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How Much is a 20ft Shipping Container?

One of the container sizes with significantly wide usage is the 20ft shipping container. Stacking these containers is simple because it has agreed-upon specifications universally. Clothing, barrels, bulk paper, and more can fit in for haulage in a typical 20-ft box.

As a procurement officer, we understand you’re looking for a utility container at an affordable price. This realization is why we’re glad to let you know that 20ft containers are less expensive than unconventional ones like tanks and reefers.

Your company likely ships a variety of goods and products. Therefore one of your concerns is likely how malleable these containers are. Fortunately, 20ft boxes are conventional containers that allow you to alter them depending on your freight requirements.

You can adjust several things on a 20ft container. During conversion, its width and height, its entrance location, and technological components are all adjustable.

Here, we’ll provide you with how much you need to buy a new 20ft shipping container. Furthermore, we’ll highlight the benefits of this cargo container and why the cost is worth it. Here’s what you need to know.

Cost of Buying a New 20ft Shipping Container

There are several different styles of 20ft shipping containers you can select. Of course, there are many, but the popular styles include insulated, double-door, open-top, and pallet-wide.

Steel and aluminum are the primary makeup of 20ft container types. Using an aluminum box will allow you to carry more weight. Also, to protect your cargo, the container usually is water and airtight.

The following are the dimensions of a 20-Foot container:

  • Weight: 5,204 lbs; 8 ft wide x 8.5 ft high x 19.84 ft long
  • The capacity of a 20-Foot Shipping Container: 32.8 mi (1,158 cu. ft)

Honestly, a shipping container fee can be a dicey issue from time to time. For example, a 20ft container can cost anywhere from $1375 to $6879.94 in Canada. But the price can vary significantly across our borders.

You may ask what the factors that influence these prices are. They’re quite a number.

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Factors that Influence the Cost Of New 20FT Shipping Containers

The price of shipping containers varies from country to country. Sometimes there’s even local variance, such as state to state.

Several variables contribute to the hefty price range of shipping containers. Therefore, it’s essential to keep these factors in mind to obtain a good deal on a container.

The container’s condition and age, delivery cost, geographic location, modification or customization, and size alteration affect shipping container prices.

It’s also true that the cost of a shipping container changes in response to market conditions in the shipping business.

Let’s take a closer look at the variables that influence the cost of 20ft shipping containers.

Geographical Location has an Impact on Container Costs

The rate at which the container is readily available can significantly influence its costs. This stand is because container prices are subject to supply and demand, just like any other commodity.

Under this factor, 20ft shipping container costs also depend on the local economy. Meanwhile, you may also be dealing with the current price of steel.

In other words, the location of your storage container’s supplier should be taken into consideration when budgeting. The cost of container shipping can sometimes exceed the price of the container itself.

Very soon, we’ll go over shipping costs. But it’s critical to establish that factors like supply and demand don’t solely determine the price. For example, a landlocked port location significantly impacts a 20ft shipping container purchase.

There’s no direct access to the open sea in a landlocked country. As a result, shipping containers over state lines is more expensive than at a port. Simply put, prices go up when a supplier must travel a long distance for acquisition.

container cost

Container Condition Influences Cost Of A Container

There are new and old cargo containers available for selection. However, the cost of a single-use or brand-new container is significantly more than that of a used one. For example, new 20ft containers will typically cost your company around $5,000.

Prices for pre-owned models range from $3,500 to $5,000. Depending on the condition of the container, the price may fluctuate.

Another important consideration is the container’s age. The more intense the usage and repair level of the container throughout the years, the more likely it is to cost less.

Grades of 20ft Shipping Containers

As a procurement officer, you may have issues purchasing a shipping container if unfamiliar with the sector. An aside, a shipping container is also known as a sea crate or Conex box.

Shipping containers are available in a variety of “grades” or conditions. While most distributors know how to grade a storage container accurately, it’s a good idea to understand what each grade should signify as a procurement officer.

Generally speaking, there are six different types of shipping containers. Various merchants may not carry all of these classes, or they may call them by other names:

  • One-Trip or New Container
  •  Watertight “Grade A” Container
  • Wind & Watertight “Grade B” Container
  • Refurbished Container
  • “As Is” Container (aka “General Purpose” Container)
  • Cargo Worthy Container

grades of 20ft shipping containers 

The Cost Of Shipping A Container Affects Its Pricing

As previously stated, your selection of a supplier heavily determines the cost of a shipping container. In some cases, suppliers charge additional fees for difficult locations to access.

Furthermore, in shipping, the costs are also dependent on the number of containers your company orders. In addition, delivery time is a contributing factor to the price of your 20ft shipping container too.

So, the farther remote your company is from a port, the more expensive it’ll be to ship a container. Therefore, you must obtain a price/delivery estimate for a shipping container before the agreement. Or try to find someone who charges a flat fee.

The Cost Of A Shipping Container Depends On Its Size And Weight

This factor is a no-brainer. The cost of shipping containers increases as the size of the container increases. Compared to a 20ft container, a 40ft container costs 20% to 30% more.

Also, your company may be procuring two or more 20ft shipping containers. Here, you need to understand that the size isn’t changing, but the weight increases.

However, understanding the container size ideal for your freight purposes should be your top focus. A professional supplier can save you a lot of money by helping you better analyze your company’s needs.

In addition, the price of a 20ft shipping container is directly in relation to the state of the container here. As you may be aware, the most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft. Nevertheless, these sizes are still up for customization and modification if necessary.

cost of shipping container

The Cost Of Customizing Or Modifying A Container Influences Its Price

Industry-wide, shipping containers are often subject to customization and modification. These alterations also significantly impact worldwide 20ft shipping container rates.

Summer and spring are prime periods for container construction. Therefore, the optimal time to buy from your supplier is when they’re experiencing the least supply and demand issues.

Related Article: Tips for Flatbed Freight Load Transportation

The Benefits of a 20ft Shipping Container for Your Freight Delivery

There’s a good reason 20ft containers are so popular: they’re pretty versatile. As a result, shipping them is less expensive because they are easy to stack.

Also, it’s cheaper to buy the 20ft shipping container than the more specialist equipment such as flat racks. This assertion is because 20ft crates are easier to make.

Additionally, these steel boxes can hold various goods.

Here are a few technically driven advantages of 20ft shipping container:

  • Floors made of heavy-duty wood
  • Cargo securing points on the floor
  • The 270-degree opening doors make it simple to get in and out.

Since you’re procuring for a freight business, the question of whether a one-way shipping container or a used one is best may arise. But buying fresh or taking just one trip is a fantastic idea in many cases. Therefore, new 20ft shipping containers are the best option if you can afford them.

Purchasing a shipping container has the following advantages:

Inexpensive Benefits

Purchasing a shipping container may necessitate a substantial financial investment at first. However, your company only has to pay for this once, and that’s when you buy a shipping container.

For example, if you were to rent a shipping container, you’d pay a monthly fee. Although the individual costs may be lower, their summation accumulates over time.

With a one-time purchase, your company avoids the burden of monthly payments. Similarly, you evade the need to make changes to a used container. You also save money and time if you buy one way in advance.

As a freight company, you plan to stay in business for more than 19 months. Therefore you should consider purchasing your 20ft shipping container rather than renting it. This notion is why buying a one-way container makes more sense financially.

inexpensive benefits

It Promises Long-term Value

There is no residual value for your freight company renting a cargo container. You must return the rental unit after the agreement and end monthly payments. As a result, those payments go off as “sunk costs.”

If your company buys a shipping container, you need to consider the residual value. According to their design, shipping containers can retain their value for a decade after purchase. Some can last for 30 years. So apart from shipping container uses, they’re great assets in case of liquidation.

A shipping container purchase isn’t only convenient; it’s also a smart financial decision. You may be able to recoup some of your initial investment by reselling the container at a price close to what you paid for it.

Choices and Accessibility

If your company uses a container rental, you may face the constraint of sizes. Unfortunately, that means you can only rent sizes made available to you.

The above is a contrast when it comes to buying shipping containers. Suppliers will typically have shipping containers available in various sizes and configurations.

Changes to the Original Design

Buying a 20ft shipping container gives you the freedom to customize it in any way you see fit. You can personalize the container in any way you like, whether to improve your cargo security, functionality or boost container’s looks.

On the other hand, you can hardly alter the containers you rent.

When you buy a one-trip, you may choose anything from the paint colour to the number of features you want. For example, it’s possible if you’d like your freight company’s name or logo customized.

changes to the original design

Immediate Utility

Most one-trip containers are in cargo-worthy conditions, meaning you can load and transport them immediately. In a new 20ft shipping cargo, your company has no worries regarding maintenance, repair, or scrubbing. Before acquiring a container, you should inquire if a survey is available.

It’s Resistant to Corrosion

Corten anti-corrosive steel corrugated panels and doors work to make one-trip ocean-going containers. Because of this, your container will last a long time. In addition, a one-trip container lets you plan.

Is a 20-ft shipping container worth it?

Containers are worth their value for several reasons. See some of them below:

Minimal Risk

Trade is the world’s most important industry, and containers play a critical role. Containers transport the vast majority of commodities around the world.

Complete Capital Preservation

Most suppliers will guarantee the buy-back of your containers at the cost price after 5 years. They do this via conservative or higher Income leases. In addition, you have complete control over the sale of your asset.

cost of a shipping container

Security For Your Investment

The value of shipping containers, unlike financial assets, doesn’t fluctuate or depreciate. So they’re always worth something significant because they’re made of real stuff and serve a purpose.

Title

As the legal and rightful owner of the purchased containers, your company will most likely get a complete Deed of Sale document from the supplier.

The Capacity of a 20ft Shipping Container

Choosing which sort of shipping container you’ll need is an essential first step if your freight company delivers internationally.

Apart from the 40-foot container, the 20-foot shipping container is a popular and practical option for an international transfer.

However, knowing the dimensions and size of a 20-foot container will help you determine how much you can fit within.

cost of buying

The Dimensions Of A 20-foot Container

The inside dimensions of a 20-foot container are as follows:

  • 19′ 4″ long x 7′ 9″ broad x 7′ 10″ high in feet.
  • It measures 5.898m long by 2.352m broad by 2.39m high in meters.
  • 32.6 cubic meters of usable space

146 square feet (13.86 square meters) of usable floor space and 1,172 cubic feet of usable volume are inclusive in its dimensions (33.2m3). So it can accommodate 10 regular pallets or 12 Euro pallets without stacking. But that’ll depend on the type of pallet you select.

What Can Fit Into a 20-foot Shipping Container?

As long as you properly pack the items you need to deliver, the majority will easily fit into a 20-foot container.

Let’s assume your company specializes in transporting home belongings and appliances. Your new 20t container can hold:

  • A total of 200 full-sized beds
  • A total of 48,000 banana bunches.
  • About 50-60 refrigerators
  • A total of 400 televisions

Meanwhile, here are a few pointers to keep in mind when packing your container:

  • Re-assemble anything that can dismantle before placing it in a box for storage
  • Be sure to use enough bubble wrap to shield your valuables from damage.
  • To make it easier to store items, use boxes that stack well.
  • Don’t stack lighter objects on top of more substantial ones.

For automobiles, it’s conceivable to load two small cars into a 20-foot container. However, it’s not a popular recommendation because of the necessity for straps to suspend one over the other.

Additionally, the inherent risks of such suspension are high. Hence, you may not be able to transport cars into your destination country/state at all. This notion stands if the country you’re delivering to has tight import requirements. Therefore, consult with the country’s customs authorities to double-check your preparations.

Related Article: The Flatbed Hauling Tips You Must Know

20-foot shipping container

Summary

Various elements influence the price of a new 20ft shipping container. These include factors such as the supplier location and container destination.

A 20ft container is spacious and will take many items for freight. But you may believe you’ll need more room due to the largeness of your business. Therefore, you can look up 40-ft shipping containers.

Yes, it’s critical to know what kind of shipping container your company needs. But, likewise, it’s essential to know where to shop around to get the best shipping container pricing, And you don’t need to look too far.

With us at Toronto Trailers, our shipping container prices are very reasonable and the best in the market. So check our online catalogue of shipping containers to place an order today!

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