New, Used, or Custom: Shipping Containers in Los Angeles Done Right

Whether you need extra storage in the backyard, a secure box for a job site, or a blank canvas for a container build, the right unit makes all the difference. And when you are shopping for shipping containers in Los Angeles, you have more options than you might think. At Pier Containers, we make it simple, with new and used containers, custom modifications, and fast local delivery, all at prices that leave room in your budget. As a family-owned business based right here in the LA area, close to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, we can offer strong inventory and competitive pricing you will not always find further inland.

Here is a complete look at what we offer and how to choose the container that fits your project.

Key takeaways

• Pier Containers offers new (one-trip), used, and custom-modified shipping containers in Los Angeles and across the West.
• Sizes include 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft high cube, so there is a fit for almost any project.
• Used wind and watertight containers are the most cost-effective choice for on-site storage.
• One-trip containers give you the cleanest canvas for conversions like offices, workshops, and retail builds.
• Being near the LA and Long Beach ports means competitive pricing and fast delivery, often within a few business days.

Why buy a shipping container?

Shipping containers have become one of the most versatile, cost-effective solutions around, and demand keeps climbing. The U.S. shipping container market was valued at roughly 1.8 billion dollars in 2025 and is projected to keep growing steadily through the early 2030s, according to the IMARC Group. It is easy to see why. A container is weatherproof, secure against theft, incredibly durable, and endlessly adaptable.

People buy them for all kinds of reasons: backyard and household storage, tools and inventory on a job site, farm and ranch storage, and increasingly for creative conversions like offices, workshops, retail pop-ups, and accessory dwelling units. Whatever the purpose, a container gives you a rugged, lockable space that holds its value and stands up to the elements. It is a smart, practical investment rather than an ongoing rental cost.

What services does Pier Containers offer?

Pier Containers specializes in new and used shipping container sales, plus custom container modifications, with delivery across Southern California and neighboring states. In short, we cover the full journey: choosing the right condition and size, customizing it to your needs, and getting it delivered to your site quickly and affordably.

Let me walk you through each of our core services so you can see which one fits your project best.

New and one-trip containers

If you want the cleanest, most pristine container available, a new or one-trip unit is the way to go. These containers have made just a single loaded trip from the manufacturer overseas to North America, which means they arrive structurally sound, clean, and almost entirely free of the wear you would expect from years at sea.

That like-new condition makes them the perfect starting point for any project where appearance and integrity matter. If you are converting a container into an office, a retail space, a workshop, or an ADU, a one-trip unit gives you the cleanest possible canvas to build on. We offer a variety of sizes and configurations, so you can match the container to exactly what you have in mind.

Used containers

For many customers, especially those who need reliable on-site storage, a quality used container offers outstanding value. Our used inventory is carefully selected, in excellent condition, and ready for immediate use.

Most used units are graded as wind and watertight, or WWT, meaning they are fully sealed against wind and water to keep your belongings dry and protected. They may show cosmetic wear like surface rust, minor dents, or faded paint from years of service, but structurally and functionally they do the job beautifully. Because we are located near one of the busiest port complexes in the country, we maintain strong used inventory across standard and high cube sizes. At the time of writing, used 20ft WWT containers in the Southern California market typically range from around 1,300 to 1,500 dollars, though pricing always depends on condition, availability, and your delivery location. For affordable, dependable storage, used is hard to beat.

Custom container modifications

Sometimes a standard container is only the starting point. That is where our custom modification service comes in. Our team can customize your container to fit your specific requirements, transforming a plain steel box into a purpose-built space.

Popular modifications include adding personnel doors, windows, insulation, ventilation, electrical work, shelving, and roll-up doors, among many others. These upgrades open the door to all sorts of applications, from comfortable on-site offices and workshops to eye-catching retail pop-ups and functional storage with easy access. Whatever you are picturing, our team can help you plan the modifications that bring it to life, so your container works exactly the way you need it to.

Sizes to fit any project

Choosing the right size is just as important as choosing the right condition. We stock a full range, including 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft high cube containers.

A 20ft container is compact and easy to place, holding roughly the contents of a two-bedroom home, which makes it ideal for tight spaces and affordable storage. A 40ft container offers twice the space, perfect for storing or moving a three to four-bedroom home’s worth of contents, and it delivers better value per square foot when you have the room. If vertical space matters, a high cube container is built one foot taller than standard, at 9.5 feet tall instead of 8.5, giving you extra clearance that is especially useful for tall equipment, conversions, and builds. Not sure which size fits your situation? Just give us a call and we will help you figure it out.

Fast, reliable delivery across the West

A great container is only useful once it is on your property, and we make delivery straightforward. Most deliveries across the Los Angeles and Southern California area are completed within three to seven business days, and same-week delivery is often available. Our drivers are experienced with residential driveways, commercial lots, and job sites, so placement is smooth wherever your container needs to go.

Beyond Los Angeles, we have grown into a multi-state operation, serving communities across California, Nevada, and Arizona. Wherever you are in our network, we will confirm your delivery window when you order and keep you updated every step of the way.

Why choose Pier Containers

We started in 2023 as a small side hustle, selling containers in local neighborhoods, and have since grown into one of the fastest-rising container businesses in the region. That growth comes down to a simple promise: affordable, practical, reliable containers backed by genuinely helpful service.

As a family-owned business based in the LA area, we take pride in treating customers like neighbors, not order numbers. Our proximity to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles gives us access to strong inventory and competitive pricing, and our team is always happy to walk you through your options rather than just take an order. From backyard storage to full-scale commercial use, customers trust us to deliver quality and value every time.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy a new or used shipping container? It comes down to your budget and intended use. New one-trip containers are cleaner and ideal for conversions like offices or ADUs, while quality used WWT containers offer excellent value for storage. Our team can help match the right grade to your needs.

What is the difference between a 20ft and 40ft container? A 20ft holds about the contents of a two-bedroom home and fits tighter spaces. A 40ft offers twice the room and better value per square foot when you have space for it. We can help you decide based on your project.

What is a high cube container? A high cube is built one foot taller than a standard container, measuring 9.5 feet tall. That extra clearance is great for tall equipment, workshops, and container conversions.

How long does delivery take in Southern California? Most deliveries in the Los Angeles and Southern California area are completed within three to seven business days, and same-week delivery is often available depending on your location and order.

Do I need a permit to place a container on my property? In most California cities, yes, a building permit is generally required, though rules vary by city and county. For temporary use tied to active construction, a temporary permit may be enough. We recommend checking with your local planning department, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.

Ready to find your container?

From clean one-trip units to budget-friendly used containers and fully custom builds, Pier Containers has the right shipping containers in Los Angeles for your project, your timeline, and your budget. With local inventory, competitive pricing, and fast delivery across the West, getting the perfect container is easier than ever.

Call Pier Containers today at (951) 344-5926, or request your free quote online, and let us help you find the ideal container for the job.