Need a 20 Foot Shipping Container

They often pop up on craigslist.

SOS, Storage On Site, should have some since that's supposed to be their business. If you can't find contact on Google, I'll post later.

Maybe I'm wrong but I think the OP is looking to buy a used container. SOS rents them:
http://web.storageonsitevi.com/services.html

I thought at times they had containers for sale.

Thanks guys. I did contact SOS but he doesn't have any for sale this year. If I can't find one at Crowley or Tropical looks like the next thing to do is buy one in Miami or Jacksonville. They then fill it with their stuff and charge you a reduced rate on the shipping since you gave your container to them for their use. Has anyone done this before?
Thanks,
Jerry Barth

Why not fill it with your own stuff? A new/used car - new generator - some plumbing fixtures and new tools - some nice hardwood - windows - furniture - hardware supplies- gardening supplies - paint - dry goods - a nice runabout boat - it would be a huge bonus shipment for me to do this if I was buying a container and I wouldn't have to go to Home Depot for years if I looked around and saw what I will have to replace eventually on this house.
I would hire an expediter to clear it through Customs and throw a party when they delivered it to my house and use it for storage while I empty it.
Or even get together with a friend or two to fill it up??

I would but it's a matter of timing. I am sending another one straight from my house in about a year full of building stuff. I am going to see if they'll let me put some decking material (the decking place is in Miami) on the bottom and they put their cargo on top. I'm really surprised that there aren't more sitting around in STT, the port of Houston is full of surplus ones that are really cheap. I talked to several friends in STT and they also took a while to find an available one there.

I'm really surprised that there aren't more sitting around in STT, the port of Houston is full of surplus ones that are really cheap.

Not surprising. Loaded containers come in regularly and in quantity but we have nothing to ship out so they go back empty to be refilled again on the other end.

How much does one cost for the sake of curiosity?

Depends on age and condition. You can get an idea here:
http://www.equipmenttraderonline.com/Cargo-Containers-For-Sale/search-results?category=Cargo+Containers|2011132

I got my 40 foot container (in pretty good condition) for around $3,200.

and MAN IS IT WORTH IT!

I'd get a 40 foot, not a 20 foot... you might as well.

We are also looking for a shipping container to purchase for our move, but I haven't been able to locate information from the building department if we are allowed to place one on our property on the west end. We have plenty of room, just not sure of requirement/permit needed, if any. Any helpful answers?

I've seen them on residential properties, doubt there is any code restriction or permit required, assuming you're not living in it. If you're in a neighborhood with its own covenants there may be a restriction.

Thanks for response. We won't be living in it, but would like it for storage. I'm so gun shy from living in CA (the jurisdictions will fine you for any violations) that I just want confirmation that we don't have to have a permit. I have seen some amazing "container conversions", but can't imagine downsizing THAT much to live in one! Maybe converting one to a cool hilltop BBQ and Bar area??? Now that we can do!

We bought a 20 foot container from Ferrol Trucking STX in 2012.

It was like new.

He delivered it and placed it in the in the most unbelievable place on my property with ease.(Live on a steep hill).

I have converted it into a work shop and storage.

No regs that I know of about placing a container on your property.

CD

Im bringing in a 20' one.
Important to consider that any used container must pass inspection/certification for shipping. This inspection could add considerably to the cost of it. Certifications last one year, so look for a used one with a still valid certification plate on it.
Shipping from NY/NJ Port. Ship goes from NY, to Jamaica, to St. Marten, then St. Croix. (Approx $5500). Then port fees at STX, and cost of local transport to my property on the east end.
It's not cheap, but just about the most inexpensive way to go if your packing it full.

It probably depends on whether your neighborhood has deed restrictions.
You could check with DPNR to verify if a permit is needed. If a neighbor decides he/she doesn't like the look of your container and property deed restrictions don't allow it and/or permits are required, you could be faced with removal and fines.

I think if you're zoned W-1 you need a permit from the DPNR. I had to get one. I would definitely get one if needed because even if the DPNR doesn't notice one of your neighbors will probably call them. I bought a refurbished and newly painted 20 foot container from these guys in Miami.
http://www.omegacontainerservices.com/equipment-types
Very good service and quick.
For the shipping called Crowley and Tropical, they wanted $4k from Miami. Then I found out that St Thomas Cargo has a deal where they will use your container to ship their stuff one time to STT. From them shipping was about $900, although you might have to wait a week or two since they are filling your container with their overflow stuff. Again very good service from them as well.
The most expensive part relatively was getting from the Sub Base to Water Island. Trucker wanted to charge $700, got him down to $400. That was with me paying the car barge toll. I will use a different guy next time.
Jerry Barth

Hi Jerry, I am moving to STX. I saw in your post you were able to ship a container to St.Thomas for $900 if you allowed the shipping company to place items in your container. Can you please tell me which shipping company you used. Thanks

Hi Jerry, I am moving to STX. I saw in your post you were able to ship a container to St.Thomas for $900 if you allowed the shipping company to place items in your container. Can you please tell me which shipping company you used. Thanks

St Thomas Cargo

If you own property, read your deed.
Preferably, read before purchasing.
If in doubt, inquire.
That's what all those pesky deed, covenants, zoning, HOA restrictions are all about.

I don't know about the VI specifically but in other areas it's not guaranteed that all the restrictions and covenants are recorded on the deed. I have seen many that were not, they are simply recorded against the property, but they are just as valid. Seems putting them on the deed is more of a convenience. Restrictions, covenants, rights of way can be written and recorded at any time. Deeds are typically only written when the property is sold and only re-recorded occasionally to correct mistakes.