How to buy a shipping container in 6 easy steps [+ Price guide ‘24]

Want to know how to buy a shipping container step by step? In this blog, we’ll show you how to get containers hassle-free from reliable suppliers at prices that fit your budget.

Sourcing shipping containers can either be a breeze or a nightmare—it all depends on the method you use to find them. 

If you’re struggling to find containers from trusted suppliers at good prices, we’ve got the perfect solution for you. 

Container xChange is the largest online container marketplace, with 100,000+ containers available in 2,500+ locations worldwide. All from vetted and pre-approved companies. With us, you cut out the middleman and work directly with sellers—saving you both time and money.

Check out container offers on our platform right now with our public search below.

How to buy a shipping container in 6 steps

Buying a shipping container doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re sourcing units for shipping, or need containers for storage, following these 6 straightforward steps will guide you to the right container in no time at all. 

Step 1: Choose the right container type and size

Need to ship or store dry goods? You’ll need a shipping standard container. This container type comes in 20ft and 40ft container sizes well as high cube containers, which have an extra foot of height.

If you have special requirements, on the other hand, opt for a special container. 

For example, if you’ll be transporting or storing perishable goods, temperature-sensitive cargo, chemicals, or medicine, you should opt for a reefer container, as it comes installed with special cooling equipment.

Shipping out-of-gauge or project cargo? You’ll need a specialized container such as a flat rack, open top, or hard top.

Below are the 11 most commonly-used container types in the shipping industry:

Get the full overview and learn more about these shipping container types here.

Step 2: Choose the container grade and condition

Once you’ve determined the container type that suits your needs, the next step is to choose the container condition and grade. Let’s check out the different conditions and grades below.

Container conditions and gradings

New or one-trip container: These containers have been used once, on their trip to their first destination, and are thus called one-trip shipping containers. Buy one-trip containers if you want containers in prime condition, with 25+ years of lifespan. 

Cargo-worthy container: Cargo-worthy containers are deemed suitable for cargo transportation, but may have some cosmetic flaws or signs of wear and tear. Buy this container condition if you want around 10 to 15 years of lifespan. 

Wind & water-tight (WWT) container: A container is wind and water-tight (WWT) if no wind or water can penetrate the container. Buy these containers if you want affordable containers with a 5 to 10 year of lifespan. 

Click below to browse containers in various conditions on our platform now.

Step 3: How much does it cost to buy a shipping container?

Knowing how much it costs to buy a shipping container beforehand can help you negotiate better deals with sellers. Here are the prices of cargo-worthy 20ft and 40ft standard containers in popular locations on the Container xChange platform.

As you can see from the above prices, you can buy the larger 40ft container for around 30% more than the 20ft—for almost double the capacity. And in Europe, it’s actually cheaper to opt for the larger of the two! 

That’s what we call good value for money. Want to check out more offers on standard or special containers and negotiate prices that suit you? Speak to our expert team about getting started with xChange today.

Step 4: Where to buy shipping containers?

There are multiple places you can buy shipping containers from. Let’s have a look at a few of them below.

Around the ports: There are usually plenty of container suppliers near ports. However, prices are often high given the ease of access, so this isn’t always the most budget-friendly option for those looking for a good deal.

Local container dealers: You can also find containers through local shipping ccontainer brokers, who have regional networks. Container brokerage fees can cost you anywhere between $100 to $500. Unfortunately, these fees can drastically push up the overall container price.

Use the Container xChange online marketplace: Here, you’ll be able to find containers safely, at the best wholesale prices, anytime, from anywhere. No more sending out endless emails, dealing with broker commissions, or contending with inflated prices at ports. We’ll cover the benefits of subscribing to our easy-to-use marketplace in a later section.

Step 5: Inspect the container & organize all necessary permits

Before buying a container, inspect it thoroughly for container damages like rust, dents, and holes. Ensure doors close properly, check flooring integrity, and make sure the container is wind and water-tight. 

You can also hire a container surveyor for this. A container surveyor usually conducts inspections, surveys, and examinations of container equipment either before or after a company leases a container.

Learn more about container surveys here.

In certain areas, permits are necessary for purchasing or storing shipping units. Contact your local authorities to ensure you have the correct documentation before proceeding with transporting the container. 

Step 6: Transport the container

Next, you’ll need to figure out how to move your shipping container. You can transport your container via truck (flatbed or tilt-bed trailers for local moves), rail freight for long distances, or ship it via sea for international moves. 

Be sure to factor in accessibility and permits for transporting the container to your location. Using a professional service helps ensure smooth, cost-effective delivery without the headaches of arranging complex logistics yourself.

Buy shipping containers at the best prices on xChange

By choosing to buy shipping containers on our online container marketplace, you’ll finally be able to secure the best deals without the stress.

Here are some of the main benefits of using our platform:

Find vetted partners & make risk-free deals: All companies on xChange undergo a mandatory vetting process before becoming members. On top of this, each business has a public profile. Here, you can see reviews from previous partners–and how they’ve rated them. 

Get containers at wholesale, negotiable & brokerage-free prices: Our marketplace offers access to containers at wholesale rates, with the added benefit of negotiating directly with sellers. And we don’t charge any commissions on your transactions. 

Get 7-day money-back guarantee: We keep your money on hold with us for 7 days, so that you can inspect the containers you’ve purchased. If you are not satisfied, we’ll return your money or swap the units.

Choose between 100,000+ containers: Do you need a container type that you can’t find in your current sourcing channels? Don’t worry. With over 100,000 containers across 2,500+ unique locations, Container xChange makes it easy for you to find exactly what you need.

Make safe payments: When it comes to payments on the xChange platform, you’re in safe hands. With the xChange Wallet, all transactions are completely secure. 

Now that you know the basics of buying a shipping container, take the next step! With Container xChange, browse thousands of containers available in various sizes, conditions, and prices—without the hassle of traditional sourcing. Click below to chat with our expert team about getting started today.