# Shipping container prices in the UK > **In brief.** Work out the full shipping container cost from the size, condition, VAT, delivery and offloading for your postcode. This guide shows four dated examples from one UK supplier, checked on 28 September 2026. These advertised starting prices exclude VAT and relate to specific depots; the examples show the VAT-inclusive equivalent alongside. They are not a comparison between sellers. Confirm availability and the total payable in a current quote. Updated on 28 September 2026 · Page : https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-prices ## Published UK supplier price examples Checked 28 September 2026. These starting prices are from Budget Shipping Containers and specific depots. They are a snapshot from one supplier, not a UK market average, a live inventory feed or a comparison between sellers. | Container and official source | Depot | From, including VAT at 20% | From, excluding VAT | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Used 20ft standard container](https://www.budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk/sales/20ft-shipping-containers-used/) | Felixstowe | From £1,050 incl. VAT | From £875 excl. VAT | | [20ft standard one-trip container](https://www.budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk/sales/20ft-shipping-containers-new-one-trip/) | Felixstowe | From £2,100 incl. VAT | From £1,750 excl. VAT | | [Used 40ft standard container](https://www.budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk/sales/40ft-shipping-containers-used/) | London | From £1,500 incl. VAT | From £1,250 excl. VAT | | [Used 40ft high-cube container](https://www.budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk/sales/40ft-high-cube-shipping-containers-used/) | Liverpool | From £1,410 incl. VAT | From £1,175 excl. VAT | The reviewed product pages do not establish that delivery is included. Regional prices may differ. Confirm today's price, VAT treatment, availability, transport and unloading for your delivery postcode directly with the supplier. ContainerBook does not sell these units. ## How much does a shipping container cost? The four UK examples above are supplier starting prices checked on 28 September 2026. Your price depends on the size, condition, departure depot and delivery requirements. Ask for a quote confirming the actual unit, VAT, delivery and unloading; the examples do not establish the cheapest supplier. Each UK example links to the supplier product page and states its checking date, depot and VAT basis. Confirm the current terms with the supplier. This single-supplier snapshot is neither a market average nor a supplier ranking. Report a correction through the [Contact page](https://containerbook.uk/uk/contact). The detail by size, with dimensions: [price and dimensions of the 20-foot container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/20ft-shipping-containers#prix) · [price of the 40-foot container, new or used](https://containerbook.uk/uk/40ft-shipping-containers#prix). For the site's own advertised sale prices, see [shipping containers for sale in the shop](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shop). The shop catalogue is separate from these third-party examples. Compare the same size and condition, then request the total including VAT, delivery and offloading for your postcode. To find out the delivered price to your address, provide the size, condition and delivery location: [request a delivered price, free of charge](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=achat). ## Why does the price of a container vary from one seller to another? The current UK examples come from one supplier, so they do not measure differences between sellers. Compare individual quotations for the same size, condition, delivery postcode and unloading requirements. Include VAT and all required charges before deciding which offer suits your project. ### Where do the differences between two prices come from? - **The departure depot.** The displayed price is often an ex-depot price: a distant depot then means you pay for transport. - **The terminology.** “New” and “one-trip” refer to containers that have been little or not used, but each seller uses their own term. - **The grade.** A container advertised as wind and watertight, cargo worthy or sold as-is does not have the same price. - **The type of price.** A “from” price is the entry-level price displayed by the seller; a price displayed without “from” may be a promotion. - **Options.** Colour, lock, ventilation, extra doors. - **Quantity and timing.** Discount on multiple units, stock available on the required date. → [The ContainerBook comparison tool, step by step](https://containerbook.uk/uk/compare-container-quotes) ## What is the price of a container delivered to my address? Container price, plus delivery, plus unloading: delivery mainly depends on the distance between the seller's depot and your address, and on lorry access. Ask for a delivered price that separates these three items. The distance to the depot therefore matters in the final price: a more expensive offer but closer may work out cheaper once delivered. Always compare delivered prices, including VAT, for the same address. Unloading depends on the lifting method and site access: have it quoted separately, with photos of the access. [Transport and delivery of a container: rates, unloading and access](https://containerbook.uk/uk/container-delivery). → [Get a delivered quote for my container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=achat) ## Which condition to choose for which budget? The budget primarily depends on the advertised condition category: used, new or one-trip. Choose the minimum condition needed for your use, then have the grade and actual condition of the reserved unit confirmed in writing. - **New or one-trip** : Recent container, marketed as new after a single journey from its place of manufacture. Colour, handling marks and equipment must be confirmed. - **Cargo-worthy** : A unit offered as suitable for carrying cargo. Confirm its actual structural condition, inspection, current CSC examination status and acceptance by the intended carrier. A CSC plate alone does not establish seaworthiness; refurbishment is not implied by the grade. - **Used wind and watertight** : Used container advertised as wind and watertight, suitable for ground storage; this mention alone does not confirm its acceptance for export. - **Used cargo-worthy** : Used container advertised as cargo-worthy for carrying goods: ask for the inspections and documents specific to the unit, including the CSC plate. - **Used refurbished** : Used container that has been refurbished: ask for details of the work and when it was done (paint, seals, floor, steel panels). - **Used sold as-is** : Container sold without any stated watertightness: list the defects and cost the repairs before buying. For storage, assess condition, watertightness and ventilation for your goods. For export, verify the actual unit's CSC approval, current examination status and carrier acceptance; the cargo-worthy label alone is insufficient. For conversion or visible use, compare the specific used and one-trip units. Details: [price of a used shipping container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/used-shipping-containers#prix) · [price of a new or one-trip container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/one-trip-containers#prix). → [Costing a used container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=achat&etat=occasion) → [Budgeting for a new or one-trip container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=achat&etat=neuf) ## What affects the delivered price of a container? The delivered price of a container depends on the chosen condition, the departure depot, delivery, access and options: ContainerBook lets you request a delivered price to compare these items on the same specification. 1. **Choose only the condition you need.** A used wind and watertight container may suit storage after a condition and moisture-risk check; compare one-trip units where appearance matters. 2. **Compare at least two delivered prices** for the same size and the same condition category. 3. **Aim for a depot close to you.** The distance between the depot and your address affects the delivery price. 4. **Combine delivery** if you are buying several containers, and ask for it in the quote. 5. **Have the price of the reserved unit confirmed.** A “from” price is the entry-level price displayed by the seller, and a promotional price may change: ask for a written price. 6. **Prepare access and offloading.** Restricted access or unplanned lifting can cause extra costs or a failed delivery. Include access photos and agree any waiting or redelivery charges before ordering. 7. **Hire if the need is short-term**: [hire or buy: the calculation over your period](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-hire#bascule). On a tight budget? [Cheap containers: practical options and precautions](https://containerbook.uk/uk/cheap-shipping-containers). > A price significantly lower than the published prices recorded for the same size and condition category should prompt you to check the seller before paying, without necessarily being a fraud. [How to check a container seller before paying](https://containerbook.uk/uk/buy-shipping-containers#verifier). > **ContainerBook recommendation** Before paying for a container, ask for at least one other delivered price. For the same size and condition category, the displayed price differs from one seller to another: compare quotes on the same specification with ContainerBook, free of charge and with no obligation. → [Compare delivered prices with ContainerBook](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=achat) ## How were these UK price examples checked? The current snapshot contains four public product-page examples from one UK supplier, checked on 28 September 2026. Each example retains its source link, starting-price qualifier, depot and VAT basis. It is an illustration of advertised prices, not a representative market survey or a live stock feed. - **Price and condition.** Check the supplier's current listing and request confirmation of the actual container offered. A starting price may not be the price of that unit. - **Delivery and unloading.** Inclusion is not established by these product-page examples. Ask for both to be itemised for your postcode and access requirements. - **VAT and total payable.** The examples are advertised excluding VAT. Confirm the applicable VAT and all required charges in the complete quote. - **Scope.** One supplier cannot establish an average UK price, a cheapest supplier or a price difference between sellers. Compare any individual quotations you receive on the same specification. → [Report a price or source correction](https://containerbook.uk/uk/contact) ## Frequently asked questions about container prices ### Does the displayed price include delivery and unloading? The product-page evidence for these examples does not establish delivery or unloading inclusion. Ask the supplier to itemise the container, transport and lifting method, then confirm the complete amount payable for your address. ### Do the examples include VAT? The supplier examples are advertised excluding VAT. Confirm the applicable rate and ask for a quote showing the VAT-inclusive total, delivery, unloading and any required extras. ### Is a starting price the price I will pay? Not necessarily. The price of the actual unit can depend on condition, stock, depot and options. Obtain written confirmation for the container reserved for you. ### Are these prices up to date? The examples were checked on 28 September 2026. A dated example is not a live price or stock guarantee. Confirm the current price and availability directly with the supplier. ### Why is the supplier named? The supplier name and product-page links let you check the source and its current terms. Naming a source does not certify or recommend that supplier. ### Do these examples show a UK market average or the cheapest supplier? No. The current snapshot contains four examples from one supplier. It does not compare sellers or represent the UK market. Ask for individual delivered quotations and compare the same specification and total costs. **How much will your container cost, delivered to your door?** Request a single quote for the container, delivery and offloading. Free and without obligation for you. → [Start my free request](https://containerbook.uk/uk/request-a-quote?produit=conteneur&mode=achat) ## Related guides - [Price comparison tool](https://containerbook.uk/uk/compare-container-quotes) : Why compare, how the request works, what it costs. - [Tight budget](https://containerbook.uk/uk/cheap-shipping-containers) : Cheap container: ways to reduce the budget, and precautions to take. - [Where to buy a container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/buy-shipping-containers) : Types of sellers, checks before paying, request for delivered price. - [Container for individuals](https://containerbook.uk/uk/containers-for-domestic-use) : Buying or hiring for a personal project: VAT-inclusive price, delivery and access. - [New or one-trip](https://containerbook.uk/uk/one-trip-containers) : What the term covers. - [Transport and delivery](https://containerbook.uk/uk/container-delivery) : Delivery costs, offloading and site access. - [Hire a container](https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-hire) : Hire rates, duration and collection. ## About ContainerBook UK ContainerBook is a UK directory of shipping container sellers and a free quote request service. Supplier profiles are based on official company websites, with sources and checking dates. Compare services, then request the price for the container, delivery and unloading. The requester pays the chosen supplier directly; businesses may pay the service to receive qualified enquiries. Price survey method : https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-prices#methode · Source : ContainerBook UK, https://containerbook.uk/uk/shipping-container-prices, updated on 28 September 2026.