If you are asking how much a shipping container cost, the short answer is that a used 20 ft box 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. Those are general ranges only, and your real number depends on size, condition, grade and delivery location. At Queen Container we sell new and used containers nationwide, and every quote is built around those same factors.
How Much a Shipping Container Cost by Size and Condition
Prices move with the market, so treat the table below as a starting point rather than a promise. Ask for a written quote before you budget.
| Container | Used (typical) | New or one-trip (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft standard | $1,500 to $4,000 | $3,500 to $6,500 |
| 40 ft standard | $2,500 to $5,500 | $5,000 to $9,000 |
A one-trip container made a single ocean voyage and is usually in near-new shape, so it sits between used and brand new in both price and appearance.
What Pushes the Price Up or Down
Two containers of the same length can be priced very differently. Here is what usually makes the difference.
- Grade: cargo-worthy units cost more than wind-and-watertight units, which are fine for storage but no longer certified for shipping.
- Condition: dents, surface rust, floor wear and door seals all affect value.
- Height and features: a 9.5 ft high cube, double doors, insulation or a refrigeration unit all add cost.
- Local supply: inventory near ports is often cheaper than inventory far inland.
Do Not Forget Delivery
The box is only part of the bill. Delivery commonly runs $2 to $6 per loaded mile, which often works out to $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more over long distances. A container that looks cheap but sits three states away can end up costing more than a pricier one nearby. You can check where we ship on our container delivery areas page.
You also need a level, firm spot with room for a truck to tilt the container off or slide it down. Gravel, concrete blocks or railroad ties under the corners are common ways to keep a box off wet ground.
Picking a Size That Fits Your Budget
For most home storage, a 20 ft container is the sweet spot because it is easy to place and cheaper to move. If you need long equipment, vehicles or a workshop, a 40 ft unit gives you roughly twice the floor area for less than twice the money, which lowers your cost per square foot. Our 20 ft double door shipping container is a popular all-purpose choice, and you can read more in the complete guide to the 20 ft shipping container.
If you want more headroom, a 40 ft high cube adds an extra foot of height, which helps with shelving, insulation and conversions. It is worth asking whether you really need that extra foot before you pay for it.
New, One-Trip or Used?
Choose used if you want the lowest price and do not mind cosmetic wear. Choose one-trip if appearance matters, for example for a customer-facing site or a conversion project. Choose new if you want the cleanest paint and the most predictable condition. In every case, ask for photos of the inside and outside, the roof and the door gaskets, and confirm the grade in writing.
Be careful with listings that show only a single photo or a price with no mention of grade. A very low price often means a heavily worn or non-watertight unit, and the money you save can disappear on repairs.
Next Steps: Get a Real Number
The fastest way to learn how much a shipping container cost for your exact situation is to tell us the size, grade and delivery ZIP code you have in mind. Browse our shipping containers category to compare options, then visit shipping containers for sale on our home page or send your details through the contact page for a quote. A clear request gets you a clear answer, and there is no need to guess at prices from old listings.
