How to buy a shipping container? Here are 8 easy steps to get one

Buying a shipping container may seem simple, but it can quickly become overwhelming without proper guidance. To ensure a successful purchase, follow our step-by-step guide, covering all the essential factors you need to consider. Plus, we’ll reveal the cheapest way to buy shipping containers.

When purchasing shipping containers for your shipping, transportation, storage, modification, or construction, you must know how to buy shipping containers to secure the right deals. Otherwise, you may end up paying the retail price for containers you can buy wholesale instead.

So how do you purchase shipping containers at the best price? On Container xChange, you can choose from 100,000+ containers available at negotiable, wholesale, and brokerage-free prices, in 2,500+ locations. All our members go through a vetting process, so you don’t have to spend time doing background checks yourself.

Whether you require containers for one-time use or you are a regular container buyer, our marketplace makes it possible to find container offers directly from 1,700+ pre-approved members—all in one place.

Explore current container offers in your location using the public search below.

How to buy a shipping container: 8 easy steps to follow

There are different types of shipping containers available in the market. Every container has different conditions and gradings, depending on its usage and structure. Knowing which container type and condition to choose, the right price, and how to purchase it is very important. 

That’s why we’ve curated 8 simple steps for you to follow when buying shipping containers of your choice. These steps will help you understand your needs and make an informed decision for your business.

Step 1: Should you buy or lease a shipping container?

The first thing you need to be completely sure about is, whether you should buy shipping containers or lease them. This decision depends on your requirement, purpose, and duration of usage. 

Let’s look at some of the different scenarios for you to consider.

Buying a shipping container

You should buy a shipping container if you have a long-term need. If you anticipate needing the container for several years or indefinitely, purchasing might be more cost-effective in the long run. The same goes if you:

• Use containers frequently
• Need to modify container units
• Can cover overhead expenses like storage, transportation, repairs

When buying a shipping container, you must be sure you’ll use the container for a long time. Since you’ll be making a one-time upfront payment, it’ll take some time to recover the cost, depending on your shipping container business.

However, you can also recover it later by selling it in the second-hand container market or even using it for other purposes like storage. Overall, shipping container investment is a good option if you’re willing to commit funds upfront and adopt a long-term perspective.

And, this is why you need to minimize your shipping container costs by purchasing shipping containers at wholesale prices. Want to see what wholesale container offers look like? Check out container deals in your location. 

Leasing a shipping container

On the other hand, you should lease a container if you have a short-term need. If you only need the container for a short period, leasing can be more cost-effective than purchasing outright. The same goes if you:

• Have budget constraints
• Don’t want the responsibility of maintenance & repair
• Don’t use containers frequently and only need them for short durations

If you need containers for shipping cargo, you can either buy containers to build your own fleet like traditional shipping lines and NVOCCs. If you want to avoid charges like storage, demurrage and detention, etc., and want flexibility in your shipping process, consider leasing SOC containers for one-way moves. Learn more about one-way leasing in this blog. 

Step 2: Choose the right container type

Now that you know if you should buy or lease the containers, you’re ready for the next step: Deciding on which container type you need. The type of shipping container you should buy for your business depends on several factors, including the nature of your business, the items you need to transport or store, and any specific requirements you may have.

When you start looking for containers, the first thing you need to consider is: Do I need a standard container? If you need to store or ship dry goods, a standard container is the best solution for you. Typically, have a selection of the most common sizes available, including 20ft and 40ft container, as well as their taller version: high cube containers.

Standard containers are the go-to choice for storage and modification businesses.

But if you have special requirements, there’s a wide variety of special containers to choose from. If you need to ship or store perishable goods, temperature-sensitive cargo, chemicals, or medicine, you should opt for reefer containers. Reefers help maintain a steady temperature inside the container (perfect for cold chain logistics).

Or, if you are shipping out-of-gauge or project cargo, you’ll need specialized containers such as flat racks, open tops, hard tops, etc.

If you need containers at a construction site, you should go for a double-door (also called a tunnel container) to access it from both ends. This container type is a go-to choice for storing and transporting vehicles.

You can get the full overview and learn more about these shipping container types here. 

Step 3: Choose condition and grading while buying shipping containers

Once you’ve determined the container type that suits your needs, the next step is to choose the container grade. Your choice will hinge on your specific requirements, including your budget and the type of cargo you’ll be shipping. The correct container condition and grade ensures smooth customs clearance and can also affect the container cost. Keep reading to explore the various container gradings.

Container conditions and gradings:

• Grade A or One-trip container: These containers have already been used once before they reach their destination, and are thus called one-trip shipping containers. They have only been shipped from the manufacturer to the owner and are practically new. Typically, this is the most expensive shipping container condition in the market. Buy one-trip containers if you want containers in prime condition, with 25+ years of lifespan. 
  

• Food grade container: A food-grade container is a new container, which can be used to ship and store food. It has not carried any toxic chemicals or products before. 
  

• Grade B or Cargo-worthy container: This shipping container condition is deemed suitable for cargo transportation but may have some cosmetic flaws or signs of wear and tear. These flaws could include scratches, dents, or surface rust. So, if you have cargo to send out, this box will do the trick. Buy this container if you want a good container condition with 10-15 years of lifespan. 
  

• Grade C or Wind & Water-tight (WWT) container: A container is wind and water-tight (WWT) if no wind or water can penetrate the container. Grade C containers would have undergone several repairs and are often used as storage containers. But these containers if you want affordable containers 5-10 years of lifespan. Please note that these containers are not suitable for international shipping.
  

• Grade F or As-is container: These are damaged containers that have been taken out of commission from the shipping industry. They could have majority damage on the roof or walls, damaged floors, bad seals, doors that are difficult to open, or structural damage. These containers are not ideal for storage as they are not wind or water-tight. Buy these containers if you want containers with <5 years of lifespan.

When learning how to buy a shipping container, it’s crucial to consider a wide range of options. Exploring shipping containers for sale on Container xChange provides access to various conditions, sizes, and locations. Whether you need a new, used, or one-trip container, our platform offers diverse choices to ensure you find the right container to meet your specific needs and budget

Step 4: Find out how much to buy a shipping container

The next and most important factor you need to pay attention to is the shipping container cost. Knowing how much does it cost to buy a shipping container beforehand can help you negotiate better deals with sellers. Here are the prices of 20ft and 40ft standard containers in popular locations.

Standard container prices (cargo-worthy)
Location	20ft	40ft
USA	$1,000 – $2,100	$1,200 – $2,300
China	$1,200 – $1,500	$1,300 – $1,700
India	$800 – $1,400	$1,400 – $1,600
Europe	$600 – $1,300	$600 – $1,800

Now that you know the average current prices of containers, you can easily buy containers at the best prices. However, container prices fluctuate regularly and depend on a variety of factors like location or container type. For example, a used shipping container will cost less than a new container.

That’s why it’s important to keep track of prices, especially if you’re part of the shipping industry. Our container marketplace gives you complete transparency on current market prices in 2,500+ locations globally. Once you enter your container requirements, including type, size, and location, you get multiple offers in one dashboard. Browse through the prices and select for further negotiation with the seller. 

You can see the current offers with prices stated upfront right away. Use our public search to see current container prices in your location. 

Step 5: Where to buy shipping containers?

There are multiple places you can buy shipping containers from. Let’s have a look at a few of them.

• Around the ports: There are usually plenty of container suppliers near ports. So if you want to buy a shipping container, that’s one place to look. However, as easy as it can be to find the containers closer to the ports, it also has its downsides. The pricing can be higher given the ease of accessibility and lack of transparent pricing. This gives you little chance to know the reasoning behind the cost and added fees.

• Local container dealers: You can also find containers through local container brokers, who have regional networks. But here too, you can’t be sure that you’re paying the right price. Container brokerage fees can cost you anywhere between $100 to $500. And this range is set to increase if you require more containers. This fee is added to the final container price, making the container more expensive than the market rates.

• Send emails: The other solution you might then consider would mean you spending hours sending out email after email, hoping that someone in your network knows someone who might have shipping containers for sale.

• On the Container xChange online marketplace: Here, you’ll be able to find containers safely, at the best wholesale prices, anytime, from anywhere. No more sending out endless emails, dealing with broker commissions, or contending with inflated prices at ports. Read the next section to find out more about the benefits of subscribing to our easy-to-use marketplace below.

Cheapest way to buy shipping containers

If it’s a part of your business to buy and sell containers regularly, we’ve got an offer you don’t want to miss! By choosing to buy shipping containers through our online container marketplace, you will be purchasing shipping containers at the best price in no time at all. 

• Find vetted partners and make deals risk-free: All companies undergo a mandatory vetting process before becoming members. This means you can do business with all xChange members. Risk-free. On top of this, all companies also have public profiles. Here, you can see reviews from previous partners – and how they’ve rated them. Want an extra layer of security? Keep on reading!
  
  
• Get containers at wholesale, negotiable & brokerage-free prices: Discover the advantage of purchasing shipping containers at unbeatable prices through our platform. Our marketplace offers access to containers at wholesale rates, with the added benefit of negotiating directly with sellers to secure even better deals—all while bypassing unnecessary middlemen. And we don’t charge any commissions on your container transactions. It’s a straightforward, cost-effective solution tailored to your needs.

• Get 7-day money-back guarantee: Not only does xChange ensure that all sellers are vetted but we also protect the buyers from shipping container scams. So, you don’t have to worry about getting the wrong condition or quality. We keep your money on hold with us for 7 days for you to inspect the containers you’ve purchased. If unsatisfied, we’ll return your money. Our dedicated Customer Service team makes sure your container operations go smoothly.

• Choose between 100,000+ boxes and make unlimited deals: Do you need a container type that you can’t find in your current sourcing channels? Don’t worry. With over 100,000 containers located across 2,500+ unique locations, Container xChange makes it easy for you to find the containers you need.

• Make safe payments: When it comes to payments on the xChange platform, you’re in safe hands. With the xChange Wallet, all transactions are completely secure. Plus, you can manage all finances in one place, and receive just one invoice each month. Convenience at your fingertips!

You get all this right at your fingertips and much more with xChange. More than 1,700 companies such as Trident, Seaco Global, and SeaCube are already finding value in xChange. Learn how you can get the best deal for shipping containers.

Want to explore shipping container options for your one-time buying needs or discuss your regular container requirements? Share your details by clicking the banner below and we’ll ensure your purchase meets your expectations. Get in touch now to get started.

Step 6: Inspect the container or hire a container surveyor

Before buying a shipping container, inspect thoroughly for container damages like rust, dents, or holes. Ensure doors close properly, check flooring integrity and make sure the container is wind and water-tight. You should also check if the container has enough space for your cargo.

You can also hire a container surveyor for this. However, reaching out to a surveyor is mostly relevant if you want to lease the shipping containers.

A container surveyor usually conducts inspections, surveys, and examinations of container equipment either before or after a company leases a container to make sure the container is in the desired condition.

This is often something the leasing companies make sure to do to insure themselves. You can learn more about the different inspections a container surveyor offers here.

Step 7: Obtain necessary permits 

In certain areas, permits are necessary for purchasing or storing containers. For example, international containers in some countries like India have to be domesticated after six months. Only domesticated containers are legally allowed for domestic and you have to pay an import duty to the authorities for this.

Contact your local authorities to ensure you have the required documentation before proceeding with transporting the container to your location.  International containers in India have to be domesticated after six months.

Step 8: Transport the container

Once you’ve figured out how to purchase a shipping container at the right price, it’s time to figure out how you’ll move your box to your location. This means figuring out the scheduling, booking slots on the vessel, trucking, and transporting by rail.

If you’re planning on shipping your containers empty, we’d like you to think twice. Because why should you spend more money on the empty container repositioning when you can get someone to move it for you – and then you don’t have to pay any delivery costs!  

You might want to consider using your container as a one-way container. Let’s say you need to move your box from Los Angeles, the US, to Shanghai, China. This means that a container user leases the shipping container for that one journey. And that’s a situation where you both win.

The container user gets to move the cargo and you get your container to where you need it. To make it even better, the container user pays for the shipping of the container. Meaning you don’t have to pay any shipping cost to get your container to your preferred location.

But how do you find partners who want to ship cargo through the same route? Through our leasing platform; you can put up leasing offers and find vetted members to move your box. Check out how you can put up leasing offers yourself.

Need help with your shipping container purchase?

We can help you with that. If you have a regular need for containers, you can simply become a member of our marketplace and enjoy a range of benefits such as:

• Buying containers at wholesale prices (which your wallet will thank you for)
• Finding vetted suppliers
• Negotiating and accepting deals that fit your bill 
• 24/5 customer support

However, if you need assistance selecting the perfect shipping container for your one-time project, we can help you with that too! Whatever your requirement is, share your details and preferences by clicking on the banner below, and we’ll contact you within 24 hours.

How to buy a shipping container: Common FAQs 

How much does a shipping container cost?

The average price of standard 40ft cargo worthy container can be anywhere between $1500 to $2500. It depends on the size, location and condition of the container.

What is the average price of 20ft shipping container?

The price depends on the container's condition and location. However, it can be anywhere between $1000 to $2000.

How to buy storage containers?

To buy a storage container, you should first choose the right container type and size. Then find out the average prices and look for sellers in your location.

How to purchase a shipping container?

To buy a shipping container, you should first choose the right container type and size. Then find out the average prices and look for sellers in your location.