Have you ever looked at a raw steel box and imagined a secure gear shed, a hunting cabin, or a fast storage fix for your Texas property? Finding a weatherproof solution is a huge priority for rural landowners in 2026.
This is exactly where a clean structural starting point makes all the difference.
The experts at ATX Container Homes provide that blank canvas through an extensive inventory of empty shipping containers. You can easily use these units for ranch storage, DIY conversion projects, or multi-container assemblies. We rigorously inspect every single container against strict wind and water-tight (WWT) certification standards before it leaves the lot so you know exactly what you are buying.
In Stock: Sizes and Grades
Local buyers can choose from both one-trip and cargo-worthy units in three standard sizes. Current 2026 wait times across the Dallas and San Antonio regions average just three to seven business days. Inventory rotates quickly, so give our team a call to confirm current availability before planning your site drop.
- 20ft standard: Prices start from $3,500 cargo-worthy and from $5,000 one-trip. This unit gives you roughly 160 square feet of interior space. The everyday workhorse holds about two full ATVs or a complete apartment’s worth of furniture, making it ideal for ranch storage and small site offices.
- 40ft standard: Pricing runs from $5,500 cargo-worthy and from $7,500 one-trip. You get roughly 320 square feet of floor space. Most builders choose this common size for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) conversions and larger agricultural storage.
- 40ft high-cube: These start from $6,500 cargo-worthy and from $8,500 one-trip. It has the same footprint as a standard 40-foot box but provides an extra foot of interior height. That extra 12 inches is crucial for any conversion plan that needs ceiling clearance after installing R-20 wall insulation and a finished floor.
- 53ft intermodal: These massive units run from $9,500 cargo-worthy and from $12,000 one-trip. Expect roughly 424 square feet of serious storage capacity. The big unit remains highly popular for commercial storage and multi-container homestead projects.
One-Trip vs Cargo-Worthy: Which Should You Buy?
Our team always gives you the honest version about choosing between these two grades. You should know that both types feature heavy-duty Corten steel, a specialized anti-corrosive metal designed to withstand harsh ocean environments. This unique steel actually forms a protective rust layer that prevents deeper structural corrosion over time.
- One-trip is what you want if appearance matters for your property. The container has made a single ocean voyage from the factory and boasts a maximum lifespan potential of 25 to 30 years. It features minimal surface rust, original paint, a clean steel floor, and smooth-operating doors. It looks essentially new from twenty feet away. Pay the premium if the box will be visible near your main house or if you plan a fully finished interior conversion.
- Cargo-worthy is what you want if you are putting it in a back pasture for tool and tractor storage. These units are still fully WWT-certified, meaning they are completely wind and watertight with functional door seals. The box remains structurally sound with about 15 to 20 years of useful life left. Expect visible surface rust, minor dents, cosmetic wear, and a heavily used floor. It is functional rather than pretty.
We find that buyers regularly assume one-trip is over-engineered for what they actually need. A brand new box usually is unnecessary for basic gear protection. Choosing a cargo-worthy unit saves you $2,000 to $3,000, making it the right financial call for most agricultural storage and job-site uses.
What Is Documented Per Unit
Our inspection process happens before any container is listed for sale in Texas. This strict evaluation ensures you never receive a compromised box. The detailed inspection report covers several vital components:
- Structural integrity: Inspectors check the steel frame, corner posts, and cross-members for serious defects.
- Floor condition: We verify the 28mm thick marine-grade plywood subfloor. This dense flooring is forklift-rated and often factory-treated with harsh chemicals to deter ocean pests, meaning you must seal it properly if you plan to live inside.
- Door operation: The assessment tests the rubber gaskets, heavy-duty latches, and steel locking bars.
- Exterior steel condition: The report notes any visible rust spots, deep dents, or paint peeling on the Corten steel.
- WWT seal status: A physical water test confirms that no moisture can penetrate the closed unit.
- CSC Plate validation: Our team checks the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) metal plate riveted to the door. This plate proves the unit meets international safety standards and lists its required 30-month inspection history.
We will gladly send the full report before you commit to purchasing. Reviewing this document helps prevent unexpected surprises on delivery day. If a specific unit’s condition is not right for your planned use, our team will suggest a different option.
Delivery
Our team includes standard delivery in the initial quote across the San Antonio metro and most of Texas. The two main transport methods are tilt-bed trucks and traditional flatbeds. A tilt-bed allows the container to slide smoothly off the back onto your prepared dirt or gravel pad. A flatbed requires you to have a crane or heavy-duty forklift on-site to lift the steel box off the trailer. We select the best truck option based strictly on your specific site access.
Long-haul transportation to DFW, Houston, El Paso, or the remote Hill Country adds extra costs based on total distance. You must ensure your property meets strict physical clearance limits before the truck arrives. The delivery vehicle requires a firm, level surface capable of supporting an 80,000-pound loaded rig without sinking into mud.
Site Clearance Requirements
Dropping a massive steel box requires plenty of room to maneuver safely. The driver cannot simply pivot the truck in a standard residential driveway. Consider these specific 2026 delivery metrics:
- Vertical Clearance: You need a minimum of 14 feet of overhead clearance to avoid hitting tree branches or low-hanging power lines.
- Width Requirements: The access gate and pathway must be at least 12 feet wide.
- 20-Foot Container Turning: A tilt-bed delivering a 20-foot unit needs at least 60 feet of straight-line clearance to pull forward as the box slides off.
- 40-Foot Container Turning: A 40-foot delivery requires a massive 100 to 125 feet of unobstructed straight-line space.
We have successfully completed deliveries to incredibly challenging rural and urban sites. Driving through steep inclines, narrow ranch gates, and tight residential lots is just part of the job. See exactly how we manage tight-lot crane delivery in Alamo Heights and execute steep-grade access at Canyon Lake.
When an Empty Shipping Container Is the Right Call
Our raw empty containers are the perfect fit if you want pure structural steel and plan to handle the labor yourself. Buying a bare shell is highly cost-effective for leaving the unit sealed as agricultural storage or building out a DIY hunting cabin. Data shows that converting an empty unit yourself can save upwards of 30% compared to buying a fully finished living space. You control every step of the cutting, reinforcing, and finishing process.
A heavy-duty steel box is also the strongest defense against rural tool theft. Standard wooden sheds are easily broken into, but a Corten steel container with a factory-fitted lockbox keeps thousands of dollars of tractors and welders secure. Just be sure to verify your local zoning laws before placing a unit on your land. Certain Texas counties and rural Homeowner Associations have deed restrictions that ban modular structures entirely.
Exploring Advanced Options
If you need more than a simple metal shell, consider these guided upgrade paths:
- Structural Upgrades: If you want factory-cut door openings, rough-ins, or reinforcement, a basic box will slow you down. We strongly recommend exploring our DIY container home kits because they are built and priced for that exact purpose.
- Finished Housing: If you want a fully finished unit ready to live in on delivery day, see our pre-built container homes. These structures offer instant housing without the construction headache.
Our team is ready to help you select the perfect unit for your Texas property.
Finding reliable empty shipping containers does not have to be a stressful process. Give us a call today to secure your inventory and schedule a smooth delivery.
