Trying to figure out shipping container cost before you buy? You’re not alone — it’s the question our sales team hears more than any other, and honestly, the answer isn’t a single number. It depends on size, condition, and what you actually plan to use the container for.

In this guide, we’ll walk through real pricing by size, explain what pushes the price up or down, and point you toward the exact containers on our site that match what you’re looking for — so you’re not just reading theory, you’re looking at actual available units.

What Does a Shipping Container Cost?

Most buyers land somewhere between $1,800 and $6,300 depending on size and condition. Compact 10ft units start lower, while larger 40ft high cube containers or specialty builds (like climate-controlled storage or container pools) run higher.

Here’s a snapshot of real pricing from our current inventory:

Prices shift regularly based on inventory and location, so treat this table as a starting point — check the linked product pages for current, exact pricing.

What Actually Drives Shipping Container Cost

Size Is the Biggest Factor

The bigger the container, the more steel, more welding, and more transport weight — so price climbs with length. A 10ft container is the cheapest entry point, ideal if you just need to lock up tools or seasonal gear. Step up to 20ft containers for a one-car-garage’s worth of space, or go straight to a 40ft high cube if you need serious volume for a business, farm, or job site.

Condition Grade Changes the Number Fast

This is the part buyers often miss. “Used” doesn’t mean “worn out” — it just tells you which condition grade you’re getting:

• Cargo Worthy (CW): Certified structurally sound, still fit for international shipping. Good middle-ground pricing.
• Wind and Watertight (WWT): No longer certified for ocean freight, but fully sealed against weather. Our 40ft used cargo-worthy dry van is a solid example — structurally sound and guaranteed wind & watertight.
• As-Is: Sold exactly as it stands. Cheapest option, and a smart pick if you’re planning to modify it anyway, like our 40 Ft HC Used Shipping Container sold As-Is.

If your priority is dry, secure storage rather than showroom looks, a WWT or As-Is unit will save you real money without giving up function.

Delivery Distance

A container sitting at a nearby depot costs a lot less to deliver than one traveling hundreds of miles on a specialized truck. We deliver nationwide using HIAB vehicles that can lift and position your container even in tight or off-road spots — but distance still affects the final number, so always ask for a delivered price, not just the container price.

Modifications and Special Builds

A basic storage box needs nothing extra. But once you start adding doors, insulation, shelving, or a full conversion, cost goes up accordingly. We carry several ready-built specialty options if you’d rather skip the custom build entirely:

• Refrigerated storage containers (reefers) for temperature-sensitive storage
• 40Ft Living Container House for a fully finished container home
• 10ft Bar Container for events, festivals, or pop-up service

New vs. Used: Which One Actually Makes Sense?

If appearance and long-term structural life matter most — say, you’re building something permanent — a one-trip container like our 10Ft X 8Ft One-Trip unit is worth the higher price. It’s made one journey from the factory and looks close to brand new.

If you just need reliable, weatherproof storage and don’t mind a few cosmetic marks, a used CW or WWT container gets the job done for noticeably less. Most of our customers buying for farm, jobsite, or backyard storage go this route.

How to Get the Best Price

1. Ask for a delivered price, not just the container price. Delivery distance can swing your total by hundreds of dollars.
2. Get the exact condition grade in writing — “used” alone doesn’t tell you enough.
3. Check our Used Shipping Containers category for current in-stock inventory and pricing before requesting a custom quote.
4. Ask about price matching. If you’ve received a verified lower quote elsewhere, we’ll match it.
5. Buy during slower demand periods if your timeline allows — pricing tends to ease outside peak construction and moving seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 10ft shipping container cost?
Our 10ft units start around $2,150 for standard builds, with one-trip units like the 10Ft X 8Ft Shipping Container priced at $2,835.

How much does a 20ft shipping container cost?
Pricing starts from $3,500 for units like the 20Ft Open Side High Cube Container, with standard closed units often priced lower — check our 20ft container category for current options.

How much does a 40ft shipping container cost?
Our 40ft HC units range from roughly $2,900 to $6,300 depending on condition and configuration. See the 40 Ft HC Shipping Container page for live pricing.

Is a used container a good deal, or should I buy new?
For most storage needs, used (CW or WWT) is the better value — you get a fully functional, weatherproof container for meaningfully less than a one-trip unit. New only makes sense if appearance and long-term permanence are priorities.

Does the price include delivery?
Not always — this varies by seller. We deliver nationwide using HIAB vehicles, so ask us directly for a delivered price to your ZIP code before comparing quotes.