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How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost?
Shipping containers run $2,600 to $5,500. Most buyers pay around $3,200 for a standard used 20ft unit.
More than anything, a container's price follows its length and condition -- since every unit meets the same ISO specifications no matter where it was made. At the low end sits a small used 10ft box; at the high end, a new 40ft high cube; and the 20ft container falls in as the standard middle option.
Price by type
| Type | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft container (used) | $2,600–$3,400 | Smallest footprint, fits tight lots and light storage. Expect cosmetic wear. |
| 20ft container (used, cargo-worthy) | $3,000–$4,200 | Most popular size and price point -- fits most driveways and job sites. |
| 20ft container (new/one-trip) | $4,000–$4,900 | Minimal rust or dents -- made one ocean voyage before resale. |
| 40ft container (used to new) | $4,200–$5,500 | Roughly double the interior space of a 20ft unit for conversions and bulk storage. |
What affects the price
Size
Price steps up from 10ft to 20ft to 40ft, though not in a straight line with length.
Condition grade
Used/cargo-worthy units cost less than one-trip or new containers, which show little to no rust or denting.
High cube vs standard height
High cube containers (9'6" tall) run a bit more than standard 8'6" units of the same length.
Delivery/freight
Delivery isn't rolled into the item prices shown here -- it's quoted on its own at checkout, calculated from how far you are from the depot and how accessible your site is.
Modifications
Cut-in doors, windows, shelving, or paint add to the base container price beyond these ranges.
Bottom line
If you just need dependable storage, a used 20ft container running $3,000-$4,200 handles most situations. Reserve new units or 40ft sizes for cases where you want minimal wear or the largest capacity. Pull a delivery quote for your address before you place the order.
Shop Shipping ContainersCost FAQs
Is it cheaper to buy a used or new shipping container?
Going used saves money -- generally $2,600-$4,200 against $4,000-$5,500 for new or one-trip containers. Expect that used units may carry surface rust or dents, none of which compromise structural integrity.
Does the shipping container price include delivery?
No -- what's quoted above is for the container on its own. Delivery and freight get priced separately at checkout, based on how far the haul is and how reachable your site is.
Why do 40ft containers cost less than double a 20ft container?
Because steel and manufacturing costs don't rise in lockstep with length, a 40ft unit typically comes in 30-70% above a 20ft rather than a full 100% more.
Prices shown are item prices from Station Containers; freight delivery is quoted to your ZIP at checkout.