How much is a 40 ft container? A used 40 ft typically costs about $2,500 to $5,500, while a new or one-trip unit usually runs about $5,000 to $9,000, depending on grade, height, location and market conditions. Below, Queen Container explains where your quote will land and why.
How Much Is a 40 ft Container New and Used?
The 40 ft is the workhorse of ocean freight, and that keeps supply strong. Prices still swing with steel costs, shipping demand and your distance from a port. Use these ranges as a starting point only.
| Condition | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Used, wind-and-watertight | $2,500 to $4,000 |
| Used, cargo-worthy | $3,500 to $5,500 |
| New or one-trip | $5,000 to $9,000 |
Those figures are general market ranges, not Queen Container prices. Your actual quote depends on the exact unit and where it must be delivered.
Standard or High Cube?
A standard 40 ft container is 8.5 ft tall and holds about 2,390 cubic feet. A high cube is 9.5 ft tall and holds about 2,700 cubic feet. The extra foot of height usually adds a modest premium, and it pays off if you plan to stack goods, build shelving or convert the container into a living or work space.
An empty 40 ft weighs about 8,000 pounds, so you will need a truck with a tilt bed or a crane for unloading. Plan your delivery route and drop spot before you order.
Door and Layout Options
Most 40 footers come with doors on one end. Some have doors on both ends, which makes loading easier and lets you drive straight through a long building site. Two good places to start are our 40 ft high cube container and the 40 ft double door model. If you need temperature control, take a look at the 40 ft insulated container as well.
Extra Costs to Budget For
The container price is not the whole bill. Delivery is the item that surprises most buyers. Trucking commonly runs $2 to $6 per loaded mile, with local drops often between $150 and $500 and long-distance hauls reaching $1,000 or more. A 40 ft container also needs a long, wide approach, so check for tight corners, low wires and soft ground.
- Delivery to your address
- Level ground, gravel or concrete pier blocks
- Locks, vents or paint
- Local permits, where required
Is a 40 ft Worth It Compared With Two 20 ft Units?
Often yes, if you need one long, continuous space. A single 40 ft costs less than two 20 ft containers in most cases and needs only one delivery. Two 20 ft boxes can be easier to place on a tight lot and let you split storage by purpose. If your site cannot handle a long truck, the 20 ft route may be the practical choice.
Tips for Getting a Fair Price
Request at least two or three written quotes and make sure each one lists the same grade, the same height and the same delivery address. Ask for photos of the exact container, including the roof and the floor. A quote with no photos and no grade is hard to compare. Be cautious about prices that sit far below everyone else, since they often exclude delivery or hide wear.
Next Steps
Choose between standard and high cube, confirm that your site can handle the truck, and ask for a delivery quote. You can browse our shipping containers to compare sizes, or head to our main page of shipping containers for sale. If you are still asking how much is a 40 ft container for your location, contact us with your delivery ZIP code and intended use, and we will quote based on size, condition and delivery location.
