What does a shipping container cost? That depends on the size, the condition and any modifications, but there is a clear way to break down the price. In this article you can compare the purchase price, the annual costs and the insulation value side by side, so you know in advance what to allow for.
The price of a shipping container is mainly determined by three factors: the size, the condition and any modifications. A 10ft container (around 3 metres) is the smallest and cheapest, while a 40ft (around 12 metres) or 45ft container (around 13.7 metres) offers more storage volume at a higher price. For example, a used 20ft container starts at from €1.500 and a new (one-trip) 20ft container at on request.
New means one-trip: the container has made exactly one sea voyage and is virtually as-new. Used is cargo-worthy or A-grade: guaranteed wind and watertight, CSC-certified and inspected at the depot before it is delivered. For storage, used is often the best value for money; those who value a flawless appearance choose new. Torn between buying and renting? Read also renting a shipping container: monthly price, term and flexible options.
Want the container converted into an office or workshop, with insulation, electrics and extra doors? Those modifications are carried out in our own workshop before delivery and add to the base price. More on this in converting a shipping container into an office, workshop or garage.
| Feature | New (one-trip) | Used (cargo-worthy/A-grade) |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Virtually as-new, one sea voyage made | Signs of use possible, functionally as good as new |
| Guarantee | Wind and watertight, CSC-certified | Wind and watertight, CSC-certified, inspected before delivery |
| Price | Higher | Best value for money |
| Most chosen for | Visible applications, rental, appearance | Storage, agricultural use, building sites |
Alongside the purchase price, there are a few items that influence the annual cost of a shipping container. The largest is usually transport and placement: those costs depend on the distance from the depot and the accessibility of the location, and are always set out clearly in the quote. You can read more about how this is built up in container transport costs: what determines the price of delivery?.
After that, maintenance is the main ongoing cost, and with a little attention it can be kept low. Checking the coating and seals a few times a year, touching up any damage and ensuring adequate ventilation prevents most maintenance related to rust and condensation. That way a shipping container lasts 25 to 30 years or longer. See shipping container maintenance: preventing rust and extending its lifespan for the details.
If you are placing the container permanently, allow for the ground surface, such as concrete slabs, and check with your local authority whether a planning permit is needed; this varies by area and country. If you choose to rent rather than buy, maintenance and placement are usually already included in the rental price. Compare the options in placing a container in the garden: from storage to shelter.
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Untreated steel has barely any insulation value: it conducts heat and cold quickly, so a container without insulation heats up in summer and cools down to the outside temperature in winter. For purely dry storage that is no problem, but if you want to use the space as an office, workshop or living space, insulation is needed for a stable indoor climate.
Insulating the walls, roof and floor, combined with ventilation grilles to prevent condensation, makes a container usable all year round. A High Cube version is 30 centimetres taller than standard (2.70 metres interior height), which gives extra room for insulation material without the load volume or standing height suffering. These adaptations, together with electrics, lighting and extra windows or personnel doors, are carried out in our own workshop before the container is delivered.
Would you also like the colour adjusted straight away to match your building or house style? HEROX combines that in the same operation; see painting a shipping container and having it sprayed in your own colour.
Comparing one offer with another? For the same container in the same condition, HEROX matches the lowest price and adds an extra discount on top. Simply send along the competing quote. Read also buying a shipping container safely without a middleman.
Receive a concrete price offer within one hour on working days for the size and condition that suits your situation.
That depends on the size and the condition: a used 20ft container starts at {{price:20ft:used}}, a new (one-trip) 20ft container at {{price:20ft:new}}. Larger sizes such as 40ft cost more, but also offer more storage volume. For an exact amount including transport and any modifications, HEROX sends a quote by email within one hour on working days.
The largest items are transport and placement, which appear as a one-off in the quote, and maintenance, which mainly consists of checking the coating and ventilation. With a short inspection a few times a year, maintenance stays limited and a container lasts 25 to 30 years. With permanent placement, costs for the ground surface and possibly a permit may also come into play.
A new (one-trip) container has made exactly one sea voyage and is virtually as-new, which comes at a higher price. A used container in cargo-worthy or A-grade condition is guaranteed wind and watertight and CSC-certified, and usually offers the best value for money for storage.
Untreated steel conducts heat and cold quickly, so a container without insulation follows the outside temperature closely. For dry storage that is no problem, but for use as an office or workshop, insulation of the walls, roof and floor is needed for a stable indoor climate. This modification is carried out in our own workshop before delivery.
Yes, for long-term or frequent use, buying is usually more cost-effective, because the container remains an investment that retains its value. Renting is mainly attractive for temporary needs, such as a renovation or event. If you do prefer to rent, the monthly price depends on type, condition and term.
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