Shipping Containers for Sale in San Francisco, CA

Looking for shipping containers for sale in San Francisco, CA? Quality Storage Container sells new and used containers and delivers them across the Bay Area, right to your property. We are family-owned, serving customers since 2010 with a BBB A+ rating.


In San Francisco, buying a container starts with one question: where will it live? Here is how to plan the spot, the size and the rules.

Two workers in hard hats reviewing a laptop beside a shipping container

Plan the Spot Before You Buy

A container you own needs a permanent home on private property. Before you order:


  • Measure: A standard 20ft container is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide on the outside, and 8 feet 6 inches tall. Leave room for the doors to swing open.
  • Send photos: Pictures of the street and the drop spot help us choose the right truck.
  • Check the approach: Our tilt-bed or flatbed truck needs a clear path with no low wires, branches or tight turns.
  • Have more room? Industrial yards and larger lots can take a 40ft container, with about 2,385 cubic feet inside.


See every measurement in our Container Size Guide.


A Container That Fits the Neighborhood

In a dense city, your container is often in plain view. A one-trip container, shipped only once, is the closest you will get to new. An IICL unit is typically 7 to 10 years old and inspected to strict leasing standards. We can also add windows, roll-up doors, custom paint and branding, so the container works as a branded storage unit for your business. Compare grades in our Container Grades Guide.

An outline icon of a cargo ship with stacked shipping containers and an onboard crane.

Why an Owned Container Stays Off the Street


San Francisco Public Works permits portable storage containers on the street or sidewalk for short-term storage only, and those permits are issued to authorized companies, not the general public. A container you own and keep for years belongs on your driveway, yard or lot.


  • Check Your Zone: Rules for long-term placement depend on your zoning and use. Confirm with the city before delivery.
  • No Habitation: A container cannot be used as a home or office unless it meets city rules, including all fire and safety codes.

How Buying Works


Contact us or call for a free same-day quote with all costs up front. Pick your size, grade and any add-ons. We send photos of your actual container before you buy, then deliver by tilt-bed or flatbed and set it where you want it.

San Francisco Container Buying FAQs

  • Will a 20ft container fit on my property?

    A 20ft container is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide on the outside. Measure your space, add room for the doors, and send us photos so we can confirm the fit and the truck.


  • Can I keep a container I own on the street?

    No. Street permits in San Francisco cover short-term storage by authorized companies. Keep a container you own on private property.


  • Is a small container exempt from a county building permit?

    Yes, if it is under 100 square feet, under 8 feet tall, and located in a rear or side yard. Because San Francisco is a consolidated city and county, there is no separate county building permit. Instead, all properties follow the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) guidelines.

  • How much does a shipping container cost in San Francisco?

    Container prices start at $1,000. Your final price depends on size, grade, add-ons and delivery. Every quote is all-in.


Get a Free Quote on Shipping Containers in San Francisco Today

Tell us what you need and a real person will send a free same-day quote. Only need storage for a project? See our San Francisco container rentals. You can also browse all containers for sale.