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How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost?
Shipping containers cost $2,600 to $5,500, with most buyers paying around $3,200 for a standard used 20ft unit.
Container prices scale mainly with length and condition, not brand, since containers are built to the same ISO specs worldwide. A small used 10ft unit and a new 40ft high cube sit at opposite ends of the range, with 20ft containers as the most common middle-ground purchase.
Price by type
| Type | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft container (used) | $2,600–$3,400 | Smallest footprint, best for tight lots and light storage; often has cosmetic wear. |
| 20ft container (used, cargo-worthy) | $3,000–$4,200 | The 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 since it made a single ocean voyage before resale. |
| 40ft container (used to new) | $4,200–$5,500 | Double the interior space of a 20ft unit for conversions and bulk storage. |
What affects the price
Size
Price roughly steps up from 10ft to 20ft to 40ft, though not in strict proportion to length.
Condition grade
Used/cargo-worthy units cost less than one-trip or new containers, which have little to no rust or denting.
High cube vs standard height
High cube containers (9'6" tall) run modestly more than standard 8'6" units of the same length.
Delivery/freight
Delivery is quoted separately at checkout and depends on distance from the depot and site access; it's not included in the item price above.
Modifications
Cut-in doors, windows, shelving, or paint add to the base container price beyond these ranges.
Bottom line
For straightforward storage, a used 20ft container in the $3,000-$4,200 range covers most needs. Step up to new or 40ft units only if you need minimal wear or maximum capacity, and always get a delivery quote for your specific address before ordering.
Shop Shipping ContainersCost FAQs
Is it cheaper to buy a used or new shipping container?
Used containers are cheaper, typically $2,600-$4,200 versus $4,000-$5,500 for new or one-trip units, but used units may show surface rust or dents that don't affect structural use.
Does the shipping container price include delivery?
No. The prices above are for the container itself; delivery and freight are quoted separately at checkout based on distance and site access.
Why do 40ft containers cost less than double a 20ft container?
Manufacturing and steel costs don't scale linearly with length, so a 40ft unit typically costs 30-70% more than a 20ft unit rather than a full 100% more.
Prices shown are item prices from EquipDepot; freight delivery is quoted to your ZIP at checkout.