How Ordering a Shipping Container Works
Ordering a shipping container should be simple and predictable. This guide walks you through every stage — from your first search to final inspection — so you know exactly what to expect with YES Containers.
The Complete Ordering Process
Follow the steps below from first browse to accepted delivery. A container specialist is available at any stage if you prefer guided assistance.
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Browse Containers and Select Your Configuration
Start by exploring available container options using the filters across the site. You can search by size, condition, and configuration, or enter your ZIP code directly on the homepage for location-based pricing.
You Can Browse By
- Size: 20ft or 40ft
- Condition: one-trip or used
- Configuration: standard, double door, side door, open side
- Height: standard or high cube
- ZIP code for location-based pricing
Optional Selections
- Extended warranty upgrades
- Rush delivery availability
- As-Is condition for lower-cost grades
- CSC sea-worthiness certification
- Quote assistance from a specialist
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Enter Your ZIP Code for Location-Based Pricing
Your delivery ZIP code tells the system which supply network is closest to you, which determines the best available price and delivery estimate.
- Best available container price for your location
- Delivery pricing based on distance and logistics
- Pickup pricing when available near your area
- Realistic delivery expectations based on inventory proximity
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View Container Availability Near Your Location
After entering your ZIP code, inventory options update automatically to reflect the most practical sourcing options for your region.
- 20ft and 40ft container sizes
- Used and one-trip container condition grades
- Standard and high-cube height options
- Side-door and open-side specialty configurations
- Specialty inventory available in your service region
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Add Your Container to Cart or Save Your Offer
Once you select your container, proceed to checkout or save your offer for later review. Saved offers remain valid for a limited time and help secure pricing during your decision period.
During Checkout
- Enter your contact information
- Apply coupons or promotional discounts
- Qualify for bulk pricing where applicable
- Auto-optimize trailer when ordering two 20ft containers together
Prefer to Call?
A container specialist can prepare your order and confirm availability.
Call us at 800-223-4755 -
Review Your Email Confirmation
After submitting your order details, you will receive an email with the next steps and payment instructions. This ensures everything is clearly documented before delivery is scheduled.
- Order summary and container configuration details
- Delivery coordination information
- Payment method instructions
- Specialist contact support if needed
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Choose Your Preferred Payment Method
YES Containers supports multiple payment options depending on order eligibility and delivery location. Your container specialist will confirm the best option for your order.
Credit or Debit CardPayPalACH TransferBank Wire TransferPay-on-Delivery eligible? Final payment is completed before the delivery vehicle enters your property — after you've had the chance to confirm the container meets your expectations.
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Schedule Your Delivery Date
Once payment arrangements are confirmed, delivery scheduling begins. This step ensures the delivery proceeds smoothly and safely.
- Confirm placement location and site requirements
- Verify site accessibility for the delivery vehicle
- Select a delivery date window
- Confirm trailer type requirements if needed
- Arrange short trailer delivery when access conditions require tighter maneuvering
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Delivery Day and Container Placement
Most containers are delivered using a tilt-bed trailer designed for safe ground-level placement. Short trailer delivery can be arranged when site access requires tighter maneuvering.
- Driver positions the container at the requested placement location
- Container orientation is confirmed before placement
- Site conditions are verified on arrival
- Placement adjustments are completed where possible
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Inspect Your Container Before Acceptance
Before accepting delivery, inspect the container to confirm it matches your order and meets structural expectations. This is your opportunity to resolve any issues before completing payment.
Check Before Accepting
- Correct container size and height
- Correct configuration type
- Door operation and seal integrity
- Flooring condition
- Structural condition and no visible damage
- Placement orientation matches request
Full Inspection Guide
Our detailed inspection guide covers every check area with acceptable conditions, required standards, and clear rejection criteria.
View Inspection Guide
Get Support at Any Step
If you prefer guided assistance during any stage of the ordering process, a container specialist is available to help — whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced container customer.
- Choosing the right container type and configuration
- Confirming availability in your area
- Reviewing site and delivery requirements
- Arranging payment options including Pay-on-Delivery
- Coordinating scheduling and placement logistics
New One-Trip Side Door & Open Side Containers
Side door and open side configurations give you full-width access along the length of the container — making loading, unloading, and organizing far more practical than standard end-door access alone. These new one-trip units arrive unused from their first overseas voyage, with no previous storage wear.
A full-length side door opening alongside the standard rear doors. Ideal for loading wide or long items without end-to-end repositioning — perfect for workshops, retail, and equipment storage.
View ContainersThe entire side panel opens for maximum access — ideal when forklifts, wide shelving, or large equipment need to be moved in or out without the constraints of a door frame.
View ContainersExtra interior height combined with full-length side door access. The extra foot of clearance makes a meaningful difference when storing taller equipment, shelving systems, or palletized goods.
View ContainersMaximum access, maximum interior volume. The full side opening on a high cube unit makes it the go-to choice for contractors, retailers, and logistics operators needing rapid, unobstructed access to large quantities of stored goods.
View Containers