Shipping container questions answered before you call

Shipping container questions answered before you call

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Warehouse Options customers ask a lot of the same questions before renting or buying a container. We put the most common ones here so you can get answers fast. If your question is not on this page, call </span><a href="tel:719-390-1900"><span style="font-weight: 400;">(719) 390-1900</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or</span><a href="https://wareops.com/quote/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">request a free quote</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>

General container questions

What sizes of shipping containers do you carry?

Warehouse Options stocks 20-foot and 40-foot steel shipping containers. Both sizes come in standard height (8 ft 6 in) and high cube (9 ft 6 in). We also carry portable container offices and semi-trailers ranging from 28 feet to 53 feet.

A 20-foot container holds roughly the contents of a two-bedroom apartment. A 40-foot container holds about the same as a three-to-four-bedroom house. High cube models add an extra foot of interior height, which matters for tall furniture, stacked pallets, or equipment with overhead clearance needs.

Are all your storage containers the same?

No. Units come from different manufacturers and production years. Dimensions can vary slightly between units of the same size class. Our listed sizes are for general classification. Each individual container may differ by a few inches in height, width, or length.

If exact interior dimensions matter for your project, ask our team for specs on the specific unit you plan to rent or buy.

What is the difference between a standard container and a high cube?

A standard 20-foot or 40-foot container stands 8 ft 6 in tall on the outside. A high cube container stands 9 ft 6 in tall. That extra foot of vertical space gives you more room for tall items, better airflow when stacking, and a more comfortable working height inside container offices.

High cube units weigh slightly more than standard containers. Plan your site prep the same way you would for a standard unit.

Can I use a shipping container for something other than storage?

Yes. People use our containers as workshops, on-site offices, retail pop-ups, equipment sheds, and more. Warehouse Options offers custom container modifications if you need a split office and storage layout, windows, electrical, or other features added. Our residential storage and commercial storage pages cover the most common use cases.

Do I need a permit to place a container on my property?

Permit rules depend on where you live. Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and surrounding cities each set their own zoning requirements. Some allow temporary placement without a permit. Others require one for any structure placed on the property.

Check with your local zoning office before scheduling delivery. Our team can point you to the right contact for your area.

What are your business hours?

Warehouse Options is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call (719) 390-1900 during business hours, or submit a quote request any time.

Is Warehouse Options locally owned?

Yes. Warehouse Options is a family-owned business based at 7765 Venture Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80951. The Rowley family has been operating the company for over 30 years, first as Mobile Mini-Warehousing of Southern Colorado and now as Warehouse Options.

Rental questions

How much does it cost to rent a storage container in Colorado Springs?

Pricing depends on container size, type, and how long you need it. Warehouse Options does not charge hidden fees. Request a free quote for a price specific to your situation.

What are your rental terms?

All container rentals are month-to-month. There is no long-term contract required. You keep the container as long as you need it and call us when you are done.

Can I rent a container for just one month?

Yes. Month-to-month leasing means you can rent for one month, six months, or multiple years. You decide.

What if I need the container longer than expected?

Call us to extend. There are no penalties for adjusting your rental timeline. Your agreement stays month-to-month.

Should I rent or buy a shipping container?

Renting makes sense for short-term needs. You pay only for the months you use the container, and Warehouse Options handles delivery and pickup. No large upfront cost.

Buying makes sense for long-term storage or if you plan to modify the container. Once you own it, there are no monthly payments. You also get full control over modifications and placement.

Not sure which route fits? Compare the options on our container rentals and containers for sale pages, or call (719) 390-1900 and we will walk through it with you.

Can I rent a portable office container?

Yes. Warehouse Options rents container offices in Colorado Springs for construction sites, business projects, and events. Office units include a side-entry door, windows, and interior lighting. Some units combine office space on one end with open storage on the other.

What is the difference between a container and a semi-trailer for storage?

A semi-trailer generally offers more storage volume per dollar. However, trailers sit higher off the ground, so you need a ramp, steps, or a dock for access. They also take up more space on your site.

A ground-level container is shorter, easier to load, and fits in tighter spots like driveways and parking spaces. Choose based on access needs and available space.

Purchasing questions

What types of containers can I buy?

Warehouse Options sells 20-foot and 40-foot steel shipping containers, including standard and high cube models. Some units include office buildouts. Browse current inventory on our containers for sale page. Available units change regularly.

Do you sell new and used containers?

Yes. We carry both one-trip (new condition) and used containers. One-trip units have made a single ocean voyage and show minimal wear. Used units cost less and still provide solid, weather-tight storage. Each used container is graded before sale.

Can I modify a container after I buy it?

Yes. Warehouse Options offers custom container modifications including split office and storage layouts, doors, windows, and ventilation. If you need a specific configuration, talk to our team before purchasing so we can match you with the right base unit.

Can you move a loaded container?

Yes. Warehouse Options operates a special trailer with cranes on each end that lifts containers while keeping them level. It handles loads up to 20 tons. The trailer needs clearance on all sides and above the container, so units in tight spots or under low trees may not qualify for a loaded lift. Call to discuss your situation.

Delivery and service area questions

Where does Warehouse Options deliver?

Warehouse Options delivers throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado. Regular delivery areas include Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Fort Carson, Parker, Castle Rock, Pueblo, and Canon City.

We can also deliver to other locations in Colorado. If you are not sure whether your site is in range, request a quote and include your delivery address.

How fast can you deliver a container?

In most cases, we deliver within a few business days. Exact timing depends on container availability and your location. For faster turnaround, call (719) 390-1900 to check current stock.

How does container delivery work?

Warehouse Options uses a side-loader truck for ground-level delivery. The truck lifts the container off the trailer and places it directly on the ground at your location. No dock or ramp needed.

You choose where the container goes. As long as there is enough clearance for the delivery truck to access and place the unit, we can put it on driveways, parking lots, job sites, or open ground.

Can you deliver a container to my driveway?

Yes. We place containers in driveways regularly. Keep in mind that even an empty 20-foot steel container weighs over 5,000 pounds. A 40-foot container weighs more. That weight can crack or damage asphalt and concrete.

Before driveway delivery, you will need to sign a Driveway Delivery Release. You can review the form in advance on our Documents page.

Do you deliver containers for emergencies?

Yes. Warehouse Options provides emergency storage containers for fire recovery, flood damage, storm cleanup, and other urgent situations. We move fast when stock is available. Call (719) 390-1900 to check availability and schedule delivery.

Who handles pickup when I am done?

Warehouse Options picks up rental containers when your agreement ends. Call us to schedule a pickup date. We bring the same type of side-loader truck used for delivery. Just make sure the area around the container is clear so the truck can access it.

Security and insurance questions

Are your containers secure?

Yes. Every container is built from heavy-gauge steel with weather-tight seals on all seams. Each unit includes a built-in lock box that shields your padlock from bolt cutters and pry bars. You supply your own lock and keep full control over access.

Are the containers weatherproof?

Yes. Our shipping containers are designed to survive ocean transport, which means they handle rain, snow, wind, and temperature swings. Seals around the doors keep moisture out. Colorado Springs weather, including hail and heavy snow, is well within what these containers are built for.

Do you insure the items I store in the container?

No. Warehouse Options does not load, unload, or handle your belongings, so we cannot take responsibility for the contents. We have partnered with Storage Protectors, a company that offers insurance plans designed for portable storage. Contact us for more information about coverage options.

Can I access my container 24/7?

If the container is placed at your property or job site, you have access any time. You hold the only key or padlock.

If your container is stored at our self-storage location on Marksheffel Road in east Colorado Springs, access is available 24/7. The facility is gated with a code.

Still have a question?

Call Warehouse Options at (719) 390-1900 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Or
request a free quote and include your question in the notes.