If you’re researching shipping container prices, the honest answer is: it depends heavily on size, condition grade, and how far the unit needs to travel. This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing by size and condition so you know what to expect before you request a quote.
Shipping Container Prices by Size
Container pricing scales with steel and length. Here’s the typical starting-price range you’ll see across depot networks in 2026:
- 20ft Standard Dry — typically $2,000–$4,500 depending on condition
- 40ft Standard Dry — typically $2,800–$5,500
- 40ft High Cube — typically $3,500–$7,000, thanks to an extra foot of interior height
- Refrigerated (Reefer) — typically $4,000–$10,000+ depending on working condition and unit age
- Open Side & Double Door — typically $500–$1,500 more than an equivalent standard dry unit, due to added steel framing
You can see current, exact pricing for in-stock units on our shop page, or use the delivered price calculator to get a number that already includes freight to your ZIP code.
Why Condition Grade Changes the Price More Than Anything Else
Two containers of the same size can differ in price by thousands of dollars purely based on condition. Understanding the grading system is the single biggest factor in getting a fair price:
- New / One-Trip — made a single loaded ocean voyage, minimal wear, highest price
- Cargo Worthy (CW) — passes a full structural and watertight inspection, mid-range price
- Wind & Watertight (WWT) — weatherproof but not cargo-certified, budget-friendly for static storage
- As-Is — sold without a condition guarantee, lowest price, best for buyers planning heavy modification
If you’re not sure which grade fits your use case, our New vs. Used Shipping Containers guide walks through how to choose.
What Affects Your Delivered Price
The listed unit price is only part of the total. Delivery cost depends on distance from the nearest depot, site accessibility, and whether you need liftgate or tilt-bed service for a difficult drop location. This is why we quote delivered pricing rather than a flat container price — it’s the number that actually matters when you’re budgeting.
Financing Shipping Containers
If you’d rather spread the cost out, third-party financing is available on select orders. See our financing options page for details on how that works.
Get an Exact Price for Your Container
Ready to see a real number instead of a range? Use our quote calculator to get delivered pricing based on your container size and ZIP code — no broker markup, no hidden fees.
Curious whether we deliver to your area? Check our state, city, and international delivery guides for pricing and timelines specific to your location.
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