How much is a shipping crate? A wooden shipping crate commonly costs from a few dozen dollars for a small one to several hundred dollars or more for a large, custom or export-rated crate. A steel shipping container is a different product, with used 20 ft units typically costing about $1,500 to $4,000. Which one you need depends on what you are moving or storing, and Queen Container sells the steel containers for jobs a crate cannot handle.
Crate or container: what is the difference?
People use the words loosely, but the two products are built for different jobs. A crate is a single-use or limited-use box made of wood or plywood, usually built around one item. A shipping container is a reusable steel box that can be stacked, locked, stored outdoors and moved by truck, rail or ship.
| Feature | Wooden crate | Steel container |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | Small to medium, often custom | 10, 20, 40 or 45 ft |
| Security | Limited | Lockable steel doors |
| Weather resistance | Low to moderate | High when sound |
| Lifespan | Short | Many years with care |
| Typical cost | Tens to hundreds of dollars | Thousands of dollars |
What affects the cost of a shipping crate
Crate pricing depends on a few things. Size and wall thickness matter most, followed by the wood type and whether the crate must be heat-treated to meet international shipping rules for wood packaging. Custom interiors, such as foam, bracing or skids for forklifts, raise the price, and so does labor if a shop builds the crate to fit a fragile or heavy item.
So how much is a shipping crate for a typical household move or a piece of equipment? Expect a simple crate to cost far less than a container, but remember it protects one load rather than offering lasting storage.
How much is a shipping crate compared with a container?
If you need permanent or long-term space, a container often wins on value. Typical ranges are used 20 ft at $1,500 to $4,000, used 40 ft at $2,500 to $5,500, new or one-trip 20 ft at $3,500 to $6,500 and new or one-trip 40 ft at $5,000 to $9,000, before delivery. Delivery is commonly $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more over long distances.
For small jobs, a 10 ft storage container gives you lockable steel storage in a compact footprint. For bigger loads, the 20 ft shipping container is a popular all-purpose size.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose a crate if you are shipping one fragile or oddly shaped item once.
- Choose a container if you need secure storage, a workshop, a job-site office or space you will reuse for years.
Crates also come with hidden costs. If you hire a shop to build one, labor, materials and any required wood treatment can add up quickly, and you may still need freight. Crates are rarely reusable more than once or twice, so buying a new crate for every shipment can eventually cost more than one container you reuse for years. On the other hand, if you only ship once, a container would be overkill. Think about how often you need the space and whether your goods are small enough for a crate to protect them. A simple list of your items, their weight and how long they must be stored will make the choice much easier.
Next steps
Measure what you need to store or ship, then decide if a crate or a steel box fits. Browse our storage containers to compare sizes, or head to the home page to see shipping containers for sale. When you are ready, contact us for a quote based on size, condition and delivery location.
