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How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost?
Shipping containers run $2,600 to $5,500, with most buyers paying around $3,200 for a standard used 20ft unit.
Container pricing tracks length and condition far more than brand, since containers worldwide are built to the same ISO specs. A small used 10ft box sits at one end, a new 40ft high cube at the other, with the 20ft container as the default middle-ground buy.
Price by type
| Type | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft container (used) | $2,600–$3,400 | Smallest footprint on the lot, good for tight spaces and light storage, usually shows some cosmetic wear. |
| 20ft container (used, cargo-worthy) | $3,000–$4,200 | The volume seller; fits most driveways and job sites without a fuss. |
| 20ft container (new/one-trip) | $4,000–$4,900 | Made one ocean crossing before resale, so rust and dents are minimal. |
| 40ft container (used to new) | $4,200–$5,500 | Roughly double the interior space of a 20ft box for conversions or bulk storage. |
What affects the price
Size
Price 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 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
Quoted separately at checkout based on distance from the depot and site access, not folded into the prices above.
Modifications
Cut-in doors, windows, shelving, or paint push the price above these base ranges.
Bottom line
For straightforward storage, a used 20ft container in the $3,000-$4,200 range covers most jobs. Step up to new or 40ft only if minimal wear or maximum capacity actually matters to you, and get a delivery quote for your address before you commit.
Shop Shipping ContainersCost FAQs
Is a used container cheaper than new?
Yes. Used units typically run $2,600-$4,200 versus $4,000-$5,500 for new or one-trip containers, though used ones may carry surface rust or dents that don't affect structural use.
Does container pricing include delivery?
No. The prices above cover the container only; delivery and freight are quoted separately at checkout based on distance and site access.
Why doesn't a 40ft container cost double a 20ft?
Steel and manufacturing cost don't scale straight-line with length, so a 40ft unit usually runs 30-70% more than a 20ft unit, not a full 100% more.
Prices shown are item prices from Ironwood Equipment LLC; freight delivery is quoted to your ZIP at checkout.