Freight Shipping Containers in North Carolina: Why It’s a Logistics Hotspot
If you’re trying to get your hands on a freight shipping container, North Carolina is one of the best places to do it. It’s smack in the middle of the East Coast, which makes it a natural crossroads for moving stuff up and down the country. Trucks can get in and out fast, and with the ports in Savannah and Charleston close by, it’s not hard to get things moving by water either.
Simply put: this state makes it easy to get your container where it needs to go.
At Transocean Equipment Management, we help folks across North Carolina get reliable shipping containers—new or used. Some people come to us for long-distance freight. Others just need something sturdy for storage on a construction site. And yeah, we’ve even turned containers into makeshift offices. If it involves a steel box, we’ve probably done it.
What Shipping Container Sizes Are Available?
Most people go with:
- 20-foot containers – Good for tight spaces and lighter storage. These hold a couple of rooms’ worth of stuff or tools.
- 40-foot containers – For bigger hauls or long-term storage. Perfect for freight or large equipment.
- High-cube containers – Same length as the others but taller (9.5 ft high instead of 8.5). Better for bulky items or if you need extra vertical space inside.
If you’re unsure what size to get, we’ll talk it through and match you with the right fit.
How Much Do Containers Cost in North Carolina?
Prices depend on a few things:
- New or used
- Size and type
- Delivery distance
- Any custom work you want done
You might find used 20-footers in decent shape starting around a few thousand bucks. New containers cost more but show up looking sharp and ready to go. We’ll give you honest numbers, no surprises.
What Condition Should You Choose?
Here’s the breakdown:
- As-Is: Cheapest option. Might have dents, rust, or leaks. Best for dry storage in low-priority spots.
- Cargo-Worthy: Structurally sound and good for shipping, even if it’s got a few cosmetic flaws.
- One-Trip/New: Basically brand new. Usually made overseas, used once, then sold. These look clean and last the longest.
We’ll show you what’s available and help you pick what makes sense for your job.
Not Just for Shipping
We’ve sold containers to people who never planned to move anything. Job site managers use them to keep tools safe. Event crews turn them into ticket booths or command centers. Some customers turn them into break rooms, mini-workshops, or temporary offices with AC and outlets.
They’re solid, weatherproof, and don’t ask for much space. Just drop it where you need it, and it’s ready to go.
Container Modifications: What’s Possible?
We can help customize your container so it’s more than just a metal box:
- Roll-up or personnel doors
- Windows with security bars
- Lights and basic electrical
- Insulation and drywall
- HVAC systems
- Racks and shelves
- Lockboxes for extra security
If you need something specific, just ask. We’ve probably done it before.
Two Ways We Deliver
You’ve got two choices when it comes to getting your container delivered:
- Flatbed: Good if you’ve got a forklift, crane, or something similar on site. We show up, you unload. It’s quick and usually cheaper.
- Rollback: If you don’t have unloading gear, this one’s for you. The truck tilts the bed and slides the container off. Just make sure there’s enough room—we’re talking big truck plus container length, at least.
We’ll help you figure out which one makes sense. It’s part of the process.
What to Know Before Delivery Day
Before your container rolls in, take a minute to prep the site:
- Level the ground – A flat, hard surface works best. Concrete, gravel, or packed dirt will do.
- Clear the area – We’ll need enough room for the truck to get in and back out. Think twice the length of your container.
- Watch for overhead lines or trees – These can block delivery or damage the truck.
- Know your driveway limits – Some tight spots can’t handle a big rollback truck.
Still unsure? Give us a call and we’ll walk through it with you.
Common Uses by Industry in NC
Different people use containers for different reasons. Here’s what we see most often in North Carolina:
- Construction: On-site storage for tools, materials, or even as foreman offices
- Farming: Feed, fertilizer, and tractor storage that keeps out rain and pests
- Manufacturing: Overflow storage for parts, finished goods, or raw materials
- Events and Fairs: Pop-up shops, ticket booths, or gear storage
- Disaster Response: Mobile units for emergency gear or command centers
Whatever your industry, odds are we’ve delivered something similar.
Why Start in North Carolina?
Even if your job site or delivery point isn’t in NC, it’s still a solid place to start. The state’s highway system makes it easy to send containers just about anywhere on the East Coast. If your container needs to hit the road or head to a nearby port, getting it moving from here is faster and usually cheaper than in more crowded places.
Plus, when you buy local, you skip the middlemen and the inflated shipping fees.
Ready to Get Rolling?
Need a quote? Not sure what size container you need? Wondering whether it’ll fit on your lot?
Give us a call or shoot us a message. We’ll ask a few questions, talk through the options, and help you get what you need, without wasting your time.
No fluff. No nonsense. Just straight-up answers from people who know the business.
