Finding out how much does a container cost used to be a lot simpler before the world’s supply chains decided to go on a permanent roller coaster ride. Honestly, if you're looking for a quick number, you’re going to be disappointed. Prices shift based on steel costs, port congestion, and even how many miles you live from a major shipping hub like Long Beach or Newark.
In early 2026, the market is finally settling into a new kind of "normal," but it’s a volatile one. You might find a beat-up "as-is" box for $1,400, or you might find yourself staring at an $8,000 bill for a pristine 40-foot High Cube that’s only seen the ocean once.
It depends. Everything depends.
The Current Landscape: What You’ll Actually Pay
If you’re just looking for a standard box to put in your backyard or use for a construction site office, you’ve basically got two choices: new (one-trip) or used.
New containers aren't actually brand new in the way a car is. They’re called "one-trip" because they were built in China, loaded with cargo once, shipped across the ocean, and then sold. These are the gold standard. They look good, the doors actually swing open without a crowbar, and they haven't been dented by a thousand forklifts. In 2026, a 20-foot one-trip container is typically hovering between $3,200 and $4,500.
Used containers are a different beast. These are the veterans of the sea. They’ve spent 10 to 15 years being stacked, dropped, and sprayed with salt water.
- Cargo Worthy (CW): These are still structurally sound enough to go back on a ship. Expect to pay $2,000 to $3,000 for a 20-footer.
- Wind and Watertight (WWT): These are retired from shipping but won't leak. They’re perfect for storage. You’re looking at $1,800 to $2,500.
- As-Is: These are the "fixer-uppers." They might have holes, major rust, or floor damage. They start as low as $1,400, but unless you’re a welder, they’re usually more trouble than they’re worth.
How Much Does a Container Cost by Size?
Size is the most obvious price driver, but the math isn't linear. You’d think a 40-foot container would cost double what a 20-foot one does, right?
Nope.
Because of how shipping logistics work, 40-foot units are often only 20% to 30% more expensive than their smaller siblings.
The 20-Foot Standard
This is the "starter" container. It fits in a standard parking space. It’s heavy enough to stay put but small enough to move without a massive crane.
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- Used: $1,800 – $3,000
- One-Trip: $3,200 – $5,000
The 40-Foot Standard
This is the workhorse of the industry. If you’re building a container home or need serious warehouse overflow, this is the one.
- Used: $2,800 – $4,200
- One-Trip: $4,500 – $7,500
The 40-Foot High Cube (HC)
If you can spend the extra few hundred bucks, get the High Cube. It’s exactly the same footprint as a standard 40-footer but gives you an extra foot of vertical space (9'6" instead of 8'6"). That extra foot is a lifesaver if you’re adding insulation and a ceiling for a living space.
- Used: $3,000 – $4,800
- One-Trip: $5,000 – $8,300
Why the Price Fluctuates (The "Secret" Surcharges)
You can’t talk about container costs without talking about the "Landed Cost." This is where most people get sticker shock. You find a container online for $2,500 and think you’ve scored a deal. Then the invoice arrives.
Delivery is the silent budget killer. Shipping containers are heavy. A 20-footer weighs about 4,500 lbs, and a 40-footer is closer to 8,500 lbs. You can't just pick these up with a pickup truck. You need a tilt-bed trailer or a crane.
- Local delivery (under 50 miles): $400 – $800
- Regional delivery (100-300 miles): $1,000 – $2,500
- Long haul: You’re looking at $3 to $5 per mile.
If you live in the middle of nowhere, the delivery might actually cost more than the container itself.
Geography Matters
Price is also dictated by where you are. If you’re in a port city like Houston, Savannah, or Los Angeles, prices are lower because the "depots" are right there. If you’re in Denver or Kansas City, the price goes up because someone had to pay to truck those empty boxes inland.
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Special Purpose Containers: The High-End Market
Sometimes a standard dry box won't cut it. Maybe you’re shipping frozen wagyu beef or you have a piece of machinery that won't fit through a standard door.
- Reefers (Refrigerated): These are basically giant mobile refrigerators. They come with a cooling engine built into the wall. A working, used 40-foot reefer will set you back $8,000 to $12,000. If you want a brand-new one? You're looking at $30,000+.
- Open Tops: These have a removable tarp instead of a steel roof. They’re rare and usually cost a premium—typically $3,500 to $6,000 used.
- Double Door: These have doors on both ends (the "tunnel" container). They’re great for accessibility. Expect to pay about $500 to $1,000 more than a standard unit.
Avoiding the "Container Scams"
Because demand is so high in 2026, the internet is crawling with container scams. You'll see ads on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for a "Pristine 40ft Container - $1,200 including delivery."
Run. That price is physically impossible. The scrap value of the steel alone is often higher than that. These scammers take your "deposit" or "delivery fee" via Zelle or Venmo and then vanish. Always check if the company has a physical yard you can visit. If they won't give you the address or let you see the unit before paying, it's a scam.
Expert Tips for Buying in 2026
- Inspect the floor: Most container floors are made of marine-grade plywood. If it’s soft or smells like chemicals, walk away.
- Check the seals: Close yourself inside the container (have a friend stay outside!) and look for light. If you see light, you’ve got a leak.
- Negotiate bulk: If you need three or more containers, most wholesalers will knock $200-$400 off per unit.
- Time your purchase: Prices usually dip in late winter (February) when shipping volume is lower. They spike in late summer as retailers prep for the holidays.
Immediate Next Steps
If you are ready to buy, start by identifying the nearest intermodal hub or port to your location. Call three different local container yards—not national brokers—to get a quote that includes delivery. Ask specifically for the "total landed price" to avoid surprise surcharges. If you're using the container for a building project, prioritize a One-Trip High Cube; the structural integrity and extra height will save you thousands in labor and modification costs later.