How Much is a 40′ Shipping Container in 2019?

In need of a 40 ft shipping container? Make sure you get a good price. See how much a 40 ft container costs in this 2019 guide now.

Each year about 12 million shipping containers enter US ports. Currently, those containers are not leaving the country as quickly as they come. Empty containers will sit until someone needs to ship goods back out.

Since it isn’t cost effective to ship empty containers, companies are looking for new uses for these containers. One big trend as of late is to use them for storage and building.

If you need a job site office or additional classroom space, a container may be the answer you are looking for. Keep reading for a guide to how much of an investment your new containers will be.

Where Are You Located?

The price of your shipping container will vary depending on where in the country you are located. Living near a port will make it a lot easier as this is where many suppliers are.

If you don’t, then you’ll need to arrange to have the container shipped to you. This can add to the cost. To help keep the additional shipping cost down, you can rent a truck and get the container yourself.

New vs. Used

Obviously, when you buy used anything, it is going to be cheaper than if you decide to buy new. The trick is buying the right used shipping container.

You can look on Craigslist or even eBay for containers. But this will take longer as you will have to wait for the right container that fits your needs to come along.

Then you’ll need to negotiate with the seller on a price. If you are a master negotiator, this may work out in your favor. However, if you are like most people, this process is frustrating, and they would rather skip it.

Your best option is to work with a company which deals in both new and used containers. They have a large enough inventory for you to find what you need right away in the price range that fits your budget.

Unfinished vs. Finished

How do you plan to use your container? If you plan to use it as a storage unit, then it probably doesn’t need a whole lot of finishing. However, if you plan to use it as a portable office or school, then you’ll want a container that looks more like a building.

The more work required, the hirer the cost of the container. You can keep costs down by buying an unfinished trailer and doing it yourself. However, now your content with the cost of renovation and code compliance yourself.

Instead, you can save yourself time and frustration by buying a completed building. This lets you start using it right away.

Finished Trailers Cost Increase Factors

When it comes to finished trailers, the more square footage you need, the more expensive the unit will be. This could mean you need more than one container.

The number of windows and doors will also raise the price. Most worksite containers have one door, while classrooms will commonly have two.

Depending on the region you’re in, you may want air conditioning. You could get away with a small wall unit, or you could decide on a full HVAC system for a more permanent building.

Finally, how do you intend to get in and out of your container? If you want wood or metal stairs going up to the door, this is another additional cost.

Material Used

Not all shipping containers are made equal with the same materials. THose made with “Cor-Ten Steel” are the best quality and will last the longest. They tend to stand up to the weather and resist rust.

Regular or High Cube

Containers that are 40 feet in length are the most popular because they are a popular standard size for shipping and they work well for building construction. They come in two different heights though.

Standard height containers are 8’6″ high. High cube containers are 9’6″ tall.

The taller cube is a smarter option if you want to turn your container into a usable building. You need to take into account that you will lose vertical space when you finish the floor. You will lose more space when you finish the ceiling so that you hide away electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

Come On, What’s the Actual Cost?

Used storage containers can cost anywhere from $2,00 to $6,500. Keep in mind that the lower the cost, the worse condition the container will be in.

New containers average about $3,000 to $15,000. Keep in mind they can easily cost more depending on demand and where you are in the country.

Containers that are finished off as room will cost more than the plain container prices we just mentioned. These prices are a bit harder to guess since it depends on the amount of customization.

Keep in mind that it isn’t just the cost of the container; you will also need to pay a delivery fee. These fees can range from free to up to $500. The exact price you will pay depends on the seller’s policies, your location, and the exact container you ordered.

Another Option:

If all of this sounds like a big and expensive commitment, you have another option. If you only need your container for a short time, then you can rent one.

This gives you the ability to get what you need without the investment of buying. It also means the container is taken care of when you are done with it.

Buy Your Shipping Container

When it comes to getting the best price for your shipping container, you need to know what you want before you start shopping. This will let you narrow down your option quickly and let you focus on viable alternatives.

You may find that investing more upfront for a finished container will save you in the long run. This lets you start using your new container building right away.