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.

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.

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.

How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost in California? (2026 Guide)

If you are shopping for a shipping container in California, the first question on your mind is probably the price. The answer depends on several variables: the size of the container, the condition grade, your delivery location, and whether you need any modifications done. This 2026 guide breaks down the real costs of buying conex containers across California, explains the difference between used and one-trip units, and helps you understand what to budget before reaching out to a supplier.

Factors That Affect Shipping Container Prices in California

Shipping container prices are not fixed. Several factors determine what you will pay, and understanding them upfront helps you avoid overspending on a container that does not match your actual needs.

Condition grade: one-trip shipping containers cost significantly more than used conex containers of the same size
Size: 20ft containers are priced lower than 40ft units of the same condition grade
Location: containers sourced near major ports like Long Beach cost less to deliver than those trucked from inland depots
Market cycles: global shipping demand and port-level inventory levels cause prices to shift throughout the year
Modifications: container customizations such as doors, windows, insulation, and electrical work add to the total cost

Keeping these factors in mind makes it easier to compare quotes and identify the best value for your specific project.

Used Shipping Container Costs in California (2026)

Used shipping containers are the most popular and affordable option for buyers across California. A used conex container that has completed multiple shipping runs will show cosmetic wear such as surface rust, dents, and faded paint. However, a properly graded used container remains structurally sound, weather-resistant, and fully functional for storage and other ground-level applications.

Here is what buyers can expect to pay for used containers for sale in the California market in 2026:

Container Size	Condition Grade	Price Range
20ft Standard	Wind & Watertight (WWT)	$1,300 to $1,500
40ft Standard	Wind & Watertight (WWT)	$1,600 to $1,800
20ft Standard	Cargo Worthy (CW)	$1,400 to $1,600
40ft Standard	Cargo Worthy (CW)	$1,700 to $1,900

These figures reflect container cost only and do not include delivery. Because California ports like Long Beach and Los Angeles handle enormous volumes of international freight, used container inventory in Southern California tends to be strong, which helps keep prices competitive compared to landlocked states.

One-Trip Shipping Container Costs in California (2026)

A one-trip shipping container has made a single journey from its overseas manufacturing facility to a U.S. port. Because it has only been used once, it arrives in like-new condition with clean floors, fresh exterior paint, and tight-sealing cargo doors. One-trip conex containers cost more than used units, but they offer a longer usable lifespan and a significantly cleaner interior.

Here is what buyers can expect to pay for one-trip containers in California in 2026:

Container Size	Type	Price Range
20ft Standard	One-Trip Standard	$2,200 to $2,500
40ft Standard	One-Trip Standard	$3,700 to $4,100
40ft High Cube	One-Trip High Cube	$3,900 to $4,200

If you are planning a one-trip shipping container conversion project such as a container home, office, retail unit, or workshop, the additional cost of a one-trip unit is often justified by the cleaner finish and longer service life.

How Container Size Affects the Price

Size is one of the most significant pricing variables. The 20ft container is the most widely purchased unit in California and tends to be more competitively priced due to consistently higher supply at West Coast ports. The 40ft container offers twice the interior storage capacity but typically costs 15 to 30 percent more than a 20ft unit of the same condition grade.

High Cube containers, which stand 9.5 feet tall compared to the standard 8.5 feet, carry a modest premium over standard containers of the same length and grade. That extra foot of interior height makes them the preferred choice for conversion projects where headroom matters.

Does Delivery Cost Extra?

Yes. Delivery is priced separately from the container in most cases. The total delivery cost in California depends on the distance from the nearest container depot, the accessibility of your property, and the type of delivery truck required. Tilt-bed trucks are the most common for residential deliveries, while flatbed trucks are used for sites with forklift access.

At Pier Containers, we provide transparent delivery quotes upfront so you know the total landed cost before placing your order. Our base near the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles gives us strong inventory access and competitive delivery pricing across Southern California. Most deliveries are completed within 3 to 7 business days.

The Cost of Container Modifications and Customizations

If your project requires more than bare storage, container modifications and container customizations will add to your total investment. The most common modification requests we receive at Pier Containers include:

• Roll-up doors and personnel doors for easier access and improved workflow

• Windows and louvre or turbine vents for natural light and ventilation

• Spray foam or panel insulation to manage interior temperatures across California, Nevada, and Arizona climates

• Full electrical packages including outlets, lighting, and breaker panels for offices, workshops, and retail builds

• Custom exterior paint finishes for branding, aesthetics, or local permit compliance

Basic modifications such as a single roll-up door or a set of vents are relatively affordable. Full interior builds with insulation, electrical, and framing carry higher costs depending on the scope of work. Pier Containers provides honest, no-obligation quotes for all conex container modifications with no hidden fees.

Where to Buy Shipping Containers in California

When buying a shipping container in California, working with a supplier based near a major port is a real advantage. Proximity to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles means lower sourcing costs, better inventory availability, and faster delivery timelines compared to suppliers located further inland.

Pier Containers is a family-owned business based in Long Beach, California. We carry 20ft and 40ft used shipping containers in WWT and Cargo Worthy grades, as well as one-trip conex containers in standard and High Cube sizes. We offer container modifications and customizations on request and delivery across Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, and San Francisco in California, as well as Las Vegas, Nevada and areas throughout Arizona.

Get Your 2026 Price Quote from Pier Containers

Container prices shift with market conditions, so the most accurate way to find out what a shipping container costs in your area is to request a direct quote. At Pier Containers, we provide fast, no-obligation quotes for used containers for sale, one-trip units, and modified containers across our full service area.

Call us today at (951) 344-5926 or visit piercontainers.com to get started. Whether you need a simple used conex container for backyard storage or a fully customized trip shipping container for a commercial build, Pier Containers delivers quality, transparency, and value on every order.

(951) 344-5926​