Before purchasing a shipping container for whatever purpose, you might want to consider knowing how much does shipping container cost first because, for one, they are not cheap.
The Cost of Shipping Containers
The average cost of shipping containers ranges from $3,000 to more than $10,000 for a 20-by-40 foot container, depending on the features and exact purpose.
On the other hand, second-hand ones range from less than $1,000 to $3,000, while one-trip 40-foot containers cost $4,200 to $7,000.
Shipping containers are most often procured online. However, there are contractors that you can visit in the port area if you want to see what you are actually purchasing.
Additional Costs
When shopping for shipping containers, most often the delivery charge is not included in the quotation. Hiring movers locally can cost you around $500 to $1,000 depending on the contractor of your choice, your geographic location, and the actual distance or proximity between the pick-up point and the destination.
Shipping containers that are ordered overseas will have a shipment cost of approximately $2,000 to $3,000. However, shipments coming from Asia might set you back around $7,000. This already includes various documentation, such as US Customs Clearance, Document Delivery, Export Clearance, and other local charges.
However, if you have to pay import costs separately, customs clearance costs approximately $300, and the warehouse fee is between $50 and $150. Additional fees associated with the shipping container purchase from other countries would be around $40 to $300. But all of these vary depending on the regulations of the source country.
Factors Affecting Shipping Container Cost
When it comes to shipping container prices, there are a handful of things that might affect the cost of the procured product. In the case of shipping containers, a few are discussed briefly below:
- Size of the container
Shipping containers come in different sizes. There are ready-made 8-foot, 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot containers available on the market for you to choose from according to your needs, with varying prices.
The good thing is that these sizes are negotiable due to their availability. They are easier to find compared to the smaller or larger shipping containers that are often customized. Some custom-made shipping containers measure up to 65 feet at most.
- Conditions
You have the option to purchase either a brand new or used one. The age of the product affects the price due to depreciation and appearance.
When inspecting the condition of the container, be sure to look for cracks and holes that will compromise the integrity of the container.
- Added features and modifications
The most common shipping containers come with no extra cost. Understandably, if you want a container that perfectly suits your needs, customized ones would have additional costs due to the added features and functionality.
For example, fruits and vegetables would need a refrigerated shipping container for preservation since they are highly perishable. Refrigerated shipping containers are usually more expensive than other special containers, but the cost is highly variable depending on the modifications performed since client requirements can be limitless.
- As to usage
Beside being used in the cargo trade, modified shipping containers have been in demand in recent years. With the lack of enormous funds to put up an office building or even a restaurant. There are even those who want to have a container home or a camper made of shipping containers.
Shipping containers are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for modified homes and establishments. The cost ranges from $12,000 to $20,000 for a shipping container that is ready-made and livable.
Different Kinds of Shipping Containers
Different shipping containers are made for specific purposes. These containers are also made to accommodate different types of products that need to be shipped.
There are products that need to be kept at a specific temperature to avoid spoilage, and there are products that are so big that they need a shipping container that can accommodate their size without compromising their quality.
There are even shipments made specifically for the transport of huge live animals to zoos all over the world. The sizes of these shipping containers are according to ISO standards.
Below are some specific types of shipping containers that you can choose from:
- Dry Shipping Containers – they are also called standard shipping containers. They are the most commonly used shipping containers.
- Flat Rack Containers – these shipping containers are suitable for heavy cargoes, construction materials, and heavy machinery. The sides of these shipping containers can be folded down.
- Open-Top Containers – they are often made of corrugated steel and have a wooden floor. They have no solid roof. Instead, they have removable bows and weatherproof tarpaulin roofs. They are ideal for pipes and other bulky cargoes.
- Insulated and Thermal Containers – They are ideal for products that need a regulated temperature. These shipping containers maintain a higher temperature to keep the products warm.
- Tanks – these containers are used as liquid storage containers. They are used to transport liquid materials such as petroleum and oil. They are made up of anti-corrosive materials and strong steel.
- Refrigerated ISO containers – these temperature-regulated containers control the low temperature inside the shipping container. These are used for the shipment of perishable substances and products that need to be kept at low temperatures, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Drums – are cylindrical shipping containers that are used for transporting liquid materials and are made up of steel, lightweight metals, fiber, and hard plastic.
- Special Purpose Containers – these are different from the typical shipping containers that are used for transporting products such as dry goods and the like. These custom-made shipping containers have specialized purposes, such as transporting high-profile shipments like weapons and ammunition.
- Car Carriers – these are made for the shipment of vehicles over long distances. The collapsible sides of these shipping containers help the car fit snugly inside. These specialized containers also prevent damage to the vehicles. Also, they keep the vehicles from moving from their spots.