Shipping Container Cost and Price: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

you’re importing from China, definitely, shipping container cost and price is an important parameter to consider.

That’s why this guide explores all the vital aspects affecting shipping container prices such as design, features, size, uses and design, just to mention a few.

So, if you want to get affordable shipping containers in China, read this guide.

What is a Shipping Container?

Shipping container is a metal container that you will use in securing cargo while transporting it to various destinations.

The metal material that makes the shipping containers make it strong enough to withstand shipment, handling and storage.

What are the Main Uses of Shipping Containers?

There are quite a number of things that you can do with the shipping container.

Here are the main things that you can simply perform with the help of a shipping container.

· Shipping of Cargo

You will use the shipping container for the main purpose of shipping cargo from one place to another.

It is available in different shapes and sizes that allow you to package and ship cargo to different destinations.

· Storage Unit of Cargo

During the shipping process, the shipping container will also act as the main storage facility for the cargo.

In other words, you will safely secure the cargo within the shipping container thus preserving its originality.

· Securing the Cargo

Apart from that, shipping containers help in protecting or securing cargo from damage.

Implying that, you can easily handle the cargo without the worry of causing damage while in the shipping container.

· Housing Purposes

In addition to that, you can also use a shipping container as a housing unit to live or reside in.

You can change the shipping container into a shipping container home and stay inside it.

What are the available Types of Shipping Container?

There are quite a lot of shipping container types that you can choose from depending on the application requirements.

Here are the main types of shipping containers that you can choose from.

· Intermodal Freight Containers

These are reusable storage and transport units that you will use to move products form one place to another.

You can choose among the different types and sizes of international freight containers which include:

i. High Cube Freight Containers

ii. Pallet Wide Freight Containers

iii. Open Top Freight Containers

iv. Side Loaders Freight Containers

v. Double Door or Tunnel-tainers

vi. Temperature Controlled Freight Containers

· Corrugated Boxes

This is the most common type of shipping containers that make up 90% of all shipping containers.

You will use corrugated fiberboard to manufacture corrugated boxes thus making them very light in weight.

Apart from that, you can recycle corrugated boxes due to the fact that they are very strong in nature.

· Wooden Shipping Containers

Just from the name, you will note that the main material for making this type of shipping containers is wood.

You will use this type of shipping container to ship dense and heavy products such as military or government equipment.

· Crate Shipping Containers

This is a large wooden or plastic container that you will use in the transportation of large and awkward types of cargo.

It comes complete with a self-supporting structure without or with a sheath that you can recycle or reuse.

· Intermediate Bulk Shipping Container

This is a container that you can employ in multiple shipping purposes such as storage, general transport, and general handling.

You can use it to transport, store, and handle different types of products and liquids due to their resistance to corrosion.

The main materials that you can use in the manufacture of IBC containers are:

i. Plastic or High-Density Polyethylene

ii. Composite Materials such as Plastic and Steel

iii. Carbon Steel Materials

iv. Stainless Steel of different grades such as 304, 316 and 316L.

You can also opt for the foldable type of intermediate bulk containers that will save on a lot of space.

· Bulk Box Shipping Containers

You can refer to a bulk box as skid box, bulk bin, or tore box.

You will use the bulk boxes for storage and shipment of bulk quantities of products through different destinations.

· Drum Shipping Containers

These are cylindrical types of shipping containers that you can make out of plastic, steel, or fiber materials.

You will use it for the transportation of different types of liquids as well as granular materials.

· Insulated Shipping Containers

You will use the insulated shipping containers to transport temperature-sensitive products including pharmaceuticals, food and other sensitive chemicals.

It will come in handy to maintain the freshness as well as the efficacy of different products within the cold chain.

· Unit Load Device

You will use the unit load devices in the transportation of different products, especially on commercial aircraft.

It is a special type of container that you can use to load freight, luggage, and mail among others on aircraft.

· Specialized Shipping Containers

These are special types of custom containers that you will use to transport special products including weapons and aviation components.

It has custom blocking, cushioning, lift rings, carrying handles, locks, and bracing that improve ease of shipping.

Which Factors Affect the Prices of Shipping Container?

Well, shipping of goods is one of the most important things that you can tie to the economy of the world.

Since it is a sensitive area, a slight change in the economy can have a profound effect on shipping container prices.

Here are some of the factors to consider when looking at the price of the shipping container.

· Size of the Shipping Container

Well, there are different sizes of shipping containers that you can purchase depending on the number of goods.

The bigger the size of the shipping container, the higher the amount of money you will pay for it.

· Type of Shipping Container

There are different types of shipping containers that you will use for different purposes such as refrigerated shipping containers.

Due to variation in quality and specialty, you will also realize that the price also changes in a similar manner.

· General Rate Increase

GRI is the adjustment of ocean freight prices in order to help in the recovery of low market movements by shipping lines.

Depending on the stability of the year, you will realize a change in the cost and prices of shipping containers.

· Shipping High Seasons

You should also take note of the shipping season such as shipping high seasons when demand for shipping peaks.

As a result of high demand for shipping services, you should also expect the cost of the shipping containers to increase.

· Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS)

There are charges such as the emergency bunker surcharge that often arises whenever the prices of fuel increases.

Here, an increase in the cost of fuel will force the shipping industry to increase the cost of shipping containers.

· Trucking Shortage

There are cases when you will experience trucking shortage in the shipping industry which often drives up demand.

An increase in demand generally means that you will have to pay more for the shipping containers as well.

· Age of the Shipping Container

Generally, you will pay a higher price for newer shipping containers than the price you will pay for older containers.

You will also realize that this may not be the case in all shipping containers due to special conditions of shipping containers.

· Customized Features

You may opt to have additional features on the shipping containers through the process of container customization.

An increase in the number of customized features on the container will definitely lead to an increase in the cost.

Does the Condition of a Shipping Container Affect Price?

Absolutely, the condition of the shipping container has a profound effect on the price of the shipping container.

You ought to understand that there is a relationship between the price range as well as the container condition.

In general terms, new shipping containers will cost you a lot more than the older shipping containers.

Despite that rule, you will note that there are cases when the rule does not apply on shipping container price.

In other words, there are particular cases when the older shipping container could be in a better condition than the new.

Some of the cases where you will pay more for older containers than new containers are:

• When the older container has gone through minimal wear and tear
• The damages on the older containers are very few and unnoticeable
• The storage conditions of the older containers are good

These are some of the circumstances where older containers in great condition still sell at higher prices.

What are the Main Price Points for Shipping Containers?

There are three price points where the cost of the shipping container you need may fall.

You should have proper knowledge on the type of container that you need by looking at your budget.

Here are the main price points that you should look at when considering the price of the shipping container.

· Most Affordable

In case you need a bargain for the shipping container, then you should opt for the most affordable shipping container.

This type of shipping container is often on a bad shape with damages which often lower the shipping container cost.

You can get such a container for a very low-price ranging between 1000 to 1500 US dollars.

· Middle-of-the-Road

In case you need to match quality and fair pricing, you should opt for the middle-of-the-road price range.

Here, you can either opt to rent or purchase a used shipping container that is in a good condition.

i. Renting a Shipping Container

Renting is a very good option when you want to possess and use the shipping container for a particular period.

As soon as you complete using the rented shipping container, you can simply call the owner to take it away.

You will pay between 75 to 200 US dollar a month for renting a shipping container from a local supplier.

This will depend on the condition type, as well as size of the shipping container you are renting.

ii. Purchasing a Used Shipping Container

You can also opt to purchase a used shipping container that is still in a very good condition.

In other words, you will be purchasing a long-lasting product at an affordable price to serve the purpose.

You will spend between 1400 to 2600 US dollars to purchase a used container depending on the condition and size.

iii. Most Expensive

You will get high-quality shipping containers that have never been used if you are willing to spend the money.

In other words, these are often brand-new containers that you will get straight from the manufacturer.

You will pay between 3000 to 5000 US dollars for a brand-new shipping container depending on size.

Do You Sell used Shipping Containers?

Yes, we do sell used shipping containers that are still in very good condition.

The condition of the used shipping containers also varies depending on the amount of usage.

How much does the Used Shipping Container Cost?

Well, the cost of the used shipping containers will vary depending on the type, condition and size of container.

Here, you can opt for the most affordable or middle-of-the-road shipping containers.

You will pay between 1000 to 1500 US dollars for the most affordable shipping containers.

On the other hand, you will pay between 1500 to 2600 US dollars for the middle-of-the-road shipping containers.

You will be able to note a difference between these types of containers by looking at the condition of the containers.

What should you Check when Purchasing Used Shipping Containers?

You have to be very observant and look at the type of shipping container you are purchasing before paying.

Here are some of things that you need to look at before you make payments for used shipping containers.

• Condition of the floor boards
• Check for dents and rust on the shipping container
• Request for information on previous repairs on the shipping containers
• Look at the seller reputation through social media and Better Business Bureau among other forums
• Check the condition of opening and closing of the doors

With all these factors in place, you should be in a position to determine the condition of the used shipping containers.

In other words, if the above conditions are in good shape, then you should consider getting such a container.

How does Sizes Affect Shipping Container Cost?

You will choose the size of a shipping container by looking at the quantity or type of goods you need to transport.

Here, you can opt for the standard shipping containers or the high cube shipping containers.

The dimension of the standard shipping containers are 8 feet wide by 8 feet and 6 inches high.

On the same note, you will get the standard length of the shipping containers at 20 or 40 feet long.

You should note that there is consistency in standard sizes of shipping containers according to ISO standards.

On the other hand, high cube shipping containers are often 9 feet wide by 6 feet tall.

You can also opt for the bigger version which has 10 feet in width and 6 feet height.

Apart from that you can also customize your own shipping container size at 20 to 30% extra fee.

How does Customization Affect Shipping Container Cost and Price?

You have the freedom of modifying your shipping container to suit your personal needs.

Implying that you can add windows, skylight, ventilation systems, doors and locking systems among others on the containers.

You should understand that the prices of the shipping containers will increase with increase in customization or additional features.

The more features you want on the shipping containers, the higher the price you will pay for the shipping container.

How do you get Discounts on Shipping Container Prices?

You can get a discount on shipping container prices through proper negotiation tactics.

There are cases when you might have to use people with better experience in purchasing the shipping containers.

Such people will help in driving the overall cost of the shipping containers lower.

Apart from that, you can also impress the seller to offer you a good discount through bulk purchases.

This involves purchasing a higher number of containers or bigger sized containers thus bringing the price down.

How much does it Cost to Rent Shipping Container?

You can opt to rent a shipping container if you intend to use it for a shorter period of time.

The cost of renting shipping containers will vary according to condition, type, size and period.

In many cases, most of the rented shipping containers are often used and come in different conditions.

After using the container and fulfilling the purpose, you will call the owner to come and pick it up.

You will pay between 75 to 200 US dollar per month depending on the type of shipping container.

Between Buying and Renting Shipping Container, Which Option is Affordable?

Well, you can either decide to buy or rent a shipping container.

The option that you will choose will depend entirely on the period of use of the shipping container.

In other words, renting of shipping containers is affordable when you want the shipping container for a short period.

The longer it takes to rent the shipping container, the higher the charges thus making it an expensive option.

You should opt to purchase a shipping container if you intend to use it for a very long time.

You might spend a higher initial cost in purchasing the container but the cost will be affordable in the long run.

Implying that, the affordability of the shipping containers will depend entirely on the purpose and period of use.

Does Time Affect Shipping Container Cost?

Absolutely, time is a factor that will affect the overall cost of the shipping container.

Time will affect the cost of shipping containers in different ways.

First, you can look at the effect of time in terms of how long you intend to use the shipping container.

Here, you can opt to rent a shipping container if you intend to use it for a short period of time.

On the other hand, you should purchase a shipping container if you intend to use it for a long period.

Secondly, time will also affect the cost of the shipping container in terms of condition.

In other words, you will pay lower prices for a shipping container that has been used for a long period.

On the flip side, you will pay more for shipping containers that have been used for a shorter period of time.

Are there Restrictions in Shipping Container Price?

Yes, there have to be restrictions on the price of shipping containers to protect both parties from exploitation.

Having restrictions on the price of shipping containers simply mean that you cannot overcharge a client.

It also means that you cannot purchase a shipping container at a price that will definitely hurt the supplier.

Apart from that, it creates price categories according to the condition of the shipping container.

In other words, you cannot purchase a particular type of shipping container beyond a particular price range.

How much will you Pay for a Lost or Damaged Shipping Container?

Lost or damaged shipping containers often bring additional charges on the user.

Such conditions often apply when you decide to rent a shipping container.

In that case, you will have to carter for the cost of repairing the damages or purchase another container.

Apart from that, there is an option of insuring the shipping containers to carter for such occurrences.

In case you have insurance, you can comfortably ask the insurance company to carter for the costs.

What is the Lifespan of Shipping Container?

The typical lifespan of service for a shipping container is 10 to 12 years.

Shipping containers are made of very strong material that are often very durable.

You should also note that the duration of service will depend on how you use the shipping containers.

If you take very good care of the shipping containers, you will use it for between 10 and 1 years.

What are Demurrage and Detention Charges in Shipping Containers?

Demurrage is the period that the container will spend outside the port.

On the other hand, detention is the period that the shipping container will spend in the port.

These are some of the factors that often affect the cost of renting a shipping container.

The cost of demurrage and detention of shipping containers will vary according to the shipping company.

Apart from that, the country where the shipping containers are, also affect the cost of the detention and demurrage.

In other words, the longer the period, the higher the amount of money you will pay for detention and demurrage.

How much do Refrigerated Shipping Container Cost?

Refrigerated shipping containers are special types of shipping containers that have refrigeration systems.

You will use the refrigerated shipping containers for transportation and storage of perishable goods such as food and other chemicals.

Refrigerated shipping containers often cost a lot more than normal shipping containers.

Since refrigeration are special features, you should note that it will increase the price through:

• Addition of refrigeration systems
• Consumption of power to maintain the refrigeration process
• Maintenance of the refrigeration system
• Size of the refrigerated shipping containers
• Condition of the refrigerated shipping container

Here are the prices that you will pay for the refrigerated shipping containers.

• New 20 feet refrigerated containers will cost between 5600 to 7000 US dollars
• Used 20 feet refrigerated containers will cost between 3900 to 4400 US dollars
• New 40 feet refrigerated shipping containers cost between 10,000 and 10,000 US dollars
• Used 40 feet refrigerated shipping containers cost between 4600 to 6300 US dollars
• New 40- feet -high cube refrigerated shipping containers cost between 10,000 to 12,400 US dollars
• Used 40 feet high cube refrigerated shipping containers cost between 4700 to 6400 US dollars

You can also decide to rent a refrigerated shipping container depending on the duration.

In this case, you can rent a refrigerated shipping container for 30 to 85 US dollars a day.

You can also opt for monthly rental services at 995 to 2445 US dollars every month.

How does the 20 ft Shipping Container Price compare to 40 FT Shipping Container Price?

Well, the main factor differentiating the 20 feet and 40 feet shipping containers is the size.

20 feet shipping containers are often smaller than the 40 ft shipping container.

Due to the variation in size, you will pay less for the 20 feet containers than the 40 ft containers.

You will pay more for the 40 ft shipping containers since it has more space for additional goods.

Do Shipping Containers for Dangerous Good have Safety Features?

Absolutely, there are safety features on the shipping containers that transport dangerous goods.

You must have safety features on the dangerous goods to prevent them from damage.

Apart from that, the safety features will keep you and other people away from the dangerous goods.

One of the most important safety features for dangerous goods is the lock system that keep the goods locked.

Who are the Leading Shipping Container Manufacturers in China?

You should consider purchasing your shipping containers from China who are the leading container manufacturer.

Here are the leading companies in China that manufacture different types of shipping containers.

• CIMC Shipping Container Manufacturers located in Shenzhen, China
• Singamas Shipping Container Manufacturers located in Shanghai, China
• CXIX Shipping Container Manufacturers located in Changzhou, China

Here is our top list of 50 Shipping Container Manufacturers in China.

Why is Shipping Container Price in China Affordable?

Well, China is the leading manufacturer of shipping containers in the whole world.

You can, therefore, opt to purchase your shipping containers from China because of the low prices.

In other words, there are plenty of shipping container manufacturers in China producing containers in bulk.

The higher the amount of supply, the lower the cost of the shipping containers.

Apart from that, the availability of raw materials and machines for manufacturing shipping containers also lowers the overall cost.

China has very good technology that simplifies the manufacturing process of shipping containers.

It eliminates the cost of labor thus reducing the cost of production hence lower shipping container prices.

How much does 53 Foot Shipping Container Cost?

You can get a 53-foot shipping container at 3000 to 5000 US dollar depending on the condition.

New 53-foot shipping containers will be on the higher end of the price range.

Apart from that, additional features such as refrigeration systems can drive the price beyond the price range.

You can get a refrigerated 53-foot shipping container at 12,000 to 14,000 US dollars.

The price range is often inclusive of the tax as well as the delivery fee.

Which is the Largest Shipping Container you can Buy?

The largest shipping container that you can buy is the high cube shipping container.

You will get this type of container at 9.5 feet or 2.89 meters high or 10 feet (2.99 m) high.

Apart from that, you will also look at the width of the container at 8ft 6 inches wide.

You will classify this type of shipping container under the 53 ft shipping containers.

How much does Insulated Shipping Container Cost?

You can opt for a shipping container that has extra insulation depending on the type of good you would like to ship.

The amount of money that you will pay for insulated shipping containers will depend on the size of insulated shipping containers.

Here are the main prices that you will pay for the insulated shipping containers.

• 20 ft containers with extra insulation will cost between 1500 to 2500 US dollars
• 40 ft containers with extra insulation will cost between 2800 to 3500 US dollars

In addition to that, the cost of insulated shipping containers will vary according to the type of insulation.

How much does it Cost to Transport Shipping Container?

The cost of transporting shipping containers will depend on quite a number of factors.

Here are the main factors that affect the cost of transporting shipping containers.

• Size of the Shipping Container
• Destination of the Shipping Container
• Transporting Company

You will pay between 3000 and 5000 US dollars to successfully transport your shipping container.

At Tj chinafreight, we help you get affordable and high quality shipping containers depending on your needs and requirements.

Contact us today for competitive shipping container cost and price.