Selecting the right shipping container saves you money, prevents future headaches, and ensures your project is safe, secure, and built to last. The wrong container can lead to costly modifications, wasted space, or even legal issues if it doesn’t meet local requirements.
Key Points To Consider When Choosing:
What Will You Use It For? Will your container serve as a storage unit, office, workshop, pop-up shop, or home? Your intended use shapes all other decisions.
Space & Location Measure your available space. A 20ft container is more versatile for tight areas, while a 40ft container offers maximum storage or workspace.
Budget Balance cost with quality. Used containers can be more affordable, but check for hidden damage.
Container Sizes & Types
Selecting the right shipping container saves you money, prevents future headaches, and ensures your project is safe, secure, and built to last. The wrong container can lead to costly modifications, wasted space, or even legal issues if it doesn’t meet local requirements.
Standard Sizes:
20ft (most common, compact, versatile)
40ft (for larger needs, often best value) .
High Cube Containers:
Extra height (+1 foot) for tall items or more spacious builds.
Special Types:
Open Side: Easy access for wide/awkward items
Reefer: Refrigerated for temperature-sensitive storage
Double Door: Access from both ends
Flat Rack: For machinery/vehicles
Pro Tip
High cube containers are a favorite for tiny homes and offices thanks to the extra headroom.
Used or New
New vs Used: Which One’s Right for You?
best for business
New (“One Trip”)
One-trip units in near-pristine condition
Ideal for long-term use or visible locations
Available in multiple colors
Factory lockbox + vents
Budget pick
Used (“Cargo Worthy”, “Wind & Watertight”)
Cargo-worthy with cosmetic wear
Deal for budget storage or remote sites
Varying external condition, structurally sound
Limited colors, may have surface rust
Understanding Container Grades
One Trip / New Used once, best condition
Cargo Worthy Used but suitable for shipping
Wind & Watertight Balance cost with quality. Used containers can be more affordable, but check for hidden damage.
As Is Cheapest, but can have major flaws
Pro Tip
High cube containers are a favorite for tiny homes and offices thanks to the extra headroom.
Must-Have Features
Lockbox for Security
Good Door Seals
Solid, Rust-Free Flooring
Vents for Airflow
Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid
Not measuring your site before purchase
Ignoring delivery access/ground prep
Overlooking container grade/condition
Forgetting about permits or local rules
Buying based on price alone
FAQ
Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Latest Insights on Shipping Containers & Logistics
01
Yes, we do deliver to remote and rural areas
02
The key difference is the height. A standard container is 2.59m tall, while a high cube container adds an extra 30cm – making it 2.89m high. Everything else is more or less the same: length, width and structure.
That extra height gives you more internal space, which can be useful for tall equipment, extra insulation, or just a roomier feel if you’re converting the container into an office or living space. If you don’t need the extra height, a standard container usually costs a little less and is slightly easier to handle during transport. But if space and comfort matter, a high cube is often the better choice.
03
Yes, most suppliers do. We offer a range of practical accessories to go with your container, including:
Lockboxes and heavy-duty padlocks for extra security
Ventilation systems to improve airflow and reduce condensation
Shelving, flooring upgrades, and lighting kits for customised storage
Whirlybirds and fixed vents for passive ventilation
And more – just ask if you’re after something specific.
Whether you’re using your container for storage, conversion, or transport, we can help you understand what additions you’ll need, then connect you to a vetted supplier who can provide you with the right setup.
04
As a container platform, we connect you with vetted local suppliers. Some exclusively sell containers, others also offer leasing and rental services. Renting can make sense for short-term use, while purchasing may be more suitable for longer-term or customised projects. Because pricing and availability vary by region and supplier, we recommend submitting your requirements to receive options tailored to your situation.
Andreas Atrott is the founder of shipping-containers.com.au, operated by Containerbase Pty Ltd (Hemmant, Queensland, Australia). He combines long-standing industry expertise with a hands-on approach to container sales, modifications, and custom solutions. He also conducts applied field research on the thermal and humidity behaviour of shipping containers in subtropical climates, publishing open datasets and reports under the Container Performance Research Series. His research dataset is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21466036 (ORCID: 0009-0007-9305-8058). His goal is to make buying and using shipping containers straightforward, reliable, and tailored to customer needs.
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About Us
At shipping.containers.au we believe in making shipping container buying simple, transparent, and stress-free. Our experts inspect every unit, offer honest advice, and handle delivery so you can focus on your project—not the paperwork.
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Hello! I’m Sophie - Container Specialist, how can I help you?
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