New & Used Shipping Containers For Sale in Houston, Texas

The Deck Food Park is built from shipping containers in Montgomery County, Texas, north of Houston. It offers Korean, Vietnamese, American, Mexican, and South American cuisine and alcoholic beverages.

A 42-unit modest housing complex with beautiful interiors was constructed almost entirely of shipping containers in Houston’s Fifth Ward.

An upscale AirBnB built of stacked shipping containers also graces Houston.

Moreover, Huntsville, Texas, 75 miles north of Houston, solved a student housing shortage by building apartments out of shipping containers. 

A farm on just 320 square feet? That’s what this container farmer built in downtown Houston. Lettuce, kale, and mustard greens can grow year-round—no matter the rain, sun, humidity, or warmth. Nearly 260 towers of greens rise inside two climate-controlled, 20-foot containers.

Likewise, a similar greens farms are springing up in the metro Houston area.  hangs in converted shipping containers in Woodland, Texas.

Because Houston is home to one of the largest ports in the country, customers often assume containers are dirt cheap. While proximity to the port does help with availability, pricing is still dynamic and depends on several variables.

Proximity to the Port of Houston

Houston buyers have a distinct advantage. Since containers enter the US through the Port of Houston, transport costs to local delivery sites (like Katy, Spring, or Pearland) are generally lower than shipping them to Dallas or Austin. However, the base price of the container itself fluctuates based on global supply chain trends.

Supply and Demand

Even with a major port nearby, supply levels change. If exports are high, steamship lines hold onto their containers, driving up prices for buyers. Conversely, a surplus of incoming cargo can lead to lower prices as depots look to clear space.

Container Condition and Modifications

The price is heavily dictated by the container's grade. A "New (One-Trip)" container will always command a premium over a "Wind and Watertight" used unit. Additionally, if you need modifications—such as adding roll-up doors, HVAC for a site office, or ventilation—these customizations add to the final cost. At Container Management, Inc., we help you balance your budget with your specific functional needs.

Houston's climate is notoriously tough. High humidity, salt air, and the threat of hurricanes make the condition of your container critical.

Rust and Corrosion

Living near the Gulf means salt air is a constant factor. When buying a used container, inspecting for deep rust is essential. While surface rust is common and cosmetic, deep structural rust can compromise the unit's integrity. We ensure our "Cargo Worthy" and "Wind and Watertight" containers still have solid structural integrity suitable for the region.

Hurricane Readiness

A common question we get is, "Will this container survive a hurricane?" Shipping containers are engineered to be incredibly robust, often stacked eight high on ships rolling in heavy seas. However, an empty container can be moved by hurricane-force winds if not properly anchored. We can advise on anchoring solutions to ensure your investment stays put during storm season.

"Wind and Watertight" Guarantee

In a city that experiences torrential downpours, a leaky container is useless. All containers we sell are guaranteed to be wind and watertight at the time of delivery. This is non-negotiable for protecting your goods from Houston's unpredictable weather.

Many clients ask if they can drive down to the depot to pick out their specific container.

The short answer is no. The depots servicing the Port of Houston are secure, federally regulated facilities. Due to strict safety protocols and liability insurance requirements, access is restricted to authorized personnel and truck drivers only. It is not a retail environment.

However, we bridge this gap by adhering to strict grading standards. When you order a specific grade (like New or Cargo Worthy), we guarantee the unit you receive meets those specific criteria.

Houston is massive, and delivery logistics vary depending on whether you are inside the 610 Loop or out in Conroe.

Truck Access and Clearance

We use tilt-bed trucks to deliver containers. The driver backs into the site and gently slides the container off. For a 20ft container, we generally need about 65 feet of straight-line clearance. For a 40ft container, we need about 130 feet.

• Urban Delivery: In dense neighborhoods like Montrose or Rice Military, narrow streets and low-hanging power lines can be a challenge.
• Rural/Suburban Delivery: In areas like Tomball or Alvin, soft ground can be an issue.

Site Preparation

This is critical in Houston, where the ground is often clay-heavy and soft, especially after rain. We recommend placing the container on a gravel pad to prevent it from sinking into the mud. A level, firm foundation ensures the doors operate correctly and the floor remains dry.

This is one of the most complex aspects of buying a container in Texas. Regulations vary wildly depending on exactly where you are located.

• City of Houston: The city has specific ordinances regarding shipping containers, especially if they are visible from the street or used as permanent structures (like container homes or offices). You may need a building permit.
• HOAs and Deed Restrictions: Many Houston neighborhoods are governed by HOAs with strict rules against "unsightly" structures. Always check your deed restrictions before delivery.
• Unincorporated Harris County: If you are outside city limits, regulations are generally more relaxed, but you should still check with the county engineering department regarding floodplain restrictions.

We strongly advise every customer to verify local zoning laws before purchasing.

With the popularity of container projects rising, so has the number of fraudulent listings on marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook.

Red Flags

• Prices too good to be true: If a 40ft container is listed for $1,500 delivered, it is likely a scam.
• Cash-only or Wire-only payments: Scammers often demand untraceable payment methods.

Secure Transactions

Protect yourself by using a credit card. Container Management, Inc. accepts secured credit card payments and absorbs the processing fees, so you don't pay extra for security. This offers you recourse in the unlikely event of a dispute—something wire transfers do not provide.