How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost on Average?

Each year about $4 trillion worth of goods make their way across the ocean to the United States. These goods are transported in shipping containers.

If you need to ship goods via freight, then a shipping container can help reduce your shipping costs by consolidating your shipment. So how much does a shipping container cost?

Use this guide to understand the differences in the pricing of containers.

How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost?

The answer to this question isn’t so simple. Several factors dictate the price you’ll pay for your shipping container. Consider the size, condition, delivery, and availability when looking for your shipping container.

Size

The larger the container is, the more expensive it’ll be. A standard container is 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet tall. If you need a taller cube, then consider a high cube, they are 9.5 feet tall.

If the length of the cube is the issue, then you could opt for a 40-foot long cube. This is the next standard length.

Condition

The condition tends to be the most significant factor when determining the price. The most expensive containers are those that are new or “one trip”. These containers are in the best condition possible.

Used containers are the next step down in condition. These can be in various states but are still in good enough condition for use in shipping. You’ll find that some of them are referred to as refurbished, which means they’re in better condition than they once were.

Another option is “wind and watertight” containers. These won’t leak or let rodents in. Then the final condition is “as-is”. These containers will have holes, rust, and compromised flooring.

Specialty

If you want a container with unique features, then you’ll pay more. These containers are harder to locate and in lower supply. The more unique the feature or the harder to locate the container, the higher the price will be.

Here are a few specialties that will affect the price:

• Unique shape
• Double door
• Open side
• Refrigerated

Location

Where you are located in the United States can greatly influence the price you’ll pay for your container. The same container in one city can cost hundreds more in another.

You can work with a national service like this company to compare rates in nearby cities.

Delivery Fees

Why not order your container from the cheaper further away city and save that money? The delivery fees would be astronomical. Many container companies will offer free delivery within a certain distance but will charge beyond that radius.

The Season

There are shipping seasons, and if you try to buy a shipping container at the height of the season, you’ll pay top dollar. This is because the containers are in high demand, and sellers can ask for more.

Shop for Your Shipping Container

Hopefully, this article helps answer the questions, how much does a shipping container cost? While we can’t give exact pricing, you should be able to use this guide to narrow down your options to fit your budget.

Check out the business section of our blog for more helpful articles like this one.