How much for a shipping container? Used 20 ft containers typically run about $1,500 to $4,000, and used 40 ft containers about $2,500 to $5,500, before delivery. New or one-trip units cost more, and every price shifts with condition, grade and location. At Queen Container, quotes depend on size, condition and delivery address.
How much for a shipping container by size and condition
| Type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Used 20 ft | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Used 40 ft | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| New or one-trip 20 ft | $3,500 to $6,500 |
| New or one-trip 40 ft | $5,000 to $9,000 |
These figures show why the answer to how much for a shipping container is never a single number. These are general market ranges, not quotes. Local supply, steel prices and the time of year all influence what you actually pay. A new container is built to a single trip standard and looks clean, while a used one may show dents, surface rust or patched panels. Neither is a problem if the structure, roof and door seals are sound, and many buyers happily accept cosmetic wear in exchange for a lower price. Ask for photos of the roof and the floor, because those are the areas that decide how long the box will last.
So when you ask how much for a shipping container, think in terms of a delivered total rather than the sticker price alone. A cheap box that costs $1,000 to move can end up more expensive than a slightly pricier one sitting near you.
What moves the price
Grade
Cargo-worthy containers are certified to carry freight, so they tend to cost more than wind-and-watertight units, which are sound for storage but not rated for shipping. If the box will sit on your property, wind-and-watertight is often a sensible way to save.
Height and features
A high cube stands 9.5 ft tall instead of 8.5 ft and adds about 12 percent more volume. Extras such as double doors, open sides, insulation or refrigeration raise the cost. A 40 ft high cube container is a popular pick when you need maximum room.
Location
Containers are cheapest near ports and more expensive inland, because the box has to be trucked to you. That is why two buyers in different states can get quite different quotes for the same container.
Do not forget delivery and site prep
Delivery commonly costs about $2 to $6 per loaded mile in the US. Local drops are often $150 to $500, and long-distance hauls can top $1,000. Add anything your site needs, such as gravel pads or concrete blocks, and a clear path for the truck. A 20 ft container weighs roughly 5,000 lb empty, and a 40 ft roughly 8,000 lb, so the driver needs room to maneuver.
You can see where trucks go on our container delivery areas page.
Ways to keep the price down
You have more control over the final bill than you might think. Flexibility on delivery date, on grade and on the exact size often opens up better options, especially if a seller has a unit already sitting close to your site.
- Choose a used container if you only need storage.
- Pick the closest seller to cut transport cost.
- Skip upgrades you will not use, such as insulation in a mild climate.
- Compare written quotes that list the same grade and delivery terms.
Next steps
Decide on size and use, then ask for written quotes so you can compare delivered prices side by side. Start with our shipping containers category to see what fits, browse all of our containers for sale, or send us your details through the contact page for a quote.
