Where do I buy a shipping container? You can buy from a container dealer, a port-area reseller, an online marketplace, a local classified listing or a company that sells directly and delivers to your door. Each route has tradeoffs in price, condition and service. Queen Container is one option that sells new and used containers and ships nationwide, and the tips below apply to any seller you consider.
Where Do I Buy a Shipping Container? Your Main Options
Container dealers and direct sellers
Dealers usually offer a range of sizes and grades, written quotes and delivery. They are a good fit if you want one transaction that covers the box and the truck. Prices are typically set by size, condition and your location.
Port-area resellers
Resellers near ports may have a wide selection of used units, and prices can be lower near the coast. The tradeoff is that you may need to arrange your own transport inland.
Online marketplaces and classifieds
Listings can be cheap, but quality varies more. Ask for photos of the exact container and be wary of sellers who cannot show it or explain its grade. Never send money before you have verified the seller and the unit.
Specialty builders
If you want a modified container such as an office, a restroom unit or a home, look for a builder that does conversions. We offer office containers and finished container homes, which save you the hassle of finding a separate contractor.
What to Ask Before You Buy
- What is the exact size and height?
- What grade is it: new, one-trip, cargo-worthy or wind-and-watertight?
- Can you see photos of the roof, floor, doors and seals?
- Is delivery included, and what does it cost?
- What happens if the container arrives different from the photos?
Get the answers in writing, and make sure the quote lists the same items for every seller you compare. If a seller is vague about any of these points, treat that as useful information and keep looking.
Expect Typical Prices
As a general guide, used 20 ft containers typically cost about $1,500 to $4,000 and used 40 ft containers about $2,500 to $5,500. New or one-trip 20 ft units are typically $3,500 to $6,500, and 40 ft units $5,000 to $9,000. A price far below these ranges deserves a closer look, and a price far above them deserves a question about what is included.
Delivery adds to the total. It commonly runs $2 to $6 per loaded mile, often $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more for long distances. See our container delivery areas to find out whether we serve your location.
Red Flags to Avoid
Buying a container is a large purchase, and a few minutes of checking can save a lot of trouble.
Be cautious if a seller pushes you to pay quickly, refuses to share photos, uses only stock images or will not put the grade and delivery terms in writing. A reputable seller wants you to know exactly what you are getting. Also be careful with rock-bottom prices, since heavy rust, bad floors or leaking roofs can cost more to fix than you saved.
Next Steps
If you are still asking where do I buy a shipping container, start by choosing a size and grade, then request two or three quotes and compare them. You can browse our buy a container page, visit the home page for shipping containers for sale, or reach out through the contact page for a quote.
