Looking to buy a good-priced shipping container? If you’re in the market for a container, you may be wondering how much it cost. Here’s an overview of how much are shipping containers in 2022 for new and used containers, as well as tips on how to get a good deal.
PS. Shipping Container Depot is the best place to buy affordable and great-quality shipping containers. Whether you’re looking for new or used containers, we price our containers that would definitely fit your budget. Call us at 626-765-9446 for a quick quote!
Table of Contents
How Much Do Shipping Containers Cost?
If you’re looking at a new 20ft container, expect to pay around US $2,600 to US $3,500. For a new 40ft container, the average price ranges from $4,200 to $6,200. A new 40ft High Cube container will cost between $5,200 to $8,000.
For specialty container types such as a new 20ft reefer container, the cost may range from $12,000 to $15,000. A 40ft reefer container may cost from $19,000 to $22,000.
20ft open-top shipping containers cost $4,000 to $6,000. 40ft open-top shipping containers may cost around $6,000 to $9,500.
If you’re on a budget, you can opt for a used shipping container which may range from $1500 to $5000.
Shipping Container Price Trend 2021, 2022, 2023
With the recent instability in storage units, prices have been rising. From 2021 to 2022, the high demand for shipping and storage containers has led to its largest price inflation.
You can buy new storage containers ranging from $5,000 and $7,000 in 2022. Used shipping containers may cost as little as $1,000.
While we can estimate the range of shipping container prices, it’s impossible to say for certain how much shipping containers will cost in 2023.
However, a number of factors – such as the price of steel, material storage rates, shipping costs, and global demand – can affect the cost of shipping containers.
Factors That Affect Container Prices
Given how much difficult it is to predict how much shipping containers will cost in 2023, it is safe to say that these factors will influence the price:
- Size of containers – In many cases, smaller containers (20 GP) cost less than their larger counterparts (40GP, 45ft, or 40HC).
- Condition – New shipping containers usually cost more than used cargo containers, but they are hard to find.
- Area where you live -. Containers in major cities are usually more expensive than in smaller towns. Shipping containers near the dock are also less expensive than those in the central part of the US.
- Geographical location: The cost of containers can differ based on various factors such as the local steel prices, economic conditions, and supply & demand. If you’re considering a location that doesn’t have direct access to the sea (i.e., it’s landlocked), know that transit costs will likely be more expensive.
- Availability – As the world economy continues to grow, it’s likely that the demand for shipping containers will continue to increase, which could lead to further price hikes. If there’s a decrease in global trade or an increase in the availability of labor, that could help to bring prices down.
Cost Considerations for Buying vs Renting a Shipping Container
The next thing you need to consider in your investment strategy is to whether buy or rent a container.
Buying shipping containers will definitely be more expensive than renting, but it pays off to lease if you don’t have a lot of capital.
Here are some reasons why you should rent or buy a container:
| You don’t have enough money to buy containers, but you need them ASAP | If you need them for storage |
| There’s a surge of demand for containers | You need boxes for permanent use or you always need them |
| You’re not sure how many boxes you need in the long run. | You are planning to modify or build a shipping container home |
Buying
If your business needs storage space for an extended period, it’s cheaper to buy a container outright than renting long-term. If you run out of space with a purchased container, it takes more time and research to find a new one than simply renting additional space would.
For shipping companies, buying sea containers may often be more advantageous since they require a lot of these all at the same time.
Renting
Shipping Container Depot Offers Containers for Sale and for Lease
Size Options and Container Pricing
The two most common shipping container sizes are the 20ft container and 40ft shipping container. Before knowing their prices, you should first know which size best suits your needs.
- 20-foot shipping container: 20’ x 8’ x 8′ 6″
- 40-foot shipping container: 40 x 8’ x 8′ 6″
The pricing of shipping containers can range widely depending on the size and condition of the unit. Newer or larger units typically cost more than older or smaller ones. Additionally, some additional costs such as freight, handling fees, and surcharges can significantly impact the final price of the container.
20ft Shipping Container Price
20ft dry cargo shipping containers may cost between $1,500 to $3,500.
20ft Container Type | Price Range |
20ft shipping container for rent | $145 to $180 pick up rate |
Used 20-foot dry cargo shipping container | $1,500 to $3,000 |
New 20-foot dry cargo shipping container | $2,800 to $3,500 |
20ft open-top containers | $4,000 to $6,000 |
Used 20ft reefer container | $8,000 to $10,000 |
New 20ft reefer container | $12,000 to $15,000 |
What you see above are the current average prices for shipping containers. However, since the outbreak of COVID-19, the container industry has suffered immensely which in turn has nearly doubled prices.
Additionally, as more people look into alternative uses for shipping containers (home offices, coffee shops, etc.), demand will continue to increase and so will prices.
40ft Shipping Container
40ft shipping containers may cost between $2,900 to $7,200.
40ft Container Type | Price Range |
40ft shipping container for rent | $50 to $700 |
Used 40-foot dry cargo shipping container | $2,900 to $4,000 |
New 40-foot dry cargo shipping container | $4,200 to $6,200 |
Used 40ft reefer container | $10,000 to $15,000 |
New 40ft reefer container | $19,000 to $22,000 |
High-Cube Container
The high-cube containers are the perfect solution for businesses needing extra height in their storage containers. High Cube containers give an additional foot of vertical space. These containers come in the standard sizes 20′ x 8′ x 9′ 6″ and 40′ x 8′ x 9′ 6″, but custom sizes are available at higher costs.
High Cube Type | Price Range |
40 HC shipping container for rent | $160 to $200 per month |
Used 40’ High Cube Shipping Container | $3,900 – $4,500 |
New 40-foot dry cargo shipping container | $5,200 to $8,000 |
Specialty Sizes
Container Condition and Pricing
When it comes to buying or selling a shipping container, condition and pricing are two of the most important factors to consider. The condition of the container can influence delivery times, cost savings, and even safety.
The average lifespan of a shipping container is 15 years, so take that into consideration when you’re looking at containers and determining their age and condition.
How to Inspect a Shipping Container
There are a few things you should inspect before purchasing a shipping container:
- general exterior surface rust, especially at the door bottoms;
- the condition of the door gasket around the door area; and finally,
- dents or pinholes in steel panels on the interior.
Keep in mind that an older container isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker – just be sure to factor age into your decision.
Accurately assessing the condition of a container prior to purchase is essential for ensuring you get the best deal possible.
Age
History of Repair
Damages
Before you purchase a used container, be sure to check for all present damages. Some damage might not bother you depending on what you plan to use the container for.
Age and condition are both important factors because a newer container could be more expensive but it may have gone through more wear and tear than an older one.
Here is a quick overview of the varying degrees, or grades, of shipping containers, what they entail, and their respective prices:
| Condition | These boxes have been loaded with cargo one time and have made a single trip. | Should have a CSC plate, showing that it has been safety approved in order to meet all of the requirements for safely transporting goods by sea, rail and road | Passes the CSC criteria; guaranteed not to leak. Grade A – certified to ship cargo Grade B – not certified to ship cargo | inspected and found to be damaged so severely that it will cost too much to repair to make it Wind and Water Tight. |
| Age | Only spend an average of 75-90 days in total on the sea. | Usually 10-16 years old | typically between 14 and 18 years old | |
| Remaining Lifespan | Approx 25 years and above if maintained | 9 to 15 years | 7 to 10 years | |
| Damages | Minor dents and scratches | old shipping markings, surface rust, abrasions, and dents. | extensive markings, scratches and corrosion | holes, broken flooring, and other structural issues. |
| Repairs | Very minimal to none | Undergone minor repairs | usually undergone multiple repairs | Cost too much for repairs and need a lot of repair work done |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Weld or straighten and weld | Perform annual checks; remove and treat rusted areas; Lubricate hinges and locks; Checking plywood floors, hinges Leakage inspection | Usually irreparable damages |
| Appropriate Use | Shipping container home, office, restaurant, hotels | Transporting goods by sea, rail and road | Storage container; affordable mobile storage solution | Can be used for some purpose where structural soundness and exterior is not required. |
Now, we compare the prices between these container conditions:
| New | WWT | Cargo-worthy | As-is | |
| 20ft | $5,000 to $7,000 | US $1,900 | US $2,500 | US $1,600 |
| 40ft | $6,000 to $9,500 | US $3,500 | US $3,700 | US $2,600 |
Types of Storage vs Prices
There are different types of storage/conex boxes and the price will depend on how it’s used.
Basically, storage containers that don’t travel overseas like shipping containers do come with smaller overhead costs.
Here are 2 storage types and how much they cost:
Self-Storage Facility
Self-storage is a beneficial service that gives people the chance to pay to keep their personal or professional belongings in a safe place.
Self-storage facilities are the most cost-effective type of storage. They usually require just a small amount of modification and can make use of 10×10 unit. This rents out for as low as $100 a month.
For an indoor storage facility that offers climate control, the monthly price is usually around $130. Although this amount is relatively low, don’t forget to factor in the additional money you’ll spend on transportation.
Shipping Container Storage
A shipping container rental is often more practical than a self-storage unit for shorter periods of time. You don’t have to waste time travelling back and forth to the facility every time you need an item. Instead, since thecontainer is located on your property, you can access it anytime – without even having to use transport items like dollies!
Shipping Container Modification
Some shipping container suppliers such as Shipping Container Depot, offer modification services for storage containers. Of course, this comes with an added fee.
The modifications come with add-ons to the original container layout and features such as the following
- Locks for extra security can range from $90 and up.
- Extra Doors – a great way to gain easier access to a storage unit and will set you back anywhere from $100-$400 for personnel doors, while large roll-up options start around $600.
- Awning – If you want to keep your unit cool, an awning is a way to go – prices generally range from $100-$1,000 for regular awnings and upwards of $1,500 for retractable varieties.
- Customized sizes: You can also opt for custom sizes which will increase the cost by 20%-30%.
- To add any extra amenities such as roofing, plumbing or window installation you will need to hire a contractor – prices vary according to their hourly rate.
How Much is a Shipping Container Home
The two most popular shipping container homes sizes are:
- 20′: 8′ wide and 8′ tall. These equal about 160 square feet.
- 40′: 8′ wide and 8′ tall. These equal about 320 square feet.
In addition to the pricing mentioned above, here are some other shipping container home costs to consider:
- Plumbing: $7,000
Site preparation: $10,000 - Assembly: $3,000
- HVAC: $7,000
- Electrical: $7,000
- Flooring: $5,000
- Insulation: $5,500
- Roofing: $3,000
- Doors and hardware: $2,000
- Shelves and closets: $2,000
- Finishes and painting: $6,000
- Windows: $4,000
Delivery
Shipping Container Price Development According To Location
Shipping Container Prices in India
Due to the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka, recent shipping traffic has been diverted to India. To manage this sudden increase in cargo volume, Indian ports have been expanding their capacities.
An unfortunate 25% container shortage hit Chennai port earlier in 2022 and caused a sharp rise in shipping costs.
Container Prices in China
Container Prices in the US
Wrapping Up
There you go – the updated costs of shipping containers in 2023. We also discussed how the prices can be influenced by several factors such as your location, size of the container, modifications needed and the age of the container.
Shipping Container Depot is a trusted storage container supplier in the US. We only source the best quality containers for you from prominent shipping container manufacturers in the US. We offer one of the lowest prices and guarantee on-time delivery. Whether you need a shipping container for rent or for purchase, we got you covered!
