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Shipping Containers for Sale in the USA

Compare new and used shipping containers for sale across the USA with current depot prices. 20ft from $1,045, 40ft high cube from $1,495. One request brings delivered quotes from vetted local suppliers.

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Marketplace

Shipping containers for sale: current prices

Browse new and used containers with current starting prices at US depots. Pick the one that fits, tell us your ZIP code and vetted local suppliers send you delivered quotes. One request, multiple quotes, no fees.

Depot prices updated October 2026
Size
Condition
Type
Used

20ft Used Container

Cargo worthy (CW)

Structurally sound, wind and watertight and fit for shipping. A safe all round choice for storage and job sites.

20′ x 8′ x 8’6″ · 1,170 cu ft
from $1,045
Most metros $1,295 to $1,645 · depot price
Used

40ft High Cube Used

Cargo worthy (CW)

Extra foot of height for racking and bulky goods, at used container prices.

40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ · 2,690 cu ft
from $1,495
Most metros $1,745 to $2,045 · depot price
New

20ft New Container

One-trip

Shipped once from the factory. As-new condition for homes, offices and branded projects.

20′ x 8′ x 8’6″ · 1,170 cu ft
from $2,245
Most metros $2,495 to $2,595 · depot price
New

40ft High Cube New

One-trip

As-new high cube with clean paint and floors. The first choice for container homes, offices and long term use.

40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ · 2,690 cu ft
from $3,145
Most metros $3,595 to $3,945 · depot price
Used

40ft Used Container

Cargo worthy (CW)

Twice the floor space of a 20ft at a lower price per square foot. Great for business stock and farm storage.

40′ x 8′ x 8’6″ · 2,390 cu ft
from $1,395
Most metros $1,595 to $1,945 · depot price
New

20ft High Cube New

One-trip

One foot taller inside. The usual base for tiny homes, workshops and tall equipment.

20′ x 8′ x 9’6″ · 1,360 cu ft
from $2,895
Most metros $2,995 to $3,145 · depot price
Used

40ft High Cube Used

Premium grade

Higher grade used high cube with fewer dents. A smart pick for conversions on a budget.

40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ · 2,690 cu ft
from $1,695
Most metros $1,795 to $2,145 · depot price
UsedSpecialty

40ft Refrigerated Container

Operating reefer

Working refrigeration unit for chilled or frozen goods. Ask for a recent pre-trip inspection report.

40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ · -22°F to +86°F
from $4,195
Most metros $4,795 to $5,095 · depot price
UsedSpecialty

40ft Insulated Container

Non-operating reefer

Insulated box with a stainless steel interior, machinery not working. A popular base for offices and tiny homes.

40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ · insulated
from $3,595
Most metros $3,595 to $4,195 · depot price
UsedSpecialty

40ft Open Top Container

Cargo worthy (CW)

Tarp roof for loading from above by crane or forklift. Built for machinery, timber and tall materials.

40′ x 8′ x 8’6″ · open roof
from $3,895
Most metros $4,595 to $5,395 · depot price
New

10ft Container

New or used

Compact and easy to place in tight spaces. Ideal for tools, garden gear and small business storage.

10′ x 8′ x 8’6″ · 560 cu ft
Price on request
Quotes from local suppliers
New

8ft Container

New

The smallest standard size. Fits a parking space and suits tools, bikes and seasonal gear.

8′ long · compact storage
Price on request
Quotes from local suppliers
No container matches these filters.

Prices are starting prices at the depot, based on current inventory at major US container depots. Delivery, sales tax and local fees are extra and depend on your ZIP code. Availability changes daily, and your supplier confirms the final price in your quote.

1Pick a containerChoose size, condition and type from the listings.
2Enter your ZIP codeTell us where it goes and when you need it.
3Compare delivered quotesVetted local suppliers reply with their best price. No fees.

Prices near you

Shipping container prices by metro area

Container prices depend on where the depot is. Port cities and rail hubs usually have the most stock and the lowest prices. These are current starting prices at depots in 30 US metro areas.

Metro area20ft used (CW)40ft high cube used (CW)20ft new (one-trip)40ft high cube new
Atlanta, GA$1,695$2,195$2,895$3,745
Bakersfield, CA$1,645on requeston request$4,395
Baltimore, MD$1,295$1,795on request$3,595
Charleston, SC$1,145$1,745$2,495$3,745
Charlotte, NC$1,695on requeston requeston request
Chicago, IL$1,145$1,595$2,445$3,245
Cincinnati, OH$1,445$1,695$2,495$3,745
Cleveland, OH$1,445$1,795$2,495$3,245
Columbus, OH$1,495$1,695$2,495$3,245
Dallas, TX$1,645$1,895$2,745$3,895
Denver, COon request$2,545on request$4,345
Detroit, MI$1,145$1,695$2,495$3,595
El Paso, TXon request$2,195on request$4,395
Houston, TX$1,045$1,745$2,495$3,945
Indianapolis, IN$1,495$1,895$2,495$4,395
Jacksonville, FL$1,295$1,995$2,495$3,745
Los Angeles, CA$1,395$1,795$2,245$3,495
Memphis, TN$1,445$1,595$2,445$3,245
Miami, FL$1,195$1,795$2,495$3,745
Minneapolis, MNon request$2,045on request$3,695
Mobile, AL$1,445$1,995$2,495on request
Nashville, TN$1,695$2,095on request$3,645
New York / New Jersey, NY/NJ$1,345$1,695on request$3,645
Oakland / San Francisco, CA$1,595$1,795$2,745$3,895
Omaha, NEon request$2,095$2,895$3,595
Phoenix, AZon requeston request$3,245on request
Salt Lake City, UT$2,295$2,895on request$4,245
Savannah, GA$1,145$1,495$2,495$3,145
Seattle, WA$1,795$1,745on request$3,895
St. Louis, MO$1,445$1,745$2,445$3,595

Market prices for 38 metro areas, based on public prices from dozens of sellers, are in our monthly shipping container price index. Not on the list? Suppliers deliver well beyond these depots. Request quotes for your ZIP code and compare delivered prices.

About the host Andy is a container industry professional with 15+ years of experience and the creator of Andy knows Containers, an independent YouTube channel focused on helping buyers make informed container decisions. The channel serves a global English-speaking audience, with the majority of viewers based in the United States.

The US market for shipping containers for sale is one of the largest and most active worldwide, with thousands of units available at any given time across ports, inland depots, and regional supplier networks. For buyers, the challenge is rarely availability. It is identifying the right container specification, condition, and supplier for a specific use case and location. This page provides a structured overview of the options commonly available in the United States, the factors that determine pricing, and the process for requesting quotes from suppliers in your region.

Find Your Perfect Container

Industry credentials & affiliations

Container options available on the US market

Three categories account for the majority of shipping container sales in the United States. Not sure which length you need? Our guide to shipping container sizes compares them by use. If you only need a container for a few months, compare buying with shipping container rental.

20ft shipping containers

The 20ft shipping container is the most widely purchased size in the US market. It offers approximately 160 square feet of internal floor area, straightforward placement on most sites, and lower transport costs than larger units. Typical applications include on-site storage, workshops, a shipping container garage, jobsite offices, and smaller modification projects such as a shipping container pool. See full specs, dimensions, and pricing for 20ft shipping containers for sale.

40ft shipping containers

The 40ft shipping container provides nearly double the floor area of a 20ft unit at a price premium typically 30 to 60 percent higher, making it the preferred choice where storage volume or usable floor space is the primary requirement. The 40ft size is also standard for shipping container homes and larger commercial modifications, with both standard height and high cube versions available. See full specs, dimensions, and pricing for 40ft shipping containers for sale.

Used shipping containers

Used shipping containers represent the largest share of the US market by transaction volume. Inventory is graded by condition, most commonly Wind and Water Tight (WWT) or Cargo Worthy (CW) and pricing reflects both the grade and regional depot availability. See grades, pricing, and what to look for when buying used shipping containers for sale.

Shipping containers by state

Supply, delivery distance and local rules differ from state to state, so we build regional pages for the markets with the most demand. In Texas, compare shipping containers in Texas or go straight to Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. In Florida, start with shipping containers in Florida or the local pages for Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville. For every other state, our shipping containers near me finder shows the nearest depot hubs and starting prices, and one request reaches vetted suppliers who deliver to your ZIP code.

Key specifications

What you can expect from US shipping containers

Sizes and dimensions
  • Standard lengths: 10ft, 20ft, 40ft
  • Specialized lengths: 8ft, 45ft
  • Width: 8ft (2.44m) across all ISO sizes 
  • Height: 8ft 6in standard or 9ft 6in high cube

For exact external and internal measurements across all sizes, see our shipping container dimensions guide.

Build and durability
  • Corten weathering steel construction 
  • Weathertight sealed design
  • ISO 1496 structural standard
  • Service life of 20 to 25 years with regular maintenance
  • Available in one-trip, Cargo Worthy, and Wind & Water Tight grades
Modifications and accessories
  • Factory options: ventilation, lockboxes, reinforced floors
  • Post-sale modifications: doors, windows, insulation, electrics
  • Custom paint and branding available on one-trip units
  • High cube variants for taller equipment or modifications

Use Cases

What can shipping containers be used for?

1. Shipping and transport

Why:

The global standard for transporting goods by sea, rail and road, ideal for moving valuables from A to B.

Customization:

Add a lockbox to turn the container into secure storage once it arrives on your property or site.

2. Personal and commercial storage

Why:

The ISO standard for secure storage and international freight. Used on
construction sites, farms, commercial properties, and ports across the USA.

Customization:

Add lockboxes, ventilation, and reinforced floors for long-term secure storage.

3. Workshops and studios

Why:

An affordable, secure footprint for workshops, mobile studios, and DIY projects.
Fully portable and weatherproof.

Customization:

Add electrical fit-outs, lighting, shelving, and insulation for a fully
functional workspace.

Green shipping container with glass doors and window panels beside a paved terrace

4. Container homes and accessory dwellings

Why:

A low-cost, portable office footprint for construction sites, remote projects,
and temporary work setups.

Customization:

Add insulation, windows, plumbing, electrical, and solar for a livable
modular space.

5. Retail and pop-up spaces

Why:

A distinctive, portable retail footprint for food trucks, pop-up shops,
market stalls, and event branding.

Customization:

Brand the exterior, add roll-up doors and serving windows, and transport
between locations.

New or used

New vs used: which container is right for you?

best for business
New sea container
list makert

Single-voyage container in near-factory condition

list makert

Ideal for customer-facing, high-visibility, or modification projects

list makert

Available in multiple factory colors and finishes

list makert

Can be supplied with factory lockbox, ventilation, and reinforced floors

Find Your Container
Budget pick
Used sea container
list makert

Choose your grade: Cargo Worthy (CW), Wind & Water Tight (WWT), or As-Is

list makert

Ideal for storage, jobsite, and budget-driven applications

list makert

Expect cosmetic wear, surface rust, and dents on lower grades

list makert

Significantly lower entry price, fully customizable post-sale

Find Your Container

Factors That Drive Pricing

What drives pricing across all container sizes

Pricing for shipping containers for sale in the USA is driven by four
primary variables. Understanding these helps buyers compare quotes
accurately and avoid surprises at delivery.

1. Size: 20ft versus 40ft, and standard height versus high cube
2. Condition: one-trip, Cargo Worthy, or Wind and Water Tight
3. Depot proximity: buyers near major port markets such as Houston,
Los Angeles, Newark, Miami, Savannah, and Seattle generally benefit
from broader supplier coverage and lower delivery costs
4. Delivery distance: transport is quoted separately and can represent
a significant portion of the total delivered price

The most meaningful figure for comparison is the total delivered cost,
which combines the container price, transport, and any site-preparation
requirements. Base prices alone can be misleading when delivery terms
vary materially between suppliers.

See current US shipping container prices by size and condition in our
full shipping container price guide and understand the factors behind total delivered cost in our
shipping container cost overview.

Conex box and shipping container terminology

A significant portion of US buyers search using the term “conex box” rather than “shipping container.” In commercial practice, both terms refer to the same ISO-standard steel container. “Conex” originated as US military terminology, short for “container express” and dates back to the 1950s. It remains common in construction, storage, and logistics contexts across the United States. Learn more and find conex boxes for sale near you.

The global standard for transporting goods

What is a shipping container?

Shipping containers are the primary means of transport for goods across global trade networks. These ISO-standardized containers come in several sizes. 20ft and 40ft are the most common, with 10ft, 8ft, and 45ft available as specialized options. Beyond freight, shipping containers are widely used on land in the USA. Strong, weatherproof, portable, and fully customizable, they serve as storage on construction sites, commercial premises, and residential properties. They can also be converted into garages, workshops, offices, retail spaces, and container homes.

Why choose a shipping container?

Why US buyers choose shipping containers

  • Strong and secure. Corten steel construction with weathertight seals and optional lockboxes
  • Highly modifiable.  Add insulation, windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical to transform into usable space
  • Available nationwide. Supplier network covers all 50 states, with stronger coverage near major ports
  • Flexible placement. Position on driveways, jobsites, commercial lots, or rural properties

Got questions? Let’s chat.

Hello! I’m Andy – Container Specialist, how can I help you?

Whether you’re sizing up for storage, planning a modification, or comparing
20ft against 40ft for your project. Get direct guidance from someone who’s
worked with containers for 15+ years.

Talk To An Expert

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FAQs

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

Everything you need to know about shipping containers in the US market.

01

Standard ISO shipping containers share a uniform width of 8ft (2.44m) and height of 8ft 6in (2.59m), which makes them stackable and transportable across sea, rail, and road. In terms of length, 20ft (6.06m) and 40ft (12.19m) containers are by far the most common in the US market, with 10ft units also widely available. Specialized options include 8ft, 45ft, high cube (9ft 6in height), side-opening, refrigerated (reefer), open-top, flat rack, and containers rated for dangerous goods transport.

02

Start with the use case. Transport, storage, workshop, modification project, or container home. That determines the right size, condition grade, and any modifications you’ll need. Then factor in your site: placement space, ground conditions, and delivery access. Budget is the final variable. A quality used Cargo Worthy unit is cost-effective for most storage applications, while one-trip containers are typically specified for visible or customer-facing projects and habitable conversions.

03

Container availability varies by region. Buyers near major port markets like Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, Miami, Seattle, Savannah generally benefit from broader supplier coverage and lower delivery costs. To receive comparable offers from qualified local suppliers, provide your ZIP code, required size, preferred condition, and intended use. Suppliers with relevant stock will respond with quotes for review.

04

Yes. Shipping containers are intermodal. They can be transported by truck, rail, and sea, so delivery is possible across the continental USA, including rural and remote sites. Delivery distance and site access are the primary cost factors: longer distances from a supplier depot increase transport cost, and sites with limited access may require a tilt-bed truck or crane placement. Suppliers will confirm site access requirements as part of the quote.

05

Many suppliers in the network offer rental and lease-to-own options alongside outright purchase. Renting can be a better fit for short-term storage, event use, or temporary jobsite deployments, while purchasing is typically more economical for long-term or customized applications. Because pricing and availability vary by region and supplier, submit your requirements to see rental, lease, and purchase quotes side by side.

06

“Conex box” is US military terminology short for “container express” that dates to the 1950s. In commercial usage today, “conex box” and “shipping container” refer to the same ISO-standard steel container. The term remains common in construction, logistics, storage, and defense contexts across the United States.