How Much Does A Shipping Container Cost?

For any household move from anywhere in Europe to any other EU destination, or even further afield, there’s no simpler way to transport your possessions to your new life than by shipping container. While a safe, secure, and trusted method of transportation for all your belongings and personal effects, it’s also a much more economical way to move your items versus faster but costlier air freight.

But, shipping containers can also have a second life and we often see them being reused and repurposed as something completely different. So what would a shipping container cost to buy for a new use? This article will give you all the information you need, from what a shipping container is, what you can use them for, how much they cost, and what factors can affect the cost.

What is a shipping container?

The standard purpose of a shipping container is to ship possessions and other goods overseas and there are around 5 million of them in active use around the world. Each container is largely the same in design with the frame, walls, doors, and structural components all made from steel for strength and durability. The wall and door panels are made from 14 gauge steel sheets with a corrugated style giving the container even greater strength, even though they’re just 0.075in thick.

And, like most other things, shipping containers come in different sizes depending on what you need. The most common sizes range from 10ft to 40ft – UPakWeShip EU specialises in 20ft and 40ft self-load containers for international shipping – alongside smaller U-Crates that can be used for smaller shipments.

But apart from being a spacious method of shipping items across oceans, the uses of a container can be numerous. While many are used as static storage space that never leaves the ground, they can be adapted and repurposed into almost anything, giving them a whole new lease of life, including offices, housing, sheds, and even above-ground swimming pools.

How much does a shipping container cost for moving?

When it comes to costs for a UPakWeShip EU shipping container to relocate to your new EU, US, or AUS destination, our self-pack containers are the most cost-effective way to get your belongings there. But costs can differ depending on what you need. So to help you save money on your international shipping, tell us how much you’re looking to ship and where to and we’ll send your free, no-obligation, personalised quote to get started.

How much does a shipping container cost for another use?

When you’re looking at using a shipping container for any other use, the costs will be different. You should know what you want to use the container for, how big you need it to be, and whether you want a new or used one. But whatever your budget, there’s definitely a size to suit you.

Prices for a whole range of sizes can start at around £2,000 for a used 8’x10’ container up to around £5,500 for a brand new 40ft container depending on where you look. So let’s check some of the factors which can affect the cost.

Size and weight

The size of the container you need will depend on what you plan to use it for and prices will vary accordingly. All containers have a standard width of 8ft and height of 8.5ft, so it’s only the length you need to look at. Two common sizes of shipping containers are 20ft and 40ft models. But you’ll be able to find smaller 10ft-16ft versions as well as larger ones up to the 40ft versions. And think about your container weight and its final location – depending on size, containers can weigh up to 5 tonnes.

Age and condition

One of the biggest impacts on cost will be your container’s age and condition. Bear in mind that all shipping containers were once heavily used as exactly that, so you should expect some dents and dings. Older containers will obviously have more damage, but newer ones can too, so look into their age as well as their damage history and whether any repairs have been made.

Buying, leasing, or renting

You have a choice of buying your shipping container outright, leasing it, or renting it for the long or short term. Prices will differ from supplier to supplier as well as your choice of size, age, and whether it’s new, used, or refurbished – you’ll also need to work out which payment works best for you. Rental is common for shipping containers and prices can start from around £15 per week. But look out for any added extras such as delivery costs to your location and any additional items on offer.

Additional items

Depending on your business and what you’ll be using your container for, there are plenty of additional items you can choose from. While they might add to your overall purchase, lease or rental costs, many of them can be necessary extras. Some additional items can include locking systems, safety features, damp/moisture removers, air vents, and stack shelving.

How much can a container hold?

If you’re using your shipping container for ‘other’ uses, you’ll need to choose the right size to match your needs. And the same goes for containers that will be used for shipping all your belongings to your new location. It can be difficult to calculate how much container space you’ll need to move the belongings from a typical family home. Everybody’s needs are different, but the following should give you a good indication.

20ft container

A standard 20ft container (20’ x 8’ x 8.5’) will give you a total cubic volume of 33 m3 (1,172 f3) which is 146 sq ft (13.86m2) of floor space. This will generally be able to contain the household items from a one or two-bedroom flat or small house.

40ft container

A standard 40ft container (40’ x 8’ x 8.5’) will give you a total cubic volume of 60 m3 (2,120 f3) which is 285 sq ft (26.47m2) of floor space. This will generally be able to contain the household items from a three-bedroom house and garage.

As we said, everybody’s home and needs are different, but it’s good to know exactly which size container you’ll need upfront. Check our volume calculator to see what size is best for you.

Choose UPakWeShip EU to move your world

While shipping containers can be used for many things, at UPakWeShip EU, it’s our purpose to use them to move your world from any EU location to any EU, US, or AUS destination. And our shipping knowledge and experience are only the beginning – we’ll help you save time and money with affordable, guaranteed prices, and even help you with international shipping insurance too.

If you’re relocating overseas for any reason, contact UPakWeShip EU today. Call us on +31(0)6 21 61 76 19 or email us at move@upakweship.eu.com – and don’t forget to get your free quote.