Looking for empty shipping container? Get best prices in 2500+ locations globally

If you’re looking for an empty shipping container, read this blog to learn how you can get it at the best price and avoid empty container repositioning with one-way leasing. Or, browse through container offers from 1,700+ vetted sellers globally.

Did you know that every third container is shipped empty? Containers also get stuck at ports—leading to surpluses in some locations and deficits in others. This container imbalance causes price fluctuations, making it difficult to find empty containers within your budget in your preferred locations. 

But don’t worry; Container xChange is here to help. We’re an online marketplace with 100,000+ containers available in over 2,500 locations globally. We offer a safe platform for you to buy containers easily, at the best wholesale prices. 

Want to check out active offers in your region today? Simply enter your location and the container type you want to start browsing offers from 1,700+ vetted sellers right away.

How much does an empty shipping container cost?

If you want empty 20ft containers in the US, you’re looking at an average price of just US $1,490 per container on xChange. And for the larger 40ft, you’ll shell out US $2,050. 

If you need empty containers in China, you’ll pay just US $1,575 for a 20ft container, and US $1,876 for a 40ft unit.

Want to find a deal that fits your budget today? On the Container xChange platform, you can negotiate the prices directly with sellers. Simply click the banner below and start browsing container offers in your location now. 

New & used empty shipping container for sale

If you’re looking for empty cargo containers, you’ll need to decide which container condition best suits your needs and budget.

New shipping containers make sense if you’re planning to use them long-term, or have to ship sensitive cargo. 

New units will come without container damage, and have the most effective door seals, keeping your goods safe from bad weather during international shipping. 

For a brand new 20ft container in Houston, Texas on xChange, you’re looking at US $2,110. And for a new 40ft in Los Angeles, you’ll shell out around US $3,502.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, go for used shipping containers instead. They may have a few dents and scratches, but will keep your goods protected from harsh weather and theft all the same.

For a used 20ft in Houston on the xChange platform, you’ll shell out just US $1,050. That means you’re saving US $1,060 per container. Just think, you could buy a whole extra unit with the money you’ve saved!

And if you’re curious about opting for cargo-worthy 40fts in Los Angeles rather than new ones, you’ll pay US $1,554 per unit. This means you’ll be saving an incredible US $1,948 per container!

Compare the prices of more new and used container offers on the xChange platform now to find the best deals for your budget.

Empty storage containers for sale

If you’re looking for empty containers for storage purposes, used containers are your best bet. They’re perfect for keeping the elements out, while providing an affordable storage space. Opt for a cargo-worthy or wind & water-tight container for storage use, as brand new containers are overqualified for this job. 

Want shipping containers for self-storage? Find used containers for as low as $850 in some locations on our platform now.

How much does an empty shipping container weigh?

Here’s how much empty shipping container weight is:

• 20ft dry container: 2,300kg / 5,071.5 lbs
• 40ft dry container: 3,750kg / 8,268.8 lbs
• 40ft high cube dry container: 3,900kg / 8,598 lbs

Did you know that there are 3 types of shipping container weights? Learn more about the different kinds of shipping container weights here.

What happens to empty shipping containers after delivery?

Once a container gets discharged at a port, it gets transported to the consignee’s distribution center or warehouse. At this point, the container is emptied. Usually, one of three things happen after this:

• Empty containers are loaded with a new batch of cargo and shipped to their next destination
• Containers are shipped to their next destination without cargo, as they need to be used in another location
• Empty units are piled up at ports and depots, awaiting use. This often results in port congestion

Ideally, all containers moving from one port to another should be carrying cargo. However, out of the 170 million units shipped every year, at least 60 million are empty. 

This is called empty shipping container repositioning—and not only is it wasteful, but also extremely expensive for shippers, container owners, and carriers.

What is empty container repositioning?

Empty container repositioning refers to moving empty containers from a location with a surplus of containers to a location with a deficit. To put it simply, carriers move empty containers from a port that doesn’t have cargo to a port that doesn’t have containers. 

What causes empty shipping container repositioning?

Here are some factors that lead to empty container moves:

Trade imbalances: This is the main cause of empty container repositioning. It happens when exporters send more goods to a specific country than they receive. This leads to empty container pile-ups. 

Storage costs: Ports and warehouses charge for the storage of containers. However, some ports charge more than others. In cases where container storage is too expensive, units are often repositioned empty to ports with more reasonable fees.

Poor logistics management: If carriers don’t plan the use of empty containers, or fail to take into account factors such as trade imbalances, storage costs, and time pressures, they can end up with container pile-ups at certain ports. This in turn means unplanned empty container moves.

Moving containers empty is an expensive affair for carriers and container owners. But what if we told you there’s an easy way to avoid this cost?

How to avoid empty shipping container repositioning

You can avoid moving containers empty by making them available for one-way leasing. Basically, you add your containers to the xChange leasing platform, and shippers pay a pick-up charge to use your units to ship their goods one way.

You’re essentially getting someone else to move your container for you, along your desired route. This way, they get to ship their goods and you get to reposition your container. It’s a win-win! 

Want to know how our members successfully avoid empty shipping container repositioning? Sujan Parik, the managing director of Indus Container Lines has this to say:

“With xChange, Indus Container Lines is able to approach hundreds of companies with one single request, instead of approaching every company individually.”

Read the full success story to learn how Indus Container Lines has saved thousands of dollars on empty container repositioning with xChange.

Buy empty shipping containers for sale at wholesale price on Container xChange

While empty shipping containers are ideal for various storage and transportation needs, it’s beneficial to explore a broader range of options. Container xChange offers access to shipping containers for sale in various conditions, sizes, and locations. This ensures you can find the perfect container, whether you need new, used, or one-trip units, tailored to your specific requirements and budget.

Here are the three simple steps to securing budget-friendly container deals for your business.

Browse through 100,000+ containers in 2,500+ cities

Once you know exactly which container type and size you need, hop onto the Container xChange trading marketplace to start browsing through offers that match your criteria. You can also check out the reviews and ratings of any supplier before deciding who to buy from.

Negotiate a deal directly with the seller

As soon as a good offer catches your eye, reach out to the supplier directly on the platform to negotiate the price, as well as the terms and conditions of the sale. You read that right—on xChange there are no middlemen—just you and the partner finalizing the deal together.

Make safe payments

When you’re ready to pay for your containers, you can do so directly on the platform. We take safe payment handling very seriously, so you can rest assured, each and every transaction you make is encrypted. Plus, keep track of all payments in one place—simplicity at its finest.

You get all this on a single platform! Ready to start finding empty shipping containers at the best price for your budget? Schedule a free demo of the trading marketplace today to learn exactly how xChange can help you save cash and source quality containers for your business worry-free.

Empty shipping container: Common FAQs

How much is an empty container?

You can buy 20ft empty shipping container for an average price of $1,292, for 40ft container, $1,397 and for 40ft HC, you’ll shell out $1,484. The price of an empty shipping container depends on the container’s condition, location and current supply and demand.

What happens to empty shipping containers?

Empty shipping containers are either loaded with a new batch of cargo, shipped to their next destination empty or piled up at ports to await their next trip.

How much does a 40ft shipping container cost?

For a brand new 40ft unit in the US, you’ll shell out around $3,595 and for a cargo-worthy container, $1,567. The price of a 40ft shipping container depends on a variety of factors including the condition of the container, location, and current market situation.