Price of a 40-foot shipping container 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 40-foot shipping container cost?
In 2026, a 40-foot dry shipping container costs between £1,272 – £2,835 for Grade C used and £2,811 – £5,775 new. The high cube version (30 cm taller) ranges from £1,406 – £3,045 to £3,012 – £6,510. For monthly rental, expect £134 – £347 for short term and £87 – £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) | £2,811 – £5,775 |
| 40 ft dry | One-trip | £2,611 – £5,040 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade A used (WWT) | £1,941 – £3,990 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade B used | £1,540 – £3,360 |
| 40 ft dry | Grade C used | £1,272 – £2,835 |
| 40 ft high cube | Brand new (one-trip) | £3,012 – £6,510 |
| 40 ft high cube | One-trip | £2,811 – £5,670 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade A used (WWT) | £2,142 – £4,410 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade B used | £1,740 – £3,675 |
| 40 ft high cube | Grade C used | £1,406 – £3,045 |
Indicative model ranges, excluding delivery and options. The quote must specify the final price, container condition and included services.
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 (£368 – £1,155 depending on distance).
| Variant | Short term | Medium term | Long term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 ft dry | £134 – £347 | £107 – £263 | £87 – £210 |
| 40 ft high cube | £147 – £378 | £120 – £284 | £100 – £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 £201 – £525. Essential for certain industrial equipment or habitable conversions.
Condition of the container
The difference between new and Grade C used exceeds £1,673 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.
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 | £1,473 – £2,940 | Restricted access, limited budget, individual storage |
| 40 ft dry | 67 m³ | £1,941 – £3,990 | Standard pro: storage, site accommodation unit, logistics |
| 40 ft high cube | 76 m³ | £2,142 – £4,410 | High industrial equipment, habitable conversion |
| 45 ft high cube | 86 m³ | £2,811 – £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 model’s indicative lower bound is £1,272. This is not an observed minimum or a threshold proving fraud. Check actual condition, availability, supplier identity and included services for every offer.
Why does high cube cost more than dry?+
Additional cost of approximately -£1,848 – £2,469 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?+
Nominal references before conversion: around 33 m³ for a 20-foot unit and 67 m³ for a 40-foot unit, to verify against the model. Compare quotes per usable volume actually required, at matching condition and equipment, including transport, unloading and access. Extra capacity helps only when the project uses it; no fixed price ratio or universal break-even threshold is established.
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 £201 – £735 more than new, and £335 – £1,260 above Grade A used. Excellent compromise if you want near-new without the 'zero voyage' premium.
What VAT applies to a 40-foot purchase?+
For an ordinary domestic supply taxed at the standard rate, the indicative country rate is 20 %. Check the invoice, place of taxation, special schemes and cross-border treatment. Recovery depends on use for activities carrying deduction entitlement and your VAT regime; depreciation or tax relief has no universal container period.
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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