Shipping containers are a popular solution for storage, shipping, and repurposing into homes or other structures. However, one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a shipping container is the cost. Shipping container prices can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, and it’s important to be aware of these factors before making a purchase.
By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the factors that can affect the cost of a shipping container. You will be equipped with valuable insights and tips for making an informed decision when purchasing a shipping container for your desired purpose.
Why use a shipping container?
Shipping containers are popular building materials for a wide variety of purposes. You can repurpose a single container for short-term or long-term storage. You can convert a standard container into a tiny home, office space, gym, or studio. You can even stack and weld multiple containers together to create multi-unit apartments or offices.
Some businesses buy shipping containers to store excess inventory and equipment, or to start a pop-up shop. One of the top reasons people choose to work with shipping containers is their cost-effectiveness. Buying and repurposing a new or used shipping container can be significantly less expensive than leasing office space or building a new home.
Of course, the cost of a shipping container can fluctuate with the market, and it depends on the seller and the type of container you’re after.
Ultimately, the price you’ll pay for a container will depend on the type of container, its condition, and what kinds of modifications you need to make to it. In the next section, we’ll explain more about how these factors can affect the final cost.
Types of shipping containers
Containers come in a variety of sizes and types. The standard general-purpose containers are 243.84 cm wide and 259.08 cm high, and come in 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot lengths.
These are the most common container sizes you’ll find. However, there are also extra long containers up to 53 feet long, as well as high cube containers that offer an extra 30 cm of vertical space.
High cube containers generally cost more than standard shipping containers. There are also different types of containers for different purposes that vary in cost. While general purpose or “dry” containers will be the least expensive options, specialty units with additional features like refrigerated containers will cost a bit more.
Other types of specialty containers often come with an increased price point, such as side-opening, open-top, and flat-rack containers.
Condition of the shipping container
Another factor that will affect the price of your container is its condition. A cargo-worthy container will see a significant price difference compared to a new one. The factors that determine a container’s condition include its age and prior use, as well as surface damages or blemishes.
When buying a shipping container, it’s important to choose one in the right condition for your purposes. If you intend to convert the container into a living space or other environment for human use, you should look into new or like-new containers.
If you plan to use your container for storage, then A-Grade or even cargo-worthy containers might do, depending on your needs.
Shipping container modifications
To enhance the functionality of your container, you may wish to make certain modifications.
The extent of your container modifications can affect the total price you will pay. In fact, depending on the scope of your project, the bulk of your costs may come from the modifications needed to build your container out to your specifications.
If you’re using your container for storage, your modifications might be relatively minimal. You might wish to install ventilation and climate control to prevent condensation and mould, and keep your belongings in a temperature-controlled environment. On the other hand, if you plan to live in your container or use it for office space, you’ll need to invest in more modifications to make it a livable space.
Here are some of the common shipping container modifications that can affect the total cost of your container project:
Doors and windows – If you intend to use your container as something other than a storage container, you’ll probably want to install regular access doors and windows.
Electrical wiring-Your container can be fitted with electricity and lighting fixtures to make it a fully functional space for your personal or business use.
Ventilation – Whether for storage purposes or for conversion into a livable space, ventilation is key. Proper ventilation keeps fresh air circulating inside your container and helps keep odours, irritants, and excess moisture from building up in your space. Ventilation can take the form of windows and vents and roof-mounted whirly-birds.
Heating and cooling – You can install a range of different temperature control options to keep the interior of your container comfortable and to prevent heat or cold-related damage to your belongings.
Insulation– To maintain temperature control and energy efficiency, insulation is key. You can buy an insulated container or have insulation installed as a modification.
Flooring, cladding, painting, wall coverings, shelving – If you’re using the container for document archives or storage for your business, you might want shelves to help keep things organised and off the floor. If you’re transforming your container into a living space, office, cafe, or pop-up business, you’ll want to customise the floor coverings and other design elements, which will drive up initial costs but also increase the value of your investment.
Installation of appliances or equipment – If you plan to use your container as a living space, kitchen, cafe, or cabin, you’ll need to install appliances such as a refrigerator, sink, stove, and other machines to make your space function the way you need it to. You might need to buy special-sized equipment to suit your limited space, and this can drive costs up a bit as well.
Additional Costs
Permits
Before beginning work on your new container project, it is important to get permission from your local council. You may need to pay for permits to place or build a shipping container structure on your property.
Transport and Delivery
The other significant cost you should keep in mind is the shipping costs or cost of transporting your container to your desired location. Unless you have the means and the equipment to transport your container yourself, you can expect to add several hundred or even a few thousand dollars to your total cost of purchasing a shipping container to have it delivered to you, depending on how far a distance the container will need to travel.
One way to cut down on the cost of delivery is to work with a container supplier that provides delivery services at competitive pricing.
Gateway Containers offers guaranteed delivery of quality containers to Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales by truck, rail, sea, or any cost effective combination thereof. We utilise multiple shipping and rail operators to always get you the best rates possible.
Conclusion
Shipping containers tend to be a more affordable option than traditional property buying and renting, but they still come with their own set of costs you should be aware of if you’re considering buying a shipping container.
It can be overwhelming to navigate the cost of shipping containers on your own, which is why the container sales experts at Gateway Containers are here to help. We will work with you to create the most cost effective solutions that meet your needs and your budget.
