Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the new containers are manufactured predominantly in China. Therefore, new containers available in US from Allstate Container have all been transported from factory sites by rail, road and sea transport. In order to save shipping costs most containers are offered to shipping interests on one-way use basis. By allowing a shipper to use the container for a single load, our cost to position a new container into North America is reduced significantly. These savings are reflected in the price to you. The majority of used containers are typically 10-14 years old when sold by the international shipping interests that originally owned and operated the equipment in international trade. Most are sold as they are considered to have reached the end of their practical working life. This does not however mean that containers are valueless or without new productive applications. Therefore we have our grading system that addresses the important aspects depending upon the intended use:
New (1 trip)
Premium or IICL-5 (2 to 8 years old): Excellent condition, meets specific repair standards suitable for regular cargo use.
CW - Cargo Worthy (Over 8 years old): Structurally sound, suitable for project or single move shipping.
WWT - Wind and watertight (over 8 years old): Suitable for storage.
AS IS: Minor damage, should be inspected prior to purchase.
Handyman: Needs work, damage to the container could be expensive to repair.

There can be but it need not be the case. Not all containers have had the same rigorous life.

Without any form of preventative maintenance a new container, in a storage environment, should last for more than 20 years. Used containers have a variable lifespan depending upon the condition of the container when purchased. Our containers should be free of problems for many years after purchase but as steel continues to rust attention should be paid to areas of rust and preventative maintenance performed as required.

Because of changes in market and other variables, Allstate Container quotes specific prices daily bases only from the container sales department directly. For more detail please call Toll Free: (877) 247-8800

A 20' standard will hold about 1,150 cubic feet. A 40' High Cube is almost 2,700 cubic feet while a 40' Standard will hold about 2,400 cubic feet. Click on Container Specifications to see in details.

A "standard" can be either 20' or 40' or 48' long, but they are all 8' 6'' high. A "High Cube" refers to a container that is 9' 6'' tall.

Standard lengths are basically 20' and 40'. There are 8'/10' and some 45' containers readily available whilst most other lengths need to be constructed. 20's weigh a little over 2 tons whilst 40' containers weigh between 3,5 and 4,2 tons.

Yes. Most sizes >20' but <40' need to be constructed. Quite often 40' containers are shortened to the required length. These containers will not unless otherwise agreed be CSC plated. We have some 45' (13,6m) and can in theory arrange containers of any length.

Sine the 1990's almost all standard containers have been manufactured with plywood floors. Some earlier containers were manufactured with plank floors. Reefer containers have aluminum "T" section floors. We manufacture a small percentage of new containers with steel floors. Steel floors can also be installed in containers with wooden flooring.

Yes all steel containers are painted at manufacture. Normally only steel components on aluminum containers are painted. If you buy unpainted used container, it will come from our current inventory of available containers and colors may vary. If you buy new or painted container, there are a few colors to chose from. If you require a specific color to match your building, please let us know.

Normal delivery time can be as quick as two to four days providing you are not having any modifications done to the unit. If you need something sooner, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.

Allstate Container can deliver your container to you via flat bed if you have the ability to unload it at your location, or by tilt-bed if you would prefer us to unload it. Container deliveries are done using a tilt-bed that allows the container to slide off at the desired location and cannot handle the weight of a loaded container. The driver will back the trailer and lower the end of the container until it touches the ground then will pull straight out from under the container. Our customer service representative will ask you if we should load the container with the doors facing to the cab or to the rear of the truck. You must make that decision based on the desired location of the container door at your site. In confined areas a lift truck or crane can be used to set off the containers.

The only thing to be concerned about is that the surface is fairly level, smooth, and firm. The truck and trailer weigh over 30,000 lb., a concrete pad, asphalt paving or other sturdy surface is preferred and most drivers will not drive off of a road or paved surface. If you need an off road delivery it is best to discuss the road condition in advance. We can deliver on dirt, cement, pavement, asphalt, gravel or grass as long as it is not too soft. In considering the resting location for a container Asphalt, gravel, grass, earth, concrete surfaces are all acceptable. The container is self-supporting at the four corners. Therefore, on soft unstable surfaces we recommend each corner casting to be supported with a concrete footing, railroad ties, asphalt or a bed of gravel to spread the weight. This is also very important for container doors to operate smoothly.

The amount of space required is minimal. For a 20' storage container, you will need approximately 50 feet of straight clearance. For a 40' container, you will need approximately 100 feet of straight clearance. The width requirement is approximately 12 feet. You should have at least 14 feet of overhead clearance on the road to the delivery site and 20 feet at the drop off location. Any obstacles like trees and overhead wires must be cleared prior to delivery.

All the payments have to be made prior to delivery of the container. For rentals, we collect the first three month's rent, plus delivery and pickup fees. For purchase, we collect the total sales price including delivery charge and sales tax (if applicable). We accept wire transfer, personal or business checks and money order. We only accept credit card payment through PayPal. To pay with PayPal, click on the PayPal icon at the bottom of any page and follow the instruction. Please add %3 fee to the payment amount.

We can deliver your newly purchased container via flatbed to nearly anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. The tilt-bed delivery is usually available within the 175 miles radius of the depot. Please contact the container sales department for more information about delivery of purchased containers.

Yes. Containers are built to be stacked and through the 4 corner-posts most containers can safely support over 300 tons static weight. The roof panels and side top rails can support only lightweight items with causing permanent distortion/damage.

Allstate Container will maintain the unit throughout the term of the rental period. If you need maintenance, simply give us a call and we will come out promptly. Regular maintenance repairs are free of charge for the life of the rental term. In the case of sales, the unpainted containers are sold "as is". They are guaranteed leak proof at the time of delivery. If you choose a painted container, it is guaranteed leak proof for one year from the time of delivery.

We can add extra doors, windows, turbine vents or partitions, etc. whatever works for you.

All containers shipped should comply with ISO and CSC regulations. In principal any modification that changes the integral design or structural strength of the container should be re-tested prior to shipment.

Every shipping line has different policy for shippers owned containers; the booking or customer service departments will have the information you need. If you are not familiar with the procedure for shipping a container to overseas, it is best that you let a freight forwarder handle this for you. To find a local Freight Forwarding company check out www.forwarders.com. If the shipping line requires a "container condition survey" we can provide that too for an additional cost.

Custom's rules regarding the import / export of containers varies by countries. Again, if you are not familiar with the procedure, it is best that you let a freight forwarder handle this for you. To find a local Freight Forwarding company check out www.forwarders.com.