How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost in 2025?
The shipping container price typically ranges from $500 to $5,000. Your final cost depends on several factors, including the container’s type, size, condition, and location. This guide explains what you should expect for both new and used containers. We also outline major factors that influence price of shipping containers and offer tips to help you get the best value when considering your purchase, whether for business expansion or a personal project.
Why Buy a Shipping Container?
Shipping containers provide outstanding flexibility for businesses of all sizes. Many organizations use containers for creative purposes such as temporary housing, extra storage, office space, and urban gardening. Beyond these uses, containers play a vital role in logistics by making sure goods reach destinations safely and efficiently worldwide. For example, pop-up shops and mobile clinics increasingly use robust shipping containers for their ability to move easily and set up quickly in new locations.
Buying, rather than renting, often leads to long-term cost savings. Ownership also gives you extra storage space without straining your budget. However, the shipping container price can fluctuate, influenced by market demand, size, condition, and availability. Some buyers find investing in several containers at once can further lower the overall shipping container price through bulk discounts.
Below, you’ll learn what you can expect in 2025 so you can select the best solution for your needs.
Shipping Container Price: Average Cost Breakdown for 2025
Here’s a quick breakdown of shipping container price averages for 2025:
- Used 20 ft container: $950–$3,000
- New 20 ft container: $2,000–$2,800
- Used 40 ft container: $2,000–$3,500 (standard)
- New 40 ft container: $3,000–$4,500 (standard)
Prices may shift depending on your region, selected container type, and changes in the market. For example, shipping container price is generally higher in areas far from major ports, since transportation adds to the cost. Similarly, custom colors or features like added ventilation or shelving also increase the shipping container price.
Shipping Container Price: Find the Best Rates Near You
Use our public search tool to compare shipping container prices in your area. This way, you can find the shipping container that fits your needs and budget. When evaluating your options, try checking prices from both local and national suppliers, as competition may sometimes lower the shipping container price even further. Seasonality can also affect prices, with higher demand during peak moving and shipping seasons.
A helpful tip is to ask about bulk purchasing or special deals, as some companies offer periodic discounts or promotions that can make a notable difference in shipping container price.
Factors Affecting Shipping Container Price
A variety of factors play a role in determining the shipping container price. Knowing these will help you make an informed decision when shopping for storage solutions, workspaces, or transport needs.
Size
Containers come in a range of sizes from 10 feet up to 53 feet. Most businesses choose standard sizes like 20 ft, 40 ft, or 40 ft high cube. Since 40 ft containers cost less to ship, many companies prefer them when they have the space. For businesses with tighter budgets or limited space, 20 ft containers may be the better choice. Larger containers are ideal when you need to ship bulky equipment or create on-site modular buildings.
Additionally, the shipping container price increases with non-standard sizes or custom layouts, as these require special manufacturing and are less common in the market.
Condition
Shipping containers can be either brand new or used. Used containers receive grading based on quality. Some serve well for storage or temporary uses, and others suit transport. Containers that were once in shipping fleets are typically sold after several years of service, making them a cost-effective alternative to new models. However, visible wear like dents or previous repairs can reduce the shipping container cost further.
When considering condition, always request detailed photos and inspection reports before finalizing your purchase. This ensures you are paying a fair shipping container price for the container’s actual quality.
Location and Its Impact on Shipping Container Price
Location remains one of the biggest factors impacting the shipping container cost. The distance from ports, distribution hubs, or transport networks can affect how much you pay. Areas farther from shipping centers see increased delivery charges, raising the final shipping container price for buyers.
In some rural areas, container availability may be limited, and the shipping container price increases as a result. In contrast, urban areas near shipping lanes often enjoy better availability and more competitive pricing.
Customizations
Modifications—such as insulation, additional doors, or installing electrical systems—raise the total shipping container price. These can make the container more functional but add to overall costs. For example, containers customized for office use may include windows, climate control, and extra security features, each of which adds to the base shipping container price.
Consider your needs ahead of time, and weigh whether it’s more cost-effective to buy a standard container and retrofit it yourself, or purchase a pre-modified container from a supplier.
Types of Shipping Containers and Their Price
The shipping container cost can vary based on the type you choose. Types include reefer (R), side door (SD), double door (DD), flat rack (FT), hard top (HT), open top (OT), or pallet wide (PW). Not sure which best suits your needs? A knowledgeable consultant can help you decide. Reefers are temperature-controlled for perishables, while flat racks work for oversized cargo, and open tops make it easy to load machinery or tall goods.
The more specialized the design, the higher the shipping container price due to limited supply and increased manufacturing costs.
Evaluating Shipping Container Condition
Containers are built to resist tough conditions. Buying a used shipping container is often a wise, cost-effective solution for many. Used containers can have minor dents or rust, but these rarely impact strength. When you buy a shipping container, you can select from several conditions: new, one-trip, cargo-worthy, wind and watertight, or as-is.
Brand New (One-Trip) Shipping Containers
One-trip shipping containers are new containers that have been used only once, usually to ship goods from the manufacturer. Usually, they have no rust, dents, or signs of wear. As the most expensive option, they are ideal for long-term storage or conversions like offices or homes.
- 20 ft brand new: $2,500–$5,000
- 40 ft high cube: $4,000–$7,000
One-trip containers are an excellent choice if you want the benefits of a completely clean and damage-free unit, though the shipping container price will be at the premium end of the scale.
Shipping Containers Rated as Cargo-Worthy
Cargo-worthy containers carry some signs of use, but they remain safe for use at sea. On average, these shipping containers cost $1,500–$5,000 depending on the size. Cargo-worthy units are suitable for both international shipping and static storage.
When considering this option, check the container’s certification status. A current CSC plate (Container Safety Convention) means it meets global transport standards and justifies the shipping container price.
Wind and Watertight Shipping Containers
Wind and watertight (WWT) containers remain in good shape with no leaks. While they are less expensive than cargo-worthy containers, WWTs need further inspection before being used for overseas shipping. These are ideal for businesses or individuals who need affordable storage for equipment, files, or supplies.
Opting for WWT containers can help lower your investment in terms of shipping container price, but always confirm there are no hidden damages.
Shipping Containers Sold “As Is”
“As is” containers often show heavy use and aren’t seaworthy. These work best for storing items that don’t need wind and water protection. They also offer the lowest shipping container price.
Though they have visible wear, many buyers use them for low-budget construction, garden sheds, simple workshops, or on farms for non-perishable storage. If appearance is less important, this route saves significantly on shipping container price.
Shipping Container Price: Tips and Additional Insights
From price ranges for various types and grades to tips on saving money, we’ve compiled the latest details to help you make informed choices. Consider seeking advice from experienced buyers or joining online forums dedicated to shipping container conversions—participants often share insider tips on negotiating a better shipping container price.
Also, keep in mind the cost of delivery and site preparation. Factoring in site access, permits, and installation equipment can help you plan your final budget accurately.
Get Wholesale Shipping Container Price with Container Equip
Container Equip is the leading global marketplace for shipping containers. Buy and sell shipping containers in more than 2,500 places worldwide.
You can choose from over 100,000 containers at wholesale prices, without paying a commission.
Speak directly to container vendors to negotiate rates and manage the procurement process with ease.
But there’s more! Container Equip also allows you to:
- See shipping container prices and costs in real time
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By understanding your needs and the key factors that affect shipping container cost, you can confidently find the best solution—whether you need a new or used container, basic storage, or a complex custom build. If you’d like personal guidance or a quote tailored to your requirements, reach out to Container Equip today.
