For environmental-minded people, shipping containers are a fantastic material for all kinds of projects. Whether you are looking for something to use for a home build or simply need some storage space, containers are an excellent option. Knowing where you can get new and used containers can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the market. Fortunately, there are a lot of sources for all shapes and sizes of shipping containers for sale in Iowa.
In this article, we have compiled a complete guide to finding and buying shipping containers for sale in Iowa. By knowing what the best sources are and how they compare, you can make the right choice for your project. Finding high-quality shipping containers for sale can be a challenge. However, if you know where to look and can narrow down your search, things can be much easier.
Top Markets for Storage Containers in Iowa
Des Moines, IA
Sioux City, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Ames, IA
Davenport, IA
Ankeny, IA
Waterloo, IA
Best Providers of Shipping Containers for Sale in Iowa
Fortunately, there are a lot of providers of shipping containers for sale in Iowa. Whether you want to rent or buy, you can find a good provider that will give you the support you need. Finding the right seller can help make your whole project much easier. Knowledge and good customer service can go a long way toward getting what you need.
Shipped.com Shipping Container Marketplace
Shipped.com helps buyers learn what shipping container is suitable for them and help them. With over 60 depots and thousands of containers on hand, they offer great prices for shipping containers. They have online direct checkout and a digital cart to help you find what you are looking for!
Midwest Storage Containers
Voted the best place to work in 2022, Midwest Storage Containers is a great place to find your next storage container to suit your need. Whether you are looking for a new or used one, they will help you find the one that is right for you.
Harper Steel
Harper Steel has been in business since 2001. They have been providing high-quality shipping containers for their customers since then. They have 10, 20, and 40 shipping containers available for you to choose from.
Cost of Shipping Containers in Iowa
The cost of shipping containers for sale in Iowa will depend heavily on what you want. For example, if you need a brand new container over 40 feet, this will be fairly expensive. However, if you don’t mind buying used and can get away with a smaller box, it will be relatively affordable.
Shipping containers for sale in Iowa range from around $1,800 all the way up to $8,000. The factors that determine the cost include things like the condition of the container and the materials. If you only need the most basic container, you can get away with spending a lot less on your boxes.
Types of Uses for Shipping Containers in Iowa
There is a wide variety of shipping containers for sale in Iowa. Depending on your needs and what you will use the container for, one will be better than the other. Your container needs can be discussed with the provider of shipping containers for sale in Iowa. They will be able to work with you and find the perfect solution for your project.
Rentals – Many providers who have shipping containers for sale in Iowa will also have short- and long-term rental options. If you need your container for something like storage or temporary office space, this will be your best bet. The individual rates will change depending on what it will be used for and how big it is.
For Sale – For people using their containers for permanent structures, buying is the best bet. You can find shipping containers for sale in Iowa for various uses. Whether you want something brand new or are okay with recycling, there is an option for you.
Refrigerated – In some cases, you will need your shipping container to be refrigerated. Whether you are using the container for cold storage or climate control, there are choices available. Searching for working refrigerated shipping containers for sale in Iowa can be difficult if you want to buy used ones, but new ones should be no issue.
Shipping Container Sizes
Generally, shipping containers for sale in Iowa will be available in different sizes. Some of the sizes you can find are 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet, and 43 feet.
The most common size is 40 feet, as this is the universal dimension that many shipping companies will use.
10 FT Shipping Containers
If you don’t need a ton of space or things to store, a 10ft shipping container may be a great fit for you. Although not as common, there are many places you can find a smaller 10ft shipping container in Iowa.
20 FT Shipping Containers
Next up we have the 20ft shipping containers which are more common than 10 ft containers. These are usually seen on ships coming to and from overseas. That said they can also many times be used as storage or a backyard office. Many shipping container pools are 20ft containers.
40 FT Shipping Containers
40ft shipping containers are the grandaddy of them all and the most common type of shipping container. These can store tons of items and can be used for either transportation or for storage.
Grades of Shipping Containers in Iowa
There are several grades of shipping containers for sale in Iowa. It is crucial that you understand these grades and how they might affect a container’s suitability for your project. Most providers will be able to help you, but having a good understanding will be a leg up in the process.
New – Buying brand-new shipping containers for sale in Iowa is almost always going to be your best bet. You can be sure there is no damage to the steel and that it will be structurally sound. You can also be certain that there are no toxic materials in the coating, which is crucial for structures.
Used – Saving money on your shipping containers for sale in Iowa is also a good option. Buying used is an excellent option if you want to recycle and reuse things that have been retired. Most providers of shipping containers for sale in Iowa will run serious quality checks on their used stock. This is why it is so important to use a reputable source for your containers.
CWO Certified / Cargo Worthy – For those who need to stack several containers on top of one another, CWO-certified containers are your best bet. These containers have been tested to have maximum structural integrity for up to seven containers. If you are using your containers for structures or shipping, it’s crucial that they are CWO Certified.
Damaged As-Is Containers – In some cases, you can find containers with minor damage for a discounted price. If, for example, you are buying a container for storage that isn’t sensitive, this is a great option. Many companies that have shipping containers for sale in Iowa have as-is stock that you can pick from.
WWT (Wind and Watertight) – For the most part, shipping containers will not be completely wind and watertight on their own. If you are going to be shipping things or need a container for a structure, a WWT box is a great choice. You can rest easy knowing that the container doesn’t need any extra modification to stay in good shape.
IICL Certified / IICL / CSC Plated – The CSC and IICL are organizations that determine the structural integrity of shipping containers. These containers will have certifications plated near the entrance. Checking for these is a great way to sort through shipping containers for sale in Iowa.
Uses for Shipping Containers in Iowa
There are a number of uses for shipping containers for sale in Iowa. This is why they have become so popular in recent years. Their pre-made construction and heavy-duty design make them an excellent choice for all kinds of projects. Knowing what you can do with shipping containers for sale in Iowa can help you choose the right one.
For Shipping – The most common use of shipping containers is for shipping worldwide. Containers can be stacked on ships, trains, and trucks to move goods all over the globe. If you are a business owner or merchant, you will most likely need shipping containers for sale in Iowa.
For Business Storage – One of the great things about shipping containers is that they can be excellent storage facilities. If you have a business that needs a little extra storage square footage, this is a great application. You can find multiple grades and sizes of shipping containers for sale in Iowa for this use.
Personal Storage – You can also use a shipping container for personal storage on your own property. Many people look for shipping containers for sale in Iowa to get some extra space in their homes. This is where you will need a WWT container to protect your belongings from wind and weather elements.
Shipping Container Homes – One of the newest and most exciting ways to use shipping containers for sale in Iowa is homes. Because the containers are premade and high-quality, they can be used as the main structure of a house. With the advent of the alternative housing movement, this has become an incredibly viable option for many people.
For a Pool – The other incredibly creative way you can use shipping containers for sale in Iowa is to build a pool. With their large size and excellent durability, you can build a pool using a WWT container and a liner. These can be incorporated into all kinds of backyard decor to create a truly unique look.
Portable Office – If you have a construction company or do contracting work, containers can also make great portable offices. Shipping containers can be modified to incorporate windows and doors and can be incredibly comfortable. Plus, you can move the office from place to place very easily.
Refrigerated Containers – Refrigerated containers are an excellent option for all kinds of business applications. Whether you need cold food storage or climate control for different types of sensitive storage, it’s a great option. They can be moved wherever they need to be and give you more square footage in your business.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buying a Shipping Container in Iowa
What is the lifespan of a shipping container?
For a shipping container that is used consistently, the lifespan is around 25 years. However, if you are using them for other applications like housing or storage, it can be much longer. The all-steel construction makes them incredibly durable and perfect for all kinds of uses. This is why they are so popular for building homes and other types of structures.
If you take good care of your shipping containers, they can last over 35 years. This is why you need to ensure your containers are in good condition when you buy them. There are all kinds of high-quality shipping containers for sale in Iowa. Using a high-end provider can help extend the lifespan of all your containers.
Why are shipping containers abandoned?
For the most part, shipping containers will be abandoned when they are no longer useful. Many shipping companies will upgrade their containers to ensure they are always in good shape. When this happens, they will usually be recycled or stored away for extended periods of time. They will also sometimes be sold to places that have shipping containers for sale in Iowa.
Sometimes, however, containers are abandoned because they are no longer in good condition. They could have rust or holes that can be serious issues if you want to reuse them—because of this, working with a reputable company that has shipping containers for sale in Iowa is crucial. They will do rigorous quality control and ensure that your containers remain viable.
Do shipping containers hold their value?
One of the nice things about shipping containers is that they absolutely hold their value. In some cases, they will hold it up to nearly 100 percent. If you are only buying containers for temporary use, you will most likely be able to resell them at a good value. This is even more true since shipping containers are getting more popular with home builders and tiny home enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Knowing everything you can about shipping containers for sale in Iowa is essential if you are in the market for one or more. There are all kinds of uses and types of containers, and choosing the right one is essential. With a good knowledge of the options available, you can make your project go as smoothly as possible.
If you would like some information on building a shipping container home, check out the rest of ContainerHomeHub.com. There, you will find all kinds of tips and tricks from the pros as well as our new complete program for building a shipping container home. This comprehensive guide will give you step-by-step instructions for every aspect of the build. Using this program, you can build the home of your dreams!