How Much Is a Shipping Container?
A plain shipping container costs $1,375 to $4,810 in our current stock, depending on size, condition and height. A used 20 ft container starts at $1,540, a new one-trip 20 ft at $2,288, a used 40 ft at $2,085 and a new one-trip 40 ft at $3,507. Refrigerated and modified containers cost more. Every figure below is the listed price of a container we hold, checked on 29 September 2026; prices move with stock and freight markets.
Shipping container prices by size and condition
| Container | Condition | Price in stock |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | New, one-trip | $1,375 to $1,385 |
| 10 ft | New, one-trip | $1,761 to $1,890 |
| 10 ft high cube | New, one-trip | $2,085 |
| 20 ft | Used, wind and watertight | $1,540 |
| 20 ft | Used, cargo-worthy | $1,830 |
| 20 ft high cube | Used, Grade A | $2,130 |
| 20 ft | New, one-trip | $2,288 to $2,312 |
| 20 ft high cube | New, one-trip | $2,889 |
| 40 ft | Used, standard | $2,085 |
| 40 ft | Used, cargo-worthy | $2,185 |
| 40 ft high cube | Used | $2,635 |
| 40 ft | New, one-trip | $3,507 |
| 40 ft high cube | New, one-trip | $4,810 |
The pattern worth noticing: a used 40 ft costs less than a new 20 ft. If you need floor area more than appearance, a used 40 ft gives twice the space of a 20 ft for about the price of the smaller box new.
What sets the price
- Condition grade. One-trip containers have made a single sea voyage and look close to new. Cargo-worthy (CW) used containers still pass survey for shipping. Wind and watertight (WWT) containers keep weather out but may not pass cargo survey; they are the cheapest route to dry storage. Expect dents, surface rust and old markings on any used grade.
- Length. 20 ft and 40 ft are the standard ISO lengths and the most available. 8 ft and 10 ft units fit small yards but cost more per square foot.
- Height. A high cube is 9 ft 6 in tall, one foot more than standard. In our stock the premium runs from about $300 on a used 20 ft to about $1,300 on a new 40 ft.
- Refrigeration. Reefer containers carry an insulated shell and a refrigeration unit: $2,954.99 for a 10 ft, $4,085 for a 20 ft and $4,449 to $4,945 for a 40 ft.
- Modifications. Doors, windows, insulation, electrics and fit-out move a container out of this price band entirely. A 20 ft bar container is $3,189; a fitted 20 ft container kitchen is $8,290.
Costs outside the container price
- Delivery. Priced by distance and access. A 20 ft usually arrives on a tilt-bed truck that needs roughly 60 ft of straight clearance; a 40 ft needs about 100 ft. Get a quote for your address before you order.
- Site preparation. A container needs level, firm ground. Railroad ties, gravel or concrete blocks under the corners keep the floor dry and the doors square.
- Permits. Many towns treat a container that stays on site as a structure. Check before delivery.
Which container should you buy?
For plain storage at the lowest cost, buy a used wind and watertight 20 ft or a used 40 ft. For a container that will be visible, painted or converted, buy one-trip: the steel is cleaner, the doors seal better and there is less rust to treat. Buy a high cube when you need racking, forklift access or head height for a conversion.
Common questions
How much is a 20 ft shipping container? In our stock, $1,540 used (wind and watertight) to $2,312 new one-trip for a standard 20 ft, and $2,889 for a new 20 ft high cube.
How much is a 40 ft shipping container? $2,085 used to $3,507 new one-trip for a standard 40 ft, and $4,810 for a new 40 ft high cube.
Is a used shipping container worth it? For storage, yes. A used wind and watertight container keeps contents dry for a fraction of the new price; it just looks its age.
Why are shipping container prices different everywhere? Local supply sets the price. Containers are cheapest near ports and rail depots where they come off service, and delivery distance is added on top.
Browse 20 ft containers, 40 ft containers, used shipping containers, high cube containers or refrigerated containers.