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Centennial · CO
Used Shipping Containers

Answers Before You Buy

The stuff people ask us most about picking up a container around here.

Everything People Ask

So what exactly is a shipping container?

It's the standard steel box that rides ocean freighters. You'll find them in 20ft and 40ft lengths, each in a Standard or taller High Cube height.

What's it built out of?

Corten weathering steel for the walls and roof, sitting over a marine-plywood floor laid on steel cross-members.

How long before one wears out?

Plan on 25 years or more. The Corten steel fights off rust on its own, and our snow-sun-wind mix barely touches it.

Ballpark — what does one cost?

Around Centennial, roughly $950 for a 20ft As-Is on up past $4,500 for a 40ft High Cube One-Trip.

What moves the price up or down?

Length, height, grade, and how far we're driving it. A taller 40ft One-Trip across the metro costs more than a 20ft As-Is down the street.

Any surprise charges?

None. The quote folds in the box, the haul, and tax — that's the whole number.

Is anything guaranteed?

Every box has a 30-day money-back window, and CW and One-Trip units carry a structural warranty on top.

One-Trip, CW, WWT, As-Is — how do they differ?

One-Trip is nearly new, CW is still ocean-certified, WWT is sealed but no longer export-rated, and As-Is is the oldest with no promises.

Which grade for something I'll live in?

Go Cargo Worthy or One-Trip. The looks get covered during the build — what you're paying for is a sound frame.

Why does High Cube keep coming up?

It's a foot taller — 9'6" against 8'6". That extra foot is what leaves you a livable ceiling once the floor and insulation are in.

Best size for a small home or ADU?

A 40ft HC for a proper one-bedroom; a 20ft HC if it's a studio or a solo guest space.

How's it brought out, and how soon?

Tilt-bed truck for most jobs, crane or side-lifter for tight sites — usually 3 to 7 business days after the order's confirmed.

Will it come to a neighborhood?

Yes — most home lots around Centennial are no trouble for the truck, given about 100ft of straight room.

Can it really turn into a house?

It can, and plenty of locals have done it. Figure on framing, insulation, windows and doors, plus electrical and HVAC.

Is a permit required for an ADU build?

For anything habitable, yes. Arapahoe and Douglas both allow ADUs but the rules vary — check with your local building office.

What does a full build-out run?

Box plus finish work lands somewhere around $25K to $80K for a 40ft HC small home in Colorado, depending how nice you go.

How can I pay, and can I finance?

ACH, wire, the major cards, or a check. We also work with a lender for buyers who qualify — just ask while we're building your quote.

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