Shipping Container Homes

Start your build with a strong steel shell. We deliver the container to your land and set it in place, so you and your builder can frame, insulate and finish a home around it.

Most common size
40ft High Cube
Recommended condition
New
Typical setup
Ground-level, on a poured foundation or piers
Delivery
1–3 business days

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Shipping container used for container homes

Starting a Build With the Shell Already Done

A conventional build takes a long time and a long list of trades. Many people want something smaller, stronger and quicker to get under cover, without giving up a real, comfortable place to live.

A shipping container gives you the main structure on day one. Steel walls, roof and floor arrive in one piece, and a 40ft high cube gives you about 300 square feet inside, with a ceiling high enough to insulate and still stand up in. Several containers can be joined to make a larger layout.

The container is the shell, not the finished home. Insulation, windows, wiring, plumbing and the interior are done by you and your builder, so the best results come from planning the layout before you order and choosing a container in good condition.

Recommended Containers for Container Homes

  • New 40ft High Cube shipping container

    40ft High Cube New Container

    The usual choice for a home, with extra ceiling height and a clean interior.View 40ft High Cube new 
  • New 40ft shipping container

    40ft New Container

    The same footprint at standard height, for a lower roofline.View 40ft new 
  • New 20ft shipping container

    20ft New Container

    A small module for a guest house, a tiny home or an extension.View 20ft new 

Setting Up Your Container for a Home

  • Foundation: Piers, a slab or a poured foundation all work. Ask a builder or engineer which suits your soil and climate.
  • Road and truck access: A 40ft container needs a long, clear approach, room to back up and space clear of wires and branches. Tell us about your road and lot when you request a quote and we will confirm delivery will work before you order.
  • Openings and structure: Large door and window openings remove strength from the walls. Have an engineer or an experienced container builder design them.
  • Insulation and moisture: Steel sweats. Insulate inside or out, add a moisture barrier, and plan ventilation so the walls stay dry.
  • Services: Electrical, plumbing and heating are done by qualified trades. Plan where they will run before you cut or finish anything.
  • Joining containers: Stacking or joining units needs welded or bolted connections, so plan the layout with your engineer before you order.

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What Our Customers Say

  • ★★★★★
    Michael and John went above and beyond to answer all of our questions. They truly explained the process to us and prepared us for the delivery which was very smooth

    Gordon T.

  • ★★★★★
    Pickup and Delivery were organized according to our needs and done on time. Victor was great to deal with, very friendly guy

    Puneet G.

  • ★★★★★
    Reliable Containers quickly delivered the high cube container for us when we wanted it. Great condition too! Overall a 10/10 service

    Maheno S.

  • ★★★★★
    Our family had a very smooth experience with purchasing a container from Reliable Containers. The name speaks for itself, a very reliable company that will go above and beyond to get the job done for the right price… everything exceeded my expectations

    Krystellee

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing place to purchase containers…everything in top condition

    David B.

  • ★★★★★
    Great service, quick response and turn around time

    Brendan H.

  • ★★★★★
    Professional. Friendly. Excellent.

    André L.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really live in a shipping container?

Yes, once it is properly insulated, ventilated and finished. The steel box is the structure, and a builder turns it into a home with insulation, windows, wiring, plumbing and an interior.

Do you build container homes?

We supply and deliver the container. Framing, insulation, wiring, plumbing and finishing are done by you and a builder you hire, so we recommend planning the layout before you order.

What size and how many containers do I need?

A single 40ft high cube gives about 300 square feet, which suits a compact home or a studio. For more space, several containers can be joined. Tell us your plan and we will help you choose.

Should I buy a new or used container for a home?

A new one-trip container has the cleanest interior and is the usual choice for a home. If you buy used, many owners lay a new subfloor over the original and seal the inside before finishing.

How long does delivery take?

Most deliveries arrive within 1–3 business days of your order, depending on inventory and site conditions. We confirm the timing when you request a quote.

Calculate The Cost Of Your Container

Shop with confidence with the assistance of our team.

Containers come in different sizes and conditions, we will determine the best product in our inventory based on your needs and budget.