The $73 billion shipping container industry has revolutionized trade worldwide. Because it can be more cost-effective to ship goods one way (rather than pay for their return), the single-use container market has exploded.

While metal containers are quite durable, transportation takes its toll on them. Transport can compromise the structural integrity of used containers. Like buying anything secondhand, you may not know what you’re going to get.

You may be wondering how much a new shipping container costs. That depends on several factors. Keep reading to find out more on why you should consider buying a brand new container and what you can expect to pay for it.

Shipping Container Basics

As the name suggests, the main use of metal shipping containers is the transportation of domestic and foreign freight. Due to their durability, you can use containers for many different purposes.

Given their portability, temporary storage is a popular use for them. But people convert shipping containers into “greenhouses” and swimming pools. They are even becoming popular for tiny home construction.

Shipping containers are usually made of Corton steel, an alloy developed to stave off rust without the need for painting. It is a weather-resistant metal used in bridges and buildings. All containers must meet international standards that guarantee the products hold up under extreme conditions.

New shipping containers will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. There are three main factors that will impact the cost of a new shipping container: size, modifications, and location.

Size

The vast majority of shipping containers are approximately eight feet wide and eight feet high, with a standard length of 20 to 40 feet. But you can find containers that are almost dimension.

This is a supply-and-demand issue. Finding a non-standard shipping container at a comparable price may require some shopping around. And you will pay a top-dollar for custom-made containers.

Modifications

A basic shipping container may be all you need, but you can also buy them with windows, insulation, or ventilation built-in. You can have custom flooring installed, shelving, or the ability to run electricity. All the “bells and whistles” will cost a premium.

Not all standard shipping containers come with locking mechanisms. Depending on your intended usage, this may be a feature to consider. These systems will cost a bit more, although not as much as some of the more elaborate modifications.

Location

Shipping containers are portable, but moving them around can become quite expensive. people looking to buy one often overlook this variable.

The closer proximity to your home or business, the lower the cost. Larger containers need bigger equipment and time for transport. The cost of the container will reflect these factors.

Sites like equipmentmanagementservices.com are attempting to mitigate this price impact. They keep large inventories at multiple depots throughout the country. You can find a variety of new shipping containers for sale and not have to worry about paying a lot extra for delivery.

Find a New Shipping Container Today

Now that you have an idea of some of the basic issues that impact the cost of a new shipping container, you can start looking around for one to suit your business or personal needs. Taking the factors above into account will help you navigate how retailers are pricing containers so that you can get the features you need without paying more than you should.

We hope this information was helpful to you. Be sure to check out our other posts on lifestyle, business, entertainment, technology, and many other topics.