How much is it to buy a shipping container? The container itself typically costs about $1,500 to $4,000 for a used 20 ft and $2,500 to $5,500 for a used 40 ft, but your total will be higher once you add delivery and site prep. New units cost more. Queen Container quotes by size, condition and where the box is going.
How much is it to buy a shipping container in total?
Many first-time buyers focus on the sticker price and get surprised later. The real budget has several lines, and it helps to write them down before you call anyone.
- The container: depends on size, grade and whether it is new or used.
- Delivery: commonly $2 to $6 per loaded mile, often $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more over long distances.
- Site prep: a level, well-drained spot with gravel, concrete blocks or a slab.
- Permits: some areas require a permit or have zoning rules for containers.
- Modifications: doors, windows, vents, shelving, insulation or electrical.
Container price, line by line
For the box, new or one-trip 20 ft units typically cost about $3,500 to $6,500 and new 40 ft units about $5,000 to $9,000. Used prices are lower, but you trade cosmetic quality and sometimes lifespan. These are ranges only, because condition, grade and local supply vary.
If you are buying for storage, a used wind-and-watertight container is usually sufficient. If you want the best finish or plan to modify the container, a newer one may be worth the extra money. An insulated 20 ft container can reduce temperature swings for tools, paint or inventory, though it costs more than a basic box.
The costs people forget
Foundation
Containers do not need a full slab, but they must not sit on bare soil that holds water. Many owners use compacted gravel and concrete blocks at the four corners, which keeps the floor dry and the doors working. Costs depend heavily on your ground and your local labor rates. If the area floods or stays soggy, raise the container on railroad ties or a gravel pad of at least four to six inches, and make sure water can drain away from the corners instead of pooling underneath.
Unloading
Ask whether the driver will slide the container off a tilt-bed trailer or whether you must supply a forklift or crane. A tilt-bed needs a clear stretch of straight space, often 100 feet or more for a 40 footer. Confirm this before the delivery date to avoid wait fees.
Paperwork and security
Check local zoning and any homeowner association rules. A lock box or extra locks for the doors is a small cost that protects what you store. Our delivery areas page explains how we ship across the country.
A simple way to budget
Start from the question how much is it to buy a shipping container for your exact use, then work backward. A storage shed replacement needs far less than a workshop with power and windows, and defining the job first stops you from overbuying.
Add the container price, delivery quote, site prep and a cushion of about 10 percent for surprises. If the answer to how much it is to buy a shipping container looks too high, reduce it by choosing a used unit, a closer seller or a smaller size. Flexible timing can also help, because sellers sometimes have units already positioned near your area.
Next steps
Measure your space, decide on a size and write down what you plan to store. Then explore our storage containers, look through all shipping containers for sale, or use our contact page to ask for a delivered quote.
