CONTAINER BUYING GUIDE

How to Buy a Shipping Container

A complete guide to choosing the right size, condition grade, inspection criteria, delivery method, and pricing for your container purchase.

193 depot locations All grades available

Swiss-based · All grades available · 193 depot locations

Step 1

Step 1, Choose the right size

The first step is selecting the right container size for your cargo. The three main formats are 20ft (20DC), 40ft (40DC) and 40ft High Cube (40HC). Consider cargo volume, weight and transport mode when choosing.

20DC

20ft Dry Container

MOST COMPACT

External6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m

VOLUME33 CBM

MAX PAYLOAD28,000 kg

TARE WEIGHT2,200 kg

INTERNAL DIMS5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m

Heavy & dense cargo

Highest payload-to-volume ratio. Ideal for dense, heavy loads

Machineryproject cargosteelbuilding materials

View 20DC stock Full 20DC specifications

40DC

40ft Dry Container

STANDARD

External12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m

VOLUME67 CBM

MAX PAYLOAD26,700 kg

TARE WEIGHT3,800 kg

INTERNAL DIMS12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m

Standard shipments

Versatile standard format, widely available at all depots

General cargoconsumer goodspalletized freight

Browse 40DC availability Full 40DC specifications

40HC

40ft High Cube

Quick comparison

TypeVolumePallet capacityBest for

Type:20DCVolume:33 m³Pallet capacity:~10 EUR palletsBest for:Dense cargo, heavy loads

Type:40DCVolume:67 m³Pallet capacity:~21 EUR palletsBest for:Standard freight, general cargo

Type:40HCVolume:76 m³Pallet capacity:~24 EUR palletsBest for:High-volume, bulky cargo

Not sure which size?

Compare dimensions, payload, and volume side by side.

Read our Container Size Guide

Step 2

Step 2, Choose the right grade

Container grade determines condition, price and suitability. Grades range from New (One-Trip) to As-Is. For sea transport, Cargo Worthy (CW) is the minimum requirement. For storage, WWT or As-Is may be sufficient.

Cargo Worthy

$$Most popular

✓ Sea-worthy

Structurally sound and suitable for international sea transport. May have cosmetic wear such as surface rust, dents or patches.

Recommended for

Standard export shipments, one-way leasing, general cargo

Key characteristics

Best value for money. Most popular grade for export
Approved for international sea voyage
Cosmetic wear acceptable, structural integrity intact
Valid CSC plate required

Suitability assessment

Sea transport

Storage

Conversion

Budget level

MG-Atlantic recommendation

This grade is certified for international sea transport and intermodal operations.

Full breakdown of all container grades

Detailed comparison, photos, and use-case guidance

Learn about container grades

Step 3

Which container grade fits your operation?

Different operations require different container conditions. Select your use case below to see which grades are best suited, and which to avoid.

For on-site storage, weather protection matters most. Sea-worthiness is not required, focus on condition and budget.

Cargo Worthy

WWT

Storage

Keeps out weather but has no structural guarantee beyond that. Not certified for international sea transport.

Best for

On-site storage, construction sites, domestic transport

$✗ Not sea-worthy

As-Is

Budget

Sold as-is with no repairs or guarantees. May have visible damage, rust, or structural issues.

Best for

Scrap, modification projects (homes, offices), budget buyers

$✗ Not sea-worthy

Not optimal for this use case

New / One-TripIICL

Need help choosing the right grade?

Browse available stock or request a quote from MG-Atlantic.

Browse stock Get a quote

Step 4

Step 3, Inspect before buying

Before accepting a container, check: roof condition (no holes or heavy dents), floor integrity (no rot or warping), door seals (watertight closure), CSC plate validity (valid for sea transport), and overall structural condition (no major rust or holes).

Roof

CRITICAL

Inspect the entire roof surface for punctures, heavy denting, or areas of ponding water damage. Look for patches or repairs that may indicate previous damage. On older units, check for corrosion along seam welds.

Why it matters

Roof damage is the primary cause of water ingress. Even small holes can lead to condensation, cargo damage, and mold growth during transit.

Acceptable condition

Surface rust spots with no perforation
Minor cosmetic dents that don't compromise integrity
Clean factory patches properly sealed
Light surface oxidation on older units

Red flags

Visible holes or punctures of any size
Heavy denting causing standing water areas
Extensive corrosion along weld seams
Previous repairs showing separation or lifting

Relevant forExportStorageConversion

Buying remotely? Ask for:

Roof photos

Floor close-ups

Interior photos

Door closing video

CSC plate photo

Condition report

Do not accept if:

Holes or heavy dents in roof panels
Soft, rotten or chemically contaminated floor
Doors not sealing flush or gaskets missing or damaged
CSC plate expired, missing or illegible
Visible structural twist or heavy corner casting deformation

Browse inspected stock CSC plate requirements

Step 5

Step 4, Understand delivery options

MG-Atlantic offers three delivery options: depot pick-up (collect from the nearest depot), door delivery (transported to your location by truck), and port release (released at the loading port for immediate vessel loading). Delivery time and cost depend on location and transport distance.

Depot Pick-Up

Lowest cost

Collect directly from the nearest MG-Atlantic depot. You arrange transport from the yard to your site.

Best for

Local operations near a depot, cost-sensitive projects

Key advantage

No delivery fee. Most economical when you have access to a flatbed or chassis

What to plan for

Arrange a suitable vehicle and confirm depot hours in advance

Browse nearby stock

Door Delivery

(Gate Buy)

Most convenient

MG-Atlantic handles the full logistics chain. Container delivered by truck directly to your address.

Best for

Inland locations, construction sites, buyers without transport

Key advantage

Turnkey solution. Container arrives ready at your door, no coordination needed

What to plan for

Confirm road access (width, height, surface) and delivery address early

Request a delivery quote

Port Release

For exporters

Container released at the loading port, ready for immediate vessel loading with SOC containers.

Best for

Exporters, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, SOC operations

Key advantage

Direct port integration. No inland transport when cargo is already at port

What to plan for

Coordinate release timing with your shipping schedule and terminal details

Contact for port release

Which delivery option is right for you?

Match your logistics situation to the right method.

Depot Pick-Up

When: You have transport and a depot is nearby

Result: Lowest cost, fastest collection

Door Delivery(Gate Buy)

When: Inland site, no transport partner

Result: Turnkey. Delivered to your address

Port Release

When: Exporting goods or operating as NVOCC

Result: Direct port integration, no inland leg

What affects delivery cost and lead time?

Key factors that influence pricing and scheduling.

Cost drivers

Depot location

Closer depots mean lower trucking cost and faster delivery.

Trucking distance

Long inland distances significantly impact cost. Consider depot pick-up for nearby stock.

Quantity

Larger orders may benefit from consolidated transport arrangements.

Timing drivers

Destination access

Urban sites with good road access are served faster than remote locations.

Port & terminal timing

Port releases depend on vessel schedules and terminal cut-off times.

Local availability

Some types or grades may need repositioning from another depot.

To quote delivery quickly, please provide:

Having these details ready helps us respond within one business day.

Container type (20DC, 40DC, 40HC)

Quantity needed

Destination city or port

Preferred delivery timing

Intended use (storage, export, conversion)

Delivery method if known

Plan your container delivery

Tell us where you need containers, we'll handle logistics, pricing, and scheduling.

Request delivery quote Browse stock

Step 6

Understand container pricing

Container prices are not fixed. They depend on size, condition, location, and market dynamics. Understanding these factors helps you negotiate better and choose the right option for your budget.

Key pricing principles

New containers cost 3–4× more than used Cargo Worthy units
Depot location and local availability often matter more than global market trends
The cheapest container is not always the best value. Condition determines total cost of ownership

Prices are indicative and vary by region, stock level, and order volume. Contact MG-Atlantic for a firm quote.

Container size

20ft units cost less than 40ft. High Cube commands a small premium over standard height.

Size impact

Condition & grade

New / One-Trip is the premium tier. Cargo Worthy offers the best value for most buyers.

Grade impact

Depot location

Prices differ by country and region. Port cities with surplus stock typically offer lower prices.

Geography

Local availability

High-demand depots may carry fewer units, pushing prices up. Flexibility on location saves cost.

Supply & demand

Delivery setup

Depot pick-up is cheapest. Door delivery adds trucking cost based on distance and access.

Logistics

Market demand

Global trade volumes, seasonal shifts, and repositioning patterns affect pricing across all regions.

Market dynamics

Why prices vary by depot

Container surplus concentrates near major import hubs. Depots in export-heavy regions have less stock and higher prices. Choosing a depot with surplus inventory is one of the simplest ways to reduce cost.

Used vs One-Trip pricing

One-Trip containers are near-perfect but cost significantly more. For standard export or storage, a Cargo Worthy unit delivers the same functionality at a fraction of the price.

Cheapest ≠ best value

A low-priced As-Is unit may need repairs that exceed the savings. Always weigh condition, intended use, and total cost of ownership before choosing the cheapest option.

GradeRelative priceLevel

New / One-Trip

$$$$

IICL

$$$

Cargo Worthy

WWT

As-Is

Prices vary by location, market conditions, and quantity. Contact MG-Atlantic for current pricing.

To quote accurately, we need:

Having these details ready helps us respond within one business day.

Container size (20DC, 40DC, 40HC)

Condition or grade preference

Quantity required

Destination city or depot

Preferred timing

Intended use (export, storage, conversion)

Ready to get pricing?

Tell us what you need: size, grade, location, and quantity. We'll provide a firm quote.

Request a quote Browse stock

Find containers near your location

Browse available stock by region, country, or depot to compare current availability and request pricing faster.

Step 7

CSC plate & export validity

The CSC plate (Container Safety Convention plate) is one of the key checks before using a container for international sea transport. It certifies that the unit meets structural safety standards defined by the International Convention for Safe Containers, and not every used container has one that's still valid.

What is the CSC plate?

A metal certification plate affixed to every intermodal container approved for international sea transport.
It confirms the container's compliance with international structural and safety standards for ocean transport.
It records the date of manufacture, maximum gross weight, and inspection validity, either through a fixed examination date or an ACEP (Approved Continuous Examination Program) reference.
Without a valid CSC plate, a container may be refused for vessel loading at port.

Why it matters

Export use

A valid CSC plate is required. Carriers and terminals will reject units without current certification.

Storage use

CSC validity is generally not required. The container just needs to be structurally sound and weather-tight.

Conversion use

Not required for most builds, but local regulations may differ. Check with your local authority.

What to verify before export

A practical checklist for buyers planning to use containers for international shipping.

CSC plate present on the door

Plate legible and not damaged

Validity date is current

ACEP or periodic inspection marking visible

Structural condition consistent with sea transport

Container grade appropriate for export (CW or above)

Common mistake: assuming every used container is export-ready

Some used units are graded for storage only and lack a valid CSC plate.
CSC validity may have expired, an expired plate does not mean the container is unsafe, but it may not be accepted for vessel loading.
As-Is containers are typically unsuitable for export without re-inspection and re-certification.
A low purchase price does not guarantee export suitability, always verify the plate and grade.

Where is the CSC plate on a shipping container?

The plate is located on the left door of the container, typically at eye level.

CSC

Container rear doors

Key fields on the CSC plate

Owner & container numberIdentifies the unit and its registered owner.

Date of manufactureWhen the container was built, helps assess age and remaining service life.

Maximum gross weightThe maximum total weight (cargo + tare) the container is approved for.

ACEP numberIf present, indicates the container is under an Approved Continuous Examination Program, no fixed expiry.

Next examination dateIf no ACEP, the plate shows the deadline for the next periodic inspection.

Buying remotely? Ask for these before purchase:

If you cannot inspect the container in person, request the following from your supplier.

Clear photo of the CSC plate

Close-up of door hardware and seals

Recent full-condition photos

Confirmation of intended export use

Depot inspection report (if available)

Need an export-ready container?

Browse Cargo Worthy and One-Trip units or request a quote for export-compliant stock.

Request a quote Browse stock

Step 8

How to buy a shipping container

Whether you're buying one unit or a full batch, the process follows five clear steps. Here's what to expect when purchasing a container from MG-Atlantic.

Choose the right size

Start by selecting the container type that matches your cargo volume and transport needs, 20DC, 40DC, or 40HC.

Choose the right condition grade

Select a grade based on your intended use, One-Trip for export, Cargo Worthy for reliable transport, or As-Is for storage and conversion.

Confirm stock location and availability

Check available stock in the region closest to your delivery point. Availability varies by depot and market conditions.

Review condition, photos, and CSC status

Request condition photos and verify CSC plate validity if you plan to use the container for export or sea transport.

Request a quote and arrange delivery

Submit your requirements for a firm quote. MG-Atlantic handles pricing, logistics coordination, and delivery to your site or port.

What to send for a fast quote

Include these details in your request to get an accurate quote faster.

Container size (20DC, 40DC, 40HC)

Preferred condition grade

Quantity required

Delivery destination

Intended use (export, storage, conversion)

Preferred timing or deadline

Ready to buy?

Tell us what you need, size, grade, quantity, and destination, and we'll send you a quote.

Request a quote Browse stock

Step 9

Common mistakes when buying a shipping container

Experienced buyers avoid these pitfalls. Reviewing them before your purchase can save time, cost, and frustration.

Choosing 40HC when payload matters more than volume

40HC offers more cubic space, but 20DC handles heavier loads per unit. Match your container to cargo weight, not just volume.

Buying As-Is grade for export use

As-Is containers have no certification and may not be sea-worthy. For export, always choose Cargo Worthy or higher.

Ignoring CSC plate validity

An expired or missing CSC plate means the container cannot be loaded onto a vessel. Always verify before purchase.

Focusing only on unit price instead of total cost

A cheap container far from your site may cost more after delivery. Factor in transport, condition, and any required repairs.

Not requesting recent photos before payment

Condition can change between listing and purchase. Always ask for current photos of the roof, floor, doors, and CSC plate.

Choosing the wrong delivery option

Depot pick-up saves cost if you have transport. Door delivery is better for inland locations. Port release suits exporters. Match the method to your operation.

Assuming all used containers are equally suitable

Used containers range from near-perfect IICL units to heavily worn As-Is stock. Grade, age, and inspection history all matter.

Ready to buy a container?

MG-Atlantic provides global container stock with competitive pricing across all grades. Contact us with your size, grade, quantity and delivery location for a fast, transparent quote.

FAQ

Container Buying Guide, FAQ

Container prices depend on size, grade, and location. A used Cargo Worthy 20DC in a surplus region will cost significantly less than a New One-Trip 40HC in a deficit market. Contact MG-Atlantic for current pricing based on your exact specifications.

Cargo Worthy (CW) is the minimum grade required for sea transport. It is CSC-valid and offers the best balance between cost and condition. For sensitive cargo or long-term use, New (One-Trip) or IICL may be more appropriate.

Yes, if the container will be used for international sea transport. The CSC plate must be present and valid. For domestic storage or on-site use only, CSC validity is not required, but it is always recommended for resale value.

Not always. A 40HC offers more internal volume (+31 cm height), which is ideal for voluminous or tall cargo. However, a 40DC is lighter, slightly cheaper, and sufficient for standard freight. Choose based on cargo profile, not default preference.

Yes. MG-Atlantic sells containers directly from our global network of 193 partner depots. All sizes and grades are available with transparent pricing and delivery support worldwide.

Depot pick-up is typically available within 2–5 business days after payment. Door delivery depends on distance and transport mode, usually 1 to 3 weeks for inland locations. Port release can be arranged to match vessel schedules.

Inspect the roof for dents or holes, the floor for rot or warping, and the door seals for watertight closure. Always verify the CSC plate validity if the container will be used for shipping. If buying remotely, request recent dated photos from the depot.

MG-Atlantic operates through 193 partner depots across all major trade regions. Browse our container stock page to check availability near your location, or contact us with your preferred city or port.

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