How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost?

What is the Price of a Shipping Container in the UK?

If you are thinking about buying a container (or two!) to set up your new street food business or have plenty of storage room at hand, you’ll be wondering how much a shipping cargo will come to cost.

The reality is that the price of your shipping containers will depend on a number of different factors. For example, the condition of the container will have a significant impact. Do you want a new unit? Or will a used one do?

Size, type, and dimensions can also influence how much you’ll spend. But whatever shipping container best fits your operational needs, rest assured that Cleveland Containers has an option for all businesses and pockets.

Cost of Shipping Containers by Size

So, how much are shipping containers? Regardless of the cargo size you go for, you can expect to pay anywhere from £2,000 to £3,000 for a brand-new 20ft container.

Should you prefer a cheaper option, you can pick a second-hand container instead. Our 20ft used units range between £1,500 and £2,000, making them a more affordable solution for businesses on a budget.

At Cleveland Containers, we stock a wide range of sizes to suit all your specialist requirements.

If you don’t need much space, a 10ft Shipping Container could work just fine. Although they can work out to be of equal or even a higher price to that of a 20ft unit because of the increased cost to ship them internationally. If you want to play it safe and get yourself a more standard-size unit, a 20ft Container is no doubt a very sound choice.

If you need plenty of storage room or are planning to set up site offices, bars, or mobile stores, you might want to consider our larger offerings. You can choose from 30ft, 40ft, and even 45ft Containers. 40ft containers can range from £4,000 - £5,000 if purchased new and around £1,500 - £2,000 if purchased second-hand.

While our shipping container prices don’t vary much based on their dimensions, they can fluctuate depending on location. If you’re purchasing a container from a supplier or depot that’s far away from your business site, you might have to pay more to cover the higher delivery expenses.

What’s more, having your shipping container modified in any way—whether adding doors or installing windows—can increase the cost, too.

You may also want to consider how long you’ll need the container for. If you only plan to use it temporarily, think about our hiring options as it will cost you less than buying a unit outright.

However, if you need a container permanently, purchasing it from the off will act as a more pocket-friendly investment in the long run.

Cost of Shipping Containers by Type

Based on the sector you operate in, you may require a specialised container to help your business run smoothly.

From High Cube Containers to flat pack and open-top cargos, we have a large number of specialist units across our 20 well-stocked UK depots.

The difference between standard and specialised containers is that the latter might come with features and add-ons tailored to your business needs, such as Tunnel Containers, Side Opening Units, or even Refrigerated Containers. Refrigerated options, for example, are perfect for any business requiring additional on-site cold storage.

This can make them a little bit more expensive than their standard counterparts. However, with specialised units, you will benefit from a shipping container that’s equipped with all you need for your daily operations.

If you’re interested in one of our specialised containers, feel free to request a quote, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.   

Shipping Container Cost: Buying Used Vs. Buying New

As mentioned, if you’re looking for a cheaper container option to add to your site, used units are the right solution for your finances. Despite being second-hand, you can rest assured that they are still high quality and carry out their duties just right.

But if you want a shiny new shipping container, feel free to browse our wide range of new shipping containers. Roughly, standard prices sit anywhere between £2,000 and £5,000.

Shipping Container Cost: Buying Dry Vs. Buying Refrigerated

The difference between dry and refrigerated containers is that the latter are designed to store ‘wet’ goods and keep your items in a cool environment.

This can make them a little bit more expensive than their dry counterparts. However, with refrigerated units, you will benefit from a container that’s equipped with all you need for your daily operations – especially if you work in the food and beverage sector.

Shipping Container Cost: Buying Big Vs. Buying Small

Need lots of storage room? Or not so much? We stock a vast array of containers of all shapes and sizes, both big and small.

When it comes to cargo container prices, dimensions can have an impact on the overall cost – but bigger doesn’t always mean more expensive. For example, 10ft units can sometimes work out more expensive than 20ft containers.

Browse our generous selection, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Our friendly team is always on hand to offer tips and advice!