Shipping containers usually cost around $5,000, and most homeowners pay between $1,800 and $8,300, including delivery.
The shipping container cost varies from $1,800 to $8,300, depending on its size, age, and condition. A highly modified shipping container can cost up to $50,000, especially if you're turning it into a fully functional home.
From the rise of the shipping container home movement to building a new storage shed in the backyard, shipping containers are a hot commodity, even for homeowners. Keep in mind that you’ll need to consider cost factors like leasing prices, shipping costs, and permits. Let’s take a look at the price breakdown of the cost of a shipping container.
You have a few options when buying or leasing a shipping container. These durable steel units were built to carry a range of items across land and sea. They come in several common sizes and constructions, with various add-ons like doors, refrigeration, and insulation. If you use a shipping container for moving purposes, you’ll need to hire a moving company near you to handle its transportation to your new home.
Begin by determining why and how long you plan to keep the shipping container. Leasing may be a great option for temporary but finite storage, while purchasing is best if you want to make modifications or keep it for several years. Then, consider each of the following factors and how they will affect your storage container price.
Shipping container costs vary based on many factors, but at the top of the list is the size and dimensions of the container and how much it can hold.
| Shipping Container Size | Weight | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 8 x 8.6 feet | 2200 pounds | $950–$5,000 |
| 20 x 8 x 8.6 feet | 4500 pounds | $1,800–$6,500 |
| 40 x 8 x 8.6 feet | 8500 pounds | $3,200–$8,300 |
| 20 x 8 x 9.6 feet | 5181 pounds | $2,000–$6,900 |
| 40 x 8 x 9.6 feet | 8750 pounds | $3,500–$8,900 |
Always measure your space when you prepare to get a shipping container. Even the smallest versions can take up a lot of room, and they should be placed on level ground when possible (more below), whether you are planning on using them for construction or shipping them when you move. The smallest versions at 10 feet are often collapsible, but don’t expect this feature on larger containers.
Notice that the larger sizes also have an additional option for a higher ceiling in the container. That’s known as a HC or high-cube container with a customized size. These typically add a foot of extra space for clearance, and will cost more to buy and ship than a standard container.
The condition of your container is by far the largest cost factor. Dents, corrosion, and the state of add-ons like refrigeration are very important to assess before purchasing. Containers come new for higher prices or—much more commonly—used, with a varying history of wear and tear. New containers typically have taken one or no trips, costing between $5,000 and $9,500, while a used shipping container costs as low as $1,400.
When you work with a seller from the shipping container industry, they may reference a "grade" to note the condition. There are no hard-and-fast rules for noting the grade. You may find grades listed as:
A, B, and C
New through As-Is (AI)
Food-grade through industrial-grade
The condition may also include some shipping lingo, such as cargo-worthy (CW) and wind and watertight (WWT). Talk with the shipping container seller about the details of these grades and whether they qualify for your needs.
| Container Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| One-Trip Containers | $2,800–$7,000 |
| Cargo-Worthy Containers | $1,300–$6,000 |
| Wind & Watertight Containers | $1,800–$4,300 |
| As-is Containers | $1,500–$3,500 |
New one-trip shipping containers can cost between $2,800 to $7,000, depending on the size and manufacturer. These containers are considered nearly new, as they have only been used for one trip on a container ship. You can expect to pay a premium price for this type of container.
Cargo-worthy containers typically cost between $1,300 to $6,000. Shipping containers deemed cargo-worthy are considered fit for shipping and can withstand the harsh conditions of a sea voyage. However, they may exhibit signs of wear and tear, such as dents, dings, or rust.
Wind and watertight containers usually cost between $1,800 and $4,300. These containers are completely sealed and do not have any openings or damages that permit water or air to enter. However, they may require additional maintenance or inspections to become seaworthy.
As-is shipping containers typically cost between $1,500 and $3,500. These containers are typically only suitable for storing items that aren't vulnerable to water or wind damage. As-is containers are the most budget-friendly option available in the used container market.
In addition to various grading systems used, shipping containers can also be described by different design options, which will also affect their cost. These designs are related to shipping conditions, but don’t let that fool you: They’re also important for weather proofing, letting light in, and other considerations. Standard design options include:
These are the simplest shipping containers, basic boxes that are designed to hold dry items, or goods that need to stay as dry as possible. That means these containers are fortified against rain and saltwater, but they don’t do anything about temperature and they aren’t entirely leakproof. These are the most common types, used in a variety of hauling, storage, and landscaping. Our prices above apply primarily to dry containers.
Reefer containers are full-suite, sealed shipping containers with much more advanced technology, including temperature controls. They can safely store perishable items and other goods. Because of this, they are rarely used in landscaping, construction, or additional square footage. They are incredibly expensive at around $18,000 for a new container.
A flat rack has raised walls in the front and back but the sides remain open for easier transport. This provides a base and a small amount of protection in return for much more freedom of use, especially when it comes to bulkier products. Because of their unique design and constraints, they start around $6,000 for a new version.
These open top containers leave all walls intact but remove the top entirely. There’s no longer any need to worry about height constraints, but weather can be a factor. Commercially, these containers are more often used to carry livestock and big pieces of machinery that wouldn’t fit otherwise. But they can serve many other roles. While there are technically fewer materials, costs tend to be higher: They start around $4,900.
These containers include side doors that open on the broad side for maximum access. They may be more suitable for a shed or a shelter set within landscaping. Prices are similar to Dry containers, typically starting around $4,000 for a 20-foot container.
Where you live will also contribute to your final shipping container costs due to accessibility and the cost of shipping. For example, if you live near a major port like San Francisco, the delivery will cost less than a landlocked area. Delivery fees cost an average of $3,000 to ship a moving container, so keep that cost factor in mind when calculating your price and deciding whether to buy or rent.
Every town, county, and state sets its own rules and permit fees for hosting a shipping container on your property. Generally, high-traffic and residential areas have stricter zoning and permit requirements for shipping containers than low-traffic or rural areas. Permit costs typically range from about $15 to $500, depending on where you live, the placement of the container, and its intended use.
Because shipping containers are so heavy (see our table above), they usually need special preparation. Ground soil isn’t a good fit for more containers if they’ll be in place for the long term. The container will eventually sink or tilt as it settles.
At minimum, a container site should be leveled and compacted for long-term use. Many installations create a gravel bed to settle the container on. Others may use concrete piers, beams like railroad ties, or even full concrete slabs. This preparation can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000.
Shipping containers are built with transportation in mind, so many add-ons with your container refer back to the original use. For example, the cost of a refrigerated container will start at about $13,000.
Other modifications include doors, special security, electricity, plumbing, insulation, flooring, and windows. Most importantly, always work with a licensed and experienced local contractor when making major modifications, especially when working from the ground up. Here are a few common shipping container add-on costs:
New flooring: $3–$22 per square foot
Wiring for electricity: $600–$2,300
Add a bathroom: $5,000–$35,000
Add a kitchen: $100–$300 per square foot
Install insulation: $4–$16 per square foot
HVAC and ventilation: $5,000–$12,500
Add a door: $500–$1,600
While shipping containers are prone to rust, they can also withstand extreme elements when crossing the country or sea. Maintenance costs will be similar to any structure, requiring you to maintain rust-proof protection, insulation from the elements when appropriate, and the upkeep of plumbing or electricity.
Buying in bulk isn’t usually an option for the average homeowner looking for a shipping crate, so what options can help save money on these massive containers? We have a few steps that can help you reduce costs:
Settle for a lower grade or quality: While you don’t want your shipping container rusted or falling apart, choosing an older version that’s still “cargo-worthy” can be an excellent way to save compared to new models.
Look for local dealers: Search local listings and shipping businesses for any leads on containers. You can find discounts for older containers that are still usable. If a supplier wants to get rid of a container, they may let you take it for free if you’re willing to pay transportation costs.
Shop around for delivery options: You will typically need to move shipping containers by forklift or crane. However, you can save on delivery with a chassis-only delivery, which means you’ll have to arrange a crane or other method to offload the container upon delivery. Or you can choose to arrange for pickup from a nearby depot yourself. But local rates for that work are often lower than going through the seller.
You also have the option to rent a shipping container to use for short-term projects. Renting costs for a shipping container cost between $50 to $500 per month, heavily dependent on its size and condition. Many companies offer set schedules for renting containers, such as one to two years, as well as delivery and pick-up deals.
Tyler Lacoma contributed to this article.
Shipping containers last an average of 15 to 25 years when in use. Keep that fact in mind when you're looking to save money on a used shipping container, especially one with significant corrosion. Consult a shipping container company about whether it makes more financial sense to rent or buy, depending on your options and its purpose.
While new and lightly-used shipping containers may earn the "wind and watertight" grade, older models may no longer promise to keep all moisture out of the container. Be sure to speak with a trusted shipping container seller about their grading system and whether the container has protection against water.
Shipping a full moving container costs around $3,000 on average, though international prices can range up to $7,000, depending on weight and distance. You can expect to pay $2,000 to $5,000 for this type of moving service, depending on its size and weight and the distance traveling.
In addition to homes and sheds, shipping containers serve to create a partially enclosed space (especially with open top models) for privacy and warmth. They also serve as enclosed greenhouses and playhouses, additions to outdoor entertaining, and even pools.
Yes, but you’ll need reliable steel-cutting tools and safety gear to get started. Shipping containers are typically around ¾ inch thick, so it’s entirely possible to cut through them, but experience and the right equipment are very important. When possible, try to get a container as close to the size you want it as possible.
Technically, no. They are very water resistant and are usually designed to handle rain or other weather issues. But if you want one to be leak-tight, you’ll have to do some extra work to seal it completely. We recommend covering fragile items in tarps and other waterproofing solutions to avoid damage to property while in the shipping container.
