40ft shipping container price in 2026
Reference volumes: 67 m³ for dry, 76 m³ for high cube. The ranges below are indicative estimates from this page’s pricing model. Compare quotes for the required format, condition and options; delivery and availability require confirmation.
How much does a 40ft shipping container cost?
In 2026, a 40ft dry shipping container costs £954 – £2,126 used (Grade C) and £2,109 – £4,331 new. A high cube (30 cm taller) costs £1,054 – £2,284 used and £2,259 – £4,883 new. To hire one, allow £100 – £260 a month short-term and £65 – £158 long-term, excluding delivery and collection.
Purchase price of a 40-foot shipping container in 2026
Detailed grid for dry and high cube variants by condition. Prices include quality inspection but exclude delivery.
| Variant | Status | Price Excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| 40 ft dry | Brand new (one-trip) | £2,109 – £4,331 |
| 40 ft dry | One-trip | £1,958 – £3,780 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade A used (WWT) | £1,456 – £2,993 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade B used | £1,155 – £2,520 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade C used | £954 – £2,126 |
| 40 ft high cube | Brand new (one-trip) | £2,259 – £4,883 |
| 40 ft high cube | One-trip | £2,109 – £4,253 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade A used (WWT) | £1,607 – £3,308 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade B used | £1,305 – £2,756 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade C used | £1,054 – £2,284 |
Indicative model ranges, excluding delivery and options. The quote must specify the final price, container condition and included services.
40ft container hire: monthly rates 2026
For durations of 12 months or more, loyalty discounts can reach up to 15%. Delivery and return charges are billed separately (£368 – £1,155 depending on distance).
| Variant | Short term | Medium term | Long term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 ft dry | £100 – £260 | £80 – £197 | £65 – £158 |
| 40 ft high cube | £110 – £284 | £90 – £213 | £75 – £173 |
7 factors that influence the price of a 40 ft container
Dry variant vs high cube
The high cube adds 30 cm of interior height (2.69 m instead of 2.39 m) for an additional cost of £151 – £394. Essential for certain industrial equipment or habitable conversions.
Condition of the container
The difference between new and Grade C used exceeds £1,255 on a 40' dry. The Grade A (WWT) covers 90% of professional uses at a price 30% lower than new.
Delivery access
A 40-foot container requires a flatbed truck of 14m + hydraulic arm or mobile crane for unloading. Checking the access before ordering avoids unexpected costs of £315 – £840.
Price per m³
A 40' offers twice the volume of a 20' for ~30% more in price. It is the most economical format in £/m³ for any storage or site cabin use.
Source depot
Port areas (Marseille, Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotterdam) have the lowest prices and deepest stocks of 40' containers, thus more choice on condition.
Options and modifications
Side doors (+£1,575), double rear door (+£840), insulation (+£2,100 – £5,250), new wooden floor (+£630). To be priced before ordering.
Seasonality
Availability, lead times and commercial terms can vary by period and supplier. Compare dated quotes; the model does not establish that any season consistently offers lower prices.
40ft vs 20ft vs 45ft: which size should I choose?
The 40-foot container is the standard for professional storage. But if your access is restricted, a 20' remains relevant. And for light but bulky volumes, a 45' HC can outperform a 40' HC in m³.
| Format | Internal volume | Purchase (Grade A used) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 feet dry | 33 m³ | £1,104 – £2,205 | Restricted access, limited budget, individual storage |
| 40 ft dry | 67 m³ | £1,456 – £2,993 | Standard pro: storage, site accommodation unit, logistics |
| 40 ft high cube | 76 m³ | £1,607 – £3,308 | High industrial equipment, habitable conversion |
| 45 ft high cube | 86 m³ | £2,109 – £4,331 | Light bulky volumes, pallet-wide |
40ft container prices: frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest price for a 40ft container in 2026?+
Around £954 in this page's model — an indicative lower bound, not an observed minimum or a price below which an offer is necessarily fraudulent. Check the condition, availability, supplier's identity and included services for every offer.
Why does a high cube cost more than a dry container?+
It costs around £151 – £315 more than a used Grade A dry. The extra 30 cm of height takes more steel and high cubes are less common, so there are fewer used units and prices are firmer.
Does the price include delivery?+
No, unless it is sold as a package. Allow £368 – £1,155 to deliver a 40ft depending on the distance from the depot. A 40ft always needs a 14 m flatbed lorry — check ground access.
Will a 40ft container fit through a standard house entrance?+
No. With a length of 12.19 m plus the lorry's turning space, you need a straight access of at least 18 to 20 m. If space is tight, choose two 20ft containers side by side (same total volume).
Is a 40ft container really cheaper per cubic metre than a 20ft?+
Only if you use the extra space. Nominal volumes are about 33 m³ for a 20ft and 67 m³ for a 40ft; compare quotes per usable volume you actually need, in the same condition and with the same equipment, including transport, unloading and access. No fixed price ratio or universal break-even point applies.
What is the difference between a used 40ft dry and a one-trip container?+
A one-trip container is a new container that has made a single sea voyage (often Asia–Europe). It costs £151 – £551 less than new, and £251 – £945 more than used Grade A. An excellent compromise if you want near-new without paying the premium for a never-shipped unit.
What VAT applies when buying a 40ft container?+
The standard VAT rate of the country of purchase (20 %) applies to the price excl. VAT. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim it when the use is taxable; agree the depreciation period with your accountant.
Can I buy a 40ft container directly from Asia to save money?+
In theory yes, but the extra costs (sea freight, customs, import VAT, final delivery) eat into the saving. Buying from a European supplier also lets you have the actual unit inspected, which avoids unpleasant surprises on delivery.
Also worth seeing
40-foot container: complete guide
Dimensions, uses, delivery, modifications: everything about the 40-foot dry and high cube formats.
Price of a 20-foot shipping container
Focus on 20-foot containers: new and used price list, rental, format comparison.
High cube container
30 cm taller: uses, technical differences, which model to choose.
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