{"id":99699,"date":"2026-10-22T17:14:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:14:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/shipping-container-prices-uk"},"modified":"2026-10-22T20:02:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T20:02:48","slug":"shipping-container-prices-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/shipping-container-prices-uk","title":{"rendered":"Shipping Container Prices UK 2026: How Much Does a 20ft or 40ft Container Cost?"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Shipping Container Prices UK 2026: How Much Does a 20ft or 40ft Container Cost?\",\n            \"description\": \"Shipping container prices in the UK for 2026: new and used 20ft and 40ft container costs, high cube prices, delivery, conversions, and buying or hiring tips.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/shipping-container-prices-uk\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays8-1024x401.jpg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How much is a 20ft shipping container in the UK?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Used 20ft containers typically cost around &pound;1,500&ndash;&pound;2,800, and new ones around &pound;2,800&ndash;&pound;3,800, plus VAT and delivery.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How much does a 40ft container cost in the UK?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Used 40ft containers typically cost around &pound;1,800&ndash;&pound;3,300, and new high cubes up to about &pound;5,500.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How much does container delivery cost?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Usually &pound;150&ndash;&pound;500+, depending on distance and site access.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Do I need planning permission for a shipping container?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Often not for temporary storage, but usually yes for a permanent building or a home. Check with your council.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Where can I buy a shipping container in the UK?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"From container depots, often near ports, and specialist container suppliers that deliver nationwide.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Derni\u00e8re mise \u00e0 jour : 22 octobre 2026<\/p><p><strong>Shipping containers have become hugely popular for storage, workshops, site offices, garden studios and container homes.<\/strong> But prices vary a lot depending on size, age, condition and where you live. Here is what a shipping container costs in the UK in 2026, and how to avoid buying a rusty box.<\/p><h2>UK shipping container prices (2026 guide)<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Container<\/th><th>Used (wind and watertight)<\/th><th>Used (cargo-worthy)<\/th><th>New (&ldquo;one-trip&rdquo;)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>10ft<\/td><td>&pound;1,800&ndash;&pound;2,800<\/td><td>n\/a<\/td><td>&pound;2,800&ndash;&pound;4,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>20ft standard<\/td><td>&pound;1,500&ndash;&pound;2,400<\/td><td>&pound;1,900&ndash;&pound;2,800<\/td><td>&pound;2,800&ndash;&pound;3,800<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>40ft standard<\/td><td>&pound;1,800&ndash;&pound;2,800<\/td><td>&pound;2,300&ndash;&pound;3,300<\/td><td>&pound;3,800&ndash;&pound;5,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>40ft high cube<\/td><td>&pound;2,000&ndash;&pound;3,200<\/td><td>&pound;2,600&ndash;&pound;3,600<\/td><td>&pound;4,000&ndash;&pound;5,500<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p><em>Indicative prices excluding VAT and delivery. Prices change with global shipping demand and steel costs, so always get current quotes.<\/em><\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_295106207-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Aerial view of a container port and cargo ship\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Aerial view of a container port and cargo ship\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Used containers are graded by condition, which affects the price.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>What affects the price?<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Size:<\/strong> a 40ft costs more than a 20ft, but less per square metre<\/li><li><strong>Condition grade:<\/strong> new or one-trip, cargo-worthy, wind and watertight, or &ldquo;as is&rdquo;<\/li><li><strong>Location:<\/strong> prices are often lower near major ports like Felixstowe, Southampton and Tilbury<\/li><li><strong>Delivery:<\/strong> typically &pound;150&ndash;&pound;500+, depending on distance and access<\/li><li><strong>Modifications:<\/strong> extra doors, windows, insulation, lighting and shelving<\/li><\/ul><h2>Container grades explained<\/h2><ol><li><strong>One-trip (&ldquo;new&rdquo;):<\/strong> made in Asia and shipped once with cargo. Near-perfect condition.<\/li><li><strong>Cargo-worthy:<\/strong> used, but still certified fit for ocean shipping.<\/li><li><strong>Wind and watertight:<\/strong> no holes, and the doors seal, but there may be dents and surface rust. Ideal for storage.<\/li><li><strong>As is:<\/strong> may need repairs. Cheapest, but risky.<\/li><\/ol><h2>Delivery: what you need to know<\/h2><p>Containers are delivered on a HIAB lorry (with a crane) or a tilt-bed trailer.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Access:<\/strong> the lorry needs firm ground and enough space. A 40ft delivery needs a lot of room.<\/li><li><strong>Ground:<\/strong> place the container on level hardstanding, railway sleepers or concrete pads to stop rust and keep the doors aligned.<\/li><li><strong>Overhead clearance:<\/strong> watch out for trees and power lines.<\/li><\/ul><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays9-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Container ship sailing at sea\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Container ship sailing at sea\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">A cargo-worthy container must be fit to go back into ocean service.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Buying vs hiring<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Buy<\/th><th>Hire<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Up-front cost<\/td><td>&pound;1,500&ndash;&pound;5,500<\/td><td>Usually monthly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Best for<\/td><td>Long-term use, conversions<\/td><td>Short projects, building sites<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Resale value<\/td><td>Holds value well<\/td><td>Aucun<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><h2>Planning permission<\/h2><p>A container used for temporary storage often does not need planning permission, but one used as a dwelling, an office or a permanent building usually does. Check with your local council. See our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/shipping-container-homes-uk\/\">shipping container homes in the UK<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Tips for buying a used container<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Inspect it in person<\/strong> or ask for recent photos of the inside, roof and floor<\/li><li><strong>Check the doors<\/strong> open and seal properly<\/li><li><strong>Look at the roof<\/strong>: dents can hold rainwater and rust through<\/li><li><strong>Ask about the floor:<\/strong> marine plywood floors should be solid, with no soft spots<\/li><li><strong>Get delivery included<\/strong> in the written quote<\/li><\/ul><p>Every container you see on a <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/how-big-is-a-container-ship\/\">navire porte-conteneurs<\/a> may end up as someone&rsquo;s storage unit or garden office one day.<\/p><h2>Foire aux questions<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>How much is a 20ft shipping container in the UK?<\/h3><p>Used 20ft containers typically cost around &pound;1,500&ndash;&pound;2,800, and new ones around &pound;2,800&ndash;&pound;3,800, plus VAT and delivery.<\/p><h3>How much does a 40ft container cost in the UK?<\/h3><p>Used 40ft containers typically cost around &pound;1,800&ndash;&pound;3,300, and new high cubes up to about &pound;5,500.<\/p><h3>How much does container delivery cost?<\/h3><p>Usually &pound;150&ndash;&pound;500+, depending on distance and site access.<\/p><h3>Do I need planning permission for a shipping container?<\/h3><p>Often not for temporary storage, but usually yes for a permanent building or a home. Check with your council.<\/p><h3>Where can I buy a shipping container in the UK?<\/h3><p>From container depots, often near ports, and specialist container suppliers that deliver nationwide.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>See where containers really travel<\/strong><p>Join a container ship as a passenger and watch thousands of boxes cross the ocean.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/sinformer-pour-une-croisiere-cargo\/\">Book a cargo ship voyage &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shipping container prices in the UK for 2026: new and used 20ft and 40ft container costs, high cube prices, delivery, conversions, and buying or hiring tips.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99803,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1019,118],"tags":[1568,1567,1562,1569,1570],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99699"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99699"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99699\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99718,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99699\/revisions\/99718"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99803"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99699"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99699"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99699"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99699"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}