Buying old shipping containers for sale, whether for shipping, storage, or other purposes, is a cost-effective and practical decision for your business. In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about purchasing used shipping containers, including prices, types, and easiest way to find reliable suppliers.
Investing in old shipping containers is a great idea for your business. Used or cargo-worthy containers are considerably cheaper than new ones and are perfect for shipping most goods. These containers are also great for storage purposes.
But where do you find old shipping containers at the best prices? Easy! Right here on Container xChange, the largest global container marketplace. With 100,000+ containers available in 2,500+ locations globally, our platform, gives you access to 1700+ vetted suppliers, where you can compare, and negotiate deals all in one place.
Try out our public search to see for yourself. You’ll be able to browse a wide range of offers that suit your budget in just a few seconds.
20DC (As is)
Saint Louis, MO
Los Angeles, CA
How much do old shipping containers for sale cost?
First things first, you need to know how much it costs to buy used shipping containers. Container prices vary considerably from location to location, so let’s see how much you can expect to pay for second-hand containers in popular locations around the world.
20ft used shipping containers for sale 20ft containers is perfect for smaller shipments. It’s a very popular choice for transporting dry goods of all kinds. Take a look at the table below to get the 20ft used container price in popular locations.
| Location | Price |
| US | $1,510 |
| China | $1,253 |
| Northern Europe | $1,300 |
| India | $990 |
On our platform, we have multiple offers for used 20ft shipping containers for less than $1000! schedule a demo
40ft used shipping containers for sale 40ft containers has almost double the capacity of the 20ft but is usually only about 30% more expensive. So it’s great value for money if you’ve got large shipments. Here are some prices for used 40ft equipment in popular locations worldwide.
| Location | Price |
| US | $1,973 |
| China | $1,320 |
| Northern Europe | $1,433 |
| India | $1,560 |
It’s possible to find cheaper deals for 40ft second-hand containers for sale on our platform. We have a comprehensive selection of shipping containers that are completely negotiable and brokerage-free, available at wholesale prices. Find shipping containers for sale in your budget in 2,500+ locations globally.
40ft HC used shipping containers for sale high cube containers are the same as their standard 40ft counterpart in terms of floor space. However, they’re exactly one foot taller. This gives you extra storage space for your cargo.
If you’ve got cargo with a maximum height of 2.70m, high cubes are ideal for you. They’re also perfect for packing larger loads into a single unit, rather than shelling out for two containers. Pick up old 40-foot-high cubes in various locations at the following prices:
| Location | Price |
| US | $2,073 |
| China | $1,716 |
| Northern Europe | $1,690 |
| India | $1,896 |
Want to buy used 40ft HC containers in the locations you need, at prices that suit your budget? xChange is the perfect place to source quality equipment from reliable sellers. schedule a demo about how you can get 40ft HC containers at prices within your budget.
Old shipping containers for sale: Find special containers on xChange
We’ve covered the standard containers, now let’s take a look at the prices of special container types
Reefer container
For an old 40ft reefer containers in the US, you’re looking at $5,360. On the other hand, to buy a brand-new reefer, you’ll have to put down $7,868. So choosing a used reefer will save you $2,508! Need we say more? container trading platform
Open top container
You can get a used 40ft Open-tops in the US for $4,333. Whereas a new open top will cost you $15,000. So opting for an old open top will save you $10,677 in this case. Open top containers are perfect for transporting out of gauge (OOG) cargo.. container trading platform
Double-door container
A double door container price ranges from US $4,408 to US $5,600. These containers have double doors that swing open outside on both ends. You can get your client this container type if they need load and unload cars and bikes into containers. Find double door containers
Flat rack container
The average price range of a flat rack used container on sale is US $2,499 – US$4,500. For bulky cargo, flat racks are the go-to boxes. They carry bulky cargo that can be fitted into the container from the top, such as hefty machinery and pipes. Find flat rack containers
It’s easier to get affordable shipping containers on our platform. Whether you’re looking for standard containers or special units, Container xChange has 100,000+ containers to choose from. Check out container deals in your location and get used shipping containers at the best prices!
Benefits of buying used shipping containers for sale
So now you know about used container prices, plus the different conditions available. But maybe you need a few more reasons to opt for secondhand. Here are some of the main benefits of buying used shipping containers over new ones:
- Cost-effective: We’ve already seen how much you can save with reefers and open tops, but what about standard containers? Let’s go over two quick examples.
We know that you can pick up a used 20ft in the US for $1,510. For a new 20ft container, on the other hand, you’ll have to shell out $2,463. That’s $953 saved by buying secondhand!
We’ve also seen that a used 40ft HC is around $2,844. However, for a brand new 40ft HC, you’re looking at $4,155. So if you take the old container, you’re saving $1,311.
- Reduced depreciation: Just like a brand new car, new shipping containers depreciate drastically as soon as they’ve done their first trip or two. Once they’re secondhand, this depreciation slows down.
In general, used containers are a tangible asset, and as long as they’re well maintained, they tend to hold both material and functional value over time. To learn more about shipping container investments, read this blog post.
- More environmentally friendly: Reusing old containers is much more environmentally friendly than getting new containers every time you have a shipment. It’s always better to reuse equipment that’s still in good condition, as it takes valuable natural resources to manufacture new shipping containers.
If you’re on the hunt for old containers, it’s essential to understand that there are different container conditions that you should be aware of to make the right decision. Let’s learn more about them now.
Old shipping containers for sale: Choose the right condition
Choosing the right condition according to your requirement is necessary so you can save money.
Cargo-worthy
Cargo-worthy containers have been deemed fit for shipping cargo safely. They always come with a learn more which proves that the equipment is safety-approved. Cargo-worthy containers usually have some dents and scratches on the body and may have undergone a few repairs during their lifetime. However, they’re generally in very good condition.
WWT
learn more are a step down from cargo-worthy equipment but are still of good quality. They can be used for temporary storage of ordinary goods
A container is WWT if no wind or water can penetrate through the container body. This is very important as water and wind can cause serious damage to sensitive cargo. WWT containers won’t be in as good a condition as cargo-worthy ones, however, they will be cheaper. If your budget is on the lower end, WWT containers will get the job done.
As-Is
As-is containers are usually damaged and have been taken out of commission. They’re not safe to transport cargo. If you’re looking for old containers to ship goods safely and legally, avoid As-Is containers.
However, if you’re looking for storage containers, As-Is equipment can be used with some repairs. They’re considerably cheaper than all other container conditions and save equipment from ending up in a junkyard. So you’re saving money and doing the planet a favor at the same time!
Want cargo-worthy, WWT or As-is containers for your shipping or storage requirements? We’ve got containers of all types and sizes in these conditions. schedule a demo
Get used shipping containers for sale on Container xChange
So now you know what prices you can expect to shell out on standard and special old shipping containers for sale, as well as which containers are best suited to your shipping needs. Next, an important thing you should do is find a trusted supplier. Luckily, Container xChange provides a platform that ensures a transparent and straightforward process for purchasing containers.
Let’s go over the simple process of buying shipping containers on the xChange platform.
- Finalize your criteria
Before you begin your search, decide on the container type you want, plus the location, condition and size. Also, make sure you’ve got an idea of the price you’re willing to pay before browsing offers. Refer to our sections on prices above if you need help with this.
- Browse container offers
Next, type in your requirements and start looking for offers that suit your criteria and budget. You can compare the prices of multiple options at once to make sure you’re getting the best offer available.
- Negotiate a deal
Once you’ve shortlisted an offer you like, contact the seller directly to negotiate the price, terms and conditions. No need to fuss with third parties, you can deal directly with partners to save time and get straight to the point.
- Make safe payments
Once the offer is finalized, and all parties are happy with the details, you can make safe payments directly on the platform via the xChange wallet. Your days of worrying about unsafe transactions are finally over. Plus, if you have any issues or questions whatsoever, our finance support team will be happy to support you.
Sounds easy, right?
Here are some of the perks of becoming a member on Container xChange:
- 100,000+ containers available in over 2,500+ locations
- Work with 1,700+ vetted partners
- Safe payment handling with the xChange Wallet
- Negotiable prices
- 0% commission on deals
Now you’re completely set to find old shipping containers for sale, get started right away! Click on the banner below to get a sneak peak of the platform and learn how you can save heaps of cash investing in used containers today.
What is the price of a 20ft used container?
The average price range of a 20ft used container on sale is $1,694 to $2,261.
What is the price of a 40ft used container?
The price of a 40ft used container on sale is between $3,146 and $3,716.
What is the price of used shipping containers?
The average price for standard used containers for sale ranges from $,1694 to US $4,918.
What are second hand containers used for?
Second hand containers can double up as storage boxes as well. These containers are wind and watertight and keep the goods safe from damage.