You may be wondering how much shipping containers cost nowadays in the container market. Here’s an overview of the shipping containers for sale (new and used containers) and some factors that affect shipping container pricing.
Shipping Container Depot is the best place to buy affordable, high-quality shipping containers. We offer more than one container type with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Save money from our shop, as we provide the best price that definitely suits your budget. Call us at 626-765-9446 for a quick quote!
Table of Contents
How Much Do Shipping Containers Cost?
A new 20-foot standard shipping container costs around US $2,600 to US $3,500. In comparison, new 40-foot shipping containers cost $4,200 to $6,200, and new 40-foot High Cube shipping containers range between $4,500 and $8,000.
For specialty container types, such as a new 20-ft reefer container, the cost may range from $12,000 to $15,000. A 40-ft reefer container, on the other hand, may cost from $19,000 to $22,000.
A 20-ft open-top shipping container costs $3,000 to $6,000, while a 40-ft open-top shipping container may cost around $4,000 to $9,500.
By industry standards, single-trip containers are considered “new.” If you’re on a budget, you can opt for a used shipping container, which may cost between $1500 and $5000.
Please note that these prices can still change depending on demand and supply. They can go up higher if there are container shortages.
Size Options and Container Pricing
20ft Shipping Container Price
20ft dry cargo shipping containers may cost between $1,500 to $3,500.
|
20ft Container Type |
Price Range |
|
20ft shipping container for rent |
$145 to $180 pick up rate |
|
Used 20-foot dry cargo shipping container |
$1,500 to $3,000 |
|
New 20-foot dry cargo shipping container |
$2,800 to $3,500 |
|
20ft open-top containers |
$4,000 to $6,000 |
|
Used 20ft reefer container |
$8,000 to $10,000 |
|
New 20ft reefer container |
$12,000 to $15,000 |
The current average prices for shipping containers are shown above. However, since the outbreak of COVID-19, the container industry has suffered immensely, and prices have nearly doubled.
Additionally, as more people consider alternative uses for shipping containers (home offices, coffee shops, etc.), demand will continue to increase, and so will prices.
40ft Shipping Container
40ft shipping containers may cost between $2,900 to $7,200.
40ft Container Type | Price Range |
40ft shipping container for rent | $50 to $700 |
Used 40-foot dry cargo shipping container | $2,900 to $4,000 |
New 40-foot dry cargo shipping container | $4,200 to $6,200 |
Used 40ft reefer container | $10,000 to $15,000 |
New 40ft reefer container | $19,000 to $22,000 |
High-Cube Container
The high-cube containers are the perfect solution for businesses needing extra height in their storage containers. High Cube containers give an additional foot of vertical space. These containers come in the standard sizes 20′ x 8′ x 9′ 6″ and 40′ x 8′ x 9′ 6″, but custom sizes are available at higher costs.
High Cube Type | Price Range |
40 HC shipping container for rent | $160 to $200 per month |
Used 40’ High Cube Shipping Container | $3,900 – $4,500 |
New 40-foot dry cargo shipping container | $5,200 to $8,000 |
Specialty Sizes
When deciding on the size of your container, remember that specialty sizes come at an additional cost. The more non-standard the container size, the higher you can expect to pay, sometimes up to 30% more than regular prices. However, if you opt for bigger boxes, such as 40-foot containers, it will be more cost-effective than purchasing smaller containers.
Factors That Affect Container Prices
From January 2023 to October 2024, there were significant fluctuations in the global shipping container rates. The price of a 40-ft standard container rose dramatically, reaching its greatest value ever in July 2024 at nearly USD 5,900. However, it dropped significantly to USD 3,349 as of October 10, 2024.
In 2022, just after the pandemic, the price of new storage containers is also high, ranging from $5,000 to $7,000. But since the 2nd quarter of 2024, the price has been declining due to low demand, high interest rates and general high cost of living,
Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of shipping containers:
Size of the containers for sale
In many cases, smaller containers (20 GP) cost less than their larger counterparts (40GP, 45ft, or 40HC).
Condition (New or Used Shipping Containers for Sale)
The average lifespan of a shipping container is 15 years. Newer or one-trip shipping containers typically cost more than older ones. Cargo-worthy containers, approximately 7-10 years old, are generally cheaper than one-trip containers for sale or rent—used wind & watertight containers, generally between 10 – 13 years of age and can have the lowest price.
Location of Container Delivery
Shipping container delivery in major cities is usually more expensive than in smaller towns. Shipping costs near the dock are also less expensive than those in the central part of the US. Additionally, freight or moving service, handling fees, and surcharges can significantly impact the final price of the container.
If you’re considering international shipping, including other locations that do not have direct access to the sea (i.e., they are landlocked), know that transit costs will likely be more expensive.
Availability
As the world economy grows, the demand for shipping containers will likely continue to increase, which could lead to further price hikes. A decrease in global trade or an increase in the availability of labour could bring prices down.
Other factors, such as steel prices, material storage rates, transportation costs, and global demand, also affect the price of shipping containers directly and indirectly. Additional features or custom modifications, such as side doors and double doors, and modifying a container to have a soft surface, can also impact the price.
Buying vs Renting a Shipping Container
Another common question is whether they will save money more by buying or renting a shipping container. Buying shipping containers will be more expensive than renting, but leasing pays off if you don’t have a lot of capital.
Here are some conditions when it is best to rent or buy a container:
Rent sea containers
You don’t have enough money to buy containers, but you need them ASAP
There’s a surge in demand for containers
You’re not sure how many boxes you need in the long run.
Buy sea containers
If you need them for storage
You need boxes for permanent use or you always need them
You are planning to modify or build a shipping container home
Buying
If your business needs storage space for an extended period, buying a container outright is cheaper than renting long-term. If you run out of space with a purchased container, finding a new one takes more time and research than simply renting additional space.
For shipping companies, buying sea containers may often be more advantageous since they require many of them at once.
Renting
Renting becomes a better option for those who need containers to store items for just a few months or the whole duration of a construction service. Pod storage for rent is more cost-effective than buying containers for short-term needs.
Whatever industry you are in, you can rent or buy a high-quality storage container at our depot at an affordable price.
How to Buy a Shipping Container
There are a few things you should do before buying a shipping container, especially used containers:
- Inspect general exterior surface rust, especially at the door bottoms;
- Check the condition of the door gasket around the door area and
- Examine the extent of dents or pinholes in steel panels on the interior.
Remember that an older container isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker—just be sure to factor age into your decision. A shipping container in poor condition can generally compromise the structure and the load inside it.
Hence, accurately assessing the condition of a container before purchase is essential for ensuring you get the best deal possible
Age
It is important to know not only how old a shipping container is but, more vitally, how many times it has been used. Checking the history of the container’s use will help indicate its lifespan.
History of Repair
Just as you would with any other major purchase, check the repair history of a shipping container before you buy it. See what was fixed and when and how often repairs have been needed overall.
Damages
Before you purchase a used container, check for all present damages. Depending on what you plan to use the container for, some damage might not bother you.
Age and condition are both important factors because a newer container could be more expensive, but it may have experienced more wear and tear than an older one.
Here is a quick overview of the varying degrees, or grades, of shipping containers, what they entail, and their respective prices:
| Condition | These boxes have been loaded with cargo one time and have made a single trip. | Should have a CSC plate, showing that it has been safety approved in order to meet all of the requirements for safely transporting goods by sea, rail and road | Passes the CSC criteria; guaranteed not to leak.
Grade A – certified to ship cargo
Grade B – not certified to ship cargo | inspected and found to be damaged so severely that it will cost too much to repair to make it Wind and Watertight containers. |
| Age | Only spend an average of 75-90 days in total on the sea. | Usually 10-16 years old | typically between 14 and 18 years old | |
| Remaining Lifespan | Approx 25 years and above if maintained | 9 to 15 years | 7 to 10 years | |
| Damages | Minor dents and scratches | old shipping markings, surface rust, abrasions, and dents. | extensive markings, scratches and corrosion | holes, broken flooring, and other structural issues. |
| Repairs | Very minimal to none | Undergone minor repairs | usually undergone multiple repairs | Cost too much for repairs and need a lot of repair work done |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Weld or straighten and weld | Perform annual checks; remove and treat rusted areas; Lubricate hinges and locks; Checking plywood floors, hinges Leakage inspection | Usually irreparable damages |
| Appropriate Use | Shipping container home, office, restaurant, hotels | Transporting goods by sea, rail and road | Storage container; affordable mobile storage solution | Can be used for some purpose where structural soundness and exterior is not required. |
Now, we compare the prices between these container conditions:
| New | WWT | Cargo-worthy | As-is | |
| 20ft | $5,000 to $7,000 | US $1,900 | US $2,500 | US $1,600 |
| 40ft | $6,000 to $9,500 | US $3,500 | US $3,700 | US $2,600 |
For more tips about buying a shipping container, you may read here.
Wrapping Up
This blog discussed the prevailing cost of new and used shipping containers. We also discussed several factors that influence the cost, such as your location, the size of the container, modifications needed for the intended use, and the condition or age of the container. Most importantly, we provided some tips on how to buy a used shipping container.
Shipping Container Depot is your trusted storage container supplier in the US. We only source the best quality containers from prominent US shipping container manufacturers. We guarantee the lowest prices and on-time delivery for your business or personal storage needs.
If you intend to buy or rent a shipping container soon, call us at 626-765-9446 or request a free quote here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a shipping container can vary based on factors such as the container’s size, condition (new or used), location, delivery distance, current availability, demand, and customization.
Yes, new containers or single-trip containers are typically more expensive. Used containers, on the other hand, are budget-friendly and often available in grades based on their condition.
The most common sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot containers. While prices vary, used 20-foot containers can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, and 40-foot containers range from $5,000 to $7,000. Prices for new containers are higher, depending on features and location.
Yes, we are open to negotiation, especially if you purchase multiple containers or opt for used ones.
