More about Storage Containers
From smaller containers to larger shipping containers, United Rentals has portable steel shipping containers to conveniently store tools and equipment overnight or for weeks at a time without the cost of long-term storage. Storage container rentals also have specialty accessories like refrigeration and solar lights and can be customized to meet your project’s needs. Our cargo container rentals ensure that your items will be kept in good working order and will remain secure while temporarily in holding. Look to our Project Uptime article on how to rent a shipping container.
Learn more about storage containers in our FAQ section below.
The pricing for storage containers will vary depending on the size and condition of the container. For more information regarding our rental costs, call to speak with a specialist at your local United Rentals Storage and Office Solutions branch today.
Storage containers often vary in size, but all United Rentals Storage & Office Solutions branches carry standard 40-foot and 20-foot dimensions. Standard dry containers often have a width of 8 feet and height of 8'6”, while the length varies. Look to this article for detailed dimensions and specifications.
Storage containers are often delivered by a truck and trailer, and work best on level surfaces. Though it is not recommended, storage containers can technically be moved by forklift when empty. Read more about storage container site preparation.
United Rentals uses tilt-bed trucks to deliver your requested storage containers to the desired location. Said location should be level and clear of obstructions. Read our Project Uptime article for more information about storage container site preparation. Once you’ve prepped your site for delivery and the container has arrived, the delivery driver will back the trailer and lower the end of the container until it touches the ground, then pull straight out from under the container. Depending on your desired orientation, the container can be lowered with doors facing the truck cab or the truck's rear. A lift truck or crane can be used if the container is needed in a confined or elevated area.
For detailed information on shipping container delivery check out our Project Uptime article. Broadly speaking, a 20-foot storage container needs approximately 75 feet of straight clearance and a 40-foot storage container needs approximately 100 feet of straight clearance. The containers also require about 12 feet of width clearance and a minimum of 20 feet of overhead clearance at the drop-off location.
United Rentals is available to relocate a container for you as needed. Our storage and office containers are portable, stackable and can be lifted with a forklift; however, certain weight restrictions and damage liability limitations apply. Always consult with your United Rentals representative before attempting to move the container yourself.
Hazardous materials, ammunition, guns, illegal substances or perishables are not to be stored inside any of our storage containers.
Yes, containers are meant to be stacked. Most containers can safely support over 300 tons of static weight spread over the four corner posts. However, the roof panels and side top rails can support only lightweight items without causing permanent damage.
For maximum storage space, a standard 40-foot high cube container holds close to 2,700 cubic feet. For those requiring less storage space, a standard 20-foot container will hold about 1,150 cubic feet, while a standard 40-foot container will hold about 2,400 cubic feet.