage needs, commercial use, or moving a three- to four-bedroom home's worth of contents. If you're working with a smaller driveway or lot, the 20ft is typically easier to place. Not sure which size fits your situation? Give us a call and we'll help you decide.

What is a High Cube shipping container?

A High Cube (HC) container is built one foot taller than a standard container — 9.5 feet tall versus the standard 8.5 feet. That extra foot of vertical clearance makes a significant difference for storing tall equipment, doing container conversion projects, or maximizing usable interior space. High Cube containers are especially popular for office builds, workshops, and retail pop-ups. Pier Containers carries High Cube units in our inventory — contact us to check current availability in your area.

Can I Buy a Used Shipping Container in Los Angeles?

Q: Can I buy a used shipping container in Los Angeles?

Absolutely. Pier Containers is a family-owned business based in Los Angeles, California, and we carry a selection of high-quality used shipping containers in excellent condition and ready for immediate use. With proximity to one of the busiest port complexes in the country, we maintain strong used inventory across standard and high cube sizes. Whether you need a 20ft for backyard storage or a 40ft for a job site, we can help you find the right unit and get it delivered fast.

Yes, you can — and thousands of homeowners, contractors, and business owners across the greater Los Angeles area do it every year. Whether you’re comparing Used Containers for Sale for extra storage on a Reseda property, a secure lock-up for your Van Nuys warehouse, or a site office at a construction project in the San Fernando Valley, a used shipping container is one of the most cost-effective and practical solutions available.

But buying smart means understanding the grade of container you’re purchasing, the true cost of delivery in an urban metro like LA, and which supplier can actually back up what they’re selling. This guide covers everything you need to know before you spend a dollar.

What Does ‘Used’ Actually Mean for a Shipping Container?

Not all used containers are equal. In the shipping container industry, the term ‘used’ covers a spectrum of conditions. Before you buy, make sure you know which grade you’re getting.

Cargo Worthy (CW)

A Cargo Worthy container has been inspected and certified to carry freight on commercial vessels. It is structurally sound, watertight, and free from significant rust, holes, or damage. This is the highest grade of used container you can buy and is an excellent choice when you need reliable long-term storage or plan to modify the unit.

Wind and Watertight (WWT)

A Wind and Watertight container keeps water and weather out but is no longer certified for ocean cargo. Surface rust and cosmetic dents are common. For residential storage, farm use, or jobsite security in the Los Angeles area, WWT containers provide great value at a lower price point.

As-Is

As-Is containers are sold without any condition guarantee. Some sellers use this label to offload units with significant structural issues. Pier Containers does not sell As-Is containers. Every unit we deliver has been inspected for structural integrity, weather sealing, and door functionality.

What Sizes Are Available in Los Angeles?

The three most common container sizes available for purchase in the Los Angeles market are:

Size	Interior Space	Best For
20ft Standard	19’4″ L x 7’8″ W x 7’10” H	Residential, small lot, tight access
40ft Standard	39’5″ L x 7’8″ W x 7’10” H	Business storage, jobsite, warehouse overflow
40ft High Cube	39’5″ L x 7’8″ W x 8’10” H	Conversions, tall equipment, walk-in storage

The 20ft is the most popular choice in high-density LA neighborhoods where lot access can be tight. If you have room for a 40ft, you’re getting roughly twice the floor space for only a modest price increase.

How Much Does a Used Shipping Container Cost in Los Angeles?

Prices vary based on condition, size, and current inventory. As a general guide for the Los Angeles market:

Used 20ft WWT: $1,300 – $1,500
Used 40ft WWT: $1,600 – $1,800
Used 40ft High Cube WWT: $1,700 – $1,900
One-Trip (near-new) containers are priced higher and available upon request

Delivery in the greater Los Angeles area is an additional cost that depends on your zip code, site accessibility, and whether a crane or specialty truck is required. Always confirm delivery fees upfront. Pier Containers provides transparent, all-in pricing with no hidden charges on delivery day.

For customers who want more flexibility, Financing & Rent-to-Own options can also make it easier to secure a container without paying the full amount upfront.

Do You Need a Permit to Place a Container in Los Angeles?

This is one of the most important questions LA buyers ask — and the answer depends on how you plan to use the container and how long it will stay.

In the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, shipping containers placed on residential or commercial property may require a permit if they are:

Intended for permanent placement (typically more than 90–180 days, depending on jurisdiction)
Used as an accessory structure (storage shed, workshop, or living space)
Placed in a front yard or visible from a public right-of-way

For temporary storage on a jobsite or during a home renovation, most unincorporated LA County areas allow short-term placement without a permit. If you are in an incorporated city such as Burbank, Pasadena, or Long Beach, check with your local Building and Safety department for current rules.

Pier Containers recommends confirming permit requirements with your local planning department before scheduling delivery. We are happy to provide delivery documentation if your municipality requires it.

What Are the Most Common Uses for Used Containers in Los Angeles?

Across the Los Angeles metro, Pier Containers regularly delivers units to customers who need:

Residential storage — garages, backyards, and hillside properties across the San Fernando Valley and South Bay
Construction and jobsite security — temporary tool and equipment lockup across active development corridors from Boyle Heights to Santa Monica
Retail and business overflow — seasonal inventory storage for warehouses in the Commerce and Vernon industrial districts
Film and production — prop storage and on-location equipment security for LA’s entertainment industry
Urban farming and nonprofit operations — secure supply storage in community garden and service organization projects across South and East LA

No matter the application, a used shipping container delivers security, weather protection, and portability that traditional storage units simply cannot match.

For projects that require more than basic storage, Container Modifications can help transform a used container into a workshop, office, retail space, or custom storage solution.

What to Look for Before You Buy

If you’re buying from any supplier — including Pier Containers — here are the key things to verify before you commit:

Inspect photos of the actual unit, not a stock image
Confirm the container grade: WWT, Cargo Worthy, or One-Trip
Ask about floor condition — some older units have damaged hardwood floors that can affect functionality
Verify that all door seals and locking rods are intact and functional
Confirm delivery logistics: what size truck, does the driver need to turn around, and is there overhead clearance?

At Pier Containers, we inspect every unit for structural integrity, weather sealing, and door functionality before it leaves our yard. What you see in our photos is what arrives on your property.

Why Buy from Pier Containers?

Pier Containers is a locally operated supplier serving Southern California, including buyers searching for Shipping Containers Los Angeles CA and delivery throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

No bait-and-switch pricing — the price we quote is the price you pay
Photo-verified inventory — every unit pictured is the unit delivered
Flat-bed and tilt-bed delivery trucks that can reach most residential and commercial sites
Fast turnaround — most deliveries scheduled within a few business days
Experienced local drivers who know LA County road conditions and access requirements

Whether you’re in a dense neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles or on a larger lot in the Antelope Valley, we’ll get your container there safely and on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a shipping container delivered to a Los Angeles address?

Yes. Pier Containers delivers to residential, commercial, and industrial addresses across the greater LA area, including Lancaster, Palmdale, the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding communities.

How long does delivery take after I order?

Most orders in the Los Angeles area are delivered within 3–7 business days, depending on your location and current scheduling. We will confirm your delivery window when you place your order.

Do I need to be present during delivery?

We recommend that someone be on-site to confirm placement and sign off on the delivery. If you cannot be present, contact us in advance to arrange alternative instructions.

What is the difference between WWT and Cargo Worthy?

Wind and Watertight (WWT) containers keep weather out and are suitable for storage. Cargo Worthy (CW) containers meet the higher standard of being certified for ocean freight. CW units are in better overall condition and typically cost a bit more.

Can I buy a container and use it as a permanent structure on my LA property?

Permanent use may require a permit from the City of Los Angeles, LA County Building and Safety, or the relevant incorporated city department. We recommend consulting your local planning department before placement.

(951) 344-5926​