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.

Shipping Containers in Bakersfield: Rugged Storage for the Central Valley

Current image: Shipping Containers in Bakersfield

Bakersfield works hard, and your storage should too. As the heart of Kern County, this is a region built on agriculture and energy, where farms, vineyards, and oil field operations demand storage that can take a beating and keep protecting what matters. That is exactly why so many local businesses and homeowners turn to shipping containers in Bakersfield. Secure, weatherproof, and built from heavy-duty steel, a container stands up to the intense San Joaquin Valley sun, the seasonal winds, and the daily grind of Central Valley life.

At Pier Containers, we deliver new, used, and custom containers throughout Bakersfield and the surrounding Central Valley, with fast delivery and no hidden fees. Here is everything you need to know.

Key takeaways

Pier Containers delivers new, used, and custom shipping containers across Bakersfield and Kern County.
Our units are made from rugged Corten steel, built to resist corrosion in the Central Valley climate.
Containers come in three grades, One-Trip, Cargo Worthy, and Wind & Watertight, to suit any budget or use.
They are ideal for agriculture, oil field operations, industrial storage, and home use alike.
We offer transparent all-in delivered pricing, plus financing and rent-to-own options.

Built for Bakersfield’s toughest industries

Few places in America work as hard as Kern County. It consistently ranks among the nation’s top agricultural counties and is California’s leading oil-producing region, and both of those industries put serious demands on storage.

For farms and vineyards, containers keep expensive tools, irrigation supplies, and harvest equipment dry, secure, and safe from rodents and weather. For the oil and energy sector, especially operations out near Oildale, rugged containers protect gear and inventory on remote sites where a lockable, weatherproof steel box is worth its weight in gold. And for homeowners across Rosedale, Seven Oaks, and beyond, a container makes a brilliant workshop, garage overflow, or secure storage space. Whatever your line of work, there is a container built for the job.

What size shipping container do I need in Bakersfield?

The right size depends on what you are storing. A 20ft standard container measures 20 by 8 by 8.6 feet and is the most popular choice for residential use and small farms, compact enough to fit a driveway or sit near an outbuilding while still holding plenty. A 40ft standard offers 320 square feet of ground-level space, making it the most cost-effective option for industrial equipment, bulk inventory, and warehouse overflow. And a 40ft High Cube adds a full foot of height at 9.6 feet, perfect for tall machinery, insulation-ready workspace conversions, and maximum interior volume.

If you are unsure which fits your needs, our team is glad to help you match the right size to your project. There is a 10ft option available too for smaller storage needs.

Container conditions explained

One of the smartest ways to control your cost is choosing the right grade of container. We offer three, each suited to a different priority.

One-Trip (New). These units have carried just a single load of cargo, so they arrive in pristine condition. They are the best pick for residential areas or retail sites where appearance really matters.

Cargo Worthy (CW). Certified for international shipping, these used units are structurally sound but may show surface rust and minor dings. They are excellent for heavy industrial and oil field use, where rugged function beats a flawless finish.

Wind & Watertight (WWT). Our most affordable option, these units are inspected to confirm there are no leaks and the doors seal tightly, making them ideal for secure, dry storage on a budget.

Matching the grade to your purpose is how you get exactly what you need without paying for polish you do not require.

Built to handle the Central Valley climate

Sourcing a container in Bakersfield is all about durability. Between the extreme summer heat, the heavy tule fog, and the seasonal winds, your storage has to be tough. That is why every container we sell is made from Corten steel, often called weathering steel, which is specifically designed to resist deep-seated corrosion and structural failure even in harsh conditions.

Wind is rarely a concern, since a container is extremely heavy and engineered for ocean travel, making it one of the most stable storage solutions around when placed on a level surface. Heat is the bigger factor here. On triple-digit summer days, a steel interior can warm up considerably, so for workspaces or heat-sensitive contents we often recommend simple upgrades like whirlybird vents, solar-powered fans, or a light-colored reflective roof coating to improve airflow and keep temperatures down.

How delivery works in Bakersfield

Getting your container is straightforward, and a little preparation goes a long way.

First, you choose your unit, selecting the size and grade that fit your needs, with help from our consultants if you want it. Next comes site preparation. Make sure your placement spot is level, ideally on gravel, asphalt, or concrete, since an uneven surface can eventually make those heavy doors hard to open. You will also need clearance for our tilt-bed trucks: roughly 60 feet of straight-line space for a 20ft unit and 100 feet for a 40ft unit. Finally, we coordinate a delivery window and our drivers place the container exactly where you want it.

We typically deliver to Bakersfield within three to seven business days of confirming your order, depending on current inventory. And we do not stop at the city limits. We deliver throughout the outlying areas of Kern County too, including Tehachapi, Shafter, Wasco, Arvin, and Delano, as long as the access road is wide enough for our truck.

Flexible financing and rent-to-own

Buying a container is a smart long-term investment, and we work to make it accessible. Alongside outright purchase, we offer financing and rent-to-own programs that give both businesses and individuals flexible payment options. That means you can get the storage you need now and spread the cost in a way that suits your budget, rather than putting the project off. Just ask us about the options when you get in touch.

Do you need a permit in Bakersfield?

Sometimes, yes, and it is worth checking first. Within the City of Bakersfield and Kern County, permit requirements depend on your property’s zoning, whether it is residential or commercial, and how you intend to use the container. Permanent installations usually require a permit from the local Building Department, while temporary storage may not.

Because the rules vary by property and use, we always recommend confirming with the City of Bakersfield or Kern County before delivery, and our team is happy to point you in the right direction.

Why Bakersfield customers choose Pier Containers

We have built our reputation on doing right by our customers, and here is what sets us apart in the Central Valley.

We bring real local expertise, with years of experience serving the specific logistical and environmental needs of Bakersfield, Kern County, and the surrounding agricultural communities. Our pricing is refreshingly transparent, a straightforward, no-surprises model where the quote you receive includes both the container and delivery, with no hidden surcharges. Our containers are rugged by design, built from industrial-grade Corten steel to resist degradation under the intense Central California sun. And because outdoor storage security matters, our units come with heavy-duty locking bars and can be fitted with steel lock boxes to keep your high-value assets safe.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a container in Bakersfield? It depends on your zoning and intended use. Permanent structures usually require a permit from the local Building Department, while temporary storage often does not. Check with the City of Bakersfield or Kern County to be sure.

How do containers handle the San Joaquin Valley winds? Very well. Containers are extremely heavy and engineered for ocean travel, so when placed on a level surface they are one of the most stable, wind-resistant storage options available.

How do I keep my container cool in the Bakersfield heat? On hot days, adding whirlybird vents, solar-powered fans, or a light-colored reflective roof coating helps improve airflow and control the interior temperature.

How fast is delivery to Bakersfield? We typically deliver within three to seven business days of order confirmation, depending on current inventory at our nearest regional depot.

Do you deliver to rural areas like Tehachapi or Shafter? Yes. We deliver across the outlying areas of Kern County, including Tehachapi, Shafter, Wasco, Arvin, and Delano, as long as the access road fits our tilt-bed truck.

Ready to get your container in Bakersfield?

From pristine one-trip units to rugged Cargo Worthy boxes and budget-friendly Wind & Watertight storage, Pier Containers has the right shipping containers in Bakersfield for your farm, your worksite, or your home. With Corten steel construction, transparent delivered pricing, and flexible financing, tough, dependable storage is well within reach.

Call Pier Containers today at (951) 344-5926, or request your free quote online, and let us deliver the perfect container to your Bakersfield location.

(951) 344-5926​