One of the first questions every buyer asks is: how much does a shipping container cost in the UK? Prices vary by size, condition and specification, so this 2026 guide breaks down what you can expect to pay and what drives the price.
What affects the price of a shipping container?
- Size — larger containers cost more, but often less per cubic metre.
- Condition — new (one-trip) units cost more than used wind & watertight ones. See our guide to new vs used containers.
- Type — standard, high-cube, refrigerated and modified units are priced differently.
- Delivery — distance and site access affect the delivery charge, calculated at checkout.
Typical UK container prices by size
As a general guide, our current stock ranges roughly as follows:
- 10ft containers — from around £1,000
- 20ft containers — the most cost-effective all-rounder
- 40ft containers — best value per cubic metre for large jobs
Prices at UK Container Hub are shown upfront in pounds sterling with no hidden middleman fees — browse live pricing on any product in our shop.
New vs used: which saves money?
Used wind & watertight containers are the budget-friendly choice and are perfectly secure and dry for storage. New (one-trip) containers cost more but look near-new and last longest — ideal for conversions or customer-facing use. Our new vs used guide explains the difference in detail.
Don’t forget delivery
Delivery is quoted separately and depends on your postcode and site access. Read our delivery guide to understand what’s involved and how to prepare.
Get an accurate quote
The best way to know the exact cost is to tell us what you need. Request a free quote with your size, condition and delivery postcode, and our UK team will send transparent pricing — or browse all shipping containers for sale with prices shown.