If you’re looking to sell shipping containers, you’ve come to the right place. Read this blog to find out how you can find vetted buyers in 2,500+ locations. 

There are plenty of reasons to sell a shipping container; maybe you bought one at a low price as an investment, and you’re hoping to make a profit now that demand and costs have risen in your location. Or maybe buying a shipping container was the most financially viable option for your transportation needs, but you no longer need it. Whatever the reason, if you’re looking for a safe and convenient way to sell shipping containers, Container xChange is the right place for you. 

The shipping container market is going from strength to strength, and that’s great news for container sellers as well as buyers. But that also means there are some pitfalls to be aware of. Shipping container scams are increasingly common, with buyers and sellers falling victim to unscrupulous groups. However, using our platform significantly reduces these risks by connecting you with verified buyers and sellers. It can be hard to know what your container is worth based on its condition and your location, but our marketplace simplifies the process, eliminating the need for endless calls, unreliable contacts, and risky payment arrangements.

Why sell containers on xChange?

Your 3-step guide to selling a shipping container

While it might seem obvious to contact a local shipping container dealer directly or look for interested buyers locally, you’re not likely to get the best deal on the container sale. Private deals generally mean a lack of transparency, with dealers taking large chunks of commission and last-minute haggling leaving you out of pocket. 

At Container xChange, we understand the challenges that shipping container sellers face. Our online container trading marketplace is home to thousands of container buyers and sellers in more than 2,500 locations across the globe. Selling a shipping container is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

Step 1: Create your ad

With our secure and easy-to-use container marketplace, you can create and manage multiple sales offers (or ads) in one place. Populate the relevant fields with as much detail as possible, such as container descriptions, pricing information, and photos to attract a host of potential buyers who are looking for containers in your area.

Step 2: Connect with potential buyers

With your offers posted online, your container will be visible to thousands of buyers. You can monitor interest via the platform and receive instant updates on buyer activity, including general questions and purchase enquiries. Use the platform to negotiate terms and prices securely and with complete peace of mind.

Step 3: Arrange secure payment

Container xChange’s secure payment platform reduces the risks for those buying and selling containers. Payments are held for seven days before being released so that buyers can make sure the product is as described and sellers are protected from false claims. 

Are you ready to sell a container with minimal hassle and maximum profit? Click on the banner below to start your selling journey and to make your container visible to thousands of genuine buyers.

Sell shipping containers banner

Shipping container prices

One of the biggest advantages of selling a container online is that you can use other sale prices as your guide. Shipping container costs vary based on a range of factors, including dimensions and types of containers, location, and shipping container grades (or condition).

Investing in containers

Location doesn’t only play a key role in container costs; it also presents an opportunity for investment. Prices are often led by availability; if demand for containers is higher than supply, then prices may well go up. As the container market is secondary to global industries, the market can vary. So, it’s possible to buy containers when there is plenty of availability and prices are lower and sell when availability drops and prices increase. 

Why invest in shipping containers?

Our trading marketplace allows you to stay on top of price fluctuations as well as locate places where there is high rental demand. Look for containers for sale outside your immediate area; select locations where there is high rental demand to cover costs of transportation and prevent having to relocate your container empty. Once the container is where you want it to be (in the location with the highest container cost), you can add your sales offer on the platform and wait for trusted buyers to come to you.

Understanding the industry

Like most investment opportunities, the greater understanding you have of the industry, the more profit you are likely to make. Download the Container Logistics Update for free to gain a deeper understanding of the market.

Preparing your container for shipping

In order to sell a unit, it’s vital that it’s “sale ready”. To demonstrate that your container is fit for shipping, you will need:

  • Container survey and inspection: First, you need to arrange a container survey and inspection. The surveyor will do all the necessary checks and confirm the condition of your units. They’ll also let you know if any repairs are needed before they can be certified.
  • Certification and licenses: Containers need a CSC inspection and a valid CSC plate for shipping. If this plate has expired, you must arrange an inspection and get a new plate for your containers.

container survey report checklist

Sell shipping containers: Common FAQs

How can you sell used shipping containers?

You can sell used shipping containers by advertising on online marketplaces, reaching out to local businesses in need of storage solutions, and networking with container modifiers or storage companies looking for raw materials.

Who sells shipping containers?

A variety of suppliers sell shipping containers, including shipping container manufacturing companies, shipping companies, container traders, and specialized container dealers.

Is selling shipping containers profitable?

Yes, the business of buying and selling shipping containers is profitable if you’re aware of the market prices and the best places to buy and sell containers. You can expect a 10% return on your container investment.