Buying a Used Container in Colorado: The Whole Picture
Everything we'd tell a friend before they spent a dollar — sizes, grades, prices, and how to land on the right box.
The Four Sizes
| Size | External | Internal | Floor | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 20' × 8' × 8'6" | 19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" | ~146 sq ft | ~1,170 cu ft |
| 20ft High Cube | 20' × 8' × 9'6" | 19'4" × 7'8" × 8'10" | ~146 sq ft | ~1,320 cu ft |
| 40ft Standard | 40' × 8' × 8'6" | 39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10" | ~304 sq ft | ~2,390 cu ft |
| 40ft High Cube | 40' × 8' × 9'6" | 39'5" × 7'8" × 8'10" | ~304 sq ft | ~2,700 cu ft |
High Cube adds a foot of height — the difference between a storage box and a livable room once you insulate.
The Four Grades
| Grade | Age | What's included | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Trip | 6–18 mo | Near-new, full warranty | Premium builds |
| Cargo Worthy | 5–15 yr | Certified, sound frame | Most conversions |
| Wind & Water Tight | 15+ yr | Sealed, visible age | Budget builds, storage |
| As-Is | 18+ yr | No warranty | DIY experts, fencing |
The Full Price Matrix
| Type | One-Trip | Cargo Worthy | WWT | As-Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | $3,000 | $1,450 | $1,200 | $950 |
| 20ft High Cube | $3,300 | $1,750 | $1,450 | $1,150 |
| 40ft Standard | $4,000 | $2,100 | $1,700 | $1,400 |
| 40ft High Cube | $4,500 | $2,450 | $2,000 | $1,600 |
Starting prices, before delivery. Run your ZIP through the estimate below.
How to Choose
By use
Living in it → CW or better, High Cube. Just storing → WWT or As-Is, Standard's fine.
By space
Tight lot or one room → 20ft. Full home or workshop → 40ft.
By budget
Drop a grade before you drop a size — a 40ft WWT beats a cramped 20ft One-Trip for most builds.
Quick decision tree
Living space? → Yes: 40ft HC Cargo Worthy. → No: Storage? → Yes: 20/40ft WWT. → Workshop? 40ft Standard CW. Still unsure? or take the 60-second quiz.
Estimate Your All-In Price
Buying Questions
A 20ft As-Is starts around $950. It'll show its age, but for storage or a DIY project it's hard to beat on price.
Yes — order two or more and the per-box price drops. Ask for a multi-unit number.
Absolutely — visit the yard and we'll walk the exact unit with you before anything's loaded.
They're real starting prices. The only variable is delivery, which depends on your ZIP.