Container Sales Group offers new and used shipping containers (also called conex boxes) with fast delivery throughout Chicago and the Midwest. We’re based in Hodgkins, IL, and deliver across Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake counties and up to 200 miles beyond. Whether you need a single 20ft container for a backyard or multiple 40ft units for a jobsite, we’ll help you pick the right size and condition.

Chicago Pricing: 20ft Used Container $1,150 | 40ft Used Container $1,475 (delivery priced by ZIP code) | See 20ft used container pricing »

From construction sites and retail overflow to schools and residential storage, our containers are built to withstand Midwest weather and hold up to long-term use.

Popular Shipping Container Uses in Chicago

  • Jobsite storage for construction and contracting work
  • Retail and restaurant overflow storage in dense urban areas
  • Manufacturing and warehouse inventory control
  • School, municipal, and park district equipment storage
  • Residential storage for moves, renovations, and seasonal items
  • Automotive and transportation industry storage
  • Event, festival, and pop-up retail structures throughout the city
  • Landscaping companies storing seasonal equipment and bulk supplies
  • Fire and police department training units ( see how departments use containers »)

Why Buy a Shipping Container from a Local Chicago Supplier

Buying from a local Chicago supplier means faster delivery, lower freight costs, and a team you can reach by phone before, during, and after delivery or pickup. Container Sales Group has been based in Hodgkins, IL, and trusted since 1998. We source directly from shipping lines and offer wholesale pricing.

Container Sales Group understands Chicago delivery access challenges, site requirements, and Midwest weather conditions. That means smoother scheduling, clearer communication, and fewer surprises on delivery day. We deliver new, used, and specialty containers across Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake counties, and set them directly on the ground up to 200 miles away. Beyond 200 miles, we deliver by flatbed, and you’ll unload the container on site. Every container is backed by our Wind & Watertight Guarantee. Working with a local supplier means reliable service, quicker turnaround, and real people who answer the phone at (888) 320-5938.

Why Buyers Choose Container Sales Group for Shipping Containers

Container Sales Group has been serving the Chicago market since 1998, offering in-stock new and used shipping containers at direct, transparent pricing backed by real people and a trusted Wind & Water Tight Guarantee. Because we source directly from steamship lines, our customers get better quality containers and dependable service without the guesswork. See our Google reviews »

You’ll work with a single point of contact from quote to delivery. We’re a WBENC-certified women-owned business, and a portion of every sale supports the Wounded Warrior Project, American Red Cross, and American Cancer Society.

We offer 20 ft. and 40 ft. standard, high cube, open side, open top, and double-door units, plus accessories like lockboxes, ramps, vents, shelving, and security devices. Request a quote or call (888) 320-5938 for guidance on sizing, delivery, or pricing.

Trusted Since 1998 by Businesses Across the Midwest

What Chicago Customers Say

Trusted by Chicago-area organizations including Brookfield Zoo, the Chicago Park District, Lemont Park District, the Village of Hodgkins, the United States Postal Service, and Clune Construction.

“Great company! Honest and Delivers as Promised. Have purchased a total of 5 different containers over the past 3 years.”

James F., Box Enclosures, Chicago

“Throughout the process we dealt with Lyn Novelli, an owner of the company. She was patient, helpful and guided us to a great decision. The container we received appears brand new and has no apparent blemishes, also it was less expensive than those offered by other companies… Actually, happy is an understatement, we are ecstatic with our purchase.”

Bill D., Chicago

“The process was simple, the pricing was fair, and the container is top-notch. Mud made our delivery more difficult than it could have been, but the driver was able to drop the container where it needed to be.”

Evan G., Chicago

Container Sizes for Chicago Buyers

The most popular size for Chicago homeowners and small businesses. They fit in most driveways and backyards, cost less to deliver, and work well for renovations, moves, and tool or equipment storage. 20ft dimensions »

Double the space at a lower cost per square foot. They’re the go-to choice for construction sites, inventory overflow, and bulk storage. 40ft dimensions »

An extra foot of height (9′ 6″ vs. 8′ 6″), which makes them popular for workshops, offices, and modification projects. 40ft high cube dimensions »

10ft and 45ft containers are also available on request.

20ft40ft
Interior space~1,170 cu. ft.~2,385 cu. ft.
Best forResidential, small sitesJobsites, inventory, equipment
Straight-line delivery space60 to 70 ft100 to 120 ft
Cost per sq. ft.HigherLower

Looking for container ideas? Read our guide on shipping container uses.

New, One-Trip, or Used? Choosing the Right Condition

New/one-trip containers

These have made a single overseas trip and arrive clean with minimal wear. They’re the best choice if you plan to modify the container or it’ll sit somewhere visible.

Used Wind & Water Tight (WWT) containers

These containers have cosmetic rust and dents, but the doors seal, the floors are solid, and they keep out Chicago rain and snow. They’re the most budget-friendly option for jobsite and seasonal storage.

Used Cargo Worthy containers

These containers are certified for international shipping and have a stronger frame and floor than standard used units. Choose these if you plan to export or stack containers.

Every container we sell is guaranteed wind and water tight. We never sell as-is units.

Customer spotlight: A customer in Aurora recently bought a used 20ft container for under $1,900 including delivery, replacing a monthly rental with storage they own.

Shipping Container Grades

Container Condition
NEW / One-Trip
USED / Cargo Worthy
USED / Wind & Water Tight
USED / As Is (CSG never sells AS-IS Containers)
Water & Wind Tight
Yes - Guaranteed
Yes - Guaranteed
Yes - Guaranteed
Not Guaranteed
Floors - Free of Holes
Yes - Guaranteed
Yes - Guaranteed
Yes - Guaranteed
Not Guaranteed
Doors - Fully Functional
Yes - Guaranteed
Yes - Guaranteed
Yes - Guaranteed
Not Guaranteed
Suitable for Storage
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not Guaranteed
Suitable for Export
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Suitable for Modification
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes - With Repairs

Should You Rent or Buy a Container in Chicago?

Renting a storage container in Chicago typically runs $120 to $180 or more a month, plus $150 to $300 each way for delivery and pickup. Rent for 12 to 18 months and you’ve usually spent what it would cost to buy one outright. As a rule of thumb, renting makes sense for projects under 6 months, and buying makes sense for anything longer.

Containers also hold their value, so you can resell yours if your needs change. Business buyers may also qualify for depreciation or Section 179 deductions (check with your accountant). We sell containers only and don’t offer rentals.

Read our full rent vs. buy guide »

Get an Instant Quote: Call (888) 320-5938 or request a quote online below.

Most Chicago deliveries arrive within 3–5 business days

Read Our Reviews

Delivery Options throughout Illinois

Tilt Body Truck

Container Sales Group uses a tilt body truck (also known as a roll-off truck) for delivering shipping containers less than 200 miles. The bed of this truck will hydraulicly lift behind the truck cab at an angle to let the container slide off with ease as the truck pulls forward. This means that the driver will arrive on-site and set the container on the ground with no additional equipment.

Flatbed Truck

For long delivery distances over 200 miles, Container Sales Group uses a flatbed truck or step-deck trailer which are typically the most available and affordable transportation method. 20 & 40ft Standard (8’ 6” high) containers are loaded on a flatbed truck, tightly secured, and driven to the delivery site. Any High Cube (9’ 6” high) shipping containers must be delivered on a Step-Deck Trailer, because of highway height restrictions. The only downside to a flatbed or step-deck truck is it requires a forklift or crane operator to remove the shipping container from the truck at the delivery site.

Depot pickup: Prefer to handle your own logistics? You can pick up your container at one of our Chicagoland depots, and we’ll load it onto your truck at no extra cost.

Service Area

Container Sales Group delivers new and used shipping containers throughout Chicago and its suburbs, including Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, and Waukegan, plus Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield. From our depot facilities across the Chicagoland area, we deliver up to 200 miles by tilt-bed truck, covering northwest Indiana, eastern Iowa, southern Michigan, central and southern Wisconsin, and central and northern Illinois. Farther Midwest locations are served by flatbed.

Get reliable, fast shipping container delivery anywhere in Chicago or the Midwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a shipping container cost in Chicago?

Chicago prices currently start at $1,150 for a used 20ft container and $1,475 for a used 40ft container. Delivery is priced separately based on your ZIP code. Pricing depends on size and condition (new/one-trip or used). Call 888-320-5938 or request a quote for current inventory.

Is a conex box the same as a shipping container?

Yes. “Conex box,” “shipping container,” “cargo container,” and “storage container” all refer to the same steel ISO containers. We sell new and used conex boxes in 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft sizes throughout the Chicago area.

How fast can I get a shipping container delivered in Chicago?

Delivery of new or used shipping containers is typically available within 3 to 5 business days, depending on inventory and your site’s accessibility. Container Sales Group coordinates local Chicagoland container delivery directly from the nearest regional depot, ensuring quick turnaround for both 20ft and 40ft conex boxes.

What areas around Chicago do you deliver to?

We deliver throughout Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake counties, including Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, and Waukegan, and up to 200 miles from our Chicagoland depots by tilt-bed truck. Longer distances are delivered by flatbed.

Do I need a permit to place a shipping container in the Midwest?

In most Midwest neighborhoods, shipping containers or conex boxes used for permanent or long-term structures, such as container homes or offices, may require permits. Temporary use, like on-site storage containers or jobsite cargo containers, often does not. Regulations vary by zoning area, so it’s best to check with your local village before placing your container on residential or commercial property.

What size shipping containers are most popular?

Most customers choose 20ft standard or 40ft high cube shipping containers, which provide the best balance of space and affordability for residential storage, business operations, or modification projects. The 40ft high cube is especially popular for workshops and modular builds that need extra vertical space.

Are used shipping containers still weatherproof in Chicago winters?

Absolutely. All used shipping containers sold by Container Sales Group are Wind & Water Tight (WWT), meaning they’re fully sealed, secure, and weather-resistant for the Midwest’s winter climate. Each used container is inspected before delivery to make sure the doors seal properly, the flooring is intact, and the unit is ready for outdoor storage or modification year-round.

Do you rent containers?

No. We sell containers only. For most storage needs lasting longer than a few months, buying costs less than renting.

Can I buy a shipping container in Chicago for export?

Yes. We sell Cargo Worthy containers that meet international shipping standards. If you need a CSC certificate, we can arrange for a licensed surveyor to inspect the container at the depot, usually within 5 business days for an additional fee. You’ll then get the certificate and pickup release details for your trucking company. We recommend working with an international freight forwarder before you buy.

Do containers have titles?

The container itself does not require a title or registration in the United States. Only vehicles with wheels, like cars, boat trailers, and semi-trailers, require titles.

Do you deliver containers?

Container Sales Group can deliver with a tilt body truck (roll-off), where the container slides off the back of the truck and is placed safely on the ground. For distances over 200 miles, we offer flatbed delivery, and the customer needs heavy equipment on site to lift the container off the truck when it arrives.

What are the space requirements for delivery?
  • 20ft containers need 60 to 70 ft of straight-line space
  • 40ft containers need 100 to 120 ft of straight-line space
  • 16 ft of height clearance and 12 ft of width
  • Or you can pick up the container at one of our Chicagoland depots
Do I have to prepare the site for delivery?

We can deliver directly onto the ground if it’s a level, solid, and well-drained surface. Asphalt, gravel, or concrete also work. At delivery, you may want to place railroad ties or wood blocks under each of the 4 corner posts for extra support.

How do I know who to buy from?

You want to buy from a reputable dealer, since there are a lot of scammers in this industry. Over the last 25 years, Container Sales Group has sold to Fortune 500 businesses, schools, builders, farmers, freight forwarders, and residential customers, with industry-leading customer service, quality containers, and fair prices. A legitimate supplier will give you a written quote or invoice with container photos and condition details, and will never ask for payment by Cash App or wire transfer up front. Always check reviews on Google.

How do I purchase a shipping container?

Call 888-320-5938 or request a quote online. Once you pick a size and condition, we’ll email you an invoice. After payment, we’ll schedule delivery, or send you a pickup release number if you’d rather collect it yourself from one of our Chicagoland depots. We’ll load it onto your truck at no extra cost.