How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost? A Guide to Prices and Quotes

Monday 26 October 2026 Filed in: General

Ask how much a shipping container costs and the slightly unhelpful answer is: it depends.

A 20ft shipping container is a 20ft shipping container — at least as far as its length is concerned. Beyond that, there can be quite a difference. It might be used or once-used, freshly repainted or showing the evidence of a working life at sea, fitted with original cargo doors or easier-opening storage doors.

Then there is delivery to think about.

That is why two quotations for what appears to be the same container can be surprisingly different.

Rather than give you a price here that may be out of date by the time you read it, this guide explains what affects the cost of a shipping container, what to look for in a quotation and how to compare like with like.

If you simply want to see up-to-date prices, visit our Shipping Containers for Sale page.

We'll use the ever-popular 20ft container as an example along the way, but the same principles apply to other sizes.

What affects the cost of a shipping container?

The main factors are:

• container size
• used or once-used condition
• overall condition and specification
• door type and position
• modifications or optional extras
• delivery location
• delivery method

There isn't really one meaningful answer to "What does a shipping container cost?" until we know what you need.

Sometimes the cheapest solution is a straightforward used container with original cargo doors. In other cases, spending more on condition, easier access or a particular modification can make better sense over the life of the container.

Does the size of the container make a big difference?

Size affects price, but not always in the way you might expect.

Standard 20ft and 40ft shipping containers are widely available because they are the main sizes used in international shipping. Depending on international supply and local demand, the price difference between the two can sometimes be surprisingly small.

Smaller and intermediate lengths may need to be produced by cutting down and finishing a larger container, so their price reflects the work involved as well as the amount of steel you end up with.

These are some of the reasons why a 10ft or 15ft container shouldn't automatically be expected to cost half or three-quarters of the price of a 20-footer.

The important thing is to choose a size that suits the space you have and what you need to put inside it. Saving money on a larger container isn't much help if it doesn't fit where you want it to go.

Our range includes standard and non-standard lengths, and our sales team can advise if you're unsure which size makes most sense.

Used or once-used: which costs more?

A used shipping container will normally cost less than a once-used container.

Used containers have typically spent years in the shipping industry and will show the signs of it. Dents, scrapes, patches and surface rust are all quite normal. For straightforward storage, where appearance isn't your main concern, a good used container can represent excellent value.

There is also something rather satisfying about giving a container that has already travelled the world a useful second life. For schools, community organisations, local authorities and other buyers with reuse or upcycling in mind, a used container can be especially attractive — particularly when a few cosmetic battle scars really don't matter.

Used shipping containers are therefore often the natural starting point if budget is one of the important considerations.

Once-used containers — also called new or one-trip containers — have made one journey into the UK. They will generally have a much cleaner appearance and far less wear, although the occasional scuff or dent from handling is still normal.

If the container is going somewhere prominent, appearance matters, or you simply want to start with a newer unit, paying more for once-used may be worthwhile.

There isn't a right answer for everyone. A few dents may not matter behind a workshop storing tools. Outside the entrance to your business, you may feel rather differently.

Why can two quotes for a 20ft container be so different?

Two sellers may both offer a "20ft used shipping container", but that doesn't necessarily mean they are offering the same thing.

The condition may differ, as may the extent of the pre-delivery checks. One quote might include a lockbox or repainting that another leaves as an extra.

It is also worth knowing whether you're looking at a photograph of the actual container being offered or a representative picture of a similar unit.

None of this means the cheapest container is necessarily a bad buy. Sometimes cheap and cheerful is exactly what the job calls for.

It simply means headline price shouldn't be the only comparison.

Is delivery included in the price?

A container sitting at a depot and one delivered and positioned on your site are two different propositions.

Delivery costs depend on the location of the container, your postcode, its size and the type of vehicle required. Site access can also affect the options.

For straightforward deliveries we can often combine container supply with competitively priced transport through our UK haulage network. Restricted access, unusual positioning or particular delivery requirements may need a different vehicle or dedicated delivery.

If you are comparing quotations, make sure you know whether delivery and offloading are included.

Our shipping container delivery guide explains the delivery options and what to consider before ordering.

Do doors affect the cost?

They can.

Original cargo doors are designed for international shipping. They are extremely robust, but also heavy and not always the most convenient choice if you'll be opening the container several times a day.

For storage, alternative doors can make life considerably easier.

Depending on what you need, options can include easier-opening steel storage doors, personnel doors, roller shutters and additional side access.

Changing the door specification will affect the quotation, but it is worth considering how you will actually use the container rather than automatically choosing the cheapest option.

A saving at the outset can lose some of its appeal after the hundredth time you've opened a door that doesn't suit the job.

Does repainting affect the price of a used container?

It depends on the size.

All of our used containers below 20ft are repainted in a choice of standard colours as part of the price. These smaller sizes are generally produced by cutting down larger containers, so repainting forms part of the finishing process rather than being an optional cosmetic extra.

With other used containers, repainting may be something you choose depending on where the container is going and how important appearance is.

If it is tucked away behind a workshop storing tools, a few marks from its previous life may not matter. Somewhere more prominent, a fresh coat of paint can make quite a difference.

It is another reason to check what is included rather than comparing headline prices alone.

How should I compare shipping container quotations?

Before deciding which quotation represents the best value, check that each supplier is actually quoting for the same thing.

Look at:

Container size

Are both quotations for the same length and height?

Condition

Is the container used, once-used or newly fabricated?

Actual condition of a used container

Has it been inspected where necessary, and can you see photographs of the unit being offered?

Doors

Are you being quoted for original cargo doors or another door type?

Included extras

Does the price include a lockbox, repainting or other items?

Modifications

Are windows, doors, lining, electrics, shelving or other additions included?

Delivery

Is transport included, along with unloading and positioning?

VAT

Is the price shown including or excluding VAT?

Once those points are clear, the comparison becomes much more meaningful.

The lowest figure may still be the best deal — but at least you'll know why.

Can I get a cheaper shipping container from clearance stock?

Sometimes, yes.

Our clearance containers are worth checking if price is particularly important.

Clearance stock can arise for several reasons. We may be making room for other stock, have a container available after a buy-back or part-exchange, or have a modified unit already built and ready for another customer.

That can mean a genuine saving without necessarily compromising on what you need.

Stock changes regularly, so finding the right container is partly a matter of timing. But if you're flexible on colour, specification or size, you never know what might be sitting there.

Is buying the cheapest container always false economy?

No.

There are plenty of situations where keeping the initial cost down is entirely sensible.

If you're buying a container for basic building-site storage, for example, paying extra for an immaculate exterior may achieve very little.

What matters is understanding why one container costs less than another.

A cheaper used unit that is sound, watertight and right for the job may be excellent value. A cheaper quotation that leaves out delivery or features you need may look rather less impressive once everything is added back in.

The aim isn't to buy the most expensive container. It's to buy the right container at a fair price.

See current prices or ask us for a quote

If you're looking for a straightforward container and want to see current prices, start with our Shipping Containers for Sale page.

If you need delivery, modifications, a non-standard size or simply want help working out the best option, ask us for a quotation.

There is no great advantage in giving you an attractive-looking price for the wrong container.

Tell us the size you need, if known, what you plan to use it for, your delivery postcode, any door or modification requirements and when you need it. If you're not sure of the specification, tell us what you need the container to do and how much space you have, and we can help narrow the options down.

Use our Quick Quote form and we'll quote based on your actual requirement.

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