How Much Does a 20ft Container Cost? Pricing Guide

How Much Does a 20ft Container Cost? Pricing Guide

The cost of a 20ft container can vary significantly based on several factors, including location, condition, and additional services required. Whether you’re a business owner looking to ship goods internationally or an individual planning a move, understanding the pricing structure for 20ft containers is crucial. In this pricing guide, we will break down the key factors that influence the cost of a 20ft container and provide insights to help you make informed decisions.

1. Container Types and Conditions

The cost of a 20ft shipping container can vary based on several factors, including the container’s condition (new or used), location, and any additional features or modifications you may require. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, here is a general price range for new and used 20ft shipping containers in the United States:

  • New 20ft Shipping Container: New 20ft containers in good condition can range from approximately $3,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on factors such as the manufacturer, specifications, and location.
  • Used 20ft Shipping Container: Used 20ft containers, which may show signs of wear and tear but are still functional, are generally more affordable. Prices for used containers typically start at around $1,800 to $3,500 or higher, depending on their condition.

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Please keep in mind that container prices can fluctuate over time due to market conditions, location, and supplier-specific factors. It’s advisable to obtain quotes from multiple suppliers and carefully inspect the condition of any used containers before making a purchase. Additionally, prices may have changed since my last update in January 2022, so it’s essential to check with local suppliers or online marketplaces for the most current pricing information.

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2. Location

Container prices can also vary based on your location and the container’s origin. Shipping containers are often manufactured in Asia, and their prices may be lower in regions closer to the manufacturing hubs. Conversely, areas further from these hubs may have higher container prices due to transportation costs.

3. Additional Services

The cost of a 20ft container can increase when you require additional services, such as modifications or customizations. Common modifications include adding doors, windows, insulation, or shelving. These modifications are essential for specific uses, such as storage, office spaces, or pop-up shops, but they will incur extra charges.

4. Delivery and Transportation

Transporting a 20ft container to your location is another expense to consider. The cost of delivery and transportation can vary depending on the distance, accessibility of the delivery site, and local regulations. Be sure to obtain quotes from transportation providers and factor these costs into your budget.

5. Rental vs. Purchase

You can either rent or purchase a 20ft container. Renting offers flexibility but can be costlier over the long term. Purchasing, on the other hand, is a one-time expense but may require more significant upfront investment.

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6. Market Conditions

Container prices can fluctuate based on market conditions and supply and demand. It’s essential to research the current market conditions in your area to determine whether prices are stable or experiencing fluctuations.

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7. Supplier Selection

Choosing the right supplier can impact the cost of your 20ft container. Compare quotes from multiple suppliers, considering factors such as reputation, customer reviews, and after-sales support. Remember that a reputable supplier may charge slightly more but can provide better quality and service.

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8. Currency Exchange Rates

If you are purchasing containers from international suppliers, keep an eye on currency exchange rates. Fluctuations in exchange rates can affect the final cost of your container purchase.

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Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a 20ft container is influenced by factors such as container type and condition, location, additional services, delivery, rental or purchase choice, market conditions, supplier selection, and currency exchange rates. To get an accurate pricing estimate, it’s advisable to request quotes from multiple suppliers and consider all relevant costs, including modifications and transportation.

By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can navigate the pricing landscape for 20ft containers and make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and needs.

Additional Shipping Container Information

SCS International is now an affiliate reseller of new and used shipping containers/conex boxes, shipping container doors and parts! For more information, please contact us or browse on Amazon/eBay:

Shipping Container Door Diagram and Troubleshooting

Shipping Container Diagram

Shipping Container Diagram

1. Doors

Two door leaves are fabricated from two vertical rolled hollow sections and 2 horizontal c section members. The frame is infilled with corrugated steel paneling.

These are normally attached to the rear corner posts each with four drop forged steel hinge blades. The blades allow 270 degree opening which allow the doors to swing back against the container side wall.

(Cargo may shift during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top and bottom.  In cases where the container frame is racked and the door gear will not operate correctly.)

Shipping Container Door

Shipping Container Door

2. Lockbox

The lock box is a steel box welded to the right hand door which overlaps a staple welded to the left hand door. A padlock, normally type CISA type 285 66 can then be attached inside the lock box through the staple and is then protected from direct attack, hindering attempts to gain entry to the container.

Shipping Container Lockbox

Shipping Container Lockbox

3. Lockrods, cam keepers, handles

Each door is fitted with 2-4 vertical lock rods to enable opening, closing and locking of the doors.

Shipping Container Lockrods

Shipping Container Lockrods

At the end of each lock rod (top and bottom) is a cam welded in place which engages with knuckles, also known as cam keepers.

Shipping Container Cam Keepers

Shipping Container Cam Keepers

The action of engaging the cams to the keepers forms an anti-racking function.

(In certain cases, often unfortunately too many, contents of the shipping container may have shifted, or containers even dropped, causing shipping container doors and lockrods to warp)

The door handle rotates the lockbar to initiates the door opening process by forcing the cams out of their keepers.  Each door handle has a door locking handle retainer that slides over the door handle when in locked position.

Shipping Container Handles

Shipping Container Door Handles

4. Rubber gaskets

Rubber gaskets are fitted to the container doors during the manufacturing process and prevent water ingress.

(Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it being closed.)

Shipping Container Rubber Gaskets

Shipping Container Rubber Gaskets

5. ISO markings and CSC plate

ISO markings and a consolidated data plate allow worldwide intermodal transport when left in place and updated as necessary.

Shipping Container ISO Markings & CSC Plate

Shipping Container ISO Markings & CSC Plate

6. Hinge pins

Of course for a door to work, you need hinges.

Shipping Container Hinge Pins

Shipping Container Hinge Pins

(In certain cases when doors are difficult to open, hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.)

Find Shipping Container Doors and Parts Here

Wear and Tear

Shipping containers often take a beating, traveling around the world, being exposed to freezing conditions, and rust due to seawater or when the frost has melted.

During the cold season, and in freezing parts of the world, our shipping container tool can benefit the opening of frozen shipping container doors in freezing conditions and hard to open or rusted containers once the winter has ended.

Injuries often occur as a result of personnel trying to open and close difficult container doors, often the result of inappropriate techniques being used to open them.

Shipping container doors are not typical doors and there are 4-5 hinges per door.  The hinge pins must be lined up correctly for the doors to be free to fully open and close.

Here are some likely reasons a shipping container door will not open or close.  Our hand leverage tool / shipping container door extension handle helps to address these issues.

  • Rust and Corrosion: The hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.  As shipping containers navigate through diverse weather conditions and environments over time, they become susceptible to rust and corrosion. These corrosive agents can target the locking mechanisms and hinges, ultimately impeding the smooth operation of the container's doors. This accumulation of rust and corrosion introduces a layer of complexity to unlocking and opening the container.
  • Maintenance Neglect: Regular maintenance is pivotal to sustaining the functionality of shipping containers. The absence of consistent upkeep can lead to complications with the locking mechanisms, hinges, and seals. Without proper lubrication and care, these components might stiffen or become challenging to manipulate, thereby escalating the difficulty of opening the container.
  • Physical Impact: The nature of shipping exposes containers to a barrage of wear and tear, stemming from transportation and handling activities. Consequently, the containers might acquire dents, twists, or misalignments. These physical distortions can hinder the proper alignment of the doors, rendering the opening process arduous.
  • Uneven Placement: Placing a shipping container on uneven ground can disrupt its frame's equilibrium. This misalignment can extend to the doors, making them difficult to open or close. The uneven stance of the container introduces an extra layer of complexity when trying to access its interior.  Doors and lock rods may warp or the container frame is racked so that the door gear will not operate correctly. This may be caused by cargo shifting during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top, and bottom.
  • Temperature Influences: Drastic temperature variations encountered during transportation can trigger material expansion and contraction. This phenomenon reverberates through the locking mechanisms and hinges, potentially impairing their normal operation. The impact of temperature fluctuations compounds the challenges associated with opening the container.  Water has become trapped between frozen shipping container doors, particularly relevant to refrigerated cargoes, or containers with moisture-releasing cargoes in cold weather.
  • Inadequate Tools: The task of opening a shipping container may necessitate specialized tools such as heavy-duty bolt cutters or unique locking mechanism tools. In the absence of these tools, the process can become considerably more demanding.
  • Sealing Complexity: Some shipping containers employ adhesive materials or seals to ensure the contents remain shielded from environmental elements. Over time, these seals can harden and resist breaking. Consequently, accessing the container requires overcoming this intricate sealing mechanism. 
  • The door gasket has been damaged and is preventing opening. Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it from being closed. 
  • Security Enhancements: Certain shipping containers incorporate robust security features to discourage unauthorized access and potential theft. Although these features are indispensable for safeguarding the contents, they can inadvertently increase the intricacy of opening the container.
  • The Covid economy had also released many shipping containers in the world which are now often reused and the issue of hard-to-open/close used shipping containers is now a more common issue than ever.

Please be sure to read OPNBar Extended Instructions & Precautions

This leverage tool uses the principles of leverage to do the difficult work. By providing an extended area on which to grasp, with both hands, a more stable platform to manipulate the latch handle is achieved.

Designed to fit and extend the door latch handles on side by side doors found on the following units with the safety of the truck driver, operator, and worker foremost in mind:

This intermodal container (also known as ISO Container or Conex Box) cargo inspection tool and leverage safety bar is to aid in opening and closing side-by-side doors found within Dismountable Shipping Cargo Container Transportation Industries (Railroad, Harbor, and Trucking Industries).

Eliminates the Need for a crescent wrench, screwdriver, hammer, and crowbar which are commonly needed/used to open stuck frozen shipping container doors.

Related: Injuries from Opening/Closing Hard to Open/Close Shipping Container Doors

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