In 2026, a used 20-foot shipping container typically costs $1,200 to $2,800, and a new one-trip 20-footer runs $2,500 to $5,500. A 40-foot container costs about 25% to 50% more, and a 40-foot high cube adds another 10% to 20%. Delivery is usually extra, from a few hundred dollars near a depot to $2,500 or more for long hauls inland.
Use the calculator below to estimate your total cost to buy or rent a container delivered to your site, including common modifications. It also shows how long it takes for buying to beat renting.
Shipping Container Cost Calculator
2026 prices to buy or rent a container, delivered
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Estimate based on 2026 national averages. Container prices shift with port inventory, and delivery depends on your distance from the nearest depot.
Shipping Container Prices in 2026
Container prices have settled well below their 2021 to 2022 highs, and the used market has been fairly stable. What you pay depends mostly on size, condition grade, and how far you are from a port or depot. Typical prices for the container alone, before delivery:
| Size | New (one-trip) | Cargo worthy | Wind and watertight | As-is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | $2,800 – $3,800 | $2,000 – $2,800 | $1,900 – $2,600 | $1,600 – $2,200 |
| 20 ft standard | $2,800 – $4,000 | $1,700 – $2,400 | $1,350 – $1,900 | $1,000 – $1,450 |
| 40 ft standard | $3,900 – $5,500 | $2,100 – $3,000 | $1,700 – $2,400 | $1,300 – $1,800 |
| 40 ft high cube | $4,250 – $6,000 | $2,400 – $3,350 | $1,900 – $2,700 | $1,450 – $2,050 |
A 40-foot container gives you twice the space of a 20-footer for only about 25% to 50% more money, so it is usually the better value per square foot if you have room for it. A high cube adds a foot of interior height (9.5 feet instead of 8.5) for 10% to 20% more.
Container Condition Grades Explained
Grade affects price as much as size does. Sellers don’t all use the same terms, so ask exactly what their grade guarantees.
| Grade | What it means | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| New / one-trip | Made one voyage from the factory, usually in near-new condition | Offices, homes, retail, and anything where appearance matters |
| Cargo worthy (CW) | Structurally sound and can be certified for ocean shipping. Dents and surface rust are normal. | Shipping goods, or storage where you want a stronger unit |
| Wind and watertight (WWT) | No holes, doors seal, keeps weather out; may not qualify for shipping | Storage on a farm, job site, or property; the best value for most buyers |
| As-is | Sold without a condition guarantee; may leak or need repairs | Projects where you plan to repair or modify the container anyway |
Buying used? Ask for recent photos showing the container number, or inspect it in person. Check the floor for soft spots, look at the roof from inside with the doors closed for pinholes of light, and make sure the doors open and seal easily.
Container Sizes and How Much Space You Need
| Size | Outside dimensions (L x W x H) | Approx. storage space | Similar to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 10 x 8 x 8.5 ft | About 550 cu ft | A 5×10 storage unit, full height |
| 20 ft | 20 x 8 x 8.5 ft | About 1,170 cu ft | A one-car garage |
| 40 ft | 40 x 8 x 8.5 ft | About 2,390 cu ft | A two-car garage, end to end |
| 40 ft high cube | 40 x 8 x 9.5 ft | About 2,700 cu ft | A 40 ft with room for taller items |
Plan for the delivery truck, not just the container. A tilt-bed truck generally needs a firm, straight path of roughly 60 feet for a 20-foot container and about 100 feet for a 40-footer, plus about 12 feet of width and 14 feet of overhead clearance for power lines and trees. Ask your seller for their exact requirements.
Delivery, Site Prep, and Other Costs
The container price is only part of the total. Budget for these as well:
| Cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Local delivery (within about 50 miles of a depot) | $150 – $800 for a 20 ft; $300 – $1,200 for a 40 ft |
| Long-distance delivery | $1,000 – $3,500, depending on miles |
| Pickup at the depot yourself | No delivery fee, but you need a suitable trailer or rollback |
| Gravel pad or leveling blocks | $300 – $1,000 |
| Permits (if your area requires one) | $0 – $500 |
Set the container on firm, level ground with good drainage. Gravel, concrete footings, or railroad ties under the corners keep the doors aligned and the floor off wet ground. Before you order, check with your city, county, or HOA. Many allow containers only in certain zones, and some require a permit or a screened location.
Common modifications
| Modification | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Lockbox (protects the padlock from cutting) | $100 – $200 |
| Extra vents (reduce condensation) | $50 – $150 each |
| Man door (walk-in door) | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Roll-up door | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Window | $500 – $900 each |
| Custom exterior paint | $600 – $1,200 |
Should You Buy or Rent a Container?
Renting a 20-foot container usually costs $75 to $200 a month, and a 40-footer $150 to $250. Most rental companies charge for both delivery and pickup. For a used container, buying typically pays off after about 18 to 30 months, and you can often resell it later. As a rule of thumb, rent for a project that will take less than a year and a half, and buy for anything longer.
Not sure a container is the right fit? For a move, a portable moving container is delivered, picked up full, and moved to your new home, so check current PODS promo codes before you book. For secure storage without space on your property, compare prices with our self storage cost calculator.
How to Get the Best Price on a Shipping Container
- Buy the grade you need. For dry storage, a wind and watertight unit does the same job as a cargo-worthy or new one at a much lower price.
- Compare delivered prices. Get quotes that include delivery to your ZIP code. A cheaper box from a faraway depot can cost more in the end.
- Order two 20-footers together. They can often ride on one truck, which cuts the delivery cost per unit.
- Pick it up yourself if you have access to the right trailer and live near a depot.
- Watch for scams. Fake container websites advertise prices far below market and ask for payment by wire transfer or payment apps. Buy from sellers with a real depot address, verifiable reviews, and card payment options.
For vetted places to buy, see our guide to 7 trusted sources for buying shipping containers locally.
Shipping Container Cost FAQ
How much does a 20 ft shipping container cost?
A used 20-foot container typically costs $1,000 to $2,400 depending on grade, and a new one-trip unit $2,800 to $4,000, before delivery. Delivered totals near a depot usually run $1,500 to $4,500.
How much does a 40 ft shipping container cost?
A used 40-foot standard container usually costs $1,300 to $3,000 and a new one $3,900 to $5,500. High cubes run about 10% to 20% more. Delivery adds $300 to $1,200 locally.
What is the cheapest way to get a shipping container?
Buy a used wind and watertight container from a depot near a port and pick it up yourself, or have it delivered locally. Inspect it or get recent photos first.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a shipping container?
Renting is cheaper for short projects. For a used container, buying usually becomes cheaper after about 18 to 30 months, and you keep an asset you can resell.
Do I need a permit for a shipping container?
It depends on where you live. Many rural areas have no requirement for storage containers, while cities, suburbs, and HOAs often restrict placement or require a permit. Check with your local zoning office before you buy.
Easy Storage Search may earn a commission when you use links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices are 2026 national averages and vary by location, supplier, and inventory.