---
title: "portable storage container: Definition and Meaning | NPSA"
description: "A portable storage container is a container made for rent or sale as movable storage."
url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-storage-container
publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)
phone: "(816) 960-6552"
email: info@npsa.org
---

Container basics

# portable storage container

A portable storage container is a container made for rent or sale as movable storage. NPSA describes portable storage containers as ISO shipping containers retired from international shipping and offered on the domestic market. In practice the term also covers other portable units.

## Why it matters

Portable storage can mean steel containers, storage trailers, mobile self-storage units and similar products. The NPSA containers page describes the steel container as retired ISO shipping boxes. Not every portable unit fits that description. Some mobile storage units are purpose-built, with different materials and lift methods. A customer should ask what the unit is made of, how it will be delivered and how it will be picked up. A common mistake is to assume a container and a portable storage unit are interchangeable. Size, door type, lift gear and site needs can differ. Confirm all of these before ordering.

[Read: Portable storage containers](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/portable-storage-containers)

Definition source: [npsa.org](https://www.npsa.org/portable-storage-containers.html)

## Related terms

[### portable storage Portable storage is storage in a container, trailer or similar unit that can be moved to the customer's site or elsewhere. NPSA describes portable storage containers as ISO shipping containers retired from international shipping and offered for rent and purchase on the domestic market. NPSA also includes trailers and mobile offices in the industry.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-storage)[### storage container A storage container is a container used to store goods, often a retired shipping container, that sits on a site and keeps items dry and secure. Companies rent or sell them in several sizes and conditions. Many have double doors on one end and can be lifted or moved on a truck.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/storage-container)[### shipping container A shipping container is a standardized steel box used to move freight by ship, rail and truck without unloading the goods. Most are rectangular, closed boxes with doors at one end. Many are reused for storage after their sea service ends.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/shipping-container)[### mobile storage Mobile storage is storage that moves to the customer. The term is often used the same way as portable storage. NPSA's mobile self-storage page describes an empty mobile storage container delivered to your location, loaded at your own pace, then moved to a new place. Companies define the term differently.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mobile-storage)[### moving container A moving container is a portable storage container used to move a household. PODS describes portable storage containers as large, secure, usually weather-resistant boxes that can be moved from place to place. The customer loads the container, and the company carries it to a storage center or a new home.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/moving-container)[### storage trailer A storage trailer is a trailer used as a movable storage space instead of for hauling cargo from place to place. It has a floor, walls, a roof and doors at one end or both. NPSA members rent, lease and sell storage trailers, often in standard lengths from 28 to 53 feet.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/storage-trailer)

[All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary)

For the industry

## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA

Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website.

[Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits)

Need storage?

## Get quotes from NPSA member companies

Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you.

[Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage)