Cargo Containers

Looking to buy cargo containers? Should you buy a new one or a used one? Of what dimensions? Read more about the different cargo containers for sale here.

Each year, there are about 12 million shipping containers entering ports in the United States. Each of these containers carries valuable goods that make their way onto our retail store shelves. But what happens to the containers?

Some of these containers get loaded up and sent out on another transport trip. Other containers stay here in the states and get sold for various purposes.

You’ll find many cargo containers for sale, especially around port cities. You can also work with a service that can assist you in locating your ideal container.

If you’re looking for a container, use this guide to figure out whether you should buy new or used and what your budget should be.

How Much Do New Cargo Containers Cost?

A brand new cargo container could cost as much as $14,000. These containers typically have special features such as refrigeration or extra high-quality insulation.

To help control the cost of your new shipping container, it’s best to buy your container where you plan to ship from. This is because you won’t have to pay transport costs, and prices tend to be more affordable when you’re near a port.

Look for a service that can help you find the perfect container. They may even offer free transport services. This can save you big bucks.

How Much Do Used Cargo Containers Cost?

The cost of your used container will significantly depend on the condition of the container. If you’re looking for the cheapest container possible, then you’ll want to look for an “as-is” container.

These containers are in the poorest condition. They could have holes, doors that aren’t totally secure, or some serious rust issues.

If you want something that’s a bit better quality, the next step up is a water tight or certified cargo worthy container. These containers are in decent condition and considered seaworthy.

If you intend to use your container to ship goods, then you’ll want to buy this quality or better.

The best quality of used containers are those that aren’t quite new and called “one trip containers”. Almost all cargo containers get manufactured in countries other than the United States.

So these containers have only made one trip, from their foreign country of origin to the United States. These containers are essentially new but are still considered used.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a 40 Foot Cargo Container?

A new 40-foot shipping container can cost anywhere from $2,8000 to $5,200. This range is a general estimate, and a brand new container can easily cost more than this, depending on where you are in the country.

You also need to look at the quality of the container. Containers that are seaworthy are going to cost more than containers that aren’t explicitly meant for ocean freight.

Containers intended for ocean freight are made out of Corten steel. This is steel that’s referred to as weathering steel. It’s designed to protect the container from the harsh conditions of being on the ocean.

Saltwater, sun, and wind all beat containers up while traveling across open water. Weathering steel forms a barrier to the elements by creating a rust-like layer over the entire surface.

You can also find containers that aren’t meant for ocean freight. They’re made out of cheaper steel. If you don’t intend to ship, then these containers will be the more economical choice.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a 20 Foot Cargo Container?

A 20-foot cargo container can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $5,000. Used containers are at the lower end of this range. A used container will typically cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3,000.

The exact cost of your used container will depend on the condition of the container, your geographical location, and demand.

A new 20-foot container will typically cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. Similar to the used containers, the exact cost of your new container will depend on where you are, and the current demand.

These ranges are just a guide; you may find a container for less or more than the range we’ve listed here.

Cargo Container Dimensions?

While there’s a wide range of container sizes available from ten feet long to fifty-three feet long, there are only a couple of sizes that are common.

All containers are 8 feet wide. This makes them a standard size so that they can stack multiple lengths on top of each other.

Length

The two most common lengths are twenty and forty feet. Both of these containers are about eight feet high.

Then there is a forty-foot high cube. These containers have an extra foot of height at nine feet.

Cubic Storage Space

A twenty-foot cube will provide you with 1,169 cubic feet. They’ll also have a load capacity of 61,300.

A forty-foot cube will provide about double the cubic storage space at 2,385 cubic feet. This gives you a load capacity of 57,750 pounds.

If you opt for the high cube, the cubic volume increases yet again to a total of 2,660 cubic square feet. The extra foot of height also increases the load capacity to 58,600 pounds.

Shop Cargo Containers for Sale

Now that you have a good understanding of the available cargo containers for sale. Before you can start shopping for a container, you need to decide what you want to use your container for. This will help you decide what type of container you need.

Consider your budget and intended use to narrow down your choice. Once you choose your container, request a quote.