FAQ
General FAQ
I already have a container. Can you move it for me?
Unfortunately, no we cannot provide this service. We do not move containers that we did not sell or rent to you. However, should you need an existing container moved, you should work with a local heavy haul company or heavy duty wrecking/towing company.
Loaded containers cannot be moved, even if it is our container that you are currently leasing or purchased from us.
Can I look at a container or trailer before I buy it?
Yes. We want you to feel completely comfortable with your choice. You can check out our shipping containers and trailers at our facility in Miami. In fact, we strongly recommend that you see them first.
Visit us at: 9475 NW 89th Ave., Medley, FL 33178
I need to export my container. Can you help with that?
No, we do not handle export, but can work with your shipper and/or freight forwarder as needed. Please see our export link with recommendations.
Do you move loaded containers?
We cannot move loaded containers. If you need a container moved, it must be emptied prior the move or pickup.
Can I pick up the container myself?
Yes, if you have the proper equipment and have a licensed and insured driver — preferably sent by the shipping company if it’s for export.
What is a certification for export (CSC Survey)?
A CSC Survey, or Certification for Export, is an inspection of a shipping container that verifies the safety and structural integrity of a container. This certifies it is safe to go on a ship for export. The CSC Survey will last for 12 months and only needs to be done on containers 5 years old or more.
Please see our export page for more information.
Does Tropical Trailer Leasing offer financing or rent to own?
We do not directly offer financing or rent-to-own.
We do accept financed payment options if you are able to get it from a third party such as a bank.
Is there sales tax on the purchase of a shipping container?
Yes, we must charge sales tax unless you are exempt and provide us with the proper documentation.
If you export the container and you provide us with a bill of lading in a timely manner, we will refund the sales tax.
I can't open and close the container doors easily. What's going on?
When the container is delivered, make sure it is on level ground. We recommend you open BOTH doors while the driver is on site. If the frame is not level, the doors may be difficult to open and close. We have also seen this happen if the container is loaded and becomes uneven due to ground issues. If our driver is still on site, he or she may be able to shift the container to make it level.
Do you sell refrigerated units (Reefers)?
Yes, we do, but in limited supply. We recommend you call us first so we can let you know what’s in our inventory at that point in time.
Do shipping containers have titles?
Shipping containers do not have titles since it is not a road vehicle unlike a Chassis or Trailer that is up on wheels and has a registered license plate.
What type of surface should containers be delivered on?
Typically, the best surfaces are hard surfaces such as concrete. We can deliver on other surfaces, however certain surfaces such as dirt or sand risk our driver getting stuck when attempting to deliver or pick up.
Please refer to our Delivery page for more information.
What is the difference between a Container, Trailer, and Chassis?
A Container is a ground-level steel box. A container is delivered using a tilt-bed flatbed truck.
A Trailer is up on wheels and is dock-height. They are delivered/pulled using a Semi-Truck.
A Chassis is the steel frame that goes below a container and is used to transport containers from place to place loaded. A Container on a Chassis must be unloaded using a forklift or a crane, and can typically handle more weight than a trailer and are used for hauling containers around, especially to and from the port.
Please see our For Rent and Sale page for sample images of each.
I don't see my question here. What do I do?
If you don’t see your question listed here, we encourage you to email or call our office at 305-574-9143. We would be happy to answer your questions! We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are located at 9475 NW 89th Ave. in Miami, FL.
Container FAQ
What is a Storage Container?
At Tropical Trailer Leasing, we make renting and buying a storage container easy. Just give us a call or request a quote directly on our website so we can better assist you!
How do I rent or buy a Storage Container?
A storage container is a robust, weather-resistant, and secure structure designed to store a wide variety of items. Originally developed for the shipping industry to transport goods across long distances, these containers have been repurposed and adapted for storage due to their durability and practicality.
Constructed primarily from high-grade steel, storage containers are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, making them a reliable choice for safeguarding valuable items. Their sturdy design protects against theft and damage, with reinforced doors and lockable mechanisms that provide enhanced security.
Storage containers are available in various sizes, with standard lengths typically ranging from 10 to 40 feet. The interiors of these containers are spacious and versatile, often designed to accommodate different configurations or modifications based on specific needs. Some containers may include features such as ventilation systems, reinforced flooring, or specialized coatings to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity.
The portability of storage containers adds to their appeal, as they can be easily transported (when empty) and placed at virtually any location. This flexibility allows them to serve as both temporary and permanent storage solutions. Whether in urban, suburban, or remote settings, storage containers provide a practical, efficient, and cost-effective way to manage and protect items. Their adaptability and resilience have made them an indispensable tool in various industries and settings.
Do your containers have vents for humidity?
Yes, our containers do have vents. They typically have between 2 and 4 vents along the sides of the containers. This will help reduce humidity in the continaer, which is especially important down here in South Florida.
How much space do I need for a 20 foot container delivery?
To delivery a 20 foot container, the driver needs about 65 feet to deliver (45′ for the truck and 20′ for the container), and about 12 feet of width to deliver it.
20 foot containers are 20ft long by 8ft wide and 8.5ft tall, however the truck needs additional room.
How much space do I need for a 40 foot container delivery?
To delivery a 20 foot container, the driver needs about 110 feet to deliver (70′ for the truck and 40′ for the container), and about 12 feet of width to deliver it.
40 foot containers are 40ft long by 8ft wide and 9.5ft tall, however the truck needs additional room.
Click here for more information
How many pallets fit in a 20 foot container?
A standard 20 foot container can hold 10 standard pallets (48″ x 40″) single stacked.
If pallets can be double stacked and be below the 8.5′ height threshold, it can fit 20 pallets.
How many pallets fit in a 40 foot container?
A high-cube 40 foot container can hold 20 standard pallets (48″ x 40″) single stacked.
If pallets can be double stacked and be below the 9.5′ height threshold, it can fit 40 pallets.
What's the difference between Single and Double Door Containers?
Single Door Containers (Doors on One End) are containers that only open from one side of the container and can only be loaded from that end.
Double Door Containers (Doors on Both Ends) are containers that open from both sides of the container and are also known as ‘tunnel’ containers. They allow you to load from either side of the container and are overall more convenient, however do cost more.
20 foot and 40 foot containers both come in single or double door configurations. Doors do not affect dimensions.
How many containers can I rent/buy?
You can rent, lease, or buy as many storage containers as you need! We have no limit on how many you can have.
Are storage containers weatherproof and secure?
All of our storage containers are wind and water tight with good door seals and solid floors. Tropical Trailer Leasing has some of the newest equipment in the industry.
Most of our containers come standard with lock-boxes which is a steel lock box that protects a lock from being cut. It is a lot harder to cut through solid steel than a lock out in the open.
Can a storage container be moved once its loaded?
Ground-level storage containers cannot be moved once loaded as the trucks are not able to pull them up. If a container needs to be relocated, it must be empty first.
What is the difference between a standard and a high-cube container?
Standard Containers are 8.5′ tall.
High-Cube Containers are 9’5″ tall.
Typically, 20′ containers are standard height and 40′ containers are high-cube, however we occasionally have 20′ high-cubes or 40′ standards for sale.
How much weight can a container handle?
A standard 20 foot container can hold around 67,000 pounds, including the containers weight. A 40 foot container can hold around the same weight.
20 Foot Container
- Max Gross Weight: Around 67,000 pounds.
- Tare Weight (empty): Around 5,070 pounds.
- Max Payload (cargo): Around 62,000 pounds.
40 Foot Container
- Max Gross Weight: Around 67,000 pounds.
- Tare Weight (empty): Around 8,340 pounds.
- Max Payload (cargo): Around 58,000 pounds.
Can a modified or office container be exported?
Generally, a modified or office container cannot be exported. This is because modifying a container (including building it into an office) involves cutting walls, which lowers the structural integrity and is no longer to the same standard as manufactured and cannot be certified.
Some shipping lines will allow you to export a modified or office container, however may charge more. It is always best to ask your freight forwarder or exporter first, however usually they will say they cannot export it.
Trailer FAQ
What is a Storage and Local Trailer?
A storage trailer is a versatile, portable storage solution designed to provide secure and convenient space for goods, materials, or equipment. These trailers, originally built for transporting freight over long distances, have been repurposed to meet a wide range of storage needs for businesses, industries, and individuals. Typically made of durable steel or aluminum, storage trailers feature reinforced floors to support heavy loads and are designed to be weather-resistant, ensuring protection from rain, wind, and other environmental factors. Their robust construction also provides security, making them ideal for storing valuable items on-site.
Storage trailers come in various lengths, including 28, 40, 48, and 53 feet, to accommodate different requirements. Most are equipped with rear roll-up or swing doors for easy loading and unloading, while some models also feature side doors for added accessibility. Mobility is another key advantage, as these trailers are mounted on wheels and can be easily transported to different locations using a standard trailer hitch. This makes them particularly useful for applications requiring temporary or movable storage.
Storage trailers securely hold building materials, equipment, and machinery. In retail, they serve as overflow storage for seasonal inventory or bulk items. They are also frequently employed in event management for storing supplies and equipment and in disaster relief operations to provide immediate storage for emergency goods. With their combination of durability, flexibility, and mobility, storage trailers have become an essential solution for efficient and secure storage in a wide range of contexts.
How do I rent or buy a Trailer?
At Tropical Trailer Leasing, we make renting and buying a storage trailer easy, quick, and efficient. Just give us a call or request a quote directly on our website so we can better assist you!
I have a loading dock. Do I need a Swing Door or Roll up door trailer?
Ideally, for a loading dock you will want a rollup door (also called overhead door) trailer. Rollup door trailers allow you to open and close the door when the trailer is against a loading dock.
The doors of a swing door trailer open out instead of up, so it cannot be opened and closed when parked against a loading dock. The doors would need to be opened before putting the trailer against the loading dock, and left open.
Roll up door trailers are ideal for loading docks.
Swing doors are ideal for parking lots/open areas.
How high off the ground are dock-height trailers?
Dock-height trailers are around 4 feet to 4.45 feet off the ground (about the same as a standard loading dock).
Can a loaded trailer be moved?
A loaded trailer can be moved around your yard/lot, giving you the option to easily expand your on-site storage with more trailers.
How many pallets fit in a storage trailer?
53′ Trailers fit up to 26 pallets.
48′ Trailers fit up to 24 pallets.
40′ Trailers fit up to 19 pallets.
28′ Trailers fit up to 14 pallets
Intermodal Chassis FAQ
What is an Intermodal Chassis?
A chassis is a specialized trailer designed to transport shipping containers efficiently over roads. It serves as the foundation for moving standardized intermodal containers, such as 20-foot and 40-foot units, between ports, rail yards, warehouses, and other destinations. The chassis is an essential component in the logistics and transportation industry, enabling the smooth transition of goods between different modes of transport, including ships, trains, and trucks.
Built for durability and strength, a chassis is typically constructed from high-strength steel or aluminum to handle the substantial weight of fully loaded containers while enduring the demands of frequent road transport. It is equipped with axles, wheels, and a braking system that allows it to be safely and efficiently hauled by a truck. The design includes twist locks or pins, which securely fasten the container to the chassis, preventing movement or detachment during transit.
Chassis come in various configurations to accommodate different container sizes and weight capacities. For example, single-axle chassis are used for smaller or lighter loads, while tandem-axle and tri-axle configurations are designed for larger or heavier containers. Some specialized chassis models may include features like extendable frames or adjustable settings to handle a broader range of container sizes.
This equipment is vital in intermodal transportation, where goods need to be seamlessly transferred between different carriers and locations. By providing a stable and portable platform for containers, chassis ensure that cargo can be moved efficiently, securely, and with minimal handling, reducing the risk of damage and streamlining the supply chain.