If you’re trying to work out the shipping container cost in Australia, the honest answer is: it depends on size, condition and where it’s going. But you shouldn’t have to ring around five suppliers to get a ballpark. Here are real prices, what drives them, and the costs people forget about.
Shipping container cost in Australia at a glance
These are our current prices. Other suppliers will be in a similar range, give or take a few hundred dollars depending on stock and location.
| 10ft new | $1,780 |
|---|---|
| 20ft new (one trip) | $2,999 |
| 20ft high cube | $3,380 |
| 20ft side opening | $3,680 |
| 20ft used (B grade) | $2,399 |
| 40ft new | $3,999 |
| 40ft high cube | $4,200 |
| 40ft side opening | $4,599 |
| 40ft used (B grade) | $3,280 |
What changes the price?
Size
A 40ft container doesn’t cost twice as much as a 20ft, even though you get twice the floor space. That’s why a 40ft is often the better buy if you have room for it. A 10ft is the cheapest to buy, but per square metre it’s the most expensive.
New or used
“New” containers in Australia are usually one-trip boxes – built overseas, loaded with cargo once, then sold here. Used containers have done years at sea. A used B grade container is typically $600–$700 cheaper and still keeps the weather out. Read our guide to new vs used shipping containers if you’re torn.
Type
High cubes add about 30cm of height for a few hundred dollars more. Side opening containers cost more again because of the extra doors and framing.
Market conditions
Container prices move with global shipping. When lots of goods are coming into Australia, there are more empty boxes and prices soften. When trade slows, they firm up. Prices have been fairly steady through 2026.
Don’t forget delivery
Freight is usually the second biggest cost. It depends on how far you are from the depot and how easy your site is to get into. A metro delivery near a depot can be a few hundred dollars; a remote farm can be much more. Tilt trays suit most 10ft and 20ft deliveries, while 40ft containers usually need a side loader.
Our shipping container delivery guide explains how to get your site ready so the driver isn’t turned away.
Other costs to budget for
- Site prep: sleepers, blocks or a gravel pad so the container sits level.
- Modifications: shelving, whirlybirds, extra doors, windows or paint.
- Council fees: only if your council needs approval for your use.
- Lock: a good padlock for the lock box.
Is it cheaper to hire?
For a few weeks, hiring can make sense. Past about six to twelve months, buying almost always wins – and at the end you still own the container, which holds its value well.
The bottom line
For most people, a new 20ft at around $3,000 or a used 20ft at about $2,400 is the sweet spot. If you have the room, a 40ft gives you the best value per square metre.
Shipping container cost by use
The cheapest container isn’t always the cheapest choice. Here’s how the shipping container cost usually stacks up for common jobs:
- Farm storage: a used 40ft at $3,280 gives you the most space per dollar.
- Backyard storage: a new 20ft at $2,999 looks tidy and fits most driveways.
- Tight spaces: a 10ft at $1,780 when nothing bigger will fit.
- Workshop or office: a high cube adds headroom for a few hundred dollars more.
- Shop or bar: a side opening container from $3,680.
How to get the best price
Compare the delivered price, not just the container price. A cheap container a long way away can end up costing more once freight is added. Check whether a lock box is included, ask for photos of used units, and confirm the delivery truck type so there are no surprises on the day.
If you need more than one container, ask about delivering them together. Two containers on one truck can work out much cheaper than two separate trips.
Quick answers
What is the cheapest shipping container?
A new 10ft container at $1,780 is our lowest price. For the most space per dollar, a used 40ft at $3,280 is the best value.
Is the shipping container cost the same everywhere in Australia?
Container prices are similar across our depots. The delivered price changes with distance and site access.
Do shipping containers hold their value?
Yes. A well-kept container can usually be resold, which is one reason buying beats hiring for longer periods.
See current shipping containers for sale or email sales@mrfequipments.com.au with your postcode for a delivered price. For background on container standards, see intermodal containers.