Price of a shipping container in 2026
Complete grid based on quotes observed on the UK market. Purchase and rental, all formats, all conditions. Excluding delivery and options unless otherwise stated. Data updated every quarter.
Purchase: complete 2026 grid
| Type | Brand new | One-trip | Grade A used | Grade B used | Grade C used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 feet dry | £3,780 – £4,725 | £3,360 – £4,095 | £2,310 – £2,940 | £1,890 – £2,520 | £1,470 – £2,100 |
| 40 ft dry | £4,410 – £5,775 | £4,095 – £5,040 | £3,045 – £3,990 | £2,415 – £3,360 | £1,995 – £2,835 |
| 40 ft high cube | £4,725 – £6,510 | £4,410 – £5,670 | £3,360 – £4,410 | £2,730 – £3,675 | £2,205 – £3,045 |
| 45 ft high cube | £6,090 – £8,295 | £5,460 – £7,140 | £4,410 – £5,775 | £3,570 – £4,725 | £2,940 – £3,885 |
| 20 ft reefer | £8,925 – £14,700 | £7,875 – £10,500 | £5,775 – £7,875 | £4,725 – £5,775 | — |
| 40 ft reefer | £12,600 – £23,100 | £10,500 – £17,850 | £8,400 – £13,650 | £6,825 – £9,975 | — |
| open top 20' | £5,040 – £6,825 | £4,410 – £5,670 | £3,360 – £4,410 | £2,625 – £3,465 | — |
| flat rack 40' | on quote | £4,725 – £6,825 | £3,675 – £5,040 | — | — |
Excluding delivery and options. Ranges observed on the ContainerEU network in Q1 2026. Data updated every quarter.
Monthly rental 2026
| Type | Short term (<3 months) | Medium (3-12 months) | Long (12+ months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft storage container | £147 – £263 | £105 – £189 | £84 – £147 |
| 40 feet storage | £210 – £347 | £168 – £263 | £137 – £210 |
| Reefer 20' | £735 – £1,260 | £578 – £893 | £473 – £735 |
| Site bungalow | £294 – £473 | £231 – £368 | £189 – £305 |
Monthly rates excluding delivery (£263 – £630 round trip) and deposit (£525 – £2,625).
Additional costs not to be forgotten
Delivery
£210 to £940 depending on zone and format. Double for a round trip in rental.
Connections
For a reefer: £260-1,500 electrical connection at 380 V. For a sanitary unit: £430-2,500 plumbing.
Foundations / pads
Simple concrete pads: £260-600. Full slab: £1,700-5,000 depending on surface area.
Permits & taxes
Free preliminary declaration. Permit: £430-2,500 with architect. Development tax: £3-20/m².
Conversion
Converted living space: £15-60k depending on finishes. Fitted-out site cabin: £8-18k.
Insurance
From £50-150/year for professional liability, plus according to the value of stored contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence the price of a shipping container?+
Four main factors. (1) Size: 20 or 40 feet, standard or high cube. (2) Condition: new, one-trip, Grade A/B/C used. (3) Specialisation: dry, reefer, open top, flat rack, tank. (4) Market conditions: the price of steel and maritime freight rates can affect prices by 15 to 20% during the year.
Why are online prices often misleading?+
Many suppliers display very low teaser prices to generate traffic, then the actual price rises at quote time (advertised container unavailable, hidden fees, different quality than suggested). Our network of partner suppliers commits to communicating the final price — all-inclusive — from the initial quote.
How much does it cost to deliver a shipping container?+
£263 – £945 for a 20-foot container, £368 – £1,155 for a 40-foot container, depending on the zone. Paris city centre, mountain zones, Corsica: higher end of range. Industrial area accessible in province: lower end. A delivery in a dense urban centre may require a crane truck with additional cost (£210 – £525) or special handling.
After what period does leasing become more expensive than buying?+
Generally: 18 months. Below that, leasing is more profitable. Beyond that, purchasing becomes necessary. Exceptions: for refrigerated containers (expensive maintenance), leasing remains interesting up to around 30 months. For heavily modified shipping containers, purchase is required even for short durations.
Is there VAT on the shipping container?+
Yes, 20% (standard rate) applies to the shipping container itself as well as delivery and options. VAT is recoverable for businesses liable for it. The purchase can be amortised over 10 to 15 years depending on usage. Rent is fully deductible from operating expenses.
Will prices go up or down in 2026-2027?+
It's impossible to predict precisely, but the trends are clear. Structural increases linked to steel prices and rising demand (housing, events). Short-term fluctuations related to maritime freight (geopolitical tensions, seasonality). Our advice: if your project is imminent, buy now, prices have little chance of dropping significantly.
Explore by format and duration
Price of a 20-foot shipping container
Focus 20': new, one-trip, Grade A/B/C used + monthly rental.
Price of a 40-foot container
40' dry and high cube: 10 variants × conditions + long-term rental.
Price of refrigerated container
20' and 40' reefer: purchase, rent, monthly electricity cost.
ContainerEU rental prices
Monthly rates for all formats, deposit, delivery round trip, rule 18 months.
Complete dimensions
All ISO measurements: exterior, interior, weight, volume, pallets.
Purchase or rental?
The 18-month rule and exceptions (reefer, conversion).
Get the real price for your needs
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