Where to Buy Shipping Containers: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
If you’re looking for where to buy shipping containers, chances are you already know how valuable they are—not just for shipping and storage, but also for container homes, commercial workshops, offices, retail kiosks, farming structures, mining camps, and more. Shipping containers are one of the strongest building blocks on earth, designed to withstand extreme conditions and long-term heavy use.
Whether you’re a private buyer, business owner, contractor, or property developer, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly where to buy shipping containers in 2025, what to look out for, the different types and sizes, pricing expectations, and how to avoid scam sellers. We’ll also share why many smart buyers today prefer reputable suppliers like Queen Containers – a global leader providing containers across Africa, Europe, Australia, and the USA.
Why Buy a Shipping Container?
Before we dive into where to buy shipping containers, let’s answer why they remain so popular across industries:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost-Effective | Affordable structure for storage or construction |
| Durable | Built from corten steel to resist rust and corrosion |
| Portable | Easy transport by crane, tilt trailer, rail, or ship |
| Versatile | Ideal for housing, offices, refrigeration, workshops, etc. |
| Secure | Solid locking system for high-security applications |
| Eco-Friendly | Reuse containers and reduce construction waste |
What Sizes and Types of Shipping Containers Can You Buy?
Shipping containers come in multiple sizes, configurations, and conditions depending on your needs.
✅ Standard Shipping Containers
- 10ft – Compact storage or site office solutions
- 20ft – Most popular globally (6m), perfect balance of portability and space
- 40ft – Double capacity (12m), ideal for storage and custom builds
✅ Specialized Containers
- High Cube Containers – 30cm taller for more interior height
- Reefer Containers – Refrigerated units for cold storage
- Open-Top Containers – For loading goods that don’t fit through doors
- Flat Rack Containers – Transport heavy machinery
- Side-Open Containers – Full side access convenience
- Dangerous Goods Containers – Chemical and fuel storage
- Insulated Containers – Temperature-controlled storage option
You can find all of these options globally at competitive prices from reputable suppliers like Queen Containers, who deliver locally and internationally.
New vs Used: Which Type of Container Should You Buy?
When searching for where to buy shipping containers, one of the first decisions is whether to purchase new (one-trip) or used.
| Feature | New (One-Trip) | Used (Cargo-Worthy / Wind & Water Tight) |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Excellent | Good condition but signs of use |
| Warranty | Often 12 months | Limited or none |
| Appearance | Clean, minimal wear | Scratches/dents expected |
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
| Best For | Homes, offices, branding | Storage, transport, construction |
👉 If you’re building a container home or a client project, a new or one-trip high cube is recommended.
👉 For general storage or business stock, a used CW (Cargo Worthy) container is a great cost-saving option.
How Much Do Shipping Containers Cost in 2025?
Pricing varies by location, condition, size, delivery distance, and customization.
| Container Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| 10ft Standard | $1,500 – $2,900 |
| 20ft Used (WWT/CW) | $1,600 – $3,200 |
| 20ft High Cube New | $3,200 – $5,000 |
| 40ft Used Standard | $2,900 – $4,500 |
| 40ft High Cube New | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Reefer 20ft | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Dangerous Goods 20ft | $7,000 – $12,500 |
At Queen Containers, pricing is transparent and competitive, with discounts for bulk and dealer orders. You can request a quote online here: https://queencontainer.com/.
Best Places to Buy a Shipping Container
There are 5 main channels you can use when deciding where to buy shipping containers:
✅ 1. Direct From a Container Supplier
This is the safest and most reliable option. Businesses like Queen Containers offer:
- Competitive prices
- Quality guarantees
- Depot pickup or delivery
- Custom-built options
- International shipping
- Secure payment terms
- Real customer support
Suppliers usually have global depots and can deliver anywhere, including the USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, South Africa, UAE, and more.
✅ 2. Local Dealers
Local dealers can be helpful if you need:
- Fast delivery
- Same-week pickup
- Viewing before purchase
However, beware of overpricing and limited stock.
✅ 3. Online Classifieds (Caution!)
You’ll see containers listed on:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Gumtree
- OLX
While deals may look cheap, scammers are everywhere. Never pay upfront to private sellers without verification.
✅ 4. Port Auctions
Some people buy from shipping line auctions. Pros:
- Low prices
- Direct access to surplus containers
Cons: - No inspection
- No warranty
- Transportation is your responsibility
Unless you’re experienced in logistics, auctions can be difficult and risky.
✅ 5. Online Retailers
General online sites offering containers are growing, but most have no depots or after-sales support. They often act as middlemen and increase the price.
WARNING: How to Avoid Shipping Container Scams
When researching where to buy shipping containers, stay alert—container fraud is a global problem.
🚫 Red Flags:
- No business address or website
- No physical depot
- Payment only by WhatsApp
- Prices too cheap
- Fake photos from Google
- No invoice or warranty
- Company name mismatch with the invoice
✅ Safe Buying Checklist:
✅ Buy only from a verified supplier
✅ Request a company invoice
✅ Ask for depot photos/videos
✅ Confirm delivery timeline
✅ Use secure payment
👉 This is why businesses trust Queen Containers. They provide official invoices, VAT receipts, delivery tracking, and real customer service.
What to Check Before Buying a Container
When inspecting a container:
- ✅ Check doors open and close smoothly
- ✅ Inspect roof & walls for holes
- ✅ Check locking bars & seals
- ✅ Verify wind & water tightness
- ✅ Check flooring is solid
- ✅ Ensure no excessive corrosion
- ✅ Confirm CSC plate if for shipping
Container Delivery Methods
Once you find where to buy shipping containers, you’ll need to plan delivery.
| Method | Best For | Cost | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tilt Bed Truck | Single 20ft local delivery | Low | Space to slide container |
| Crane Truck (Hiab) | Precise placement | Medium | Tight access sites |
| Flatbed Truck | Long distance 40ft delivery | Lower | Offloading by customer |
| Self-Unloading Trailer | Remote locations | Higher | No onsite equipment needed |
Delivery time varies from 2–7 days locally and 2–4 weeks regionally/internationally.
Where to Buy Shipping Containers Online
Here’s a reliable solution if you’re serious about quality, secure payments, and real customer support.
✅ Best Overall Supplier: Queen Containers
Website: https://queencontainer.com/
Services: Container sales, fabrication, homes, offices, cold rooms, fuel containers, and international delivery.
Why Choose Them?
- ✅ New & used containers in stock
- ✅ Worldwide depots & delivery
- ✅ Factory container conversions
- ✅ Custom floor plans & drawings
- ✅ Corporate, government & NGO supplier
- ✅ Fast quotes & support
They also ship to construction sites, mining companies, farms, logistic hubs, schools, NGOs and private residential customers.
Popular Shipping Container Uses in 2025
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Container Homes | Affordable modern living |
| Offices | On-site project offices |
| Pop-up Shops | Retail, kiosks, cafes |
| Workshops | Tools & equipment |
| Farm Storage | Feed, machinery, fertilizer |
| Cold Storage | Fish, meat, medical |
| Schools & Clinics | Safe & modular |
| Construction Camps | Sleeping & ablution blocks |
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Shipping Container
- Determine your use case
- Storage, business, home conversion?
- Choose the size
- 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, or high cube?
- Select condition
- Used, cargo-worthy, or one-trip/new?
- Set delivery location
- Accessibility and ground level required.
- Get an official quote
- Get pricing from Queen Containers.
- Confirm delivery date
- Schedule transport and offloading plan.
- Make a secure payment
- Avoid paying private sellers upfront.
- Receive your container
- Inspect and sign off on delivery.
Conclusion: Where Is the Best Place to Buy Shipping Containers?
If you want real quality, secure transactions, and fast delivery, the best place to buy shipping containers in 2025 is from verified and trusted suppliers with proven experience—like Queen Containers.
They offer:
✅ Competitive pricing
✅ Safe global delivery
✅ New & used options
✅ Container conversions
✅ Professional service
Whether you need one container or a fleet, visit https://queencontainer.com/ today to request a quote.
- Shipping Containers for Sale
- Request a Quote – https://queencontainer.com/contact
- Container Homes – https://queencontainer.com/container-homes
- Custom Builds – https://queencontainer.com/modifications
