There are numerous factors that influence shipping container prices. This includes the type, condition, size, and addition.
Shipping container type strongly influences price because each type differs in materials, engineering complexity, production volume, maintenance cost, and market demand. In simple terms, the more specialized the container, the more it costs.
To know the cheapest type of shipping container prices in the market, including the reason, find out by reading this article until the end!
Contents
The Cheapest Shipping Container Type
Among other container types, the dry container is the cheapest type of shipping container. Dry containers (also called general-purpose or standard boxes) are the simplest and most common type of container. They have no special features, so they are almost always the least expensive on the market.
The 20ft Dry Container is typically the lowest cost option among new/used containers. The global prices often start around $1,200+ (used) and $2,500+ (new), depending on condition and region.
Meanwhile, the 40ft Dry Container is slightly more expensive than the 20 ft, but still cheaper than most specialized designs.
Even though the feature of a high cube container is almost the same as the dry container, they cost slightly higher because of their extra height. High Cube containers are the taller versions of standard dry boxes. They cost a bit more than regular dry containers because they offer extra interior volume.
Why is a Dry Shipping Container the Cheapest?
Dry shipping containers, which are also called standard/general-purpose containers, are the cheapest type on the market because of a combination of economics, design simplicity, and global supply factors. Here’s a clear breakdown:
1. Simple Design (No Special Equipment)
Dry containers are basically steel boxes with doors. They do not include refrigeration systems, insulation panels, electrical components, side-opening mechanisms, and reinforced frames like flat racks.
The fewer parts mean lower manufacturing cost, lower repair cost, and lower resale price. Those factors make the dry container the cheapest.
2. Massive Global Supply
Dry containers make up the majority of all shipping containers worldwide, at around 70%. Shipping lines use them for most cargo, like clothes, furniture, machinery, and consumer goods. Millions of them are in circulation, and the rest are retired every year and sold as used containers. High supply plus constant turnover means lower market prices.
3. Cheapest to Manufacture
Compared to other container types, dry containers contain less steel than reinforced or specialized containers. They also have standardized dimensions and mass-production processes.
Moreover, they are faster to assemble and require lower labor costs. Therefore, manufacturers can produce them at scale, keeping unit costs low.
4. Lowest Maintenance & Repair Costs
Dry containers have no engines, compressors, or electronics. They rarely need specialist technicians.
Moreover, the dry containers can still be sold even with dents, rust, or cosmetic damage. Then, sellers price them lower because buyers accept “used but functional” condition.
5. Easy to Reuse for Non-Shipping Purposes
Dry containers are popular for storage, workshops, container homes, site offices, and temporary warehouses. This is because they are structurally strong, weather-resistant, and easy to modify.
Strong second-hand demand keeps them liquid, but abundant supply keeps prices cheap.
6. No Certification Premium
Many dry containers are sold without CSC certification in “wind & watertight” or “as-is” conditions. Therefore, dry containers can be sold cheaply even when no longer export-ready.
Meanwhile, specialized containers (like reefers) need certifications and working systems, which add cost.
Dry Shipping Container Recommended Units
20′ Dry Shipping Container
The 20ft dry shipping container is our most popular and common type of shipping container for sale. This container is suitable for both storage and freight, especially for dry cargo that doesn’t require temperature control. It is manufactured according to ISO specifications, which makes it suitable for the intermodal transport of freight. It is also equipped with a variety of features that guarantee the safe transport of your cargo.
The 20ft dry containers are popularly used for transporting and storing a variety of dry cargo, including electronics, vehicles, apparel, industrial equipment, and other common consumer goods. Therefore, it is equipped with rubber-sealed doors, which effectively prevent moisture from entering, keeping your materials dry and in good condition.
The lashing rings and corner castings also help to secure your goods during transport, while the forklift pockets make it easy to relocate the container around the dock, simplifying the process of moving the container over a short distance.
40′ Dry Shipping Container
The 40ft dry container is a durable storage and transport solution that provides a large capacity for your items and machinery. Measuring L 40’ x W 8’ x H 8’6”, this container is designed to securely hold a substantial amount of goods, equipment, or materials.
The unit is popular among businesses since it can carry more cargo to improve efficiency and fit the requirements for intermodal freight transport. Some of the dry goods that this container can carry include industrial equipment, raw materials, apparel, vehicles, and more.
One of the key features of this shipping container is the corner castings that enable safe stacking with other containers through twist lock mechanisms and secure attachment to trailers, trains, or ships.
This guarantees that the containers can be stacked effortlessly, transported securely, and stay properly aligned and locked during transport. Additionally, the container also includes lashing rings to ensure that the cargo is secured in place and does not shift during transit.
Conclusion
When you need a large container or box to distribute a large amount of cargo, dry containers are the perfect solution. The quality of a dry container can be confirmed by the seller’s ISO certification.
Tradecorp is a reliable storage container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company in the US. Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services to residences by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!