In short
- The price of a shipping container depends mainly on its size, condition, type, and delivery.
- A used 20-foot dry van is the most affordable option in the table: €800, excluding VAT.
- A new 20-foot dry van is listed in the table at €1,800, excluding VAT.
- A smaller container isn't always cheaper than a larger standard-size one.
- Transportation, accessibility, and installation all contribute to the final total price.
Why do shipping container prices vary so much?
Shipping container prices vary because containers are not evaluated solely based on their size. Their condition, type, availability, and delivery terms have just as much of an impact on the price.
The problem is that many buyers focus primarily on the lowest purchase price. That seems logical, but it doesn’t always paint the full picture. A used container may be perfect for temporary storage on a construction site, but less suitable if it’s going to be visible on a company’s premises for years or converted later on.
The solution is to first consider the application. A standard dry container is usually the most practical and cost-effective choice for storage and transport. Specialized containers, such as high-cube containers, double-door containers, open-side containers, reefers, or insulated containers, are more expensive because they offer additional functionality. This includes greater height, improved accessibility, temperature control, or more options for customization.
How much does a shipping container cost per size?
How much does a 20-foot shipping container cost?
A 20-foot shipping container is one of the most popular sizes for storage, transport, construction site facilities, and conversion projects. This size is compact enough to fit on many sites, yet offers ample usable space.
The price list lists a new 20-foot dry van at €1,800 excluding VAT. A used 20-foot dry van in category B is listed at €800 excluding VAT. This price difference clearly illustrates why the condition of the container plays such a significant role. Those looking primarily for functional storage space often opt for a used container. Those who place greater value on appearance, durability, and technical condition are more likely to choose a new container.
A 20-foot dry van is often used for temporary storage, inventory management, construction sites, transportation, and as a base for a conversion project.
How much does a 40-foot shipping container cost?
A 40-foot shipping container offers significantly more space than a 20-foot container. This size is particularly useful for companies that need to store or transport larger quantities of goods.
The table lists a used 40-foot dry container from B+ at €1,550 (excl. VAT). This makes this size an attractive option if you need a lot of storage space but aren’t necessarily looking for a new container. Although the purchase price may be higher than for smaller sizes, the price per cubic meter of storage space is often quite competitive.
Interior dimensions: approx. 12 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m
Empty weight: approx. 3,800 kg
Applications: warehouse storage, large-scale projects, international shipping
When should you choose a high-cube or special container?
A high-cube container is about 30 cm taller than a standard container. That extra height is particularly useful for bulky goods, workspaces, or renovation projects. The table lists a new 40-foot high-cube container at €2,950, excluding VAT.
Specialized containers are useful when a standard dry container is not sufficient. A double-door container has doors on both short sides. An open-side container provides access via the long side. A reefer or insulated container is suitable for applications where temperature control or insulation is important.
The additional cost of a specialized container is therefore not just due to the materials. You are primarily paying for accessibility, usable space, technical capabilities, and suitability for specific applications.
Comparison table — dimensions, condition, estimated price, and use
| Dimensions / Model | State | Price excluding VAT | Price includes VAT | Application | Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-foot Dry Van | New | €1.850 | €2.238,50 | Small storage area, construction site, limited space | 8-foot container |
| 10-foot Dry Van | New | €2.750 | €3.327,50 | Small storage unit, construction site container | 10-foot container |
| 10-foot Dry Van | Used B+ | €2.300 | €2.783 | Construction trailer, small storage space | 10-foot used |
| 20-foot Dry Van | New | €1.800 | €2.178 | Storage, transportation, conversion | 20-foot containers |
| 20-foot Dry Van | Used B | €800 | €968 | Storage space, construction site, temporary storage | 20-foot used |
| 20-foot Double Door | New | €2.700 | €3.267 | FIFO storage, passageway, construction site | 20-foot double-door |
| 20-foot Open Side | New | €5.000 | €6.050 | Large projects, events, renovations | 20-foot open-sided |
| 40-foot Dry Van | Used B+ | €1.550 | €1.875,50 | Large-scale storage, transportation, conversion | 40-foot containers |
| 40-foot High Cube | New | €2.950 | €3.569,50 | Additional space, storage, conversion | 40-foot high-cube |
All prices listed are based on the prices displayed on cetem.be and are subject to change depending on stock, condition, delivery, model, and market conditions. Please contact us for an exact quote.
Prices are approximate and do not include shipping. Would you like to view our current inventory and exact prices? View our current inventory.
What factors determine the price of a shipping container?
The cost of a shipping container involves more than just the purchase price. Its condition, specifications, availability, and delivery are the key factors in determining whether a container is ultimately a good value for your situation.
- Condition: A new container is generally more expensive than a used one, but it usually looks neater.
- Sizes: 8 ft, 10 ft, 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft each have their own price range.
- Types: dry van, high-cube, double-door, open-side, reefer, and insulated containers each have a different pricing structure.
- Availability: Standard sizes are sometimes priced more competitively than smaller or specialty versions.
- Modifications such as windows, doors, insulation, ventilation, electrical work, or custom work will increase the total price.
- Transport and installation: distance, accessibility, and installation method all contribute to the final cost.
A clear example is the difference between the 10-foot and 20-foot containers in the table. A used 10-foot dry container in B+ condition is listed at €2,300 excluding VAT, while a used 20-foot dry container in B condition is listed at €800 excluding VAT. This means that a smaller size isn’t automatically cheaper. Availability and condition can be more important factors than length.
New or used shipping container?
New and used shipping containers each offer different solutions. The best choice depends on the intended duration of use, appearance, technical requirements, and budget.
A new shipping container is particularly appealing if you’re looking for a clean, durable solution. New containers are often chosen for long-term use, transportation, professional storage, or conversion projects.
A used shipping container is usually the most cost-effective option for functional storage. These containers have often been used for transport, but can still serve perfectly well as storage space, a job site container, or temporary storage. The condition can vary from container to container, which is why condition categories such as B or B+ are important.
Those who primarily need extra storage space often opt for used containers. Those who use the container intensively, for long periods, or in a visible location are usually better off with a new container or a specific model.
Why isn't a smaller container always cheaper?
At first glance, a smaller container may seem cheaper, but that’s not always the case. The price doesn’t depend solely on the amount of steel or the length of the container.
Standard sizes, such as 20-foot containers, are often widely available. As a result, they can be priced more competitively than smaller sizes, such as 8-foot or 10-foot containers. Smaller containers are not produced in such large quantities or sometimes need to be modified from larger containers, which can drive up the price.
That’s why it’s wise not to focus solely on the available space on your property. You should also compare the price per unit. Sometimes a 20-foot container is a better value than a smaller one, even if you don’t need all the space right away.
Transport and installation: a significant portion of the total price
Transportation and installation are factors that influence the final cost of a shipping container. Therefore, the purchase price listed in the table is not necessarily the total price.
Delivering a container requires appropriate transport equipment and sufficient space to maneuver safely. An easily accessible industrial site is easier to navigate than a narrow street, an inner-city location, or a construction site with limited space. The type of truck or crane truck can also affect the delivery cost.
If you want a realistic estimate of the total cost upfront, it’s best to request a quote that includes delivery. This way, you can avoid a situation where a container with a low purchase price ends up being less cost-effective due to transportation, installation, or difficult access.
Buying or renting: which is more cost-effective?
Buying is particularly advantageous for long-term use. Renting is particularly advantageous for temporary projects, short-term jobs, or situations where flexibility is more important than ownership.
Do you only need the container temporarily, for example, for a construction site or a short-term project? If so, renting a shipping container might be a good option. You’ll only pay for the period during which you use the container.
If you need the container for an extended period, purchasing it may be more cost-effective. Purchasing is often a better option, especially for storage, permanent site facilities, inventory management, or renovation projects. You then own the container and can reuse it, modify it, or even resell it later.
Why choose a shipping container specialist?
People who buy shipping containers are usually not looking for a standard product, but rather a solution tailored to their specific needs. The right choice depends on size, condition, delivery, installation, and any necessary modifications.
A specialist can help you make a concrete decision. This includes advice on whether to choose new or used equipment, the right size, the best model, and the practical feasibility of delivery. This is especially important for construction sites, businesses, temporary storage, and renovation projects, as it helps prevent poor decisions and unnecessary costs.
The combination of sales, rentals, various container models, and customization options makes it possible to compare not only prices, but above all suitability. This is important because the cheapest container on paper isn’t always the best solution in practice.
Conclusion: Don’t just compare prices—focus on the solution
The price of a shipping container depends on its size, condition, specifications, availability, transportation, and any modifications. Those who focus solely on the lowest purchase price often overlook practical differences that affect the total cost.
A used dry van is often the most cost-effective choice for storage or temporary use. A new container, high-cube container, or special-purpose container is a better option if you need more comfort, a better appearance, greater volume, improved accessibility, or customization options.
Wilt u een realistische totaalprijs kennen? Kijk dan niet alleen naar de container zelf, maar ook naar transport, plaatsing en gebruiksduur. Zo kiest u een zeecontainer die niet alleen binnen het budget past, maar ook echt geschikt is voor uw toepassing.