How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost? 2026 Price Estimates by Size and Grade
Estimate price ranges for used, cargo-worthy and one-trip 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high-cube containers in the U.S., plus delivery costs — dated and sourced.
Updated October 25, 2026 · 6 min read
These are estimates, not quotes. Ranges below were checked on 2026-10-25 from published U.S. retail prices and market reports (for example the Eveon container market monitor and sellers’ public price pages). Real prices depend on your location, the exact unit and delivery. Get 2–3 delivered quotes.
Shipping container price estimates (U.S., October 2026)
| Container | Used (WWT / cargo-worthy) | New / one-trip |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | about $1,000 – $4,900 (average near $1,800) | about $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 40ft standard | about $1,350 – $4,900 (average near $2,200) | about $4,500 – $8,000 |
| 40ft high-cube | about $1,500 – $5,000 (average near $2,300) | about $4,500 – $8,000 |
Estimate ranges, checked 2026-10-25. Excludes delivery, tax and modifications.
What changes the price
- Grade. One-trip boxes cost roughly 1.5–2× a used one. See container grades.
- Location. Port cities (Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, Newark) are usually cheaper than inland markets like Denver or Salt Lake City.
- Size and height. A high-cube is one foot taller and usually costs a little more than a standard 40ft.
- Market. Prices rise when trade is busy and boxes are scarce, and fall when there are too many empties.
- Extras. Lock boxes, extra doors, vents, paint and shelving add cost.
Delivery cost
Delivery is often priced by distance from the depot. Local delivery is commonly a few hundred dollars, and long distances can cost more than the container itself. Ask whether the price covers a tilt-bed truck (drops the box on the ground) or a flatbed (needs a crane or forklift on site). Read our delivery guide.
Too-good-to-be-true prices
Fake container websites are common. Warning signs: a price far below every other seller, pressure to pay by wire, Zelle, crypto or gift card, no local phone number and no yard you can visit. Pay by card or on delivery when you can.
Ready to compare? Browse container sellers by state or check if renting is cheaper.
Find container companies near you
Browse container sellers, rental companies and depots by state and city, then contact them directly. Read our size, grade and price guides first.
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Sellers, rental companies and depots by state and city.
Frequently asked questions
Why are containers cheaper near ports?
Most used boxes are retired from shipping lines at depots near ports and rail hubs. Inland buyers pay for the extra trucking or rail to get the box to them, so inland prices are often several hundred dollars higher.
Is a one-trip container worth the extra money?
For a home, office, or anything you will paint and show off — usually yes: fewer dents, clean floors and a long life. For simple storage on a farm or job site, a wind and watertight (WWT) used box is often enough.
Do container prices include delivery?
Often not. Many online prices are “at the depot”. Always ask for the delivered price to your ZIP code, including the truck type and any fees.
Related guides
- Shipping Container Sizes: 10ft, 20ft, 40ft and High-Cube Dimensions Compared
- Shipping Container Grades Explained: New, One-Trip, Cargo-Worthy, WWT and As-Is
- Rent vs Buy a Storage Container: Which Costs Less?
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and rates change — confirm permits with your city or county and get written quotes before you buy.