Renting a shipping container makes sense when you need temporary storage, you're not ready to commit to a purchase, or you want to try a container before buying. Monthly rental rates are affordable, setup is fast, and most suppliers handle delivery and pickup. Here's everything you need to know before you sign a rental agreement.
Most asked
How much does rental cost?
Monthly rates by size and condition, what drives prices up, and how to get the best deal from your supplier.
Rental prices →Moving soon?
Containers for moving
How portable storage containers compare to traditional moving trucks and full-service movers — costs, convenience, and what to expect.
Moving guide →Best of both
Rent to own explained
How rent-to-own works, typical terms, total cost compared to buying outright, and when it's the right choice.
RTO guide →The three rental models
Short-term rental
$75–$200/mo
Month-to-month with no long-term commitment. Most common for moving, renovation, and seasonal storage. Pickup on request — typically 1–3 business days notice.
Long-term rental
$60–$150/mo
6-month or 12-month contracts at a discounted monthly rate. Good for ongoing storage needs — job sites, business inventory, agricultural use.
Rent to own (RTO)
$150–$400/mo
Monthly payments that go toward purchasing the container. Higher monthly cost than a straight rental, but you end up owning the container at the end of the term.
Typical rental prices at a glance
| Container size | Monthly (short-term) | Monthly (12-mo contract) | Delivery fee (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | $75–$120 | $60–$100 | $100–$400 |
| 20ft standard | $95–$175 | $75–$140 | $150–$600 |
| 20ft high cube | $110–$195 | $90–$155 | $150–$600 |
| 40ft standard | $130–$249 | $105–$195 | $200–$800 |
| 40ft high cube | $150–$270 | $120–$210 | $200–$800 |
Rates vary by region, supplier, and current market conditions. Port cities typically have lower rates due to greater competition.
Rent vs buy — which makes more sense?
Rent when you need...
- Temporary storage (under 18–24 months)
- Flexibility to return it when done
- No upfront capital outlay
- Storage during a move or renovation
- Seasonal or project-based use
- To test a location before committing
Buy when you need...
- Long-term storage (24+ months)
- Permanent on-site presence
- Modification or conversion
- Building a container home
- Full ownership and resale option
- Tax depreciation on a business asset
The break-even point between renting and buying a 20ft container is typically 18–24 months. If you need the container longer than that, buying almost always makes more financial sense — even accounting for the upfront cost.
What a rental agreement should cover
Before signing, confirm these points are clearly addressed in writing:
- Monthly rate and billing date — confirm the rate is locked for your term and when the first payment is due (delivery date vs calendar date)
- Minimum rental period — most suppliers have a 1–3 month minimum; some charge it even if you return early
- Delivery and pickup fees — ask whether these are included in the monthly rate or billed separately at start and end
- Damage policy — you're responsible for damage during your rental. Normal wear is excluded; damage from your use (forklift punctures, fire, flooding from improper use) is your liability
- Return notice period — typically 30 days written notice required before pickup. Missing this can trigger another month's charge
- Late payment terms — most suppliers charge 1.5–2% per month on overdue balances and reserve the right to remove the container if payments lapse
Always get the pickup fee in writing before you sign
The most common rental dispute is an unexpected pickup fee at the end of the contract. Some suppliers quote "free delivery" and charge $300–$600 for pickup. Confirm both fees upfront.
How to find a container rental supplier
Container rental availability varies significantly by region. Major port cities (Houston, Los Angeles, Savannah, Newark, Seattle, Chicago) have the most competition and lowest rates. Inland markets have fewer suppliers and higher delivery costs.
The simplest approach is a marketplace like Shipped.com, which aggregates available rental inventory from suppliers across the US and shows transparent pricing with delivery estimates by zip code. Alternatively, searching "[your city] shipping container rental" surfaces local depot operations — useful for negotiating directly if you need a long-term contract.