Container Price Index — August 2026

  • August 5, 2026

The average price for a new one-trip shipping container in August 2026 ranges from approximately $3,300 to $3,900 for a 20ft container and $4,600 to $5,800 for a 40ft High Cube container, depending on location, availability, and local market conditions. 

This month, container prices are moving in opposite directions across the U.S. Buyers in California and Arizona are seeing lower prices due to increased inventory, while buyers in Washington and Oregon are facing higher prices because 40ft High Cube supply remains limited.

Table of Contents

August 2026 Market Snapshot

Shipping container prices moved in two different directions this month depending on where you are buying.

In the Pacific Northwest, 40ft High Cube containers got more expensive because local inventory is tight. In the Southwest, prices dropped after a large surge of new containers arrived at Southern California ports, giving yards more inventory than expected.

  • Pacific Northwest: 40ft High Cube prices rising; 20ft prices remain stable.
  • Southwest: Prices falling across both 20ft and 40ft containers due to extra local supply.
  • Key Takeaway: If you are buying in California or Arizona, this is one of the most cost-effective buying windows we have seen in several months.

Why Prices Changed This Month

Several key factors influenced retail pricing heading into August:

  • More Containers Arrived in Southern California: Large ocean shipments reached the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, leaving local yards with temporary extra inventory. Many dealers lowered prices to move units faster.
  • Shipping Costs Eased: Global shipping rates from Asia dropped slightly in late July. When ocean freight costs go down, dealers can buy replacement stock for less, helping keep retail prices from spiking.
  • Northwest Supply Remains Limited: Seattle and Tacoma terminals continue to receive fewer replacement containers than regional demand requires, pushing 40ft High Cube prices higher.
  • Summer Demand Stays Steady: Construction crews, farms, and local businesses continue to buy containers at typical summer levels, keeping stock moving across all yards.

Regional New Container Price Index

The prices below show typical retail ranges for individual containers at our local yards. These prices are for the container only and do not include delivery fees.

Pacific Northwest (Seattle–Portland Corridor)

  • Market Direction: 20ft Stable | 40ft High Cube Rising
  • Supply Level: Tight

Size

Price Range

Trend

Supply 

New 20ft $3,500 – $3,900

Stable

Tight

40ft New$5,100 – $5,800

Rising

Tight


What We’re Seeing in the Yard: 40ft High Cube containers are the hardest size to find in Washington and Oregon, especially around Portland. Higher replacement costs in Seattle and Tacoma are being reflected in current retail prices.

Southwest (Los Angeles–Arizona Corridor)

  • Market Direction: Balanced
  • Supply Level: Surplus

 

Size

Price Range

Trend

Supply

New 20ft 

$3,300 – $3,700

Stable

Slight Surplus

New 40ft 

$4,600 – $5,200

Stable

Balanced


What We’re Seeing in the Yard: Prices dropped slightly across Southern California and Arizona yards this month following heavy port arrivals. Some shipping lines and vendors reduced prices to clear space, offering buyers some of the best pricing seen so far this year.

Delivery Note Not Included in Pricing.

Important: Delivery is not included in the container prices listed above. Delivery is quoted separately based on how many miles your site is from the nearest Get Simple Box yard and how easy the drop-off location is to access. In most local service areas, delivery ranges from $100 to $250.

What Our Team Is Seeing

Direct notes from our regional yard managers this month:

  • Southwest Yard Clearance: Suppliers in the Los Angeles area lowered wholesale prices to move inventory quickly after recent ship arrivals.
  • PNW 40ft Stock Outflows: 40ft High Cube units are selling faster in Washington and Oregon than replacement stock is arriving from port terminals. Expect prices to increase.
  • Steady Commercial Rentals: Rental demand remains strong across all regions, taking a steady number of 20ft containers off the purchase market.

30–90 Day Market Outlook

  • Southwest Market: Prices appear to be near their lowest point for the season. As extra yard inventory sells over the next 30 to 60 days, prices should level off and possibly increase slightly.
  • Pacific Northwest Market: 40ft High Cube prices are still one of the best values in the industry, we expect pricing to remain mostly stable as replacement stock catches up.
  • The Bigger Picture: Lower ocean shipping costs from Asia should help prevent sharp price spikes across North America heading into the fall.

Buyer Guidance

  • Buying in California or Arizona? Current conditions are favorable for buyers who have upcoming projects or need containers within the next few months.
  • Buying in Washington or Oregon? If you need a 40ft High Cube container soon, securing current stock is recommended. If your timeline is flexible, inventory selection might improve later in the fall.
  • Planning Ahead: Ordering early gets you to the front of the line when scheduling delivery during the peak summer construction and harvest season.

Shipping Container Pricing FAQs

How much does a new 20ft shipping container cost?

In August 2026, a new 20ft one-trip container costs between $3,300 and $3,700 in the Southwest (California and Arizona) and between $3,500 and $3,900 in the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon).

Why are 40ft container prices higher in Washington than in California?

California ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach receive a larger share of inbound ocean freight, creating higher local supply. Washington ports like Seattle and Tacoma have received fewer replacement shipments recently, keeping supply tighter and driving up local prices.

Is the delivery included in the container price?

Delivery depends on exact mileage, road conditions, and how tricky your site is to access. Separating delivery fees ensures you only pay for the exact distance and equipment needed to set your box down safely.

What is a one-trip shipping container?

A one-trip container is a new shipping container manufactured overseas, shipped once to the United States, and then sold for storage, commercial, agricultural, or construction use. These containers are typically in near-new condition with minimal wear.

Why do shipping container prices vary by location?

Prices change based on local inventory, transportation costs, port activity, and regional demand.

Get Real-Time Pricing and Availability

This report is built using real retail sales data from Get Simple Box operating yards, current stock levels, supplier pricing, and direct feedback from our local teams. Our goal is simple: to give buyers an honest, clear picture of local market conditions before making a purchase.

If you are planning an upcoming project and need an accurate quote, reach out to your local Get Simple Box team. We offer upfront pricing, real photos of available boxes in our yards, and clear delivery plans made just for your site.

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