How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Written on March 27, 2026
by Adrian Stan
In the following categories: Container Education, FAQ, Fresh
If you're shopping for a shipping container, the first question on your mind is almost certainly: how much is this going to cost me? The answer depends on several factors — size, condition, location, and delivery — but this guide will give you real, current numbers so you can budget with confidence.
At YES Containers, we sell and deliver new and used shipping containers across all 48 continental U.S. states. The prices below reflect our actual inventory, so you're getting real market numbers, not estimates pulled from thin air.
Here's what we'll cover in this guide:
- Base container prices by size (20ft vs 40ft)
- New (one-trip) vs used container costs
- How delivery affects the total price
- What drives prices up or down
- Hidden costs to watch out for
- How to get the best price
Shipping Container Prices at a Glance (2026)
Let's start with the numbers. These are typical price ranges for standard containers delivered within a reasonable distance of a major depot:
| Container Type | Condition | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | Used (WWT/CW) | $1,400 – $2,000 |
| 20ft Standard | New (One-Trip) | $2,100 – $3,400 |
| 40ft Standard | Used (WWT/CW) | $1,600 – $3,400 |
| 40ft High Cube | Used (WWT/CW) | $1,650 – $3,700 |
| 40ft High Cube | New (One-Trip) | $2,900 – $4,600 |
| 40ft Double Door HC | New (One-Trip) | $3,300 – $5,100 |
| 20ft Side Door | New (One-Trip) | $3,700 – $5,800 |
| 40ft HC Open Side | New (One-Trip) | $9,000 – $11,500 |
These are container purchase prices only. Delivery is a separate cost — covered in detail below. To get an exact price for your location, visit yescontainers.com/get-a-quote.
20ft vs 40ft Shipping Container: What's the Price Difference?
Size is the biggest single driver of shipping container pricing. Here's how the two standard sizes compare:
20ft Shipping Containers
A used 20ft standard container typically starts around $1,400 in lower-cost depot areas (like Houston or Chicago), rising to $2,000 or more in areas farther from major ports. New (one-trip) 20ft containers generally start around $2,100 and go up to about $3,400 depending on depot and availability.
A 20ft container gives you 1,360 cubic feet of storage space — roughly equivalent to a one-car garage. It's the most popular choice for personal storage, small businesses, and homeowners with limited yard space.
40ft Shipping Containers
Used 40ft standard containers typically start around $1,600 at the most affordable depots, while 40ft High Cube units — which give you an extra foot of interior height at 9'6" — usually start around $1,650 used or $3,000+ new.
A 40ft container gives you about 2,700 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for larger construction sites, businesses needing serious storage capacity, or anyone planning a container conversion project.
Counterintuitive fact: A used 40ft container often costs only $100–$300 more than a used 20ft container. That's because they come from the same shipping trade lanes and the price difference narrows significantly in the used market.
New vs Used Shipping Containers: How Big Is the Price Gap?
The condition of a container has a major impact on price. Here's what the main condition grades mean and what they cost:
Used Containers
Used containers come in three main grades:
| Grade | What It Means | Best For | Price vs New |
|---|---|---|---|
| WWT (Wind & Water Tight) | Weatherproof, structurally sound, may have cosmetic wear | Storage, job sites | 50–65% cheaper |
| CW (Cargo Worthy) | Meets international shipping standards, certified structurally sound | Shipping, storage | 45–60% cheaper |
| AS-IS | Sold as-found, may need repairs | Budget buyers, modifications | Cheapest option |
| IICL | Premium used, inspected to strictest international standards | High-value cargo | 20–35% cheaper |
New (One-Trip) Containers
A "one-trip" container has made exactly one journey from its factory (typically in China) carrying manufactured goods. By the time it reaches a U.S. depot, it's essentially brand new — clean inside, no rust, no dents, with perfectly aligned doors.
One-trip containers cost 40–80% more than comparable used units, but they come with significant advantages: a pristine interior, easier modifications, better aesthetics, and in many cases a longer usable lifespan with minimal maintenance.
YES Containers offers a 10-Year Structural Warranty and a Dry Seal 5-Year Coverage on containers. An optional lifetime leak-free warranty is also available — ask about it when you get a quote.
How Much Does Shipping Container Delivery Cost?
Delivery is a significant part of your total container budget and is worth understanding before you shop. Most suppliers — including YES Containers — price delivery separately from the container itself.
What affects delivery cost?
- Distance from the nearest depot to your delivery address
- Local access conditions (tight driveways, overhead obstacles, soft ground)
- Whether you need same-day or rush delivery
- How many containers you're ordering (two 20ft units can often ship together on one trailer)
Typical delivery cost ranges
| Distance from Depot | Typical Delivery Cost |
|---|---|
| 0–50 miles | $450 – $750 |
| 50–100 miles | $450 – $750 |
| 100–200 miles | $450 – $1300 |
| 200–350 miles | $900 – $2,100 |
| 350+ miles | Quote required |
YES Containers has strategically located depots in over 40 major U.S. cities — including Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, and more — which helps keep delivery costs competitive nationwide.
Tip: Ordering two 20ft containers at the same time? They can often be loaded on a single 40ft trailer, which significantly reduces per-unit delivery cost compared to two separate trips.
Want to skip delivery costs entirely?
YES Containers also offers a pick-up option. If you have a way to transport a container yourself, you can collect directly from one of our nearby depots and save the delivery fee altogether.
What Factors Drive Shipping Container Prices Up or Down?
Container prices aren't static — they fluctuate based on a number of market conditions. Here's what to watch:
Factors that increase container prices
- Port congestion and supply chain disruptions (fewer containers available at U.S. depots)
- High demand seasons (spring and summer, when construction and farm activity picks up)
- Rising steel prices globally
- Increased international freight rates (fewer containers being offloaded domestically)
- Specialty container types (side door, open side, double door) — these always command a premium
Factors that lower container prices
- Buying during off-peak seasons (late fall and winter)
- Ordering used vs new — the used market self-corrects faster when supply increases
- Choosing a depot close to a major port (Newark, Long Beach, Savannah, Houston) where supply is highest
- Buying in bulk — YES Containers offers StackSmart Savings for multi-unit orders
- Taking advantage of discounts (military, first responder, returning customer, referral)
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
The sticker price of a container is rarely your all-in cost. Here are costs that catch buyers off guard:
1. Site preparation
Containers need a firm, level surface. If your site is soft or sloped, you may need to invest in gravel, a concrete pad, or corner blocks before delivery. Budget $200–$1,500 depending on your existing site conditions.
2. Permits
Some cities and counties require a permit to place a container on your property, particularly for long-term or commercial use. Fees vary widely — from nothing to a few hundred dollars. Always check with your local planning department before ordering. (We cover this in detail in our full permit guide.)
3. Locks and security
Containers come with standard door handles and lockrods but no padlock. A quality puck lock or container-grade padlock costs $30–$80. For added security, a lockbox (which protects the lock itself from bolt cutters) runs another $50–$150.
4. Modifications
If you need vents, windows, a personnel door, electrical prep, or insulation, factor those into your budget. YES Containers offers a ReShape Containers custom fabrication service for projects that require modifications beyond standard configurations.
5. Condensation management
Steel containers can experience interior condensation depending on your climate and what you're storing. Simple solutions like desiccants are inexpensive (~$20–$50), while full insulation is a larger investment.
How to Get the Best Price on a Shipping Container
Here are the most effective strategies for getting maximum value from your container purchase:
- Buy used if cosmetics don't matter — WWT and CW grade containers are structurally sound and weatherproof; they just show their age on the outside.
- Buy near a major port depot — Long Beach, Newark, Houston, Savannah, and Charleston have the highest used container supply and typically the best pricing.
- Order two 20ft containers together — the double container purchase discount and shared delivery often make this the best deal per square foot.
- Ask about current promotions — YES Containers regularly offers discounts for military veterans, first responders, returning customers, and referrals.
- Consider the Pay on Delivery option — you don't pay until your container arrives and you've inspected it. This removes all financial risk from the purchase.
- Get a quote for your exact location — prices vary by depot and mileage, so a quote for your ZIP code will always be more accurate than a general estimate.
Total Cost Examples: What to Budget End-to-End
To make budgeting easier, here are some real-world total cost scenarios:
| Scenario | Container | Est. Delivery | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowner in Houston needing storage | Used 20ft WWT — ~$1,414 | ~$550 | ~$1,964 |
| Contractor near Chicago needing job site storage | Used 40ft Standard — ~$1,616 | ~$625 | ~$2,241 |
| Farmer in Ohio building a workshop | New 40ft High Cube — ~$3,333 | ~$625 | ~$3,958 |
| Developer ordering 5 containers in Newark | Used 40ft x5 — ~$8,585 | ~$3,625 | ~$12,210 |
| Tiny home builder in Dallas | New 40ft HC Double Door — ~$3,888 | ~$550 | ~$4,438 |
Prices above are based on YES Containers' current inventory and typical delivery estimates. Your exact price depends on depot availability and your delivery address. Get a precise quote at yescontainers.com/get-a-quote or call (800) 223-4755.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Container Costs
How much does a 20ft shipping container cost?
A used 20ft container typically costs $1,400–$2,000 depending on grade and location. A new (one-trip) 20ft container ranges from $2,100 to $2,500. Delivery is additional.
How much does a 40ft shipping container cost?
Used 40ft standard containers start around $1,600, while 40ft High Cube models start around $1,650 used or $3,000+ new. Specialty configurations like side-door or open-side cost significantly more.
Is it cheaper to buy or rent a shipping container?
Buying is almost always more cost-effective if you need the container for more than 12–18 months. Renting makes sense for short-term projects, seasonal needs, or when you don't want to manage the asset long-term. YES Containers offers both options.
Do shipping container prices include delivery?
At YES Containers, the price shown is for the container itself. Delivery is quoted separately based on your location. Many orders include the first 100 miles in the displayed price — your quote will show the exact delivery cost for your address.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes. YES Containers offers installment payments through PayPal's Pay Later program, allowing you to spread the cost over time. A Pay on Delivery option is also available, so you don't pay until your container arrives and you've inspected it.
Do prices change seasonally?
Yes. Container prices tend to be higher in spring and summer when construction activity peaks, and softer in late fall and winter. If your timeline is flexible, buying in the off-season can save you money.
Ready to Get an Exact Price for Your Location?
Shipping container cost in 2026 ranges from about $1,400 for a budget used 20ft unit to $11,000+ for a premium open-side 40ft configuration — with most buyers landing somewhere in the $1,500–$4,500 range all-in including delivery.
The best way to know exactly what you'll pay is to get a quote tailored to your ZIP code, size preference, and delivery needs. YES Containers covers all 48 continental states with depots in over 40 major cities, fast 10-day standard delivery, and ExpressShip options for urgent orders.
Get your free, no-obligation quote at yescontainers.com/get-a-quote or call (800) 223-4755. Most quotes are returned within a few hours.
