New & Used Shipping Containers For Sale Anywhere in Michigan

Downtown Detroit is booming. Commonly, Detroiters in the construction industry buy shipping containers to store their gear safely at construction sites.

Another everyday use in Detroit and the Detroit suburbs is for business storage. Similarly, individuals purchase shipping containers for storage.

The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard has become a popular outdoor destination. The Dequindre Cut serves beer and wine outside between Wilkins and Division Street, with parking in the Eastern Market District.

Five stacked shipping containers form a DJ booth and offer shopping called the “Hub.” Another nine containers adorn the enormous beer and wine garden. Formerly called ShipYard Detroit, The Detroit Shipping Company is a combination food hall, beer garden, retail space, art gallery, event venue, and entertainment center. It is made of 21 repurposed shipping containers. The Detroit Shipping Company is located on Peterboro Street

Container homes are popular throughout Michigan, from luxury, single-family homes with a three-car garage in Bruce Township, Detroit Tiny Homes, to open-concept homes in Kalamazoo and a hidden castle in Burtchville Township, Michigan. 

Architecture Firm ThreeSquared has designed container homes throughout the United States, especially in its home state of Michigan. ModEco Development also built shipping container homes in Metro Detroit and Royal Oaks, Michigan.

Restaurants, offices, and even an animal clinic in Michigan were built from repurposed shipping containers. 

• Nipote’s Italian Kitchen in Muskegon, Michigan 
• United Wholesale Mortgage in Pontiac, Michigan 
• Lakeview Animal Clinic in Oxford, Michigan

Shipping containers have also been used as vacation rentals. You can find a treehouse in Oakland County, Michigan, on Pera Lake, a farm stay with horses and a hot tub on Perry Lake, or a Tiny home near Benton Harbor, Michigan. Cabins for glamping are also options built by Blox, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The cost of a shipping container in Detroit is influenced by its strategic position within the Great Lakes region and its proximity to major industrial and transportation networks.

Great Lakes and Midwest Logistics

Detroit serves as a critical logistics hub, connecting the Midwest to Canada and beyond. Containers arrive in the region via extensive rail networks from coastal ports. The cost of this inland transportation is factored into the final price. Therefore, container pricing in Detroit can differ from that in a port city like Houston or a more central rail hub like Chicago.

Regional Supply and Industrial Demand

The price of a container also fluctuates based on local supply and demand. Detroit's strong automotive and manufacturing sectors create a consistent need for containers for parts storage and logistics. When this demand is high, inventory at local depots can tighten, causing prices to rise. Conversely, when there is a surplus of containers from inbound freight, prices may become more competitive.

Container Grade and Condition

The most significant factor in determining the base price is the container's condition. A "New (One-Trip)" unit, having only made a single journey from its manufacturing point, will cost more than a used container. Used units, such as "Cargo Worthy" or "Wind and Watertight," offer a more budget-friendly solution for storage.

Understanding the terminology used to describe container conditions is crucial for making the right purchase. We provide clear distinctions to ensure you receive a product that meets your expectations.

• New (One-Trip): These are the highest quality containers available on the secondary market. They have been used for a single cargo trip from Asia to the US. Expect minimal cosmetic imperfections, such as minor scratches or scuffs from handling. They are ideal for projects where appearance is important or for creating long-term structures.
• Cargo Worthy (CW): A Cargo-Worthy container is a used unit that is certified to be structurally sound for overseas shipping. A licensed surveyor can inspect and certify it for this purpose. While it will show signs of use, including rust and dents, its structural integrity is guaranteed.  
• Wind and Watertight (WWT): This is the most common grade for general storage. A WWT container is guaranteed to be free of leaks and holes, ensuring your stored items remain dry and secure. It will have visible cosmetic wear but provides an excellent balance of function and value.

A frequent question from our Detroit customers is whether they can visit a local depot to inspect and select their container.

The containers are stored in large, active intermodal depots. These are secure industrial facilities with constant movement of heavy machinery and trucks. Due to strict safety protocols and insurance liability regulations, access is restricted to authorized personnel only. These yards are not designed as retail centers for public browsing.

However, we stand behind our grading system. When you purchase a container of a specific grade, we guarantee that the unit delivered will meet the criteria for that condition.

Delivering a large steel container to your property requires careful planning and specialized equipment. We offer professional delivery services throughout Southeast Michigan.

Preparing Your Site

The success of a delivery often depends on site preparation. For the optimal level and stable placement, we recommend a gravel foundation. This prevents the container from settling into the ground, especially during Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles, and ensures the doors operate smoothly.

Required Clearance

Our delivery trucks are tilt-beds, which slide the container off the back. This process requires significant straight-line clearance.

• For a 20ft container: You will need approximately 65 feet of straight, unobstructed space.
• For a 40ft container: You will need about 130 feet of straight, unobstructed space.

Before delivery, it is important to check for overhead obstacles like power lines, tree branches, and building eaves. Our team will review your site details to ensure a smooth and safe placement.

Zoning laws and permit requirements vary considerably between the City of Detroit, surrounding cities like Warren or Southfield, and the various townships in the metro area.

• Zoning Ordinances: Municipalities have different rules regarding the placement of shipping containers, especially for permanent or semi-permanent use. Some communities may have specific restrictions based on aesthetics or property use.
• Temporary vs. Permanent: Rules often differ for temporary placement (e.g., during a construction project) versus using a container as a permanent shed or structure.
• Homeowners Associations (HOAs): If your property is part of an HOA, be sure to check its bylaws. Many HOAs have strict rules regarding external structures.

It is always a critical first step to contact your local city or township planning and zoning department to understand the specific regulations that apply to your property.

With the increasing demand for shipping containers, fraudulent schemes have become more common. Take the following steps to protect yourself when making a purchase:

• Verify the Seller: Research the company or individual before buying. Look for verified reviews and a history of positive customer experiences.
• Be Wary of Unrealistic Prices: Extremely low prices or pressure to make quick decisions are common warning signs of scams.
• Check Grade Conditions: Check to be sure you understand the grade and condition description that accurately represent the specific grade of container you are purchasing. This helps ensure you know exactly what to expect upon delivery.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Always pay with a secure method, such as a major credit card, which offers fraud protection. Avoid wire transfers or payments to unknown accounts.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or if the seller avoids answering questions, it’s best to walk away. Legitimate businesses will demonstrate a high level of technical knowledge and can answer your questions clearly and confidently.

Taking these precautions will help you avoid scams and make your container purchase with greater confidence.