Shipping container costs vary depending on size, condition, and delivery — knowing what drives the price saves you from overpaying.
Key Takeaways:
- Used 20ft container: ~£1,200–£2,500
- New 20ft container: ~£3,000–£4,500
- Used 40ft container: ~£1,800–£3,500
- New 40ft container: ~£4,000–£6,500+
- Delivery adds £150–£400+ depending on distance
- 20ft and 40ft are the most popular sizes in the UK
- Modifications and condition both affect final cost significantly
What Size Shipping Container Do You Need?
| Size | Best For | Approx. Used Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft | Tight spaces, small storage | £800–£1,500 |
| 20ft | Storage, exports, conversions | £1,200–£2,500 |
| 40ft | Large storage, container homes | £1,800–£3,500 |
A rough guide: a 20ft container holds roughly the contents of a three-bedroom house. A 40ft doubles that. For most buyers, 20ft and 40ft containers are the most popular because they balance space and cost well.
New vs Used Shipping Container — Which Should You Buy?
- Grade A (Cargo Worthy) — Watertight, structurally solid, good for active shipping
- Grade B (Wind & Watertight) — Minor surface rust, perfectly fine for storage
- Grade C — Cosmetically rough, lowest price, still functional for basic use
Not sure which grade is right for you? Here’s a full breakdown of Cargo Worthy vs Wind & Watertight containers.
For everyday storage needs, a Grade B used container is solid value. If you're planning a container conversion or thinking about turning a shipping container into a home, it's worth paying more for Grade A or a one-trip unit.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping Containers in the UK?
Shipping container prices fluctuate more than people expect. Here’s what moves the needle:
- Size — A 40ft container costs more than a 20ft, almost without exception
- Condition — New vs used, and the grade within used
- Location — Container prices can differ between London, Birmingham, and more rural parts of the UK
- Delivery — Shipping container delivery adds £150–£400+ depending on distance and site access
- Modifications — Custom shipping container changes like added doors, windows, insulation, or electrics push costs up considerably
Are Used 20ft or 40ft Containers the Best Value?
For most buyers, yes. Used containers offer solid value when buying a shipping container for storage, site security, or short-term use.
A Grade B used container does the job at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. Containers available for sale through a quality-inspected UK supplier like Blue Fin International Shipping take the guesswork out of condition — you know what you’re getting before it arrives on site.
