How much shipping container cost depends first on size. A used 20 ft typically runs about $1,500 to $4,000 and a used 40 ft about $2,500 to $5,500, while new or one-trip units cost more. Delivery is separate. Queen Container sells several sizes, and quotes vary by condition and delivery location.
How much shipping container cost by size
Size sets the base price, then grade and condition adjust it. Here is a quick guide to the standard options and what they hold.
| Size | Inside volume | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | Compact, about half a 20 ft | Varies by seller |
| 20 ft | About 1,170 cubic feet | Used $1,500 to $4,000, new $3,500 to $6,500 |
| 40 ft | About 2,390 cubic feet | Used $2,500 to $5,500, new $5,000 to $9,000 |
| 40 ft high cube | About 2,700 cubic feet | Usually a bit above a standard 40 ft |
A 45 ft container also exists for buyers who need extra length, and these are less common. All figures are typical market ranges, not quotes.
Choosing the right size for your project
10 ft: tight spaces
Great for a backyard, a small business or a job site where access is limited. You can often place a small unit with less equipment. Take a look at the 10 ft high cube container if you want extra height in a short footprint.
20 ft: the all-rounder
This is the most popular size because it balances capacity, price and delivery ease. It weighs about 5,000 lb empty and fits on most standard trucks. Our complete guide to the 20 ft shipping container covers dimensions and uses in detail.
40 ft: more room per dollar
A 40 ft container weighs about 8,000 lb and gives you roughly double the space of a 20 ft. The price per cubic foot is often lower, but you need a longer approach for the truck and a bigger site.
What else changes the price
- New or used, and how many trips the box has made.
- Grade: cargo-worthy or wind-and-watertight.
- Features: double doors, open sides, insulation or refrigeration.
- Your location and the seller’s distance from you.
If you only need to know how much shipping container cost will land on your budget, add delivery. It commonly runs about $2 to $6 per loaded mile, with local drops around $150 to $500 and long trips over $1,000.
Condition deserves its own mention. A newer box with a clean roof and tight door gaskets will last longer and may be easier to modify, while an older one can be a fine bargain if you check the floor, the corner posts and the seals. Ask for current photos, and be wary of any listing that shows only a catalog picture.
Plan the space, not just the price
Measure the area where the container will sit and the route a truck must take. Leave extra room to open the doors fully, and remember that a taller high cube needs more overhead clearance. Think about future needs too, because a slightly larger container is cheaper than buying a second one in a year.
Next steps
List what you want to store or build, choose a size, then compare quotes on a delivered basis. See our shipping containers category, explore the full range of containers for sale, or contact us for a quote.
