Previously Asked Questions for Big Blue Boxes
The process is stress-free. Our team will deliver your box, whenever and nearly wherever you want. Then, you load it, and we will come and pick it up when you’re ready. Watch the video to learn more.
Each shipping container has a right and left door. Either door has two bars, with a handle and a locking clasp on each bar. Grab the handles on one door simultaneously, pull them, drop the handles, and swing the door open. Then repeat with the other door. Watch the video for more information.
The amount of space required is minimal. For a 20′ storage container, you will need approximately 80 feet of straight clearance. For a 40′ storage container, you will need approximately 100 feet of straight clearance. The width requirement is approximately 10 feet, plus enough room for the truck to swing back into place.
We deliver our portable storage units using a specially-designed rollback truck. We gently set one end of the storage container on the ground, then pull out underneath it. When we pick up the container the bed of our truck rolls back to gently lift your container back on the truck. See the video for more information.
The only thing you need to worry about is that the surface is fairly level, smooth and firm. We can deliver on cement, pavement, asphalt or gravel.
Delivery time can be as quick as 1-5 days, if you are not having any modifications done to your unit. If you need something sooner, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
For rentals, we collect the first month’s rent, plus delivery and pickup fees. For purchase, we collect the total sales price including delivery charge and sales tax. We accept personal or business checks, cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
We can add extra doors, turbine vents or partitions when you purchase your storage container. Learn more.
We can provide shelving in many different configurations to suit your storage needs. Shelves can be installed in the container high or low, wrap-around, or on just one side – whatever works for you.
All of our new and used storage containers come equipped with a steel lock box welded to the outside of the unit. The lock box conceals and protects your lock from being tampered with. Watch the video to learn more.
Each shipping container is made of steel and is very durable. Every Big Blue Box has five spots you may add a lock to: Each of the four handles on the door and the lockbox between the doors. Locking the handles works best with circular locks. Adding a 2- to 3-inch padlock to the lockbox is recommended for maximum container security. Watch the video to learn more.
For cargo container purchases, we will find the best container to meet your needs out of the closest available depot to you. In addition to finding the closest container, we can arrange for ground or flatbed delivery and can also arrange to transport your purchased container from your location to anywhere you may need it in the world. For rentals, we can deliver to virtually any destination in the world for moves originating in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, California or Arizona; please call to find out about additional service areas.
Yes, we water-test all of our storage containers before they leave our delivery site to be sure they do not leak. The containers are completely enclosed and will keep wind and rain and snow out so your contents stay dry and secure. We also recommend you test your container as well.
We will maintain the unit throughout the term of the rental period. If you need maintenance, simply give us a call and we will come out promptly. Regular maintenance repairs are free of charge.
Our rental containers are painted blue or tan to match the natural surroundings. If you are purchasing the unit and require a specific color to match your building, please let us know — we will accommodate you.
Your Big Blue Box will arrive clean, rust-free and with a fresh coat of paint. Watch the video to learn more.
While our containers are great for holding household goods, there are some things we cannot allow you to pack in your container. Hazardous materials are not allowed. They include any hazardous, noxious, odorous, waste, toxic, explosive, illegal, stolen, poisonous, flammable, acidic, contaminated, unsanitary or dangerous material in the container. This includes, but is not limited to gasoline, oil, propane, paint, varnish, paint thinner, insect and rodent poisons, liquid bleach, toxic cleaning products, aerosol cans, firearms or ammunition or waste. In addition, do not store perishable foods, food in glass jars, live plants, pets or matches. We do not recommend loading candles, tapes or photos if you are storing over the summer. We do not recommend storing flat-screen TVs in our containers. If you have any reservations about particular items, it is best to contact the manufacturer.
Yes, we keep shipping containers in a secure facility our customers can access. We just ask for 24 hours notice beforehand.
