Shipping Container Cost Calculator
How much does a shipping container cost?
Estimate the price of a shipping container by size, condition, and delivery using real 2026 U.S. market numbers — then compare quotes from verified suppliers in your area.
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Estimated total
$2,600 – $4,400
Container + delivery, before tax
Compare verified quotes →An estimate only. Real prices depend on live depot inventory, exact distance, and site conditions. Verified suppliers confirm your final price for free.
Estimates reflect 2026 U.S. market averages compiled from public supplier pricing. ContainerMondo lists and connects verified suppliers — we don't sell, own, or deliver containers ourselves.
2026 cost guide
Shipping container cost, explained
In 2026, a shipping container costs roughly $1,200 to $7,500 for the box itself, before delivery. A used 20ft container runs about $1,500–$3,200, a used 40ft about $1,800–$3,800, and new "one-trip" units run $3,000–$7,500 depending on size. Delivery typically adds another $300–$3,500.
Prices have largely stabilized since the pandemic-era swings, but they still move with steel costs, import tariffs, fuel prices, and how far you are from a port or depot. Refrigerated units sit in a different league entirely — from around $7,000 used to $40,000 new. The sections below break down what drives the price, how the grades compare, and where you can save.
Price by size & condition
Shipping container prices in 2026
National average ranges for the container only — delivery is quoted separately (see below).
| Container | Used · As-Is | Used · WWT | Used · Cargo Worthy | New · One-Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft standard | $2,500 – $3,500 | $2,800 – $4,000 | $3,200 – $4,800 | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| 20ft standard | $1,200 – $2,000 | $1,500 – $2,800 | $2,000 – $3,200 | $3,000 – $5,500 |
| 20ft high cube | $1,600 – $2,400 | $2,000 – $3,000 | $2,400 – $3,600 | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| 40ft standard | $1,600 – $2,800 | $1,800 – $3,200 | $2,500 – $3,800 | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| 40ft high cube | $1,800 – $2,800 | $2,200 – $3,600 | $2,800 – $4,200 | $5,000 – $7,500 |
Refrigerated ("reefer") units are priced separately: a working used 20ft runs about $7,000–$14,000 and a used 40ft about $8,500–$16,000, while new one-trip reefers run $25,000–$33,000 (20ft) and $30,000–$40,000 (40ft). Non-operating insulated units (cold storage without active cooling) start near $4,000.
What drives the price
5 things that affect shipping container cost
Understanding these will help you budget accurately and avoid overpaying.
Condition & grade
The single biggest lever. A wind-and-watertight used box can cost $1,000–$3,000 less than a new one-trip unit while doing the same job for storage. Grade also sets the container's remaining lifespan.
Size & type
A 40ft container gives roughly double the floor space of a 20ft but usually costs only 30–50% more — better value per square foot. High cube and refrigerated units carry a premium. Oddly, small 10ft boxes often cost more than 20ft because they're cut down from standard units.
Delivery distance
Trucking from the nearest depot can be 15–40% of the total delivered price. Buyers near major ports consistently pay less than those in landlocked or mountain-west states.
Steel & global supply
About 95% of containers are built in China, so steel prices, factory output, and tariffs flow straight through to U.S. pricing — especially for new units.
Regional supply & demand
When local used inventory tightens, prices rise even though the containers aren't new. Port hubs like Houston, Newark, Los Angeles, and Savannah tend to run below the national average; inland metros above it.
Site access & extras
A flat, open site keeps delivery cheap; tight spaces needing a crane or special equipment add cost. Modifications — doors, vents, shelving, insulation — stack on top of the base price.
Condition grades
Container grades & what they cost
There's no single global standard, but the industry uses these widely accepted grades based on age and structural integrity.
Made one loaded voyage from the factory — near-pristine, minimal wear, longest lifespan (25–30+ years). Every "new" container in North America has technically shipped once.
Best for: container homes, offices, retail builds, food-grade or pharma use, anywhere appearance matters.
Certified by a marine surveyor as structurally sound enough to re-enter international shipping. Some surface rust and dents, but solid. The IICL tier is the strictest grade of used.
Best for: export shipping, long-term storage, projects needing a certified, dependable box.
Sealed against wind and water but not certified for ocean transit. Cosmetically aged with rust and faded paint — structurally fine. The value sweet spot for most buyers.
Best for: job-site, residential, and agricultural storage where looks don't matter.
Sold without a watertight guarantee — may have dents, holes, or door issues. Cheapest option, but inspect carefully. Not every supplier sells this grade.
Best for: budget projects, parts, or buyers who can repair minor faults themselves.
Delivery costs
How much does container delivery cost?
Most suppliers quote delivery separately from the container. Distance from the depot is the main driver.
| Distance from depot | 20ft | 40ft |
|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 mi) | $300 – $800 | $500 – $1,200 |
| Regional (50–150 mi) | $600 – $1,200 | $900 – $1,800 |
| Long-distance (150+ mi) | $1,200 – $2,500 | $1,800 – $3,500 |
Standard delivery uses a tilt-bed (roll-off) truck that slides the container onto the ground — you'll need roughly 100 feet of clear, level approach. Tight lots, soft ground, or precise placement may require a crane or HIAB, which adds a few hundred dollars. Rural deliveries usually cost more because of longer hauls and limited carrier availability, and refrigerated units run a little higher since they're heavier and need careful handling.
New vs. used
Which is worth it?
Used containers cost 20–50% less than new one-trip units. For most storage jobs, the functional difference is minimal.
New (One-Trip)
$3,000 – $7,500 + delivery
- Near-flawless paint and structure
- Longest lifespan, 25–30+ years
- Often required for homes, offices, retail
- Favored by insurers for built structures
Used (CW / WWT)
$1,200 – $3,800 + delivery
- 20–50% cheaper than new
- Structurally sound, cosmetic wear only
- Best value for storage & job sites
- 15+ years of service with basic upkeep
The value math: a used 40ft WWT at ~$2,200 works out to about $6.88 per square foot, versus roughly $10/sq ft for a used 20ft. If your site can take the bigger box, the 40ft is almost always the smarter buy — you get about 170 more square feet for a few hundred dollars more. Reserve new one-trip units for living spaces, food or pharma use, and high-end conversions where condition genuinely matters.
FAQs
Shipping container cost questions
For the container itself, expect roughly $1,200–$7,500 depending on size and condition. A used 20ft runs about $1,500–$3,200 and a used 40ft about $1,800–$3,800, while new one-trip units are $3,000–$7,500. Delivery adds another $300–$3,500 on top.
A used 40ft cargo-worthy container typically costs $2,500–$3,800, and a new one-trip 40ft runs $4,500–$7,500 — before delivery. A 40ft high cube (an extra foot of height) adds a few hundred dollars more.
Yes — used wind-and-watertight or cargo-worthy units are 20–50% cheaper than new one-trip containers and are structurally sound. For storage, job sites, and agricultural use, the functional difference is minimal, making used the higher-value choice for most buyers.
Usually, yes. Most suppliers quote delivery separately. Local delivery near a depot runs about $300–$800 for a 20ft and $500–$1,200 for a 40ft; long-distance hauls can reach $2,500–$3,500. A flat, accessible site keeps costs at the low end.
Because 10ft units aren't mass-produced the way 20ft and 40ft containers are. Most are cut down from standard containers and re-welded, and that extra labor makes the smaller box more expensive than a 20ft despite holding less.
Yes. Pricing moves with steel costs, import tariffs, fuel surcharges, port proximity, and local supply and demand. 2026 has been relatively stable, but short-term swings still happen — so it's worth comparing current quotes rather than relying on a single number.
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