Surplus shipping containers: How to buy containers at best price without military auction

Looking for surplus shipping containers within budget? You’ve come to the right place. Read this blog to learn how you can buy containers without waiting for auctions. Or, choose from 100,000+ containers right away. 

If you’re looking for durable and good quality containers, you might currently turn to local sellers or military surplus. While these options offer some benefits, they also come with their own set of challenges. These include charging higher prices for containers and having to wait for auctions to buy these units. 

With Container xChange, you can avoid all these challenges and still get quality containers from vetted sellers. Our platform simplifies the buying process, providing an efficient way to get the containers you need without the hassle of traditional methods.

Explore container offers in your preferred location and condition using the public search below! 

New & used shipping containers for sale 

Before buying shipping containers, you’ll need to decide between brand-new (one-trip) or used units. New containers are perfect for transportation and can easily last 15-20 years. For an affordable option, choose used containers. They’re perfect for storage, and container conditions like cargo-worthy are also fit for shipping. 

Find both new and used containers for sale on our container marketplace. 

20ft shipping container for sale  

20ft containers are popular for their compact and lightweight nature. You can get a new 20ft shipping container for $1,700 in Chicago on xChange. For a cheaper alternative, choose a used 20ft shipping container for sale for $1,210 in New York. 

40ft shipping container for sale 

A 40ft shipping container provides double the volume and is only around 30% more expensive than one 20ft. For a new 40ft container, the average price is $3,650 in Los Angeles. A used 40ft container for sale would cost you around $1,530 in Dallas, Texas. 

What are military surplus containers? 

Military surplus containers are shipping containers that the military no longer needs. Once the military determines they have more containers than required, they are sold to the public. 

Military often sells goods that they don’t require. These items can include a wide range of equipment, from clothing and vehicles to specialized items like military shipping containers, which can also be of different types. 

Military storage containers 

Shipping containers provide excellent storage solutions. Military storage containers are shipping containers initially used by the military for storing cargo such as food, water, and medical supplies. Once no longer needed, they are sold as surplus for civilian use.  

Military surplus housing shipping containers 

Military housing containers are used by the military as portable housing units, After Action Review (AAR) buildings, mess areas, and kitchens. When these repurposed containers are no longer needed, they become available for public purchase as surplus shipping container homes.

How to buy a military shipping container?

Military surplus shipping containers are often sold through government or public auctions, where bidders compete for the available units. A shipping container auction can be held online or in person, and the highest bid wins.

However, auctions don’t always happen regularly, and the selection of containers can vary widely. This makes it difficult for you to get what you want if you’re in a hurry or have specific requirements for your container. Moreover, the prices in an auction fluctuate based on demand, making it hard to stick to a budget. You might end up paying more than you planned if bidding is competitive.

Lastly, finding the exact container type and size you need can be hit or miss at an auction. The inventory depends on what the military has declared surplus at that time, which might not match your business needs. 

To avoid these challenges, consider an online marketplace like Container xChange for your container requirements. 

On our container trading platform, you can select the exact container type and condition you need. Browse through multiple offers at wholesale rates and find a deal that suits your budget. You can even negotiate directly with the supplier for better prices! Plus, we don’t charge any brokerage fee on your deals.

With over 100,000+ containers, xChange makes it easy for you to buy the container you want at the price that suits your budget. No need to wait around for auctions or pay higher than the market price. Find offers in your desired location by clicking the banner below! 

Legal considerations for buying military surplus shipping containers 

Here are a few legal considerations you’ll need to keep in mind before buying military surplus containers. 

-Compliance with laws: While buying military containers you must ensure that you’re complying with local, state, and federal laws. This includes shipping container zoning laws if you’re using the containers for construction or storage.

-Export controls: Military items are often subject to export control regulations. If the containers are to be shipped outside the US, you need to be aware and comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

-End-Use Certifications: Buyers may be required to provide end-use statements or certifications to ensure that the military containers will not be used for prohibited purposes.

As a buyer, it’s important for you to conduct thorough due diligence and possibly consult with legal experts to navigate these considerations effectively.

However, you can avoid these legal considerations if you buy containers from an online marketplace like Container xChange. Read on to know how. 

3 steps to buy containers at below-market price

Here are the three simple steps for buying containers on our marketplace. 

-Finalize your criteria and start browsing offers:
First off, decide on the type, size, and condition of the container you want to buy. Once decided, put your specifications onto the trading platform and start browsing available wholesale container offers.

-Negotiate directly with suppliers:
When you find an offer that suits you, connect directly with the container supplier to negotiate the best deal for your budget. No need to wait for auctions.

-Make safe payments:
Buyers prefer military containers because they want to avoid shipping container scams. Rest assured, xChange marketplace takes precautions to ensure all your transactions are safe. You can make completely safe payments right on the platform using our safe Payment Handling feature.

Read on to know the other benefits you can enjoy as a member of xChange. 

Don’t wait for shipping container auctions! Buy containers at best prices today 

The Container xChange marketplace makes it easy for you to buy the containers you want, at the prices that suit your budget. Here are some benefits our members enjoy:

-Reliable suppliers: Before joining xChange, all members undergo a mandatory background check. Every supplier has a public profile with reviews and ratings visible. Not only can you buy containers from them, but also expand your network globally. 

-Standard quality: One of the reasons why buyers look for military containers is because of their durability and quality. Both these aspects are extremely important. That’s why we’ve implemented standardized definitions for container conditions to enhance the accuracy of our listings.

Sellers on our platform use these definitions in their contracts to describe the condition of containers. After the release of the container(s), you get 7 days to inspect the condition. If a container doesn’t meet the agreed criteria, we offer support and mediation, making xChange the marketplace with the most predictable and reliable container quality.

–Pay wholesale rates: If you buy military containers, you’ll have to wait for auctions and might end up paying more than the market rates. On xChange, you can browse through multiple listings, negotiate, and choose offers that fit your budget. We even have containers under $1,000 on our platform.

Here’s what the CEO of E-Containers, a key player in the container trading industry in the US has to say about the Container xChange marketplace:

“We ensure that the condition of containers aligns with our buying and selling standards. Doing business on xChange promotes fairness; buyers are protected, and sellers strive to deliver as promised”

If you want to buy containers from reliable sellers, xChange is the right platform for you. Simply click the banner below to explore container offers in your location today! 

Surplus shipping containers: Common FAQs

Are there excess shipping containers?

No, due to the Red Sea shipping crises in 2024, there’s currently a shortage of shipping containers. This is because of port congestions, blank sailings and longer sailing routes across southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea.

What is the cost of a 20ft shipping container?

The average price of a new 20ft shipping container in the US is $2,140. For cargo-worthy the average price is $1,120.

What happens to old shipping containers?

Once the container has served its intended life and is no longer useful, it may be melted down and recycled or used for scrap metal.