Shipping Container FAQs

Straight answers to the questions we hear most from Pennsylvania buyers and renters.
If your question isn’t here,
request a free quote or call our Lebanon, PA yard and a team member will walk you through it.

Pricing

Container pricing depends on a handful of real factors, not a fixed sticker. Here's how ours works.

How is shipping container pricing determined?

Pricing depends on size (20ft vs 40ft), condition (new vs used), type (standard, high cube, or side-open), and whether you rent or buy. Rentals also factor in the length of the term and delivery distance from our Lebanon, PA yard (ZIP 17042). For exact numbers on your unit and delivery address, request a quote.

Are there any additional fees?

We deliver up to 250 miles from our Lebanon yard with no overage fees. Some municipalities require a permit to place a container on private property, and pulling permits is the buyer’s responsibility, not ours. Damage beyond normal wear is billed per the rental agreement.

What payment methods do you accept and is a deposit required?

We accept ACH transfers, checks, and credit cards (credit cards carry a 3% processing fee). No deposit is required, and payment is due on delivery. Order canceled? You get your money back, with one exception: specialty containers (custom modified or non-stock units) are non-refundable.

Do you offer discounts for long-term rentals or multiple units?

We don’t run discount tiers for long-term or multi-unit orders, but we do offer rate locks so your monthly rental price won’t change mid-term. Ask about a rate lock when you request your quote.

Ready for a number? Get a free quote and we’ll respond the same business day.

Delivery

Most of the delivery friction comes down to site prep and lead time. We'll tell you exactly what we need before the truck rolls.

What areas do you service, and are there delivery fees outside that radius?

We deliver shipping containers across Pennsylvania from our Lebanon yard, within a 250-mile radius. Our standard service area covers Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and surrounding regions. Outside that range, send us your ZIP with your quote request and we’ll let you know what’s possible.

How much lead time is needed to schedule a delivery?

Standard deliveries typically schedule 4 to 8 business days after order confirmation. Need it faster? Tell us your target date and we’ll do our best to work with your timeline. Modified units and peak weeks can extend the window.

What's the process for pickup or relocation?

Schedule pickup or relocation through our office at least 5 days in advance. The container must be empty, unlocked, and accessible on pickup day, with the same clear path the truck used on delivery. Relocations are priced like a new delivery based on mileage.

Use cases

Shipping containers solve a wider set of problems than most people realize. Here's where Keystone Containers units typically end up.

What industries and projects do Keystone containers serve?

We supply construction contractors, retailers, event organizers, schools, warehouses, farms, municipalities, and homeowners across Pennsylvania. Typical jobs include jobsite tool storage, retail inventory overflow, equipment protection during renovations, document archives, and long-term onsite storage. See real examples on our customer reviews page.

What size or type should I choose for my use case?

20ft containers suit smaller jobsites, tight lots, and short-term storage. 40ft units fit larger loads and longer project timelines. High cube adds an extra foot of interior height for tall cargo, racking, or shelving systems. Side-open models open along the full length of the container, which speeds up loading and works well for retail or event setups. Browse the full lineup on our containers for sale and containers for rent pages.

Can containers be modified (doors, windows, climate control, branding)?

Custom modifications are launching in Q4 2026. The planned menu includes roll-up doors, man doors, windows, vents, electrical packages, insulation, climate control, shelving, and custom paint or branding. In the meantime, see our blog post on creative shipping container modification ideas for inspiration. Contact us to get on our notification list for early modification quotes.

What are some common customer scenarios?

  • A Lancaster contractor renting a 20ft used standard container for a 6-month renovation.
  • A Philadelphia retailer leasing a 40ft high cube for seasonal stock overflow.
  • A Lebanon County farm buying a 40ft used standard for long-term equipment storage.
  • A Pittsburgh construction firm placing multiple 20ft new units across a single jobsite.

Not sure which size fits? Request a quote and tell us the job. We’ll recommend the unit that matches the work.

Rental terms and logistics

Rental agreements stay simple on purpose. Here's what's in one.

What are your minimum and maximum rental periods?

The minimum rental period is 28 days (one month). After the minimum, rentals run month-to-month with no fixed maximum. Keep the container as long as you need it on-site.

How are extensions or early pickups handled?

Extensions are easy. Contact us before your current term ends and we’ll roll your rental into the next month automatically. Early pickups are available with at least 5 days’ notice, but the minimum 28-day rental still applies.

What are the insurance and liability basics?

We don’t require renters to carry insurance on the container itself, and we don’t provide coverage either. If you’re storing high-value items, your own commercial, business, or homeowner’s policy may cover the contents. Anything stored inside the container is the customer’s responsibility.

What happens in case of damage?

Normal wear is expected and not billed. Structural damage, broken doors, forklift punctures, and similar repair costs are the customer’s responsibility and billed per the rental agreement. Report any damage as soon as it happens and we’ll walk you through the next steps.

Security and maintenance

Shipping containers are built to protect cargo across oceans. They hold up well on land too.

How secure are the containers?

Our containers are built from 14-gauge Corten steel with factory cargo-door lock rods and hardware that accept a heavy-duty padlock. The doors swing on welded hinges and seal tight against a steel frame, so they take serious effort to breach. Looking for added security? Lockbox add-ons and high-security padlock packages are launching in Q4 2026, reach out to get on our notification list.

Are Keystone Containers weatherproof?

Yes. Every container we sell or rent is wind and water tight (WWT) when it leaves our yard. Our containers hold up to Pennsylvania rain, snow, humidity, and temperature swings through every season. If a rental ever develops a leak, call us and we’ll send a technician to inspect it.

What are my maintenance responsibilities during a rental?

Keep the door seals clean, don’t block the vents, and avoid overloading the unit past its rated capacity. Keystone Containers handles any structural repairs on rentals. You handle day-to-day upkeep and anything inside the container.

Getting started

From first call to truck drop-off, most customers move through three short steps.

How do I request a quote?

The fastest path is our online quote form. You can also call us or email with your details. Most quotes go out the same business day.

What information should I have ready?

Have your delivery ZIP code, site address, container size preference (20ft or 40ft), new or used, buy or rent, and your target delivery date. For rentals, note your expected rental length. The more we know at the start, the tighter and faster the quote.

What's the typical timeline from inquiry to delivery?

Simple, in-stock orders typically run 5 to 8 business days from inquiry to delivery. We’ll give you a realistic delivery date when we confirm your order.

Still have questions?

If your question isn’t answered above, we’ll answer it on the phone faster than we can type it here. Request a free quote or reach out to Keystone Containers directly and a team member will get you what you need.

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