Shipping container prices in 2026 range from around $1,000 for an AS-IS unit to over $9,000 for a new 40ft high cube. The average price for a used 20ft container in good condition (CWO grade) is $2,000–$3,500, delivered within 100 miles of a depot. The right price for your situation depends on four things: size, condition grade, your location, and the current market. This guide covers all of them.
Shipping container prices at a glance
10ft
$1,500–$3,500
Used to one-trip
20ft
$1,200–$5,500
AS-IS to one-trip
40ft
$1,800–$9,000
AS-IS to HC one-trip
Delivery
$300–$2,000
Always extra
In this guide
Full price table: all sizes and condition grades
All prices exclude delivery. Prices reflect 2025–2026 US market conditions and will vary by region and supplier.
| Size | AS-IS | WWT | CWO | One-trip | High cube add |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | $800–$1,400 | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,500–$2,800 | $2,500–$3,500 | +$200–$400 |
| 20ft standard | $1,000–$1,800 | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$5,500 | +$400–$800 |
| 40ft standard | $1,200–$2,200 | $2,000–$3,500 | $2,800–$4,500 | $4,500–$7,500 | +$500–$1,500 |
| 40ft high cube | $1,400–$2,600 | $2,400–$4,000 | $3,200–$5,200 | $5,500–$9,000 | — |
| 45ft | $1,800–$3,000 | $2,500–$4,200 | $3,500–$5,500 | $6,000–$10,000 | +$500–$1,000 |
What the condition grades mean
AS-IS: sold as found, no condition guarantee. WWT: wind and water tight — keeps weather out. CWO: cargo worthy, certified structurally sound and weathertight. One-trip: used once from factory to the US, functionally new. See the full grade guide.
Shipping container prices by region
Your location is the single biggest factor outside of size and grade. Containers are most plentiful and cheapest near major port cities — Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, New York, Seattle. The further you are from a major depot, the more you pay for both the container and delivery.
Southeast (FL, GA, AL, SC)
| 20ft WWT used | $1,600–$2,600 |
| 20ft CWO used | $2,200–$3,200 |
| 40ft CWO used | $3,000–$4,500 |
| Delivery (50 mi) | $350–$600 |
Texas & Gulf Coast
| 20ft WWT used | $1,500–$2,400 |
| 20ft CWO used | $2,000–$3,000 |
| 40ft CWO used | $2,800–$4,200 |
| Delivery (50 mi) | $300–$550 |
West Coast (CA, OR, WA)
| 20ft WWT used | $1,400–$2,200 |
| 20ft CWO used | $1,900–$3,000 |
| 40ft CWO used | $2,600–$4,000 |
| Delivery (50 mi) | $300–$500 |
Midwest (OH, IL, MI, IN)
| 20ft WWT used | $1,800–$2,800 |
| 20ft CWO used | $2,400–$3,600 |
| 40ft CWO used | $3,200–$4,800 |
| Delivery (50 mi) | $400–$700 |
Northeast (NY, NJ, MA, CT)
| 20ft WWT used | $1,800–$2,800 |
| 20ft CWO used | $2,400–$3,800 |
| 40ft CWO used | $3,200–$5,000 |
| Delivery (50 mi) | $400–$800 |
Mountain West / Rural
| 20ft WWT used | $2,000–$3,200 |
| 20ft CWO used | $2,600–$4,000 |
| 40ft CWO used | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Delivery (50 mi) | $500–$1,200 |
Delivery costs — the number most buyers underestimate
Container prices are almost always quoted without delivery. Delivery is a separate line item and it is significant — in some rural areas it can match the container price on a smaller unit. Always ask for a delivered price to your zip code before comparing suppliers.
Near a major depot
$200–$500
Within 50 miles of a port city. Most competitive pricing for both container and transport.
Regional distance
$500–$1,200
50–250 miles from a depot. Delivery is a meaningful fraction of total cost — factor in before comparing quotes.
Inland or remote
$1,000–$2,500+
250+ miles from nearest depot. In remote areas delivery can equal or exceed the container price on small units.
Standard delivery uses a tilt-bed truck. If your site requires a crane, add $800–$2,500 on top. Mention any site access restrictions before scheduling delivery.
Always get a delivered price, not just a container price
A supplier 30 miles away quoting $2,800 delivered may be cheaper total than one quoting $2,200 that is 200 miles from you with a $900 delivery fee.
Total cost by use case
The container purchase price is just the starting point. Here are realistic all-in budgets for the most common uses.
Basic storage
$2,500–$6,000
- Used 20ft container $1,800–$3,500
- Delivery $300–$800
- Gravel pad or blocks $200–$600
- Lock box & padlock $50–$150
Workshop / garage
$7,000–$20,000
- Used 40ft container $3,000–$5,000
- Delivery $400–$900
- Concrete pad $1,000–$3,000
- Electrical sub-panel $1,500–$4,000
- Ventilation & lighting $500–$1,500
- Insulation (optional) $2,000–$5,000
Backyard office
$15,000–$40,000
- One-trip 20ft HC container $4,500–$6,000
- Delivery $400–$800
- Foundation $1,000–$3,000
- Insulation $2,000–$5,000
- Electrical $2,000–$5,000
- HVAC mini-split $2,500–$5,000
- Interior finish $3,000–$8,000
Container home (single 40ft)
$35,000–$100,000+
- One-trip 40ft HC container $6,000–$9,000
- Foundation & site prep $5,000–$15,000
- Structural modifications $5,000–$15,000
- Insulation $3,000–$7,000
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC $15,000–$35,000
- Interior finish & fixtures $10,000–$25,000
Hidden costs most buyers miss
Permit fees
$100–$1,500
Required in most jurisdictions for permanent placements or converted structures.
Foundation or site prep
$500–$5,000
Gravel pads, railroad ties, or concrete slabs. Often underestimated if excavation or grading is needed.
Crane delivery
$800–$2,500
Required when a tilt-bed truck cannot access your site. Discover this before ordering, not after.
Modifications
$500–$10,000+
Roll-up doors, windows, vents, personnel doors — each one adds cost. Cut openings require welding and structural reinforcement.
Painting
$300–$1,500
Used containers arrive in whatever color they retired in. Budget for repainting if appearance matters.
Inspection
$100–$400
Pre-purchase inspection if buying remotely, and any permits required for moving an oversized load.
Buy vs rent: which is cheaper?
Renting is cheaper for short-term needs (under 12 months). Buying wins on total cost for anything permanent or over 18 months.
| Duration | Buy (20ft CWO) all-in | Rent (20ft) all-in | Better option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | $3,500–$5,000 (buy + resell) | $450–$600 | Rent |
| 6 months | $3,000–$4,500 (buy + resell) | $900–$1,200 | Rent |
| 12 months | $2,500–$4,000 (buy + resell) | $1,800–$2,400 | Close call |
| 24 months | $2,200–$3,800 (own it) | $3,600–$4,800 | Buy |
| Permanent | $2,000–$3,500 (retains value) | Ongoing monthly | Buy |
Monthly rental rates for a standard 20ft container run $100–$200 in most US markets. See the full container rental pricing guide for current rates by size and region.
What drives price differences
- High impact
Distance from a depot
The largest variable. Being 200 miles from the nearest major depot can add $800–$1,500 to total cost versus a buyer near a port city.
- High impact
Condition grade
One-trip containers cost 2–3× more than WWT in the same size. The grade you need depends on your use — for basic storage, WWT is often sufficient.
- High impact
Global shipping demand
Container prices track global trade. When ocean freight demand surges (as in 2021), used prices spiked 50–80%. Current 2026 market is close to pre-pandemic norms.
- Medium impact
Local supplier competition
Port cities have many suppliers competing — prices are sharper. Inland markets with one or two suppliers have less pressure to compete on price.
- Medium impact
Container size
A 40ft costs 50–80% more than a 20ft in the same grade, but delivers twice the floor space — significantly better value per square foot.
- Low impact
Standard vs high cube
High cube adds $500–$1,500 to purchase price. Worth it for living spaces, offices, workshops. Not necessary for basic storage.
- No impact
Container color
Color is cosmetic and has zero effect on price. Don’t pay more for a specific color — any container can be painted.
How shipping container prices have changed
| Period | 20ft CWO used price | What was happening |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 | $1,400–$2,200 | Normal pre-pandemic market, stable pricing |
| Early 2020 | $1,200–$1,900 | COVID slowdown briefly depressed prices |
| 2021–2022 | $3,000–$6,000 | Global supply chain disruption — extreme demand spike |
| 2023 | $2,000–$3,500 | Normalizing as supply chain pressures eased |
| 2024 | $1,800–$3,200 | Near-normal conditions |
| 2025–2026 | $1,800–$3,200 | Stable market, close to historical average |
Current pricing is back near historical norms after the 2021–2022 spike. If you’re seeing quotes well above these ranges, compare more suppliers. Well below, verify the condition grade carefully.
How to get a fair price on a shipping container
The most reliable approach: get three quotes for the exact same spec (same size, same grade, delivered to the same zip code). Prices should cluster within 10–20% of each other. An outlier 30%+ below the others signals a lower grade, undisclosed damage, or delivery not included.
Confirm these before accepting any quote:
- Is delivery included, and to what address exactly?
- What specific grade is the container — CWO, WWT, or just “used”?
- Is this a specific inspectable unit, or a generic depot container?
- Does the price include crane service if your site requires it?
- What is the policy if the container arrives with undisclosed damage?
- Are there fuel surcharges or access fees not in the base quote?
Compare container prices near you
Shipped.com shows live pricing from local suppliers across the US — filter by size and grade, with delivery estimates to your zip code.
See current prices →Frequently asked questions: shipping container prices
How much does a shipping container cost?
A used 20ft shipping container in good condition (CWO grade) costs $2,000–$3,500 before delivery in most US markets in 2026. New (one-trip) 20ft containers cost $3,500–$5,500. Used 40ft containers run $2,800–$4,500, and one-trip 40ft containers are $4,500–$7,500. Delivery adds $300–$2,000 depending on distance from the nearest depot.
What is the price of a new shipping container?
New shipping containers — called “one-trip” because they have made one journey from the factory to the US — cost $3,500–$5,500 for a 20ft and $5,000–$9,000 for a 40ft high cube. Factory-new containers ordered directly from manufacturers start around $7,000–$12,000 for a 40ft. One-trip units from local depots are the most practical way to buy new in the US.
How much is a used 20ft shipping container?
A used 20ft shipping container costs $1,500–$3,500 depending on condition grade. AS-IS units run $1,000–$1,800. Wind and water tight (WWT) units are $1,500–$2,500. Cargo worthy (CWO) certified units are $2,000–$3,500. All prices are before delivery, which adds $300–$800 for most locations.
How much does a 40ft shipping container cost?
A used 40ft shipping container in cargo-worthy (CWO) condition costs $2,800–$4,500 excluding delivery. One-trip 40ft containers cost $4,500–$7,500. The 40ft high cube version — one foot taller than standard — adds $500–$1,500 to the price. Delivery for a 40ft runs $400–$2,000 depending on distance.
What is the average cost of a shipping container?
The average price for a shipping container in the US in 2026 is approximately $2,500–$3,500 for a used 20ft in cargo-worthy condition, delivered within 100 miles. This is the most commonly purchased type. Add $1,500–$2,000 for a new (one-trip) unit, or subtract $500–$1,000 for WWT if certification is not needed.
How much does shipping container delivery cost?
Delivery costs $200–$2,500 depending on distance. Within 50 miles of a major depot: $200–$500. Within 50–250 miles: $500–$1,200. Beyond 250 miles: $1,000–$2,500+. Crane delivery for inaccessible sites adds $800–$2,500 on top of base delivery. Always request a delivered-to-your-location price before comparing suppliers.
Are shipping container prices negotiable?
Yes, especially for used containers from independent dealers. Cash buyers purchasing multiple units have the most leverage. Expect 5–15% off the initial quote for used containers. One-trip containers have tighter margins and less room to negotiate. Getting three competing quotes before negotiating puts you in the strongest position.
How much does it cost to ship a container internationally?
International container shipping (freight) costs $1,500–$8,000+ per 20ft container depending on the route — this is a different topic from buying a container as a structure. This guide covers purchasing prices. For international freight rates, contact a freight forwarder or ocean carrier.
Is it cheaper to buy or rent a shipping container?
Renting is cheaper for short-term needs under 12 months. A 20ft container rents for $100–$200 per month, so a 6-month rental costs $600–$1,200. Buying costs $2,500–$4,500 all-in with delivery. If you need it for over 18 months, buying wins since you keep the container’s resale value. See our rental price guide.
How much does a 10ft shipping container cost?
A 10ft shipping container costs $1,500–$3,500 depending on condition. These smaller units are popular for tight spaces and residential storage. They are less common than 20ft containers, so supply is thinner and prices per square foot are higher. Expect $1,000–$2,000 for WWT condition and $2,500–$3,500 for one-trip.
How much does a shipping container home cost?
Converting a 40ft shipping container into a livable home costs $35,000–$100,000+ total. The container itself ($5,000–$9,000) is a small fraction of the budget. Foundation, insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and interior finishing each add significant cost. See the full container home cost guide for a detailed breakdown.
Do shipping container prices vary by state?
Yes, significantly. States with major port cities (California, Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington) have the most depot inventory and the most competitive prices. Landlocked states further from ports (Montana, Wyoming, Kansas) pay more for both the container and delivery. The difference can be $500–$2,000 on total delivered cost for the same grade container.
What is the cheapest type of shipping container?
The cheapest shipping containers are AS-IS 20ft units sold at port depots, typically $800–$1,400. These are retired containers sold with no condition guarantee. While the purchase price is low, there is real risk of undisclosed damage, floor rot, or structural issues. For most uses, WWT-grade containers at $1,500–$2,500 are a better value — you know it keeps weather out at minimum.
How much has the price of shipping containers changed recently?
Container prices spiked dramatically in 2021–2022 due to global supply chain disruption — a typical 20ft CWO that cost $1,800 in 2019 reached $4,000–$6,000 in late 2021. Prices have since returned to near-normal levels. The 2025–2026 market has a used 20ft CWO running $2,000–$3,200 in most markets — close to historical norms.