A one-trip container (also called a "new" container) carried a single load of cargo from a manufacturer overseas to the US, then was removed from service. They are essentially new — typically 2–4 years old at time of sale — and show minimal cosmetic wear. We use one-trip containers for all finished custom homes and commercial builds.
- New / One-Trip: Carried one cargo load. Near-perfect condition. Best for building and modification.
- Cargo-Worthy (CW): Still meets ISO standards for international shipping. Some cosmetic wear but structurally sound.
- Wind & Watertight (WWT): Retired from shipping. Will not leak but has significant cosmetic wear. Best for basic on-site storage.
- Used / AS-IS: Structural condition varies. Inspect before buying. Best for budget storage.
Used and cargo-worthy containers will have dents, dings, and surface rust — this is normal and expected. Corten steel (used in all shipping containers) is engineered to resist corrosion and the surface rust actually forms a protective layer that slows further oxidation. All containers we sell are guaranteed structurally sound and wind and watertight at delivery unless otherwise noted.
One-trip containers will have minimal cosmetic wear — typically just minor scuffs from their single cargo journey.
We carry 20ft standard (8'6" tall), 20ft high cube (9'6" tall), 40ft standard (8'6" tall), 40ft high cube (9'6" tall), and various specialty containers. We recommend high cube containers for any custom home or commercial build as the extra foot of ceiling height makes a significant difference in livability.
Corten (also called weathering steel) is a high-strength steel alloy that forms a stable oxide layer when exposed to weather. This layer acts as a protective coating, significantly slowing further corrosion. It's the same material used in bridges, sculptures, and architectural buildings worldwide. It is completely safe as a building material.
Yes — containers are engineered to be stacked 9 units high at sea. However, stacking on your property may require reinforcement of the stack connection points, a suitable foundation, and in some cases engineering sign-off. Our team can advise on structural requirements for your specific stacking configuration.
A properly maintained shipping container can last 25–30 years in marine service. On land with periodic painting and maintenance, container structures routinely last 50+ years. When converted into a home with proper insulation and interior finishing, the steel shell can last indefinitely.
Yes. We sell used containers in wind and watertight and cargo-worthy condition at competitive prices. These are perfect for on-site storage of equipment, inventory, vehicles, and tools. Contact us for current pricing and availability in your area.
Standard model builds (single 20ft or 40ft with standard options) take 6–10 weeks from deposit to delivery. Multi-container builds, highly customized interiors, or commercial builds typically take 10–16 weeks. We will give you a firm timeline when you sign your contract.
- One-trip container (new condition)
- All structural steel modifications and metalwork
- Closed-cell spray foam insulation throughout
- Mini-split HVAC system (12,000 BTU standard)
- Full electrical system with breaker panel
- PEX plumbing and PVC drainage
- Tankless electric water heater
- Exterior Sherwin-Williams primer and paint
- Smoke and CO₂ detectors
- 5-year structural warranty
- Permitting plan sets at no extra charge
Yes, but changes must be made before production begins. Once your container enters the build queue and materials are ordered, changes become significantly more costly and may delay your delivery. Minor changes (color, fixture selection) can sometimes be accommodated early in production — your project manager will advise on timing.
Yes. Our Blank Slate 20 and Blank Slate 40 models include all structural modifications, rough-in electrical and plumbing, spray foam insulation, windows, and doors — ready for you to finish the interior yourself. These are perfect for experienced DIYers and owner-builders who want to save money on finish work while getting the hard parts done professionally.
Yes. We offer off-grid packages including solar-ready conduit and panel space, wood-burning stove prep with through-wall venting, rainwater collection prep, and composting toilet rough-in. Full off-grid system installation (solar panels, batteries, composting toilets) can be arranged through our preferred off-grid partners.
Absolutely — by appointment only. We schedule facility tours regularly and encourage customers to visit, especially those ordering larger or more complex builds. Tours take about 45–60 minutes and you'll see the full production floor, current builds, and completed units ready to ship. Contact us to schedule.
Many of our customers have had tremendous success renting container homes on Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms — particularly in rural, nature-adjacent locations where unique accommodations command premium rates. Container homes are aesthetically distinctive, durable, and low-maintenance, making them well-suited for short-term rental. We can connect you with customers who have done this successfully if you'd like real-world insights.
We use tilt-bed trucks (most common), flatbed transport, and crane-assisted placement depending on your access requirements. Our logistics team will recommend the best delivery method when quoting your order. See our Shipping Information page for full details.
Delivery is priced per mile from our nearest production facility. For a rough estimate: 20ft container within 100 miles typically ranges from $350–$600. 40ft containers and longer hauls cost more. Custom homes requiring oversize permits and pilot cars are quoted individually. We will provide a firm delivery quote before you commit to anything.
We deliver to all 48 contiguous US states. We do not currently deliver to Hawaii, Alaska, or international destinations through our standard service. If you need delivery to those locations, contact us and we can discuss options.
Inspect your container carefully before signing the delivery receipt. Note any damage on the receipt — do not sign "clear" if damage is present. Take photos immediately. Contact us within 48 hours at shipping@container2gollc.com with photos and your order number. All transport damage is covered by our carrier insurance and will be repaired, replaced, or refunded at no cost to you.
Yes — you or a designated adult representative must be present to inspect the container and sign the delivery receipt. Our driver will call 30–60 minutes before arrival. If no one is available, a re-delivery fee will apply.
For tilt-bed delivery (most common): minimum 14ft overhead clearance for the entire approach, minimum 12ft road width, and at least 100ft of straight level road to off-load. For properties with tighter access, we can arrange crane placement. Contact us before ordering if you have access concerns — we've delivered to some very tight spots and always find a way.
At minimum you need level, stable ground. Common foundation options include:
- Railroad ties / timber beams: Most affordable, allows future relocation of the container
- Gravel pad: Good drainage, very affordable, suitable for most storage and simple residential use
- Concrete piers or footings: Permanent, stable, required by most building codes for full-time habitation
- Full concrete slab: Best for permanent homes, required in many jurisdictions for permitted residential structures
Yes. Before your container arrives: clear any overhead obstructions on the access route (branches, low power lines), ensure the ground at the placement location is level (within a few inches), have your foundation or support beams in place, and make sure there is clear access from the road to the placement point. Call us 2–3 weeks before delivery if you have questions about site readiness.
We don't do site prep ourselves, but we have a network of preferred site prep contractors in most states. We can connect you with someone in your area who has experience preparing sites for container delivery. Just ask when you're placing your order.
Our custom homes come with a breaker panel ready for utility connection, and PEX plumbing stubbed out for connection to your water supply and septic/sewer. Utility connection is done by your local licensed electrician and plumber after delivery. The process is identical to connecting any modular or manufactured home — most licensed contractors are familiar with it.
Yes. Steel containers are engineered for ocean transit — some of the harshest conditions on earth. For very cold climates we offer a cold-climate insulation upgrade (thicker spray foam + thermal break at doors). For very hot climates, a properly sized mini-split handles cooling efficiently. For high-wind areas, containers should be anchored to their foundation — our team can advise on anchor requirements.
It depends on your location, property type, and intended use. For basic storage use in rural areas, many jurisdictions do not require a permit. For residential use (living in the container), most jurisdictions require a building permit. For commercial use, permits are almost always required. We strongly recommend contacting your local planning/zoning department before ordering. This is always your responsibility — not ours.
Yes — every custom build order includes architectural plan sets suitable for building permit submission at no extra charge. These plans include floor plans, elevations, electrical diagrams, and plumbing layouts. Some jurisdictions require a locally-licensed engineer to stamp the plans — we can help you navigate this requirement.
Generally, rural counties in Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona tend to have more permissive zoning for container structures. Urban areas and HOA communities tend to be more restrictive. Always verify with your specific county — regulations vary significantly even within the same state.
In many states, agricultural land has more permissive regulations for structures, including container homes. However, this varies significantly by county. Some require that you demonstrate agricultural activity on the property. Check with your county assessor or zoning department, and consider consulting a local real estate attorney if you're purchasing land specifically for this purpose.
Container homes are increasingly popular as ADUs. California, Texas, Oregon, and many other states have passed legislation making it easier to add ADUs to existing residential properties. Our 20ft models are perfectly sized for ADU use. Local ordinances vary — confirm ADU rules with your city or county before ordering.
Yes. We offer 0% APR promotional financing, standard term financing from 5.9% APR, and our in-house 50/40/10 payment schedule. See our Financing page for full details, or call 1-517-680-1026 to discuss options with our team.
Our lending partners work with a range of credit profiles. Generally: 620+ for standard financing, 700+ for the best rates, 720+ for 0% APR promotional offers. Checking your rate has no impact on your credit score — we encourage you to apply and see what's available to you.
Our financing partners can fund up to $50,000. For builds over $50,000, we can structure a combination of lending and our in-house payment plan. Contact us to discuss options for larger projects.
No. All of our financing options have zero prepayment penalties. You can pay off your loan at any time without additional fees.
Absolutely — many of our customers use home equity loans (HELOCs), personal loans from their own bank, or cash. We work with any payment method. Our in-house payment schedule works well alongside personal financing since it breaks the cost into three staged payments rather than requiring full payment upfront.
We have two production facilities: our primary location in Austin, Texas, and a second facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both facilities build under the same quality standards and use the same team training. All builds are 100% in-house — we never outsource production.
Three ways: (1) Use our online configurator at container2gollc.com/configurator to design your build and submit a quote request. (2) Call us at 1-517-680-1026 Monday–Friday 8am–6pm CST. (3) Fill out the contact form on our Contact page. We respond to all quote requests within 24 hours, usually much faster.
Yes. For orders of 3 or more containers, or multi-unit custom build projects, we offer volume pricing. Contact our sales team directly to discuss your project — bulk orders are quoted individually based on specifications and timeline.
Custom builds include a 5-year structural warranty, 2-year warranty on plumbing and electrical labor, and a 90-day warranty on interior finishes. Raw containers are guaranteed wind and watertight at delivery. Appliances carry their manufacturer's warranty. See our Return Policy for full warranty details.