Cheap shipping containers: compare the delivered cost

At what price can you find a cheap shipping container?

The cheap container, for you, is the one whose total delivered and unloaded at your address is the lowest, for the condition your use actually needs. Price record method

Why can a container that is cheap initially cost more once delivered?

The price to compare adds up these items:

• The container, at the price of the reserved unit, not at the ‘from’ entry price.
• Transport to your address, which depends on the distance from the departure depot.
• Offloading: lorry-mounted crane or other lifting equipment, depending on access and ground conditions.
• VAT: check the stated basis. A VAT-registered trader normally charges 20 % on a standard-rated UK container sale; a private buyer generally cannot reclaim it. Not every private seller or small business is VAT-registered.

What to include in a delivered quote · Shipping container transport and delivery: access and unloading

How to find a cheap shipping container?

The right condition for your use

For storage, assess the condition, watertightness and ventilation needed for your goods. For export, ask for a cargo-worthy unit and verify its CSC approval, current examination status and carrier acceptance. For visible use or conversion, compare the condition and suitability of one-trip and used units; the grade alone does not establish fitness for the project.

For tools and materials on a construction site, see the site storage container; for household storage, the guide to containers for home use. The used grades are detailed on the used container page.

20ft or 40ft: compare the price per m³

The 40ft offers about two times the volume of the 20ft (67.7 m³ versus 33.2 m³). However, you need the space: 12.192 m long instead of 6.058 m, and access for the lorry.

A depot near your address

The company’s address is not necessarily that of the container: ask for the departure depot to be specified, and compare offers starting near you. Directory companies that mention container sales

Hire, for a short-term need

For a few months, hiring avoids buying a container you would then have to sell on. Have both purchase and hire quoted over the same period. Hiring or buying: the calculation for your period

What pitfalls can make a cheap container more expensive than expected?

The 'from' price

This is the starting price displayed by the seller: the unit offered may cost more depending on its condition, depot and options. Have the price of the reserved unit confirmed in writing.

The container sold as seen

The actual condition needs assessment: obtain a written defect list and price the repairs before comparing with a refurbished unit. ‘Sold as seen’ does not remove a consumer's statutory rights against a trader. Used container grades

Unquoted offloading

Restricted lorry access or unplanned lifting can add charges. Send photos of the access and have offloading quoted together with transport before agreeing the delivery.

An ex-VAT price read as VAT-inclusive

Check whether the displayed price includes VAT. A VAT-registered trader normally charges 20 % on a standard-rated UK container sale; request the full VAT-inclusive delivered total.

The offer too good to be true

A price clearly below the recorded public prices for the same size and condition should prompt you to check the seller before paying, though it may not be fraud. Do not pay a stranger: ask for the company identity (official website and Companies House number where available), depot address and recent photos of the unit first.

Why ask for at least two delivered prices before buying a cheap container?

The same specification for each quote

• Size: 20ft or 40ft, standard or High Cube.
• Condition and grade: used wind and watertight, cargo worthy, refurbished or sold as seen; new or one-trip.
• The quantity and the desired date.
• The delivery postcode, lorry access and the offloading method.
• The VAT-inclusive delivered and unloaded total, with the price validity period.

The request is received by the ContainerBook team, who review it, may ask for clarification, and then search for suitable suppliers themselves. No number of responses is guaranteed. You pay the supplier you choose directly.

Frequently asked questions about cheap containers

Useful pages for your project