How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost? — September 2026

  • SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

The average price for a new one-trip shipping container in September 2026 ranges from approximately $3,100 to $3,700 for a 20ft container and $4,400 to $5,600 for a 40ft High Cube container, depending on location, availability, and local market conditions. 

This month, container prices are trending downward across both the Pacific Northwest and Southwest corridors. Increased incoming inventory scheduled for September and October is easing wholesale replacement costs at major port gateways like Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle, and Tacoma.

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How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost in September 2026

Shipping container prices are starting to come down across major West Coast markets. New shipments arriving from suppliers throughout September and October are helping lower prices for 20ft standard and 40ft High Cube containers. 

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 (Seattle/Tacoma): New 20ft One-Trip wholesale rates dropped by $100 entering September, easing retail purchase costs.
  • Southwest (Los Angeles/Long Beach/Phoenix): Heavy arrivals generated significant price drops, with 20ft One-Trip units dropping $250 and 40ft High Cube units dropping up to $400 on gate-buy wholesale rates.
  • Key Takeaway: Early fall is shaping up to be one of the most cost-effective buying windows of 2026 across both the Pacific Northwest and Southwest yards.

Why Prices Changed This Month

Several key factors influenced retail pricing heading into September:

  • More Port Deliveries: Ships brought larger numbers of new containers to West Coast ports, giving local yards extra stock.
  • Lower Yard Replacement Costs: Key suppliers lowered their rates to clear out space for incoming stock.
  • Steady Used Container Prices: Used containers in the Pacific Northwest have settled into a steady, affordable price range.
  • Fall Demand: Local farms, builders, and small businesses are buying containers for harvest and fall projects, keeping inventory moving fast.

New & Used Container Price Breakdown

The prices below show standard retail costs for individual containers at our yards. Delivery fees are calculated separately based on mileage.

Pacific Northwest (Seattle–Portland Corridor)

  • Market Trend: 20ft Prices Dropping | 40ft High Cube Prices Stable
  • Supply Level: Balanced

 

Size

Price Range

Trend

Supply 

20ft New

$3,450 – $3,850

Down ($100 drop)

Balanced

40ft New

$4,950 – $5,650

Stable

Moderate


What We’re Seeing in the Yard: Wholesale 20ft costs in Tacoma dropped heading into September. This brings cheaper landed prices to our Washington and Oregon yards.

Southwest (Los Angeles, CA –Arizona Area)

  • Market Trend: Lower Prices (Great Time to Buy!)
  • Supply Level: High Supply

Size

Price Range

Trend

Supply 

20ft New

$3,100 – $3,500

Down

Extra Supply

40ft New

$4,300 – $4,900

Down

Balanced/High


What We’re Seeing in the Yard: Suppliers in Southern California lowered prices to clear out space. Buyers in California and Arizona are seeing some of the best prices of the 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.

What Our Yard Teams Are Seeing

Here is what our local yard managers are seeing on the ground:

  • California Clearouts: Suppliers in Los Angeles and Phoenix are offering lower prices on new shipments to avoid overcrowded yards.
  • Northwest Inventory Relief: New shipments in Tacoma and Seattle are filling gaps, giving buyers better choices.
  • High Rental Demand: Rental demand stays strong as businesses prepare for fall projects and holiday inventory.

30–90 Day Market Outlook

  • Southwest Region: Prices are near their lowest points of the year. As extra inventory sells off, prices should level out by late fall.
  • Pacific Northwest Region: Lower replacement costs in Seattle and Tacoma will keep 20ft prices steady through the fall.
  • Overseas Shipping: Lower ocean shipping costs from Asia will help prevent big price spikes this winter.

Simple Buyer Advice

  • Buying in California or Arizona? Conditions are great for buyers right now. If you need a box soon, this is a great time to buy.
  • Buying in Washington or Oregon? Lower replacement costs mean better selection and lower prices on 20ft new boxes compared to mid-summer.
  • Plan Ahead: Ordering early ensures your container gets delivered before fall rains and snow slow down delivery schedules.

Shipping Container Pricing FAQs

How much does a new 20ft shipping container cost?

In September 2026, a new 20ft one-trip container costs between $3,150 and $3,550 in the Southwest (California and Arizona) and between $3,450 and $3,850 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 an Upfront Local Quote Today

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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