Price of a 40-foot shipping container in 2026
Standard format for professional storage and site accommodation units: 67 m³ dry, 76 m³ high cube. This grid provides the observed ranges this quarter by variant and condition.
How much does a 40-foot shipping container cost?
In 2026, a 40-foot dry shipping container costs between £1,995 – £2,835 for Grade C used and £4,410 – £5,775 new. The high cube version (30 cm taller) ranges from £2,205 – £3,045 to £4,725 – £6,510. For monthly rental, expect £210 – £347 for short term and £137 – £210 for long term, excluding delivery.
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) | £4,410 – £5,775 |
| 40 ft dry | One-trip | £4,095 – £5,040 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade A used (WWT) | £3,045 – £3,990 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade B used | £2,415 – £3,360 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade C used | £1,995 – £2,835 |
| 40 ft high cube | Brand new (one-trip) | £4,725 – £6,510 |
| 40 ft high cube | One-trip | £4,410 – £5,670 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade A used (WWT) | £3,360 – £4,410 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade B used | £2,730 – £3,675 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade C used | £2,205 – £3,045 |
Excluding delivery and options. Ranges observed on the ContainerEU network in Q1 2026. Data updated every quarter.
Container 40 feet rental: monthly rates for 2026
For durations of 12 months or more, loyalty discounts can reach up to 15%. Delivery and return charges are billed separately (£300 to £940 depending on distance).
| Variant | Short term | Medium term | Long term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 ft dry | £210 – £347 | £168 – £263 | £137 – £210 |
| 40 ft high cube | £231 – £378 | £189 – £284 | £158 – £231 |
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 £260 to £430. Essential for certain industrial equipment or habitable conversions.
Condition of the container
The difference between new and Grade C used exceeds £2,500 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 £300 to £800.
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 (+£1,500), double rear door (+£800), insulation (+£2,000 to £5,000), new wooden floor (+£600). To be priced before ordering.
Seasonality
High tension on dry 40' containers in spring (construction + agriculture). The best prices are observed from November to February, especially for used units.
40 feet vs 20 feet vs 45 feet : which format to 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 | £2,310 – £2,940 | Restricted access, limited budget, individual storage |
| 40 ft dry | 67 m³ | £3,045 – £3,990 | Standard pro: storage, site accommodation unit, logistics |
| 40 ft high cube | 76 m³ | £3,360 – £4,410 | High industrial equipment, habitable conversion |
| 45 ft high cube | 86 m³ | £4,410 – £5,775 | Light bulky volumes, pallet-wide |
Frequently asked questions about the price of a 40-foot container
What is the minimum price for a used Grade C 40-foot dry shipping container in port storage in 2026?+
The observed floor price is around £1,995 for a used Grade C 40' dry container stored at the port. Lower prices often hide non-cargo-worthy containers or delivery not included.
Why does high cube cost more than dry?+
Additional cost of approximately -£630 – £1,365 between HC and Grade A used dry containers. The extra height (30 cm) requires more steel, making the container less common: fewer second-hand options available, thus higher prices.
Does the price include delivery?+
No, unless part of a package offer. Expect £368 – £1,155 for delivering a 40-foot container based on distance from the depot. A 40' always requires a flatbed truck of 14 m — check ground access.
Does a 40-foot container fit through standard house access?+
No. Length 12,19 m + turning radius of the truck = minimum straight-line clearance of 18 to 20 m required. If your property is restricted, opt for two 20' side by side (same total volume).
Is a 40-foot container really more cost-effective per cubic metre than a 20-foot one?+
Yes, significantly: twice the volume for ~1.3 times the price, equating to about 35% savings per cubic metre. But only if you can deliver and use all 67 m³ — otherwise excess capacity becomes dead cost.
What is the difference between a used 40' dry container and one-trip?+
A one-trip container is brand new having made ONE maritime journey (often Asia-Europe). Price range of £260 to £600 more than new, and £430 to £1,000 above Grade A used. Excellent compromise if you want near-new without the 'zero voyage' premium.
What VAT applies to a 40-foot purchase?+
The standard VAT rate of the purchasing country (20 %) applies to the price excluding tax (HT). For businesses liable, it is recoverable. The purchase can be amortised over 10 to 15 years.
Can one buy a 40-foot container directly from Asia to save money?+
In theory yes, but the additional costs (sea freight, customs, import VAT, final delivery) eat into any savings. Buying through an European supplier also guarantees a real inspection, which avoids unpleasant surprises upon receipt.
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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