Container Information Guide
This page covers everything you need to know before buying a shipping container from JK Shipping LLC. From understanding container conditions to knowing what site access you need for delivery — read this before you order.
Container Conditions Explained
The condition of a container is the single most important factor in determining its price and suitability for your project. JK Shipping LLC stocks containers in three conditions:
One-Trip (New)
A One-Trip container has made a single journey from the manufacturer — typically in China — to a US port. It has been used once to transport goods and is considered new condition. One-Trip containers have clean corrugated steel walls, a sound
hardwood floor with no repairs, tight door seals, and minimal surface marks. These are the best choice for conversion projects, retail use, or any application where appearance matters.
Cargo-Worthy (CW)
A Cargo-Worthy container has been inspected and certified as structurally sound and suitable for continued international shipping. It will show signs of use — surface rust, minor dents, paint wear — but is wind and watertight and meets ISO shipping standards. CW containers are a solid, cost-effective option for storage, site use, or continued freight operations.
Wind and Watertight (WWT)
A Wind and Watertight container is structurally sound and weatherproof but has not been formally certified for continued international shipping. WWT units are ideal for on-site storage, workshop conversions, or any project where a shipping certification is not required. WWT containers offer the lowest entry price point for a functional, weatherproof steel unit.
Standard Container Sizes and Dimensions
All dimensions below are for standard ISO intermodal containers. Minor variations between individual units are normal.
| Size | External (L x W x H) | Internal (L x W x H) | Payload | Tare Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft Standard | 10ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in | 9ft 4in x 7ft 8in x 7ft 10in | 9,000 kg | 1,350 kg |
| 20ft Standard | 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in | 19ft 4in x 7ft 8in x 7ft 10in | 28,200 kg | 2,300 kg |
| 20ft High Cube | 20ft x 8ft x 9ft 6in | 19ft 4in x 7ft 8in x 8ft 10in | 28,080 kg | 2,420 kg |
| 40ft Standard | 40ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in | 39ft 5in x 7ft 8in x 7ft 10in | 26,680 kg | 3,750 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | 40ft x 8ft x 9ft 6in | 39ft 5in x 7ft 8in x 8ft 10in | 26,460 kg | 3,970 kg |
All weights are approximate. Verify with your specific unit’s CSC plate before use in freight applications.
Container Components
Understanding what comes with a standard container helps you plan your project and avoid unexpected costs.
- Corrugated steel walls and roof — Corten steel construction designed to withstand marine conditions and heavy stacking loads
- Hardwood floor — typically 28mm Apitong or Keruing marine-grade plywood, treated for moisture resistance
- Cargo doors — double swing doors at one end with cam locking rods and rubber seals
- Lockbox — a protective steel shroud over the door handles, allowing a padlock to be fitted securely
- Forklift pockets — two pockets in the base rail for standard forklift entry
- Corner castings — ISO standard corner fittings for stacking, lifting, and securing to transport vehicles
- Vents — typically two cross-ventilation vents on opposing walls to reduce condensation
- CSC plate — Container Safety Convention certification plate showing safe stacking load and inspection date (present on Cargo-Worthy and One-Trip units)
What is not included: Locks are not supplied unless stated on the product listing. Ramps, shelving, lighting, and electrical fittings are not included in standard units unless
specified as a conversion product.
Choosing the Right Size
- 10ft container — compact unit ideal for small sites, limited access locations, tool storage, and projects where a full 20ft would be too large. Internal volume approximately 15.9 cubic metres.
- 20ft container — the industry standard. Most versatile size for storage, conversion, retail, and residential use. Internal volume approximately 33.2 cubic metres. Fits on most standard driveways and access routes.
Browse 20ft containers → - 40ft container — maximum storage capacity. Best for large-scale storage, warehousing, and commercial applications. Requires longer vehicle access. Internal volume
approximately 67.7 cubic metres.
Browse 40ft containers → - High Cube containers — available in 20ft and 40ft. One foot taller than standard height, giving approximately 8ft 10in of internal headroom instead of 7ft 10in. Popular for office conversions, tall equipment storage, and residential projects where ceiling height matters.
Preparing Your Site for Delivery
All containers are delivered by flatbed truck, rollback trailer, or tilt-bed vehicle. Before your delivery is scheduled, confirm the following:
- Access width: Minimum 14 feet of clear width for the delivery vehicle along the full approach route
- Overhead clearance: No cables, branches, or structures below 14 feet along the delivery path
- Ground conditions: Level or near-level surface at the intended placement point. Soft ground, slopes, and unstable surfaces can prevent safe placement
- Turning space: The delivery vehicle needs sufficient room to manoeuvre. For 40ft containers, a longer straight approach is preferable
- Foundation: Containers should be placed on a firm, level surface. Concrete pads, compacted gravel, railway sleepers, or solid timber bearers are all suitable. Do not place directly on soft soil without support
- Someone on site: You or an authorised representative must be present to accept and sign for delivery
If you are unsure whether your site meets these requirements, contact us before placing your order and we will talk it through with you.
Common Uses for Shipping Containers
- On-site storage — secure, weatherproof storage for tools, equipment, stock, and materials on construction sites, farms, and commercial properties
- Residential storage — additional storage for households, smallholdings, and rural properties where outbuildings are impractical
- Retail and hospitality — modified containers used as pop-up shops, food and drink outlets, and market stalls
- Site offices — converted containers fitted with insulation, electrics, windows, and doors for use as on-site offices and welfare units
- Container pools — purpose-built pool units. Contact us to discuss site requirements before ordering
- Continued freight use — Cargo-Worthy units suitable for continued international shipping operations
Further Information
For answers to specific questions about container conditions, delivery, payment, and specifications, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. To discuss container rental options, visit our Container Rental page.
Ready to order or need help choosing the right unit?
JK Shipping LLC
📍 Address: 96 Hovater Dr, Cherokee, AL 35616
📞 Phone: +1 (251) 247-6208
📧 Email: info@jkshippingllc.com
🕐 Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (CST)