The price of a shipping container is not fixed: it changes from week to week, by size and by condition. In this article you will read which factors set the price of a 20ft or 40ft container in 2026, from freight rates to local stock, and where you can view the current price and availability directly.
The price of a shipping container is the result of a number of factors that together determine what you ultimately pay. Condition is the biggest factor: new (one-trip, virtually as-new) costs more than used in cargo-worthy or A-grade quality, which is guaranteed wind and watertight and CSC-certified. See also what a shipping container costs in annual running costs on top of the purchase.
If you are looking for several containers at once, buying shipping containers wholesale is often cheaper per unit than buying individually.
Alongside the direct factors, the global container market plays a role. New containers are largely built and shipped from Asia, and those costs are tied to sea-freight rates. According to Xeneta's weekly market update, freight rates remained largely flat in mid-July 2026, while Drewry's World Container Index rose 2 percent that same week. Fluctuations of this kind in freight rates feed through into the production and shipping costs of new containers, and thereby indirectly into the price importers pay.
For used containers it is above all local stock that counts: how many cargo-worthy containers are available for immediate delivery at the European depots relative to demand. If you would rather not buy, hiring a container is an alternative with no upfront investment.
Buitenmaten (l × b); High Cube-varianten zijn 30 cm hoger. View stock →
| Feature | 20ft container | 40ft container |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Approx. 6 metres | Approx. 12 metres |
| Price level | Lowest entry price | Higher, due to more steel and transport |
| Suitable for | Storage, small workspace, private use | Larger storage, business stock, moving |
| Transport | Fits almost any site | Needs a little more room for the crane lorry |
Found the same container in the same condition cheaper elsewhere? With the lowest-price guarantee HEROX matches that price and gives you an extra discount on top. If you have doubts about a supplier that only accepts full payment upfront, first read how to buy a shipping container safely without a middleman.
Want to see the current price and availability straight away? Browse the range of 20ft containers in the shop.
Want to know the exact price for your situation? Tell us the type of container you want and the delivery location, and receive a quote by email on working days within the hour.
The price of a 20ft container depends on its condition and any modifications. A used 20ft container starts from {{price:20ft:used}}, a new (one-trip) 20ft container from {{price:20ft:new}}. Transport costs come on top separately and depend on distance and accessibility. For an exact figure including transport, HEROX sends a quote by email on working days within the hour.
A 40ft container costs more than a 20ft, because it involves more steel, production and transport, although the price per square metre often works out more favourable. A used 40ft container starts from {{price:40ft:used}}, a new one from {{price:40ft:new}}. The exact price further depends on condition, modifications and the delivery location. A quote request gives a concrete figure within the hour on working days.
Container prices move with freight rates, the cost of steel and production, and demand for containers relative to supply at the depots. Weekly market updates such as Drewry's World Container Index and Xeneta's update show that freight rates can rise or stay flat from week to week. Those fluctuations feed through into the new-build price of containers, while the price of used containers depends above all on local stock and demand.
Yes, a used container in cargo-worthy or A-grade quality is cheaper than a new (one-trip) container, and usually offers the best value for money for storage. New is virtually as-new, while used may show light signs of use but is still guaranteed wind and watertight and CSC-certified. Which choice suits you best depends on budget and on whether appearance matters for the application.
First request a quote with the type you want and the delivery location, so you get a concrete figure including transport. If you have seen a lower price elsewhere for the same container in the same condition, send that quote in: with the lowest-price guarantee HEROX matches that price and gives an extra discount on top. Also choose a payment method that suits you, such as paying in advance with a discount or paying in instalments over up to 36 months.
View live stock with prices, or get a tailored quote within one business hour.
