How much for a used shipping container? Typically about $1,500 to $4,000 for a 20 ft and $2,500 to $5,500 for a 40 ft, depending on grade, condition and where you live. Queen Container offers used and new units with quote-based pricing, so the exact figure depends on size, condition and delivery location.
How much for a used shipping container by grade
Grade is the biggest driver behind used pricing. A one-trip container made a single ocean voyage and usually looks close to new. Cargo-worthy containers are certified for sea shipping and are structurally sound. Wind-and-watertight containers no longer qualify for ocean use but should keep out wind and rain, which is enough for most storage jobs. Lower grades cost less, but they may carry dents, surface rust or patched panels.
| Grade | What to expect | Price position |
|---|---|---|
| One-trip | Near-new appearance | Highest of the used options |
| Cargo-worthy | Sound, certified for shipping | Middle |
| Wind-and-watertight | Good for stationary storage | Often the lowest |
Size and typical used prices
The 20 ft is the most popular size because it is easy to ship and fits most lots. A 40 ft gives about twice the floor area for a smaller price increase per square foot, and a 40 ft high cube adds about a foot of ceiling height. These are general market ranges. Local supply can push the price up or down, so inland and rural areas often pay more than buyers near major ports.
What to inspect before you buy
Whatever the answer to how much for a used shipping container, check the unit before you pay. Ask for photos or visit in person, and look at these items.
- Roof: dents that hold water are the most common leak source.
- Floor: look for soft spots, stains or rot in the plywood.
- Doors: they should open, close and lock smoothly, with intact rubber gaskets.
- Walls and corners: surface rust is normal, rust-through is not.
- Light test: step inside, close the doors and look for pinholes of daylight.
Ask the seller to put the grade, size and any known flaws in your quote. A clear description protects you if the unit that arrives is not the unit in the photos, and it makes it easier to compare how much for a used shipping container different sellers are really asking.
Do not forget delivery
Used pricing is only half the story. Delivery commonly runs $2 to $6 per loaded mile, often $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more for long distances. A 20 ft container weighs about 5,000 pounds empty, and a 40 ft about 8,000 pounds, so the truck type affects the cost. Confirm your site is accessible, and read about container delivery areas to see where we ship.
When used makes sense and when new does
The honest answer to how much for a used shipping container is that the cheapest unit is not always the best value, because a leaking roof costs more to fix than the savings were worth.
If you only need dry, secure storage for tools, equipment or inventory, a used box is usually the sensible pick. If you are building a workshop, office or living space, a newer unit with cleaner walls and tighter seals saves finishing work. Our 20 ft open side container is a good example of a model that suits a project build.
It is also worth asking whether the seller has several similar units. When a seller can show you more than one box, you can compare condition side by side and choose the best one, rather than accepting whatever is offered.
Next steps
Decide on a size, pick the lowest grade that meets your needs and request written quotes with delivery. Browse our buy a container page, check the 40 ft high cube container and then contact us for a quote. You can return to the shipping containers for sale overview at any time.
