Understanding Shipping Container Costs

If you’re looking for a sturdy shipping container to store your equipment , you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options available. 

No matter your needs and requirements, rest assured that there’s always a container that will suit you and your business just right. But how much do shipping containers cost? 

When it comes to costs, the price of shipping containers can vary depending on several factors. So, if you’re set on purchasing a container to facilitate your business operations, bear in mind that several factors might affect its final price tag.

Read ahead to learn all you need to know. And if you have any further questions, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team – we’re always on hand to help!

Main Factors in Shipping Container Costs 

As mentioned, several factors can impact the cost of a shipping container.

Some of the main aspects include:

• Material and build quality
• Size and type
• Location, availability, and market demand

Materials and build quality 

Made from steel, shipping containers are built to be durable, solid, and to withstand all types of weather conditions. In fact, cargo containers are originally designed to cross stormy oceans while storing and protecting products from the scorching sun, heavy winds and rain.

Of course, shipping containers built with thicker steel, corrosion-resistant coatings, and reinforced structures are likely to have a higher cost, as they guarantee better safety and security. Likewise, containers developed for specific purposes, such as refrigeration or storage of hazardous materials, are bound to have a higher price tag due to their specialised nature.

Cleveland Containers stocks a range of container types including new (one trip) containers, meaning you’ll be getting the best you can find on the market. 

Bear in mind that our 20ft new (one trip) shipping containers cost anywhere between £2,000 and £3,000 per unit. But if you’re on a budget and are aiming for a more pocket-friendly investment, you can opt for used containers, too. 
 
Despite being second-hand and having offered their services in the past already, rest assured that our used cargo options are equally as sturdy and reliable, allowing you to store your equipment with confidence and peace of mind. A 20ft used container is likely to cost you around £1,250 to £2,000.

Size and type 

Shipping containers come in many types and sizes – and this can have an impact on their overall cost, too.

Based on how much room you need, whether to store your items or have an on-site office, you can pick from a wide range of container dimensions. 

For example, if you don’t need ample space, 8ft or 10ft containers could do the trick. But if you have bulky equipment to keep safe and out of sight, 20ft, or 40ft containers might offer a better solution. 

What’s more, depending on the sector you operate in, you might need a specialised container that can adequately support your day-to-day activities. 

At Cleveland Containers, we stock a large variety of specialised containers across our depots, including tunnel, flat-pack, refrigerated, side-opening, and open-top containers.

Location, availability, and market demand

Other important factors to bear in mind are location and availability. 

As with all products, in areas with high demand and a limited supply of shipping containers, prices tend to be higher. On the flip side, if the demand is low, shipping container costs are likely to go down as well.

Location is often a crucial aspect, too, because transportation costs can quickly add to your final bill. The further away you are from a depot, the more you can expect to pay for delivery.

The good news is that Cleveland Containers has depots in 20 locations around the UK, meaning your headquarters are never too far from one of our sites. 

Additional Shipping Container Costs 

On top of the cost of the shipping container itself, it’s important to keep in mind that extras such as modifications and customisations can add to your overall expenses.

Adding specific features to your shipping container, whether for aesthetic or operational reasons, can increase the unit’s total price tag. You can expect the container price to rise based on the complexity of the work.

Common modifications include adding extra shelving or racking systems to maximise your storage room, as well as installing personnel doors to enhance accessibility. 

Others might ask to install windows and lighting, especially if the cargo unit is repurposed as a site office. Check out all of the upgrade options and additional features we have with Cleveland Xtras to give you a better understanding.

How to get the Best Deal on Shipping Containers 

As mentioned, used containers are a pocket-friendly option if you’re looking for a cargo unit that’s cheaper. That said, don’t worry – you will still benefit from a reliable, high-quality product!

At Cleveland Containers, we have a large collection of new and second-hand containers across our 20 UK locations, all of which can be delivered nationwide.

Visit our clearance page to check out some of our best offerings. There, you will find a full list of available containers.

Where to buy shipping containers 

If you want to view our full selection of shipping containers and decide which one suits you – and your business – best, feel free to browse our dedicated ‘containers’ page.

Here, you will find an extensive list of container units varying in sizes and dimensions. Read through the details and specifications of each cargo unit and choose the one that ticks all the right boxes!