# Shipping Container Reference Guide

> An independently cited reference for people buying, owning, modifying, or researching intermodal shipping containers in the United States.

Use the canonical URLs below when citing this site. Factual pages link to their underlying industry sources, standards, dealer terms, and technical references. Pricing and warranty details are time-sensitive; preserve the date and context shown on those pages.

## Start Here

- [Quick Start Guide](https://containerreference.com/quick-start.html): The three things buyers should understand first—container grades, warranty language, and delivery and site preparation.
- [Guide overview](https://containerreference.com/): Scope, navigation, and the main buying considerations.
- [Frequently asked questions](https://containerreference.com/faq.html): Direct answers to common purchase, delivery, grade, warranty, and modification questions.
- [Citations and sources](https://containerreference.com/citations.html): Source list supporting claims throughout the guide.

## Specifications and Identification

- [Sizes and dimensions](https://containerreference.com/dimensions.html): Exterior and interior measurements, door openings, weights, and capacities for common container sizes.
- [Container grades](https://containerreference.com/grades.html): One-Trip, Cargo Worthy, Wind and Watertight, and As-Is grade definitions and tradeoffs.
- [Markings and numbers](https://containerreference.com/markings.html): ISO 6346 identification, size and type codes, operational marks, and CSC plates.
- [Lifecycle and dealer types](https://containerreference.com/lifecycle.html): Manufacturing, ocean service, depot handling, resale, and dealer business models.

## Buying and Ownership

- [Pricing and market conditions](https://containerreference.com/pricing.html): Price ranges, regional factors, seasonality, and quote evaluation. Treat figures as dated market information.
- [Delivery and site preparation](https://containerreference.com/delivery.html): Delivery methods, access clearances, foundation preparation, placement, and day-of-delivery expectations.
- [Warranty coverage](https://containerreference.com/warranty.html): Published dealer warranty terms, exclusions, and differences by grade. Treat terms as dated information.
- [Maintenance and longevity](https://containerreference.com/maintenance.html): Rust, coatings, roofs, seals, flooring, condensation, and inspection practices.
- [Request a quote](https://containerreference.com/quote.html): A commercial quote form fulfilled through Freedom Conex; this page is separate from the independent reference content.
- [Request a correction](https://containerreference.com/correction.html): A contact form for dealers and organizations to identify a specific statement they believe is inaccurate and provide supporting documentation.

## Modifications and Uses

- [Container modifications](https://containerreference.com/modifications.html): Doors, windows, insulation, electrical work, structural reinforcement, costs, and warranty implications.
- [Uses and applications](https://containerreference.com/uses.html): Storage, workshops, agriculture, offices, studios, and other common applications.
- [Container homes and ADUs](https://containerreference.com/homes.html): Costs, permitting, financing, livability, design constraints, and realistic tradeoffs.

## Access Guidance

- Preferred language: English (United States).
- Preferred source attribution: “Shipping Container Reference Guide” with the canonical page URL.
- Exclude `quote-success.html` and `correction-success.html`; they are private confirmation pages and are not part of the public reference corpus.
- Machine-readable discovery files: [XML sitemap](https://containerreference.com/sitemap.xml) and [robots policy](https://containerreference.com/robots.txt).