Wondering How Much Shipping Containers Cost?
When the phone rings at Container Sales Group, the first question is almost always the same “How much does a shipping container cost?” It’s a fair question, and we wish the answer were simple. The reality is that shipping container pricing depends on several variables including size, condition, location, and market availability.
If you’re looking for ballpark figures, here’s where pricing generally lands:
- Used containers range from $1,225 to $3,500
- New/One-Trip containers range from $2,800 to $7,800
- Specialty containers including open side, double door, and open top configurations — are priced higher and inventory is often limited
But where the price ultimately will fall for you depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Size and type
- Condition and usage history
- Modifications or customizations
- Manufacturer
- Location, shipping destination, and delivery date
- Bulk orders
Shipping Container Size & Type
Shipping container types and sizes vary drastically and there are benefits and detriments to each depending on the customer and their intended usage scenario. Standard containers are all 8’ 6” high x 8’ wide. High Cube containers are all 9’ 6” high x 8’ wide. Length of containers are typically 20ft or 40 ft., but can be as long as 45 ft..
There are too many price variables to list all out, so for simplicity’s sake we’re going to stick to standard sizes in this article as that is what most customers are looking for.
The price of a 20ft. used standard container versus a 40ft. used standard container can be the difference of about 34%.
Shipping Condition & Usage History
The condition of a shipping container isn’t as easy as saying “new” or “used” most of the time. There are literally dozens of factors that can wildly push the price in one direction or another and therefore it is vital to work with an experienced professional that can vet these factors that might otherwise go unnoticed by a novice buyer.
New
New containers aren’t necessarily new in the sense you might think. They are not manufactured and delivered directly to you. These “new” containers are known as “one-trip” or “one-way” containers. There are containers were built overseas and literally loaded one time to transport cargo to the United States.
Used
Used containers are normally 10 to 15 years of age and if you want to save money on an older model, you’ll need to know how to buy a used container and what to look for.
There are three main classifications of used containers, each of which affect price:
- Water/Wind Tight inspected containers are usually retired from moving cargo overseas and are sold for storage and building needs.
- Cargo Worthy inspected containers are typically used for transporting cargo overseas or they be used for storage and building purposes when customers need a stronger container.
- IICL-inspected containers are units that are 2-7 years of age and have the same Cargo Worthy standards required for ocean export but are newer and more expensive.
Generally, the price of 20ft. used standard containers versus 20ft. new, one-trip containers can be around 77% higher, so depending on your budget, there could be a clear winner in terms of condition.
Shipping Container Modifications or Customizations
Customization options include refrigerated, insulated walls, raised flooring system, power outlets throughout the container, air conditioning units attached to roof compartments, or exterior doors with ductwork running through the interior compartments.
If you plan to make customizations to your shipping container, know that it will be more expensive to modify a container that is in poor condition vs. a new/one-trip shipping container. For information on modifying in Chicago or Houston, call us at 708 639-4783
Location, Shipping Destination & Delivery Time
Shipping container prices will vary based on your location in the United States and where the container depot facility is located. Some areas cost more in price for the same size of container. Prices are based on what depot facility the steamship line off-hires their equipment. Also, prices will vary depending on the depot location and if they have to transport containers in from major cities to a depot closer to you.
Delivery is normally with a tilt body truck (roll-off) for 200 miles or less. For longer delivery distance, over 200 miles, a flatbed truck is used requiring he customer to lift the container off at the time of arrival. The average lead time during the slow season could be 3 – 5 business day and during the busy season 1 – 2 weeks. Containers that are modified/ fabricated may incur a longer lead time than average. Delivery is only scheduled Monday through Friday.
Moving loaded shipping containers requires not only the cost of the moving truck to your location, but the equipment to load and off load your container that is filled with your household goods, industrial equipment, etc.
Moving a Loaded Container
Moving a container that is already loaded requires both the cost of the truck and equipment to load and unload at each end. Estimated ranges for loaded container moves:
Distance | 20 ft | 40 ft |
|---|---|---|
500 miles | $3,800 – $4,500 | $4,100 – $8,000 |
1,000 miles | $4,500 – $8,500 | $6,600 – $10,000 |
Prices are estimates and vary based on market conditions, fuel, and availability.
Purchase vs. Renting Containers
If you rent a shipping container, it could cost you $100 – $500 depending on the location, size of container and length of time you need it. The longer you plan to rent the container, the more beneficial it is to buy it since you can always resell it.
Price of a Shipping Container Home
The average cost to build a shipping container home ranges from $10,000 to $35,000, with larger or more customized builds reaching up to $175,000. Final cost depends on the number and size of containers used, desired amenities, and materials selected.
Prefab Container Homes
Prefab container homes are composed of 1 to 8 twenty-foot containers and can be assembled quickly with minimal site work. Available options include
- Exterior: White, wood, or black
- Doors: Standard, glass, or roll-up
- Price range: $32,000 to $50,000
Pricing reflects pickup from Los Angeles only. Shipping to other locations is calculated separately. Installation is not included and is priced at $700 per unit. Delivery typically takes 30 to 40 days.
Call Container Sales Group at (888) 320-5938 to learn more about prefab container home options and availability.
How To Save Money
Beware of Phony Sellers or Scammers
The easiest way to lose money when purchasing is falling for shipping container scams. Most people get multiple quotes and go with the lowest-priced vendor. If the quote is much less than other providers this is something you should investigate further by checking the company out online and look at their customer reviews or better yet asking for a couple of customer references.
Also, when a vendor offers a “warranty”, make sure to get a copy of the details, particularly around who is paying for the delivery back to the repair facility and then back to you.
Another red flag is a vendor that promises lightning-fast shipping, especially during the buy time frames of Spring or Fall.
If your vendor cannot answer all your questions, or provide you with customer references, these are all red flags. And at the end of the day, if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
Experience = Savings
The easiest way to save money is to purchase through an experienced seller like Container Sales Group who has great customer service & quality shipping containers. We save customers money as we buy our shipping containers directly from the Steamship Companies and we pass the cost savings on to you.
At Container Sales Group, we have been selling Shipping Containers since 1998 to major corporations like Ford Motor Company, Ace Hardware, Bobcat, Union Pacific, Walsh Construction, and Cirque du Soleil to schools and universities across the country like Northern Illinois University and Purdue University.
If you want to have a positive experience and feel confident in your shipping container vendor from start to finish, request a quote on our website or call our office at 888-320-5938.
FAQ’s
A used 20 ft shipping container typically ranges from $1,225 to $2,500 depending on condition, location, and market availability. A new/one-trip 20 ft container generally starts around $2,800.
Used 40 ft containers typically range from $1,575 to $3,500. New/one-trip 40 ft high cube containers generally start around $3,200. Pricing varies based on your location and the nearest depot.
Used Wind and Water Tight containers are the most affordable option, starting at $1,225. They are structurally sound and guaranteed weatherproof at delivery, making them the most popular choice for storage on a budget.
Yes significantly. Pricing is tied directly to depot locations and how far a container needs to travel to reach you. Markets with strong depot access like Chicago tend to have better pricing and availability than more remote areas.
Delivery cost depends on distance and container size. Local tilt-body truck delivery within 200 miles is generally the most affordable option. Longer hauls over 200 miles require a flatbed truck and a forklift or crane on site to unload. Loaded container moves of 500 miles can run $3,800 to $8,000 depending on size.
Buy direct from a supplier with real depot relationships rather than a broker or online listing service. Suppliers with direct depot access can offer accurate inventory, honest condition grading, and competitive pricing without middlemen markups. Container Sales Group has sourced directly from steamship lines since 1998.
