Buying a shipping container is simple once you settle three things: size, grade and delivery. A shipping container is a steel box built for ocean freight, and a used 20 ft unit typically costs about $1,500 to $4,000 depending on condition and location. Use this checklist from Queen Container to avoid the most common surprises.
Step 1: Pick the Size of a Shipping Container
Most buyers choose between 20 ft and 40 ft. A 20 ft container is about 8 ft wide and 8.5 ft tall, holds roughly 1,170 cubic feet and weighs about 5,000 lb empty. A 40 ft container holds roughly 2,390 cubic feet and weighs about 8,000 lb empty. A 40 ft high cube adds a foot of height for about 2,700 cubic feet. Ten foot and 45 ft models also exist.
If you are unsure, remember that a 20 ft box is easier to place on tight properties, while a 40 ft box usually gives better value per cubic foot. Browse the complete guide to the 20 ft shipping container if that is your likely choice.
Think about the future too. Many buyers start with one box and add another later, so leave room on your site for a second unit and for the doors to swing fully open. Measure the largest item you plan to store, and how you will carry it through the door opening, before you settle on a size.
Step 2: Understand the Grade
Grade describes condition and affects price. New or one-trip containers have made a single ocean voyage and look nearly new. Cargo-worthy units are certified to carry freight and are used. Wind-and-watertight units are older but should keep out weather, which is all most storage buyers need.
| Type | Typical 20 ft price | Typical 40 ft price |
|---|---|---|
| Used | $1,500 to $4,000 | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| New or one-trip | $3,500 to $6,500 | $5,000 to $9,000 |
These are typical market ranges only. Condition, grade, region and demand all change the final number.
Step 3: Inspect Before You Pay
- Look at the door seals, hinges and locking bars.
- Check the floor for soft spots or water damage.
- Step inside, close the doors and look for pinholes of daylight.
- Inspect the roof for dents that hold water.
- Check corner castings and the data plate.
Rust is normal on steel that has crossed oceans, so judge it by depth. Surface rust and faded paint are cosmetic, while rust that has eaten through panels or the floor is a reason to walk away or negotiate. Dents matter less if the corrugated steel is not torn or sharply creased at the seams.
If you cannot visit in person, ask for dated photos or video of the exact unit you will receive, not a stock image. Choose a storage container category listing that identifies size and condition clearly.
Step 4: Plan Delivery and Placement
Delivery commonly costs about $2 to $6 per loaded mile, with local moves often $150 to $500 and long hauls $1,000 or more. The truck needs a clear approach, turning room and overhead clearance. Level ground matters too, since a container sitting unevenly can make doors stick. Many owners use gravel, concrete blocks or railroad ties as a base. Check local zoning and permit rules before the container arrives, because some areas restrict placement.
Find out whether the driver uses a tilt-bed or a crane and what happens if the site is not ready. Confirm these terms in writing.
Next Steps
Compare options such as the 40 ft high cube container, check the delivery areas and send your size and location through our contact page. Queen Container sells new and used containers nationwide, and quotes depend on size, condition and delivery location. Browse all shipping containers for sale to get started.
