Frequently asked question

Last Updated: March 15, 2026

1. WHAT TYPES OF CONTAINERS DO YOU SELL?

We sell a wide variety of shipping containers including:

• New (One-Trip) Containers – Essentially new, made only one ocean journey

• Used Containers – Including IICL, Cargo-Worthy, and Wind & Watertight (WWT) grades

• Modified Containers – Customized with windows, doors, insulation, electrical, HVAC, and more

• Storage Containers – Ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial storage

• Propane Tanks – Available in various sizes

• Container Accessories – Locks, lock boxes, brackets, hardware, and more

We offer containers in 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot High Cube sizes.

2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A ONE-TRIP AND A USED CONTAINER?

Recommendation: If appearance and longevity matter most, choose One-Trip. If you need affordable storage and condition is less critical, a Used WWT container offers the best value.

3. HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTAINER SIZE?

Choosing the right size depends on your intended use:

General Guidelines:

• A 20-foot container holds approximately the contents of a 1–2 bedroom apartment.

• A 40-foot container holds approximately the contents of a 3–4 bedroom home.

• A 40-foot High Cube offers 9'6" of height, providing extra space for standing, shelving, and taller equipment.

4. HOW MUCH DOES A SHIPPING CONTAINER COST?

Container prices vary based on size, grade, condition, and market demand. Here are general price ranges:

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Shipping/Delivery: Varies by distance (calculated at checkout)

• Sales Tax: Based on your shipping address

• Installation Fees: If selected at checkout

• Site Preparation: Gravel, concrete, or leveling (your responsibility)

• Permits: Varies by municipality (your responsibility)

• Accessories: Locks, vents, lock boxes, etc.

5. WHAT DOES "WIND AND WATERTIGHT" MEAN?

A Wind & Watertight (WWT) container is guaranteed to:

• Have no holes in the roof, walls, or floor

• Keep water out during normal weather conditions

• Have functional doors with intact seals and gaskets

• Maintain its structural integrity for static use

What WWT Does NOT Guarantee:

• A perfect appearance (rust, dents, and scratches are normal)

• Structural integrity for shipping or stacking

• Absence of cosmetic imperfections

Note: WWT containers are not certified for international shipping and are not recommended for stacking.

6. DO YOU OFFER DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION?

Yes, we offer both delivery and installation services.

Delivery:

• We deliver to locations within the continental United States

• Shipping fees are calculated based on the geographical location and distance from our Smithshire, IL facility

• The exact shipping cost is displayed in your shopping cart and at checkout

• Delivery timeframes: 7–10 business days total (1–3 days processing + 5–7 days shipping)

Installation:

• Available for select products at an additional cost

• Includes positioning the container at your designated location and basic setup

• Does NOT include site preparation, electrical/plumbing connections, permits, or modifications

Pickup Option:

• You may pick up your order in person at our Smithshire, IL location

• No shipping fee applies for pickup

• A valid government-issued photo ID and order confirmation are required

7. WHAT IS YOUR RETURN AND REFUND POLICY?

We offer a 30-day return window from the date of delivery or pickup.

Non-Refundable Charges:

• Shipping fees (actual shipping cost paid)

• Installation fees (if installation was already performed)

• Cancellation fees (5% applies if you cancel before delivery)

Refund Timeline: 7–10 business days after we receive and inspect your return.

8. WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

• Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard debit cards

• Bank Wire Transfers: Direct bank-to-bank transfers

• ACH Transfers: Automated Clearing House payments

• Other Methods: As displayed on our checkout page

Payment Terms:

• Full payment is required at the time of order placement

• No order will be processed, scheduled for delivery, or made available for pickup until payment is received and cleared

• All transactions are processed through secure, encrypted PCI-compliant payment gateways

9. DO YOU COLLECT SALES TAX?

Yes. We collect sales tax as required by applicable state and local laws.

How Tax Is Calculated:

• Based on the shipping address provided at checkout

• Applicable state, county, and city tax rates

• Sales tax is displayed as a separate line item in your cart and at checkout

Tax-Exempt Purchases:
If you are a tax-exempt organization (reseller, government, non-profit, educational institution, etc.):

• Submit a valid state-issued exemption certificate before completing payment

• Your documentation must be reviewed and approved

Important: If you do not submit exemption documentation before payment, applicable sales tax will be charged and cannot be refunded retroactively.

10. WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

If you wish to cancel your order after it has been placed:

Before Delivery:

• A 5% cancellation fee applies (covers administrative and processing costs)

• The remaining 95% will be refunded to your original payment method

• Refunds processed within 7–10 business days

After Delivery:

• Orders that have already been delivered cannot be cancelled

• They are subject to our Return Policy (30-day window, 10% restocking fee for non-defective returns)

To Cancel: Contact us at +1 (331) 255-6346 or sales@y-containers.com before the product has been dispatched.

11. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY ORDER?

Total estimated time from order placement to delivery: 7–10 business days

Note: Delivery timeframes are estimates and may be affected by weather, road conditions, carrier availability, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will contact you to schedule a specific delivery date and time window.

12. CAN I PICK UP MY ORDER INSTEAD OF HAVING IT DELIVERED?

Yes. We welcome customers to pick up their orders in person at our facility:

Y-CONTAINERS
1075 Township Road 1950 East, Smithshire, IL 61478

Pickup Requirements:

• You will be notified when your order is ready for pickup

• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your order confirmation number

• Pickup is available during our regular business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

• You are responsible for loading and securing your purchased items

Note: No shipping fees apply for pickup. If your order is not picked up within 14 days of notification, a storage fee of $25 per day may apply.

13. DO YOU OFFER WARRANTY ON YOUR CONTAINERS?

Yes. We offer warranties based on the type of container purchased:

Warranty Exclusions:

• Damage from misuse, neglect, extreme weather, or acts of nature

• Modifications made by the customer or third parties

• Cosmetic imperfections that do not affect functionality

• Normal wear and tear

How to File a Claim: Contact us within the warranty period at +1 (331) 255-6346 or sales@y-containers.com.

14. CAN MODIFIED CONTAINERS BE STACKED?

No. Modified containers cannot be stacked in most cases.

When a container is modified (adding windows, doors, insulation, electrical, HVAC, etc.), the cutting of the container walls reduces its structural integrity. This makes stacking unsafe.

Important: If you plan to stack containers, you should choose unmodified One-Trip or IICL containers and ensure they are properly rated for stacking.

15. HOW DO I PREPARE MY SITE FOR DELIVERY?

To ensure a successful delivery, you must prepare your site in advance:

Site Requirements:

• Solid, Level Ground: The container must be placed on a stable, flat surface (concrete, gravel, or compacted soil)

• Clear Access: The delivery truck needs ample space to maneuver and position the container

• No Obstructions: Remove vehicles, debris, low-hanging branches, or overhead wires

• Be Present: You or an authorized adult (18+) must be present to sign for delivery

What Happens If Delivery Fails?
If delivery cannot be completed due to access issues, unsafe conditions, or absence of an authorized recipient:

• Additional delivery fees may apply for re-delivery

• We will contact you to reschedule

16. CAN YOU DELIVER TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS?

Yes. We deliver to residential areas as long as:

• The delivery truck can safely access your property

• There is adequate space for the truck to maneuver

• Your local municipality allows container placement (check for permits)

Important: If you live in a residential area with HOA rules or local zoning restrictions, we recommend checking with your HOA or local building department before ordering.

17. WHAT MAINTENANCE DOES A CONTAINER NEED?

With proper maintenance, your container can last for decades. Here are some maintenance tips:

Optional:

• Apply rust-inhibiting paint for added protection

• Install vents to reduce condensation

• Use a wood or concrete foundation to elevate the container

18. DO YOU SELL ACCESSORIES?

Yes. We offer a variety of container accessories including:

• High-security padlocks

• Lock boxes (to protect padlocks from cutting)

• Vents (passive and solar-powered)

• Shelving and racking systems

• Flooring options (plywood, steel, etc.)

• Door stops and hold-backs

• Corner castings and lifting hardware

• And more

Accessories can be added to your order at checkout. Contact us if you need a specific accessory not listed on our website.

19. CAN I GET A REFUND ON SHIPPING FEES?

No. Shipping fees are non-refundable.

Once your product has been shipped or delivered, the shipping service has been rendered. Even if you return the product, the shipping cost cannot be recovered or refunded.

Exceptions: If we cancel your order due to a pricing error or product unavailability, you will receive a full refund including shipping charges.

20. WHAT IS YOUR PRIVACY POLICY?

We take your privacy seriously. Here's a summary of our privacy practices:

• What We Collect: Name, email, phone, shipping/billing address, payment information, and order history

• How We Use It: Order processing, customer service, shipping coordination, and legal compliance

• Third-Party Sharing: We share data only with trusted service providers (payment processors, shipping carriers, analytics providers)

• We Do NOT Sell: We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes

For complete details, please review our full Privacy Policy on our website.

21. HOW DO I CONTACT CUSTOMER SUPPORT?

We're here to help! You can reach us through any of the following channels:

Y-CONTAINERS
Location: 1075 Township Road 1950 East, Smithshire, IL 61478
Phone: +1 (331) 255-6346
Email: sales@y-containers.com
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Response Times:

• Phone calls: Answered during business hours

• Emails: Responded to within 24–48 hours

• Website contact forms: Responded to within 24–48 hours