Ask for these line items
If one seller includes unloading and another excludes it, their headline prices are not yet comparable. Ask for a revised total using the same scope. Keep separately booked work in your overall budget.
| Line item | What belongs in the written offer |
|---|---|
| Container | Size, condition, quantity, unit selection and price per unit. |
| Transport | The charge to deliver to your final address, including any separately quoted transport fees. |
| Unloading and placement | Whether taking the container off the truck and placing it at the agreed spot are included or priced separately. |
| Taxes and fees | Applicable amounts or how they will be calculated; whether the displayed total includes them. |
| Optional work | Lockbox, repainting, shelving, repairs or modifications priced separately. |
| Conditional charges | Waiting time, difficult access, failed delivery, rescheduling or additional handling. |
Separate the quoted total from your project budget
Add the confirmed purchase and delivery total to required work you book separately. Count each charge once: if unloading is already included in the delivered total, do not add it again. Keep estimates and unresolved amounts labeled until confirmed, and record a conditional fee with the event that would trigger it.
| Budget category | How to record it |
|---|---|
| Confirmed quoted amounts | Container, transport, unloading and other required charges included in the written offer. |
| Work you arrange separately | Site preparation, supports, permits or additional equipment; obtain a separate estimate where needed. |
| Unresolved amounts | Taxes or required work not yet priced. Mark them unknown and resolve them before treating the budget as complete. |
| Conditional charges | Waiting, access failure or rescheduling; record the trigger and amount or rate separately. |
Make the factors behind each quote explicit
Ask the seller how size, condition, quantity and unit selection affect the offer. If you compare used and one-trip units, ask for the actual condition terms and current photos of the unit or the selection process being offered.
Give each seller the same address and access information. Confirm what the delivery and unloading amount covers, then keep site preparation or other separately arranged work in the wider project budget.
Compare offers without hiding missing amounts
- Record the quoted currency, date and expiration date.
- Match container size, condition, quantity and unit-selection terms.
- Match the final delivery address and unloading method.
- Mark a missing line item as unknown; do not treat it as zero.
- Keep conditional charges beside the total rather than assuming they apply.
- Ask whether the offered date is an estimate or a confirmed appointment.
Check the terms attached to the total
Before payment, ask what is reserved, when payment is due, who invoices you and what changes if the unit or delivery is unavailable. Review cancellation, inspection, return and issue-reporting terms, including return transport costs where relevant.
Use the request builder to prepare the same requirements for each seller. Review the draft, then copy or download it to share separately. A seller still needs to supply the written price and terms.
Compare sizes and quantities using complete offers
Ask for separate delivered offers if you are considering one 20ft, one 40ft or two 20ft units. Use the same condition requirements and explain each placement. Do not assume that twice the capacity means twice the price, or that two containers can arrive on one truck.
Compare how each layout meets your storage and access needs alongside its complete budget. A smaller headline unit price does not settle the purchase when delivery or required site work differs.
Buying questions
How can I estimate my shipping container cost?
Start with a written offer for your size, condition, quantity and delivery address. Add required work you arrange separately, identify what is excluded and keep unknown amounts visible until priced.
Does a low container price include delivery?
Only if the written offer says so. Ask whether transport, unloading, placement, taxes and other fees are included.
How do I compare two quotes?
Use the same requirements, add every required line item and resolve unknown amounts. Then compare the delivered total alongside condition evidence and seller terms.
Are permits and site preparation included in the delivered price?
Ask whether they are included, excluded or your responsibility. Add required work you arrange separately to the project budget without counting it twice.