Colorado-specific answers about pricing, delivery, permits, container grades, and more. Can't find your question? Call or text (330) 510-5817.
Pricing & Delivery
Yes -- always. Every quote we provide includes delivery to your Colorado ZIP code. No freight charges added at checkout, no surprise fuel surcharges the day before delivery, no re-delivery fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. Period.
Most orders deliver within 1–2 weeks after your order is confirmed. Rural locations -- Eastern Plains, Western Slope, mountain areas -- may take 2–3 weeks. We'll always give you a delivery estimate when you confirm. If you need something faster, call us and we'll see what we can do.
Containers are delivered on a tilt-bed truck that needs straight, level clearance to slide the container off. General guidelines:
20ft container: 105–110 ft of straight clearance from the drop point
40ft container: 125–130 ft of straight clearance from the drop point
The truck also needs adequate width (about 10–12 ft) and overhead clearance -- low-hanging utility lines, trees, or overhangs can block delivery. If you're unsure about your site, describe your access road and driveway when you request a quote and we'll advise before scheduling.
Container prices vary based on size, condition (used WWT vs. one-trip new), and your location in Colorado. Pricing changes with market conditions and inventory availability. We don't publish a static price list because what we quote you today is all-in, including delivery to your address -- which varies. The best way to get an accurate, current price is to fill out our quote form or give us a call.
Yes. One-trip containers cost more because they've only made a single ocean voyage and are in essentially like-new condition -- minimal surface rust, pristine floors, tight seals. Used WWT containers are inspected and certified to be wind and water tight, but will show cosmetic wear: surface rust, paint chips, minor dents from years of use. For most storage applications, a used WWT container works great and saves you money.
We sell containers outright, and we also work with financing partners who offer rent-to-own and lease-to-own programs. These let you spread payments over time and own the container at the end. We do not offer short-term rentals. If you need a container, you're buying it or financing it. Call us and we'll walk you through the options that fit your budget.
Colorado-Specific Questions
The City and County of Denver typically requires a permit for storage containers placed on a property longer than a short temporary period, or when used as an accessory structure. Short-term construction storage containers are often allowed without a permit for up to 30–60 days. For permanent placement or any kind of structural use, contact Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) at 720-865-2705 or check the Denver zoning code online. We're happy to advise on what questions to ask. Read our full Colorado permits guide.
In Colorado Springs, permit requirements depend on your zoning district and intended use. Temporary construction-related containers are generally allowed for a limited period without a permit. Long-term storage or any structural use requires a permit from the Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development department. El Paso County properties outside city limits often have more flexible rules. Check with your local building department first.
Yes -- we regularly deliver to mountain towns and elevated properties throughout Colorado. Properties in Breckenridge, Gunnison, Steamboat Springs, Salida, Telluride, and similar mountain areas are all serviceable. The key factors are road grade (our delivery trucks can handle moderate grades), road width for the tilt-bed trailer to maneuver, and weight limits on any bridges or unpaved roads. Tell us your address and access details when requesting a quote and we'll assess logistics.
Yes. High altitude itself isn't a barrier -- the containers are non-mechanical and aren't affected by elevation. Our delivery drivers are experienced with Colorado mountain roads. The main considerations are road access (width, grade, surface condition), seasonal road closures, and any weight restrictions. We've delivered containers to properties well above 9,000 feet. Share your specifics and we'll work through the logistics with you.
Extremely well. Shipping containers are engineered for the brutal environment of ocean freight, including salt air, tropical humidity, freezing temperatures, and wave impacts. Colorado's climate, even Front Range hailstorms, high-altitude UV, and dramatic temperature swings between winter and summer, is well within design parameters. Snow load on the roof is not a concern for standard containers. Our WWT-certified containers will keep your contents dry and protected year-round.
One thing to know about: condensation. Containers can develop interior condensation, sometimes called "container rain," during rapid temperature changes or in humid conditions. This happens when warm moist air meets the cold steel walls. Ventilation helps a lot. You can add passive vents, turbine vents on the roof, or use desiccant packs inside for extra moisture control. If you're storing anything moisture-sensitive long-term, roof vents are a smart addition.
Annual maintenance is minimal. Inspect the door seals once or twice a year, touch up any rust spots with a rust-inhibiting paint, and keep debris off the roof. For appearance and UV protection, a full repaint every 5 to 10 years is a good idea but not strictly required. Read our Colorado insulation guide.
Absolutely. We deliver to ranch properties, farms, and rural addresses on the Eastern Plains, in the San Luis Valley, on the Western Slope, and throughout rural Colorado. If you have unpaved road access or the container needs to be placed in a field or pasture, let us know the road conditions and we'll coordinate appropriately. The delivery truck needs a reasonably firm surface to extend the tilt-bed and slide the container off safely.
Container Quality & Grades
WWT stands for Wind and Water Tight. It's an inspection certification that confirms the container's doors seal properly, there are no holes or significant gaps, and the structure is sound enough to keep weather out. All of our used containers are WWT certified before delivery. You can expect surface rust, paint wear, and minor cosmetic dents -- that's normal for a container that's been in commercial shipping service -- but the interior stays dry.
A one-trip container has made exactly one ocean crossing carrying cargo and is essentially like new. You'll see minimal surface marks from that single voyage, but floors are clean, paint is mostly intact, and everything looks nearly brand new. One-trip units cost more but are worth considering if you're doing a conversion project (office, cabin, etc.), want the cleanest possible interior for sensitive storage, or simply want the best-looking container on your property.
A 40ft high cube is exactly one foot taller than a standard 40ft -- 9 feet 6 inches of interior height vs. 8 feet 6 inches. That extra foot makes a meaningful difference: you can stand fully upright with room to spare, store taller equipment (ATVs, work trucks, scaffolding), and if you're converting the container into a cabin or office, you'll have a much more comfortable ceiling height. High cubes are the most popular choice for container conversions in Colorado.
In most cases, yes. A 20ft container is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. You'll need a clear, firm surface that's at least 25–30 feet long (to account for the delivery truck positioning) and about 10 feet wide. It also needs clearance overhead -- no low-hanging tree branches, power lines, or carport roofs in the approach path. If your driveway is tight, send us a photo or description and we'll advise whether delivery is straightforward or needs special planning.
Modified Containers & Refrigerated Units
We can source containers with a wide range of modifications: man doors, roll-up garage doors, windows, vents, skylights, electrical wiring and panel, LED lighting, insulation, spray foam, HVAC / climate control, shelving, workbench, exterior painting, and more. Fully built-out office containers, bunkhouse containers, and custom cabin conversions are all possible. Insulation is especially important in Colorado, where most of the state falls in climate zones 5 through 7. Spray foam insulation is the most popular choice for Colorado containers because it handles big temperature swings, seals air gaps, and prevents condensation on the steel walls. Describe what you need and we'll discuss what's available and what it costs.
Reefer containers have an integrated refrigeration unit built into one end. They're plugged into a 460V 3-phase electrical supply (standard in commercial applications) and can maintain temperatures from -25°F to +70°F. The refrigeration unit can be run continuously or cycled. For properties without 3-phase power, they can be run from a compatible generator. Reefer containers are used in Colorado by breweries, produce farms, caterers, food distributors, and cannabis operations.
Site Preparation & Foundation
You don't always need a formal foundation. For temporary storage, level compacted ground or gravel works fine. For permanent placement, the most common options in Colorado are:
Railroad ties or treated timber (budget-friendly, works on most soil)
Concrete blocks at the four corners (solid, affordable)
Gravel pad (good drainage, prevents mud)
Poured concrete slab (best for conversions and permanent structures)
Colorado's frost depth is 36-42 inches in most areas, so if you're going permanent, account for that. The ground needs to be level. We can advise on what makes sense for your specific site.
Gravel is ideal. It drains well, stays firm, and keeps the container off wet ground. Dirt or grass works for temporary placement, but moisture can pool under the container over time and promote rust on the bottom rails. If you're placing on dirt or grass long-term, consider putting down a layer of crushed gravel or railroad ties to keep air flowing underneath. Concrete is the best permanent option but costs more.
Yes. At minimum, make sure the placement area is level and firm. Clear any debris, rocks, or vegetation. The delivery truck needs straight access (105-130 ft depending on container size) and overhead clearance for power lines and trees. If you're placing on a slope, you may need to grade the area first. Send us photos of your site when you request a quote and we'll tell you if any prep is needed.
Buying Tips & Security
Check these key areas:
Doors: should open and close smoothly, gaskets should seal tight
Floor: look for soft spots, holes, or water damage in the marine plywood
Roof: walk alongside and look for dents, holes, or patches
Walls: check interior for light leaks, which means holes
Corner castings: should be solid, not cracked
Surface rust is normal and cosmetic. Deep rust, holes, or a floor that flexes when you walk on it are red flags. When you buy from us, every container is inspected before delivery so you don't have to worry about surprises.
Red flags to watch for: prices that seem too good to be true, sellers who won't let you see the container before buying, requests for payment through wire transfer or cryptocurrency only, no physical business address, and pressure to buy immediately. Buy from a local dealer who can show you inventory or provide verified photos. Ask for references. A legitimate seller will answer your questions, provide a real phone number, and not rush you. We're a Colorado-based operation and happy to answer any questions before you commit.
Very secure. Shipping containers are made from 14-gauge Corten steel, which is extremely difficult to cut through. The weakest point is the lock. Skip the standard padlock and use a hidden shackle lock (also called a hockey puck lock) with a lockbox welded to the door. A lockbox is a steel housing that covers the lock so it can't be cut with bolt cutters. Many of our containers come with lockboxes already installed. For high-security needs, you can add crossbar locks or electronic locks.
Yes. We work with financing partners who offer rent-to-own, lease-to-own, and traditional financing for container purchases. You don't need to pay the full amount upfront. Call us and we'll connect you with a financing option that works for your budget.
The list is long. Common uses in Colorado include:
On-site storage for contractors and construction crews
Farm and ranch equipment storage
Extra garage or workshop space
Job-site offices
Hunting cabins on the Western Slope
Retail pop-up shops
Restaurant walk-in coolers (reefer units)
Home renovation temporary storage
Vehicle and ATV storage
Full container home conversions
A standard 20ft container gives you about 1,170 cubic feet of lockable, weatherproof space. See our modified containers page for conversion options.
Still Have Questions?
Call or text David directly at (330) 510-5817 -- or fill out the quote form and describe your situation. You'll get a real answer from someone who knows Colorado containers.