How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost?

High volume, watertight and wind-proof: shipping containers are a great solution for more than shipping alone, with many businesses investing in containers to support storage and conversion. While most shipping companies have containers for hire, buying your own provides more control and security during transit. But how much does a shipping container cost?

If you’re considering buying a shipping container, average prices are a big part of the decision. Costs can vary widely depending on whether the container is new or used, its condition, size and specialisms, and the delivery location, so use this guide to help decide what kinds of containers are in and out of budget.

When you’re ready for an accurate quote, we’re ready for you. Call KH Containers on 0333 577 3191 or fill in our contact form.

Factors That Influence Shipping Container Costs

Container Size and Type

All things being equal, a bigger shipping container costs more. Standard sizes are 10, 20 and 40-foot lengths by 8 feet wide, so consider the volume you need and whether the space is worth the additional cost.

Average prices vary year on year, but for a brand-new container, you can usually expect to pay between £1600 and £5300:

• 10 ft: £1,600 – £3,500
• 20 ft: £1,900 – £3,800
• 40 ft: £2,600 – £5,300

Specialised units often have a higher price to account for the additional parts and regulatory requirements. These could be containers with extra headspace, bunded storage roller doors or built-in features such as COSHH-approved seals for hazardous chemical storage. DNV-certified containers for offshore oil and gas start at £7,500 new.

New vs Used

Of course, buying a new container is not always necessary. Used shipping containers have lower costs associated, as they will already have faced some wear and tear. For a standard 20 ft container, the difference between new and used could be as much as £2,700.

The discount on used containers depends heavily on their condition and the number of trips they’ve been used on, a bit like the mileage on a car. A container that’s made a single trip is usually sold close to the as-new price.

However, if a container has spent a few years crossing the oceans is usually in need of some refurbishment, and you can get a great deal on these, provided they are still usable.

We ensure every unit is in cargo-worthy condition, with watertight and windproof, fully operational doors and a 12-month guarantee of no leaks.

Delivery Location

Another part of the shipping container cost is the distance of delivery. The further you’re asking your supplier to deliver your unit, the more you’re likely to pay, especially if they need to pay more than one haulier to make the delivery.

Most container delivery services will use a HIAB or hydraulic crane to position your container exactly where you want it, provided there is access. If you want to move it later, we recommend hiring an operated crane if you don’t have one of your own.

Buying a New, Used or Refurbished Shipping Container

Container Type	New Shipping Containers	Used Shipping Containers
20 ft containers	£1900 – £3800	£1100 – £2300
40 ft containers	£2600 – £5000	£1500 – £3400

 

Consider the cost of buying new, used or refurbished shipping containers to make sure your budget is well used.

A new container is straight from the manufacturer, never having been used for haulage or shipping. A used container can have made anywhere from one to a thousand trips before it reaches you, so there is greater variation in cost. 

For Conversions

Purchasing a used container for conversion can save money up front – but this creates the additional expenses of retrofitting insulation and utilities. Containers can be modified to provide space for: 

• Site offices
• Temporary workshops
• Portable art installations 
• Pop-up shops
• Emergency shelters or housing.

Shipping container conversions are extremely useful and affordable for creating extra space on site without the disruption of construction work.

Getting The Best Value from Your Container

Make your money go as far as possible when choosing a shipping container.

1.     Purchasing from a trusted supplier will avoid costly errors or misleading sales tactics, making sure you get a good deal.
2.     Consider the condition you need from your container, as it must be suitable for your purpose, or you’ll lose money in the long run.
3.     Buying a site office that has already been converted may be more economical than converting it yourself, as converters can purchase materials in bulk.
4.     Compare prices of different sizes, as you may be able to get a larger container than you think for not much more.
5.     Look for suppliers who offer price matching.

KH Containers promise the most competitive shipping container costs. If you find a better quote for the same container, we’ll beat it!

Get a Quote for a Container Today

How much does a shipping container cost? It depends on so many factors. The short answer is between £1,000 and £8,000.

We’ve used average price ranges in this article, but we appreciate that if you’re looking for a quick answer, it’s not something you can take to your budget meeting. That’s because each KH Containers quote is bespoke, based on the size, specialism and condition you’re looking for. We source containers from a reliable network of suppliers, checking every unit for windproof and leakproof seals before delivery.

To find the best shipping container price for your needs, contact us for a quote.