Container sales broker (no yard needed)
Sell used storage containers from home, sourcing from depots and booking local trucks to deliver them.
- $1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
2,725 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.8% in a year
NAICS 532310 “General rental centers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You sell used or one-trip shipping and storage containers without owning a yard. You take the order, buy from a depot or wholesaler, and book a licensed hauler to deliver to the customer's site.
Your first three steps
- Call container depots and delivery truckers in your area to get wholesale prices, container grades and delivery rates
- Set up a simple website or local listings with clear prices by container size and condition, delivered to the buyer's zip code
- Form an LLC if you want one, get general liability insurance, and quote your first few customers such as farms and contractors
Who pays
Homeowners, farms and ranches, contractors, small businesses and event or retail operators who need extra secure storage.
How it makes money
You earn the margin between the depot price and your sale price, plus a delivery fee when you add a markup on the hauler's charge.
Skills that help
- Sales and quoting
- Clear communication with customers and haulers
- Organizing deliveries and paperwork
- Basic website or online listing skills
Watch out for
- Check city, county and HOA rules on placing a container on a property, as many places restrict or require permits
- Check which business license and sales tax registration your state requires for selling goods
- Only use delivery drivers who carry their own commercial insurance, and ask for proof
- Describe container condition honestly (leaks, rust, wind and watertight grade) and check before delivery to avoid disputes
- Check your home occupation rules if you work from home
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a container brokerage?
Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your website, listings, marketing and any deposits you pay suppliers. These are estimates, so confirm costs with depots and haulers before you commit.
How much can a container broker earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many containers you sell, your local demand and the hours you work. Treat this as an estimate rather than a promise.
What rules should I check before selling containers?
Check city, county and HOA rules on placing a container, as many places restrict it or require permits. Also check your state's business license and sales tax registration, hauler insurance, and home occupation rules if you work from home.
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