Shipping Standard Plastic Containers: What's The Cost?

The cost of shipping a standard plastic container depends on a number of factors, including the size of the container, the distance it needs to travel, and whether it's being shipped domestically or internationally. The price can also vary depending on whether the container is new or used, with newer containers generally costing more. In this article, we'll explore the different factors that can affect the cost of shipping a standard plastic container and provide some estimates for how much you can expect to pay.

Container size

The cost of shipping a container depends on its size. The most common container sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot containers, which are large enough to hold a substantial amount of freight and fit into loading slots on container ships. A 20-foot container has 25 to 28 cubic metres of space and can hold the boxed contents of a three-bedroom house. A 40-foot container can hold more, but it will also cost more to ship.

Smaller containers, such as the 10-foot standard size, may cost less overall, but they can be more expensive than the larger sizes because their non-standard dimensions make them harder to load. The price of a container also depends on its condition. New containers are the most expensive, while used containers are cheaper.

The cost of shipping a container also depends on the distance it needs to travel. For a domestic move in the US, you can expect to pay between $1.00 and $4.00 per mile for a typical moving container. A new, one-trip 20-foot standard dry shipping container costs around $2,500-$4,500, while a 40-foot container costs around $4,000-$6,000.

The 40-foot High Cube container is the most abundant model on the secondary market, so it is often priced below the standard 40-foot container or the 20-foot container. A new, one-trip 40-foot High Cube container costs around $3,500-$5,500.

Container type

The cost of shipping a standard plastic container depends on its size, the distance it needs to travel, and whether it's new or used.

The most common container sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot, which are large enough to hold a substantial amount of freight and fit into loading slots on container ships. A 20-foot container has roughly 25 to 28 cubic meters of space and can hold the boxed contents of a three-bedroom house. A 40-foot container can hold about twice as much. These sizes are also the most common for delivering goods to eCommerce fulfillment and distribution centres, as tractor trailers and rail cars are built to hold them.

A new 20-foot standard dry shipping container costs around $2,500 to $4,500, while a new 40-foot standard dry shipping container costs around $4,000 to $6,000. A new 40-foot high cube container, which is taller than the standard version, costs around $3,500 to $5,500. Used containers are cheaper, with prices starting at around $2,500 and going up to $20,000 for a new container.

Smaller containers, such as the 10-foot standard size, may cost less overall but could be more expensive to ship because their non-standard size makes them harder to load.

For domestic moves within the US, you can expect to pay between $1.00 and $4.00 per mile for a typical moving container.

Domestic vs international shipping

The cost of shipping a standard plastic container depends on several factors, including the size of the container, the distance it needs to travel, and whether it is a domestic or international move.

For domestic moves, you can expect to pay between $1.00 and $4.00 per mile for a typical moving container. The cost of a new 20-foot standard dry shipping container ranges from $2500 to $4500, while a new 40-foot standard dry shipping container costs between $4000 and $6000. The 40-foot and 20-foot containers are the most common sizes for delivering goods, as they can hold a substantial amount of freight and fit into loading slots on container ships, as well as tractor trailers and rail cars.

On the other hand, international moves typically use 20-foot and 40-foot containers. The price of a new 20-foot container for international shipping is estimated to be around $2500-$4500, while a new 40-foot container can cost between $3500 and $6000. It's important to note that the price of shipping a container internationally can vary depending on the destination country and the specific requirements of the move.

When choosing between domestic and international shipping, it's essential to consider the size and weight of the items being shipped, the urgency of the delivery, and the budget available. Domestic shipping is generally more cost-effective for smaller items or shorter distances, while international shipping may be more suitable for larger or heavier items, or when shipping across borders is necessary. Additionally, the condition of the container can impact the price, with newer containers costing more than older, used containers.

New vs used containers

The cost of shipping a standard plastic container depends on the size of the container, the distance it needs to travel, and whether it is new or used.

For domestic moves, you can expect to pay between $1.00 and $4.00 per mile for a typical moving container. The most common container sizes for these types of moves are 20-foot and 40-foot containers, which can hold the contents of a three-bedroom house.

If you are looking to purchase a new container, prices range from $2,500 for a used 20-foot container to $20,000 for a new 40-foot container. The newest containers cost the most, while the oldest used containers are the cheapest. For example, a new 20-foot standard dry shipping container costs around $2,500-$4,500, while a new 40-foot standard dry shipping container costs around $4,000-$6,000.

It is worth noting that the 40-foot High Cube container is the most abundant model on the secondary market, so you may find better prices for this size compared to the standard 40-foot or 20-foot containers. A new 40-foot High Cube container costs around $3,500-$5,500.

When considering the cost of shipping, keep in mind that smaller containers may be more expensive to ship overall, as their non-standard sizes can make them harder to load.

Container company

Container companies like POD, U-Pack, U-Box, and 1-800-PACK-RAT have their own sizes. For a domestic move using a typical moving container, you can expect to pay between $1.00 and $4.00 per mile. The cost of shipping a container will also depend on whether it is being shipped across the country or overseas.

The 40-foot High Cube container is the most abundant model on the secondary market. These containers are priced below the standard 40-foot containers and even the 20-foot containers. A new 40-foot High Cube container costs around $3500-$5500.

Storage container prices start around $2500 for a used storage container and can go up to $20,000 for a new shipping container. High cube containers cost more than the standard 8’6” version, and 40-foot containers cost more than 20-foot containers.

Frequently asked questions