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Pricing · what drives it

What affects shipping container prices?

Container prices have moved 30%+ in the last 5 years from tariffs, port disruption, and supply swings. Here's the 5 factors that actually drive the price you pay — so you can spot a fair deal when you see one.

TL;DR
Honest ranges

Five factors set container prices: size (the biggest factor), condition grade (30-50% swing), regional supply (coastal cheaper), season (Q4 highest), and specialty type (50-100% premium for refrigerated/insulated/open-top). Plus macro forces like tariffs and port disruption.

The breakdown

Side-by-side pricing.

Category Typical range Per unit Notes
1. Size 20ft to 45ft ~$2,500 to $9,500 Biggest single factor. Per-foot economics favor 40ft.
2. Condition CW · OT · WWT · AS-IS 30-50% swing See our grading guide for what each tier means.
3. Supply Tight vs. glutted 10-25% swing Port closures and tariffs move prices fast.
4. Region Coastal vs. inland 10-20% swing Containers cost less near ports (less inland transport).
5. Season Q4 highest, spring lowest 5-15% swing Demand spikes around moves + harvests + retail Q4.

Ranges are typical for 2025. Specific quotes depend on current supply, your location, and condition selected.

Honest framework

What you should pay for. What you shouldn't.

What we charge for

  • ✓ Transparency about what each factor adds to YOUR quote
  • ✓ Honest answers on whether the timing is right
  • ✓ A real human walking you through the price breakdown
  • ✓ Locked pricing once we confirm the site

What you shouldn't pay for

  • ✗ "Limited supply" pressure tactics in normal markets
  • ✗ Tariff surcharges added without explanation
  • ✗ "Today only" pricing on a 25-year asset
  • ✗ Vague "market conditions" excuses for price changes after order
More on pricing

Related pricing questions.

Prices by size

How 20ft, 40ft, 45ft prices stack up and where per-cubic-foot math wins.

Read →

Used vs new prices

Cargo-Worthy, One-Trip, WWT, AS-IS — when the premium is worth paying.

Read →

Delivery costs

Tilt-bed delivery pricing. The part most sellers hide.

Read →
Pricing is honest here

Want to know what YOUR situation costs?

Tell us the size, condition, and your zip code. We'll quote an exact number — no payment until we confirm we can actually deliver.

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☎ Call a placement expert (845) 343-0700