How Much Do Used Shipping Containers Cost to Buy?

Introduction to the cost of used shipping containers

Considering that new containers are quite expensive, you might be asking yourself, “How much do used shipping containers cost to buy?“

The price depends on the raw materials used in its construction. You also need to factor in delivery and customization costs. But most importantly, you need to consider the reliability of the container.

Read on to learn how to get the best deal on a used shipping container. Buying a used one will save you thousands of dollars.

The price depends on the raw material used to make it

The price of a used shipping container is dependent on many factors, including the raw material used to make it.

While the price of new storage containers may be lower at a certain time, it can be twice as expensive as used ones.

In these instances, renting a storage container may be a better option. You will save on storage space while ensuring that your valuable goods are safe.

This article will explore the factors that impact the price of a used shipping container.

The price of used shipping containers varies widely based on availability. China has an overhang of used shipping containers, with over 180 million on hand. As a result, orders for new containers have largely been canceled.

The delayed production of new containers has lowered the available capacity for shipping, so shipping companies must earn a significant profit to stay competitive. In addition to raw materials, the price also depends on location.

Containers manufactured in the midwest tend to be more expensive than their counterparts on the east and west coast.

Delivery fees

Used shipping containers are available from many different sources, but one thing that is consistent across them all is the delivery fee. Most suppliers charge a flat fee and then add a rate per mile beyond that.

Delivery charges may be higher if the delivery is not within a 60-mile radius. Delivery charges are also subject to other costs, including special permits. It’s important to confirm these details before purchasing a used container.

The cost of delivery can vary significantly, depending on how far away the container is from the port. Some suppliers only deliver to nearby ports, while others may charge you an extra fee for delivery to a distant location.

In any case, it is vital to get a quote for delivery before committing to a supplier. Try to find flat-rate delivery rates that include the cost of delivery. This way, you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be paying for delivery before you commit.

The price of shipping is rising globally. Shipping rates are reaching record highs: shipping a 40-foot steel container from China to the EU cost $10,522, up almost 50% from the year-ago average.

During the first half of last year, orders for new containers were canceled, and most of the world was on lockdown. And now, the costs have reached a new high.

The financial world is increasingly international and global. And that means the cost of shipping used containers will continue to rise.

Customs and duty fees are also common when importing used shipping containers. Customs charges vary from country to country. Taxes and customs fees are determined by the final destination and should be included in the price.

International shipping has peak seasons, which are summer and the period after the Chinese New Year. During this time, demand is high and prices and capacity are limited.

Avoiding these seasons is best for the lowest price.

The price of a used shipping container is directly related to its quality. A better-quality used shipping container costs more than a comparable new one.

The most reliable way to determine the quality of a used shipping container is to find out how many times the container has been used for shipping. Some people in New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Delaware buy and sell used containers.

The lower the number, the better, as new ones are still structurally sound. It’s also cheaper to purchase a damaged shipping container than a new one.

Customization fees

When buying used shipping containers, you have two options: new or used. The prices of used containers vary depending on the quality of the container and its customization.

If you are buying a shipping container for international transport or for sensitive cargo, it may be better to buy a brand-new one. However, new shipping containers can be more expensive than used ones.

That’s why you should do your homework and ask questions about the container’s condition.

The cost of shipping containers varies widely depending on the size, condition, customization, and delivery. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,800 for a high-quality used container.

Depending on the customizations you request, you may have to pay another $50-$150 per hour. You can also opt to hire a professional contractor, who will charge you an hourly rate.

Depending on the customization you want, you might end up paying anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 for the project.

To avoid spending too much money, try buying used shipping containers from a reputable dealer. Many resellers raise the price of used containers by twenty to thirty percent. These fees are paid to the middleman.

By buying directly from the seller, you can find a shipping container for a fraction of its original price. You should also ask about delivery and installation costs.

When buying a used shipping container, make sure you read the fine print carefully and get an accurate quote.

The price of a used shipping container is directly proportional to its quality. The better the quality, the higher the cost. Another consideration is its age. The more used the container has been, the more expensive it will be.

Also, the more pristine and durable it is, the cheaper it will be. And remember that used shipping containers have their own unique set of advantages. So, if you are looking for an affordable container to ship your goods, consider purchasing a used one.

You should also consider the size of the container. If you need a bigger container, a higher price is associated with it. Alternatively, you can customize your used shipping container based on the existing sizes.

If you want to save money, try customizing around existing sizes. You may save money this way, but you might be left with something less than what you originally wanted.

For example, if you need a tall container, you may want to go for a taller one.

Reliability of container

While the reliability of shipping containers used for international trade has improved in recent years, it is still far from perfect. In January, the global schedule reliability was only 35%, and it was even worse in trans-Pacific trade lanes.

Eastbound vessels headed for the U.S. east coast were only 14.4% reliable in January, while westbound vessels were 14% and 19.4%, respectively. Ocean carriers have been particularly rigid this year, and extreme equipment shortages are reducing the amount of free time they have available.

According to the latest Sea-Intelligence report, only 25 percent of container ships operated on schedule in October. During the same month, only four lines had a reliability rate below 20 percent, while three of the four were between 20 and 30%.

Across the year, however, schedule reliability has remained between 34% and 40%, despite an overall decline of 18 percent year-on-year. Among the top four lines, Maersk and Hamburg Sud had the highest schedule reliability, with an average of 46.4% and 38.1%, respectively.

The most reliable carriers were Hamburg Sud, Maersk Line, CMA CGM, Wan Hai, and MSC. However, there has been a significant drop in schedule reliability. 

According to Sea-Intelligence, the average delay between the arrival of a vessel on the schedule was reduced to 7.38 days in January 2022, down from 18.4 days in January. The highest level of schedule reliability is held by Maersk Line, with a score of 37.2%.

While 90% of the world’s trade is done by sea, container shipping is only 50 percent reliable. The delays have a negative impact on not only individual shippers, but on global economic productivity. This is why shippers and consignees should receive proactive notifications about shipping delays.

These notifications will help them prepare accordingly. This will increase the chance of a shipment arriving on time. The reliability of shipping containers is an important consideration for any company.

The reliability of shipping containers has been steadily declining since the early 2000s. However, there was a notable improvement in reliability during the spring and summer of 2021, with average late arrivals increasing half a day from August to August.

During labor unrest in U.S. ports, delays for ships in 2021 were around eight days. This is still a considerable increase from historical norms. The industry continues to face challenges as a result.