Looking for cheap shipping containers for sale near me online is easier than ever, with prices that start at just $3,700 for a 20′ standard container. Buying a shipping container is a big decision – and it should be. These versatile structures can last 20 years or more with the right maintenance.
The market offers many options from conex containers to various sizes and conditions. A standard 20ft used shipping container gives you about 1,170 cubic feet of storage space. This makes it ideal for medium-sized items or large amounts of goods. Most suppliers deliver quickly, usually within 1-3 business days after your container is ready to ship. Some companies might take up to 5 business days though.
This detailed buyer’s guide will help you find cheap shipping containers in your area while getting the best value for your money. We’ll cover everything from container types and grades to trusted websites like ftshippingcontainers.com that ship for free. You’ll also learn about warranties – some providers give up to 25 years coverage on new containers and 10 years on used ones.
The right shipping container choice depends on understanding the types and grades available in the market. You should know exactly what you need before you start searching for cheap shipping containers for sale near me online.
Height makes the main difference between standard and high cube shipping containers. Standard containers stand 8’6″ tall externally (7’10” internally). High cube containers add an extra foot to reach 9’6″ tall externally. This extra height gives you substantially more storage space—a 40ft high cube container offers 2,694 cubic feet compared to 2,350 cubic feet in a standard 40ft container.
High cube containers share similar width and length dimensions with standard ones, but weigh more. A 40ft high cube tips the scales at 8,775 lbs, while a standard 40ft container weighs about 8,000 lbs. Both types can handle the same maximum gross weight of 67,200 lbs.
You might want to think about a high cube container if you need to:
Cargo-worthy containers must pass inspection and certification to prove they’re structurally sound for international shipping. This certification shows the container meets standards for strength, watertightness, and overall condition needed for safe sea transport.
Containers need to pass thorough examinations of their structural integrity, doors, locking mechanisms, and floors to earn cargo-worthy status. Their reliable construction allows stacking up to seven containers high on ships.
These containers show minimal rust and dents. Their doors work smoothly and floors stay in good shape. Independent surveyors accredited by organizations like the International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL) handle the certification process.
Wind and Water Tight containers keep moisture and pests out completely but lack certification for overseas shipping. These 12-14 year old containers show some rust, dings, and dents—some suppliers call them “containers with soul”.
“As-Is” containers come without condition guarantees. They often show major damage like holes, heavy rust, floor damage, and bad door seals. You can buy these containers at big discounts, but they need lots of repairs before use.
WWT and cargo-worthy containers might look alike on the surface. Both show wear and tear, but cargo-worthy containers pass extra inspections that certify them for international shipping.
The container industry calls “one-trip containers” new if they’ve made just one trip from their manufacturing location (usually China) to North America. These containers give you several benefits:
Used containers offer their own advantages:
Your specific needs should guide your choice. One-trip containers might justify their higher cost for customer-facing spaces like retail or offices. A used container can do the same job at big savings for simple storage or industrial uses.
FTshippingcontainers.com offers many options with free shipping. This makes it easy to find exactly what you need at competitive prices when looking for cheap shipping containers for sale near me online.
Let’s look at the best places to find affordable shipping containers in your area. You have several ways to find the right container at a good price.
Local container yards give you clear advantages when looking for cheap shipping containers near me. You can check out containers in person before buying – a great way to spot structural issues, rust, or damage that photos might miss. Physical inspection lets you check door seals, floor condition, and the overall structure.
Most local dealers stock different container grades, from one-trip to cargo-worthy and wind-water tight options. Building relationships with local suppliers often leads to better deals, especially if you need multiple containers. Local yards can also customize and modify containers – something that’s harder to arrange elsewhere.
Looking for shipping containers for sale online gives you more choices than just local options. Sites like ftshippingcontainers.com offer:
Online conex container markets have grown fast. You can now compare prices from multiple suppliers right from home. Many online sellers work with container yards nationwide, giving you access to inventory across the country.
Nationwide container suppliers mix online shopping benefits with local service. These companies have yards all over the country. This setup means competitive prices and reasonable delivery costs.
Take ftshippingcontainers.com as an example. You can browse their big inventory and still get local delivery. This often means faster delivery and lower shipping costs than ordering from far away. These suppliers also maintain quality standards and good customer service at all their locations.
ZIP code search tools make finding shipping containers near me much easier. Here’s how to use them:
These tools quickly show you what’s in stock nearby, saving you time calling suppliers. The best tools show full pricing with delivery to your location upfront, so there are no surprises later.
Using all these options – especially ftshippingcontainers.com’s easy search tools and free shipping – helps you find the perfect container at the best price.
Shipping container prices in 2025 depend on several factors that buyers need to understand to get the best deal. Smart research about cheap shipping containers for sale near me online helps you understand these price factors and secure better rates.
The size of a container plays a big role in its price. A 20ft container costs less than its 40ft or 40ft high cube counterparts. High cube containers come with premium price tags because they offer more storage space – about 2,694 cubic feet compared to 2,350 cubic feet in standard 40ft containers. Container condition makes a huge difference in pricing. One-trip containers cost more than used ones because they show little wear and tear with no rust. Cargo-worthy containers sell for higher prices than wind and water tight units since they have certification for international shipping. The “as-is” containers give you the cheapest option but might need repairs before you can use them.
Your location makes a huge difference in container prices in 2025. Containers near major ports sell for less than those inland because transportation costs less. The delivery method affects your final price too. Tilt-bed delivery costs more than flatbed options but saves you from needing unloading equipment on site. For ground-level delivery at ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping, the depot location determines your final price. Trucking rates change by region – coastal routes cost more per mile than inland routes.
Basic containers serve as a starting point. The price goes up with each modification you choose:
These customizations can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your container price based on how complex they are. Ftshippingcontainers.com offers various accessory packages that boost functionality while keeping prices competitive.
Market forces keep shaping container prices in 2025. Recent Red Sea diversions have pushed operating costs up by up to $500 per container on Asia-Europe routes. More than 10 new mega container carriers in 2025 create capacity challenges because cargo volume forecasts show they’ll be hard to fill. New shipping alliances starting February 2025 compete for market share, which affects pricing. Prices tend to rise from July to December as holiday merchandise shipments increase. Terminal operators have raised their handling charges in 2025 to make up for inflation costs from previous years.
Shopping for containers online can feel intimidating. The right approach helps you find reliable deals without compromising quality or security. We learned that knowing which platforms to trust and what to avoid will help you direct yourself through the online marketplace with confidence.
Your search for cheap shipping containers for sale near me online should start with 10-year old vendors that have proven track records. Ftshippingcontainers.com stands out with transparent pricing, free shipping options, and detailed container specifications. Look for sites that display physical addresses, contact information, and customer reviews. Good websites show detailed inventory information, clear photographs of their containers, and straightforward pricing without hidden fees.
Those unusually low prices that seem too good to be true usually are. Here’s what else you should watch for:
Trustworthy container sellers like ftshippingcontainers.com offer secure payment methods including credit cards that provide buyer protection. Stay away from sellers who only accept non-reversible payments like wire transfers. Many 10-year old vendors now provide financing options with competitive interest rates and flexible terms, making bigger purchases available to more people. Ask for detailed invoices that outline all costs including delivery fees, taxes, and extra charges.
Warranty terms differ between suppliers. New container warranties cover structural integrity and water-tightness for longer periods. Used container warranties offer limited protection against major defects. Read the warranty documentation and learn the claim process before you buy. Container return policies have limits due to delivery logistics, so check these terms early. Quality online retailers give you detailed warranty information in writing and support their products with quick customer service.
Image Source: ATS Containers
The successful delivery and setup of your container depends on understanding the logistics. You need to think about the right delivery method and prepare your site properly.
Tilt-bed trucks use hydraulics that slide containers directly onto the ground without extra equipment. This method needs 75 feet of straight-line space for a 20-foot container and 110 feet for a 40-footer. Flatbed delivery costs less for long distances but you must provide a forklift or crane for unloading. Tilt-bed delivery costs between USD 300.00-800.00, while flatbed prices range from USD 200.00-600.00 for local deliveries under 50 miles.
Your site must have these requirements:
Make sure your entrance’s culverts can handle the truck’s weight and remove any obstacles.
Your foundation needs depend on placement duration. Flat firm ground might be enough for temporary placements under a month. A gravel pad prevents settling and improves drainage for 1-12 month placements. Permanent installations work best with concrete piers at corners or a concrete pad.
Site complexity determines delivery time, which ranges from 30 minutes to a few hours. Most companies deliver within 3-7 business days after confirming your order.
“Free shipping” means shipping costs are included in container prices. The old saying rings true: “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch”. When you search for cheap shipping containers for sale near me online at ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping, remember you still pay for delivery—it’s just built into the final price.
The search for affordable shipping containers doesn’t need to be complex. This piece walks you through everything – container types, grades, delivery methods, and site preparation. You’ll know exactly what to look for when searching cheap shipping containers in your area.
The price of containers changes by a lot based on size, condition, and location. A standard 20ft container gives you about 1,170 cubic feet of storage space. High cube options provide extra height if you need it for special purposes. The condition ranges from pristine one-trip containers to budget-friendly “as-is” options that need some work.
Your choice of seller matters as much as the container itself. Local yards let you check containers in person. Online marketplaces like ftshippingcontainers.com offer bigger selections with competitive prices and free shipping deals. Getting quotes from multiple sources helps you land the best possible deal.
Good site preparation is a vital part of successful delivery. Your spot needs enough clearance, solid ground, and easy access for delivery trucks. The right foundation choice based on how long you’ll use the container will save you trouble later.
Safety should top your list when buying online. Look out for warning signs like prices that seem too good to be true, unclear descriptions, or demands for non-refundable payments. Trusted sites like ftshippingcontainers.com show clear pricing, detailed specs, and secure payment options.
These containers are versatile investments that last over 20 years with proper care. You might need storage space, want to build something custom, or need transportation solutions. The quickest way to find the right container at a good price starts with knowing what to look for. You now have everything needed to find cheap containers for sale nearby online, with free shipping that makes the whole process easier on your wallet.
Q1. What’s the best time of year to find deals on shipping containers? The holiday season, particularly Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year’s, often sees the best deals. During these times, suppliers aim to boost sales and clear inventory, offering significant discounts on shipping containers.
Q2. How much should I expect to pay for a 20-foot shipping container? Prices can vary based on location and condition, but generally, a new 20-foot dry container costs between $1,500 and $3,500. Used containers may be available at lower prices.
Q3. What factors affect shipping container prices in 2025? Container prices in 2025 are influenced by size, condition, delivery distance, customization options, market demand, and seasonal trends. Geopolitical events and new shipping alliances also play a role in pricing fluctuations.
Q4. How can I ensure I’m buying a shipping container safely online? When purchasing online, use trusted websites with transparent pricing and detailed container specifications. Look for physical addresses, contact information, and customer reviews. Avoid unusually low prices and sellers requesting wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments.
Q5. What should I consider when preparing for shipping container delivery? Ensure your site has at least 14 feet of overhead clearance, 12 feet width for access, and level ground that can support over 45,000 pounds. Consider the delivery method (tilt-bed vs. flatbed) and prepare accordingly. For long-term placement, you may need to set up a proper foundation.