What Drives Second-Hand Container Prices? Age, Grade, Location & Market

Two used 20ft containers can be priced very differently, even on the same day, from the same kind of seller. That's because a used container's price reflects a mix of its own condition and a market that moves with global shipping.

Here's what drives second hand shipping containers prices, from the box itself to the depot it's sitting in, so you can tell a fair price from an outlier.

1. Grade

Grade has the biggest effect on a used container's price. From highest to lowest:

1. IICL or premium used: very good condition, close to new
2. Cargo-worthy: structurally fit to ship cargo
3. Wind and watertight: keeps out weather, sold for storage
4. As-is: known damage

Buying the grade you need, usually wind and watertight for storage, is the single easiest way to save. See used container grades.

2. Age and condition

Within a grade, younger containers in better shape cost more. Check the manufacture date on the CSC plate, and look at the parts that are expensive to fix:

• The roof: dents holding water, rust, patches
• The floor: soft spots, delamination, repairs
• The doors and seals
• The frame and corner posts

Dents, surface rust and faded paint have little effect on price, and shouldn't.

3. Size and type

• 40ft containers cost more than 20ft, but usually well under twice as much.
• High cubes cost somewhat more than standard height.
• Specialty types such as open side, insulated and refrigerated containers cost more, and are less common used.
• 45ft containers are less common used, so prices vary more.

4. Local depot supply

Used containers collect where imports arrive: near major ports and inland rail hubs. Areas close to busy depots usually have more stock and better prices. Areas far from them often pay more for the container and for delivery.

Stock also changes week to week. A depot that's full one month can be short the next.

5. The global shipping market

Used container supply depends on shipping lines and leasing companies retiring old boxes:

• When global trade is busy, they keep containers in service longer. Fewer reach the used market, so prices rise.
• When trade slows, more containers are retired. Depots fill up, and prices fall.

That's why used prices rose sharply during the shipping disruptions of 2021, and came down later as trade settled.

6. Delivery distance

Delivery is part of what you pay. A container that's cheap at a depot hundreds of miles away can cost more delivered than a slightly pricier one nearby. Always compare delivered totals.

7. Who's selling

• Depots and container dealers typically offer graded containers with delivery.
• Private sellers may be cheaper, but you'll usually need to arrange transport and inspect it yourself.
• Online-only listings with prices far below the market are often scams.

Common price myths

"Older containers are always cheaper." Usually, within a grade. But a well-kept older container can be worth more than a neglected younger one.

"Dents mean a lower grade." Not necessarily. Grades are about holes, doors and structure. A heavily dented box can still be cargo-worthy.

"Cargo-worthy is better value." Only if you'll ship goods. For storage, wind and watertight does the same job for less.

"The cheapest box price is the best deal." Not if delivery, fees or repairs push the total higher.

"Prices only go up." Used container prices have risen and fallen with the shipping market. They can drop when trade slows and depots fill up.

Questions that reveal a fair price

1. What grade is it, and will you put it in writing?
2. How old is it, according to the CSC plate?
3. Can I see photos of this exact unit?
4. Which depot is it in, and what's the delivered price to my ZIP code?
5. Are there any fees or taxes not shown in this price?

Putting it together

When you compare used container quotes:

1. Match the size, height, type and grade.
2. Look at the age and the condition of the roof, floor, doors and frame.
3. Compare delivered totals, including fees and tax.
4. Be suspicious of outliers: a price far below every other quote needs checking.

FAQ

Why are used container prices higher some years?

When global shipping is busy, fewer containers are retired, so less used stock reaches the market and prices rise.

Does an older container always cost less?

Usually, within the same grade. But condition matters more than age: a well-kept older box can be worth more than a neglected younger one.

Are used containers cheaper near ports?

Often, because that's where used stock collects, and delivery distances are shorter.

How do I know if a used container price is fair?

Get two or three delivered quotes for the same size, type and grade. Fair prices will be close to each other.