Shipping Container Guide : Everything You Need to Know 2024

Sharline Shaw

How much does a shipping container cost? When buying containers, you must consider multiple factors like the container size, material, and relevant significant factors.

Our experts have a decade of experience and helped our potential customers deal with the storage containers for better prices. Landing on the containers randomly might cost you higher prices. Experts’ advice and thorough research ensure higher output and better results. In this situation, meticulous attention to containers would stand out.

In this article, we will explain the storage containers and their cost calculations.

how much does a shipping container cost

How many types of shipping containers?

Types of shipping containers

Shipping containers are of multiple types. Here are some kinds of Shipping containers.

1. Dry Storage Shipping Container

Dry storage containers are popular shipping containers used worldwide for shipping purposes. They store dry products without temperature control.

2. Flat Rack Shipping Container

These cargo containers don’t need more openings to load heavy weights. You can open its sides and load your inventory.

3. Open Top Shipping Container

These shipping containers are open from the top. They have more established protection mechanisms. Loading of heavy machinery is in these storage containers.

4. Tunnel Shipping Container

A tunnel shipping container acts like a tunnel that opens on both sides. It has doors on both ends and enables fast loading and unloading of the material. You can use them for loading inventory quickly.

5. Open Side Storage Containers

Open-side storage containers have one side completely open. It allows them to carry the high-width inventory. Easy loading and unloading are also possible with these storage containers.

6. Insulated and Thermal Shipping Container

Do you need temperature control for your inventory? No problem! We have insulated and thermal shipping containers. These have a temperature-regulated environment to keep the list under a strict temperature control system.

7. Tank Shipping Container

These are other types of shipping containers that are pretty different from others. Unlike the above types, they carry liquid products such as petrol, diesel, and other liquid fuels. They are usually steel shipping containers with anti-corrosive features that protect the liquids.

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What should I consider when choosing a shipping container?

Choosing a shipping container

Standard shipping containers are cargo worthy, but when you are considering multiple applications simultaneously, you have to conduct research.

So, here are some essential factors to look at in a new shipping container.

· Type of the container

The type of container is a crucial factor to consider. You can determine the material you want to load. For example, for liquid materials, you would need a tank shipping container. Moreover, the container must be water-tight to prevent leaking.

· Material of container

Shipping containers might comprise steel or iron along with other metals. You can check steel storage containers and determine their features. 

· Shipping Containers cost

Do you want to save some bucks? Storage container prices are crucial then. Even if you purchase used shipping containers, you have to keep the costs at first. Later, you can make some profits.

· Guarantees

Guarantees are assurances provided to the buyers by the sellers. Most reliable suppliers offer guarantees on a new shipping container. However, a used shipping container might not have the guarantees. So, make your next purchase, keeping in mind the guarantees by the suppliers. 

· Delivery fees

The delivery fee is a standard shipping cost on the delivery of containers. You must also determine it to prevent the additional costs on a brand new container.

How much does a shipping container cost?

Shipping container cost

Standard Shipping container price varies depending on many factors. So, we can discuss these price-determining factors to estimate storage container prices.

1. Container size

Storage container size is a more significant factor that can determine the price. A large shipping container will cost a higher price due to more expenditures on the building. While in the case of small size, you can expect lower prices. However, custom and untraditional sizes might charge you higher in some cases.

2. Container condition

Container condition determines whether you are considering brand new containers or looking to purchase a used shipping container. A new container always charges higher costs while average prices for the used containers are lower. Therefore, people consider buying used containers, especially when they need them for one trip.

3. Delivery costs

You not only have to purchase the container but also ship cargo overseas if you buy from other countries. Whether you purchase one or more than one container, you have to pay the delivery charges depending on customs duties, shipping price, etc. So, shipping container prices also depend on delivery costs.

4. Container quality

High-quality containers cost higher than average or low quality. Therefore, it can be a crucial factor in determining the price. Steel storage containers are a good option. However, the longevity of the container also relies on quality.

5. Seasonal factor

If demands are higher, the price will be more than expected. And it happens in specific seasons when the container prices rise due to high demands. So, you can consider this factor for your container price.

6. Supplier’s location

Supplier location is essential when your supplier belongs to a different country. For instance, if you reside in Europe or US and want to buy a shipping container from Chinese suppliers, the container price might conclude the shipping charges, export and import duties, customs fees, and many more.

7. Permitting fees

Permitting fees are also applicable on a cargo ship when you buy new material. Depending on the given state rules, you have to pay the fees also.

8. Modifications and Customization

The container is mostly available in ready-made form. But if you want to implement changes in them, they are significant! You can ask the supplier to customize the material, color, type, and size. Custom containers will be more fascinating for your business.

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Is it worth renting a shipping container?

Purchasing a new high cube container might cost you, especially if you are not regularly involved in the ship cargo business. So, the good idea is to rent the high cube containers.

There are many advantages to it.

· Ideal for one-time use

If you are considering the ship cargo for short periods or even one-time use, it is better not to waste money buying high cube new containers.

It will help you save bucks. Moreover, you will get an idea of shipping container costs.

· No taxes

If you don’t own the storage container, you don’t have to pay the taxes. Only the containers with personal assets are applicable for the taxes in particular. So, it can be a good idea to cut hidden fees.

· Cost-effective

Since your target is to hire the container for one-time shipping, it will prevent extra expenses. It will save money and help you get more advantages.

· No management is essential

Management of the container can be an actual headache. You must thoroughly inspect the container after each shipment and come up with better maintenance. It will not only cost the price but also require proper care. Are you tired of the maintenance of the container? Rent a shipping container home. You will get more business benefits.

Is it economical to build a shipping container?

Build a shipping container

Shipping containers can procure the following features:

  • Storage Space
  • Locking mechanisms
  • Built-in shelving
  • Custom sizes
  • Add-on features

Cost depends on the material, experts hired, and features you add to your containers. Moreover, container prices might conclude the place for building.

While building the shipping containers, you would need:

· Material to manufacture

The material of a storage container comes in multiple metallic forms. So you have more choices to choose from. You can choose the better metal such as corrugated steel or corten steel. This material is best to keep in your storage container.

· Expertise to Build

You have to hire professional builders who know how to manufacture a container. Sometimes, you can use your expertise if you already have experience. Generally speaking, building a container needs the assembly of components with proper mechanism installations. So, you should consider the experts for this purpose.

· Space where you can build

Do you have a job site? You can’t build your container unless you have the adequately allocated space. So, you can hire a warehouse or consider a large room for the building space. 

· Budget allocated

To calculate shipping container prices, budget allocation is quite important. It also indicates whether your container is expensive or cheap. You can estimate the cost of each component, consider the expert’s charges, and decide on the full payment for the building.

FAQs about Shipping Container

1. Can food be stored in shipping containers?

Yes. You can store the food in steel storage containers. They offer better temperature control and help you take the food to multiple countries without getting rotten after some days.

2. How long can a shipping container be used?

Shipping container price depends on many factors, for example, manufacturing material. The material determines its durability. However, the average lifespan of the storage container is around 25 years. Some might work for more than that period, especially if the material is durable.

3. Can the shipping containers be rat-proof?

Yes. Metallic storage containers are rat-proof because they are built with some fundamental proofing. Their floor is 3 to 4 inches lifted and has tight fittings to prevent space for the rats. So, it is unlikely that they can enter.

What’s Next

To buy the shipping container, you need to find a viable option with lower prices and excellent quality. For this reason, thorough research might help you choose the right container. Do you want the right supplier to make your next purchase? 

Our experts procure more than 10 years of experience and know how to choose expert vetted suppliers. Call us to discuss your project right away!

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Sharline

Article by:

Sharline Shaw

Hey I'm Sharline, the founder of Leeline Sourcing. With 10 years of experience in the field of sourcing in China, we help 2000+ clients import from China,Alibaba,1688 to Amazon FBA or shopify. If you have any questions about sourcing , pls feel free to contact us.