How much do used shipping containers cost? In most US markets a used 20 ft container typically runs about $1,500 to $4,000, and a used 40 ft container about $2,500 to $5,500, before delivery. Grade, age, location and current demand decide where a specific box lands in that range. Queen Container sells used and new containers nationwide, and quotes depend on size, condition and where the unit needs to go.
How much do used shipping containers cost by grade?
Sellers usually sort used units into grades, and the label often matters more than age alone. Wording varies from seller to seller, so ask what each grade means in writing before you compare prices.
| Grade | What it usually means | Price direction |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo-worthy | Structurally sound and certified for ocean shipping | Higher |
| Wind and watertight | Sound and dry, but may show dents or surface rust | Middle |
| As-is | Visible wear, repairs or cosmetic damage | Lower |
For many buyers, wind and watertight is the sweet spot for storage, because you get a dry, secure box without paying for a shipping certification you may never use.
What changes the price of a used container
Two containers of the same size can have very different prices. Here is what usually moves the number:
- Condition: dents, rust, floor quality and door seals all count.
- Location: units near ports are often cheaper than those inland.
- Market demand: prices shift with shipping markets and seasonal buying.
- Extras: paint, locks, vents or modifications add cost.
- Delivery: commonly $2 to $6 per loaded mile, often $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more over long distances.
If you want a dependable all-rounder, the 20 ft double door shipping container is a common choice, while the 40 ft high cube container adds an extra foot of height.
How to tell if a price is fair
Ask for current photos of the exact unit rather than stock images. Check the roof, floor and door gaskets, and request the grade in writing. Compare quotes on a delivered basis, because a low box price can hide a high freight bill. If an offer sits far below the typical ranges, find out why before you pay.
So how much do used shipping containers cost in your area? The only reliable answer is a written, delivered quote for a specific unit. It also helps to compare against new or one-trip containers, which typically cost about $3,500 to $6,500 for a 20 ft and $5,000 to $9,000 for a 40 ft. If all you need is dry storage, a used container in good shape often does the job for far less.
Timing and history also play a part. Buying in a slower season, or staying flexible on the delivery date, can open up better pricing, and ordering well before a project deadline helps you avoid rush premiums. Paint, doors and even floors on a used unit can be refreshed later, so a container with cosmetic wear but a sound structure is often a better value than a freshly painted box with hidden problems. Ask the seller how the unit was used, since a container that carried heavy cargo can show more floor wear than one used lightly, and ask whether any repairs have been made so you know what you are buying.
Next steps
Pick your size, decide which grade fits your use, and note your delivery address. Then compare options in our buy a container category and check the delivery areas we serve. You can also visit the home page for shipping containers for sale. When you are ready, contact us for a quote that includes delivery.
