What is the price of shipping containers right now? Typically a used 20 ft costs about $1,500 to $4,000, a used 40 ft about $2,500 to $5,500, and new or one-trip units cost more, but prices change with supply, steel costs and shipping demand. Instead of chasing a single number, it helps to understand why prices move. Queen Container sells new and used containers nationwide and quotes each order individually.
What Is the Price of Shipping Containers Based On?
Containers are a global commodity, so their prices respond to world events. When shipping demand is strong and containers are scarce, prices rise. When many empty containers pile up at ports, prices fall. Steel prices, port congestion and trade volumes all play a part. That is why a quote from last year may no longer be accurate, and why you should ask for current pricing. Treat any price you read online, including the ranges in this article, as a rough guide until a seller confirms it for a specific container.
Local factors matter as well. Containers are usually cheaper near major ports and more expensive in inland areas, because the seller must pay to move them.
Price Factors at a Glance
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| New or one-trip | Higher than used |
| Cargo-worthy grade | Higher than wind-and-watertight |
| High cube (9.5 ft tall) | Often a modest premium |
| Double doors or side doors | Adds cost |
| Refrigeration or insulation | Adds significant cost |
| Distance from the seller | Adds delivery cost |
Typical Ranges by Size
A 20 ft container is about 8 ft wide by 8.5 ft tall and holds around 1,170 cubic feet. A 40 ft holds around 2,390 cubic feet, and a 40 ft high cube holds about 2,700. In general, the larger container costs more in total but less per cubic foot. Smaller 10 ft units cost less in total but often cost more per cubic foot, since you pay for doors and corner castings on a smaller box.
New or one-trip 20 ft units typically run $3,500 to $6,500, and 40 ft units typically run $5,000 to $9,000. These are general ranges, and your quote may land above or below them.
How to Compare Offers Fairly
When you collect quotes, make sure each one lists the same things. Compare size, height, grade, door type, year or condition, and whether delivery is included. A lower price can reflect an older or more worn unit, or it can leave delivery out entirely. Delivery commonly runs $2 to $6 per loaded mile, so a cheap container far away may cost more than a pricier one close to you.
- Decide on size and height first.
- Decide on the grade you actually need.
- Ask for photos of the exact unit.
- Get delivery included in writing.
- Compare the total, not just the container price.
When to Buy
Nobody can time the market perfectly. If you have a project deadline, buy when you need the container rather than waiting for a hypothetical dip. If your timing is flexible, check prices at a few points over several weeks and see how quotes move. Our 20 ft open side container and other specialty units can have different lead times than standard boxes, so ask about availability early.
Next Steps
For a current answer to what is the price of shipping containers in your area, send your size, grade and delivery ZIP code through the contact page. You can also browse our buy a container section or visit the home page for shipping containers for sale and compare options side by side.
