Port cranes over stacked shipping containers, cover for a container price index report

How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost? November 2026 Price Guide

Last updated: November 2026

Quick answer: New, one-trip 20-foot standard containers start at about $2,900 in Southern California and $3,700 in the Pacific Northwest in November 2026. New 40-foot high cubes run about $4,100 to $4,400 in Southern California and $4,850 to $5,150 in the Pacific Northwest. These are indicative benchmarks before delivery, which we quote separately.

Pacific Northwest
New 20’ standard
$3,700+
Up from October
Before delivery
Southern California
New 20’ standard
$2,900+
Down from October
Before delivery
Pacific Northwest
New 40’ high cube
$4,850–$5,150
Down from October
Before delivery
Southern California
New 40’ high cube
$4,100–$4,400
Down from October
Before delivery

November 2026 Shipping Container Price Index

RegionContainerNew price (before delivery)Trend
Pacific Northwest20’ standard$3,700+Up from October
Southern California20’ standard$2,900+Down from October
Pacific Northwest40’ high cube$4,850–$5,150Down from October
Southern California40’ high cube$4,100–$4,400Down from October

These prices are for new, one-trip containers and are before delivery. They are benchmarks, not quotes. Your final price depends on your location, the container, and what is in stock.

Pacific Northwest here means our Washington and Oregon yards. Southern California means our California yards. We also serve Arizona. Ask us for Arizona pricing on the Get Prices page.

Get Prices for Your Address

Are Container Prices Going Up or Down?

In November 2026, most prices came down from October. New 40-foot high cubes came down about $100 in the Pacific Northwest and $200 in Southern California at the low end. New 20-foot standards came down in Southern California, while the Pacific Northwest went up. We will keep updating this page each month so you can follow the trend.

Price history: July to November 2026

New 20’ standard: low end of range
Pacific NorthwestSouthwest / Southern California
Jul 2026
$3,500
$3,500
Aug 2026
$3,500
$3,300
Sep 2026
$3,450
$3,100
Oct 2026
$3,450
$3,100
Nov 2026
$3,700
$2,900
New 40’ high cube: low end of range
Pacific NorthwestSouthwest / Southern California
Jul 2026
$4,900
$4,700
Aug 2026
$5,100
$4,600
Sep 2026
$4,950
$4,300
Oct 2026
$4,950
$4,300
Nov 2026
$4,850
$4,100
Past months are the ranges we published each month for new, one-trip containers before delivery. The charts show the low end of each range. Our July to October reports used a Southwest region (Los Angeles to Phoenix or Arizona); November uses Southern California. September figures come from the price history table in our October report. November 20’ prices are starting prices.
Month20’ Pacific Northwest20’ Southwest / SoCal40’ HC Pacific Northwest40’ HC Southwest / SoCal
July 2026$3,500–$3,800$3,500–$3,800$4,900–$5,600$4,700–$5,400
August 2026$3,500–$3,900$3,300–$3,700$5,100–$5,800$4,600–$5,200
September 2026$3,450–$3,850$3,100–$3,500$4,950–$5,650$4,300–$4,900
October 2026$3,450–$3,850$3,100–$3,500$4,950–$5,650$4,300–$4,900
November 2026$3,700+$2,900+$4,850–$5,150$4,100–$4,400

What Does a New 20-Foot Container Cost?

A new 20-foot standard container starts at about $2,900 in Southern California and $3,700 in the Pacific Northwest. It takes up about 160 square feet of ground. See our new 20-foot containers for photos, features, and options.

Many customers choose a 20-foot container because it:

  • Fits on many residential and commercial properties
  • Gives you secure, weather-resistant storage
  • Balances storage space with delivery flexibility
  • Can be moved while loaded, within weight limits (see the delivery section below, or our moving containers page)

What Does a New 40-Foot High Cube Cost?

A new 40-foot high cube costs about $4,100 to $4,400 in Southern California and $4,850 to $5,150 in the Pacific Northwest. It covers about 320 square feet and has extra height, which helps with larger equipment, tall items, and bigger storage needs. Learn more on our 40-foot high cube page or check exact sizes in our container dimensions guide.

A 40-foot container needs more room for delivery. It also must be empty when it is moved.

20’ standard vs. 40’ high cube at a glance

Get Simple Box yard stocked with 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers
20-foot and 40-foot containers at a Get Simple Box yard.
Sizes and weights are from our container dimensions guide. Exact measurements can vary slightly by unit.
20’ standard40’ high cube
Outside size (L × W × H)20′ × 8′ × 8′ 6″40′ × 8′ × 9′ 6″
Inside size (L × W × H)19′ 5″ × 7′ 8″ × 7′ 10″39′ 5″ × 7′ 8″ × 8′ 10″
Door opening (W × H)7′ 7″ × 7′ 4″7′ 7″ × 8′ 4″
Empty weightAbout 4,900 lbsAbout 8,750 lbs
Ground spaceAbout 160 sq ftAbout 320 sq ft

How Much Do Used Shipping Containers Cost?

Used container prices change with several things:

  • Age
  • Condition
  • Appearance
  • Floor condition
  • Doors and seals
  • Availability

Where our yard selection allows, we encourage you to inspect the containers and choose the one you want. For current used pricing near you, request a quote. You can also browse our containers for sale.

Rows of 20-foot and 40-foot containers available at a Get Simple Box yard
Local containers available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes.

New vs. Used Shipping Containers

New (one-trip)Used
AppearanceClean paint and floors, few or no dentsScrapes, dings, surface rust, and ocean line logos are common
ConditionMade overseas and shipped once with cargoCargo-worthy or wind and water tight, with more wear
PriceHigherLower
Good fit forHomes, businesses, long-term use, and modificationsBudget storage, tools, and farm use

A one-trip container has made a single ocean trip carrying cargo, then is sold as new. For a full side-by-side look, read our new vs. used shipping container guide.

What Affects Shipping Container Prices?

  • Size and type: a 40-foot high cube costs more than a 20-foot standard.
  • Condition: new one-trip containers cost more than used ones.
  • Location: local supply and demand change what yards charge.
  • Availability: stock levels can move prices up or down.
  • Delivery: this is quoted separately and depends on your site.

How Much Does Container Delivery Cost?

Get Simple Box truck carrying a shipping container on the highway
Delivery is handled by our own local delivery team.

Delivery is quoted separately from the container price. Your quote depends on:

  • Distance from the nearest yard
  • Container size
  • Equipment needed
  • Site access
  • Space and ground conditions at your site

Before delivery day, check how much room the truck needs:

  • 20-foot container: about 70 feet of straight approach.
  • 40-foot container: at least 120 feet of straight approach, and 140 feet is preferred.

Also look up for low wires and branches along the path. Our site prep guide and container delivery page explain what to expect.

Delivery checklist

  • 20-foot container: about 70 feet of straight approach
  • 40-foot container: at least 120 feet, and 140 feet is preferred
  • Flat, firm ground for the container
  • Room for the truck to back in and pull forward
  • No low wires or branches along the path
  • Placement spot marked, if you will not be there
  • Loaded 20-foot move: under 9,000 lbs (up to 12,000 lbs with a fee)
  • 40-foot container emptied before it is moved

If you want us to move a container you already own, these limits apply:

  • Loaded 20-foot container: up to 9,000 lbs at our standard rate. A fee applies from 9,000 lbs up to 12,000 lbs. We cannot move anything over 12,000 lbs.
  • 40-foot container: we do not move loaded 40-foot containers. It must be empty.

Should I Buy or Rent a Shipping Container?

Buying often makes sense if you:

  • Need storage for a long time
  • Want to own the container
  • Plan to modify it
  • Have a permanent spot for it

Renting often makes sense if you:

  • Need space for a short time
  • Want month-to-month flexibility
  • Are not sure how long you will need it
  • Want to avoid a larger upfront cost

Compare both options on our containers for sale and container rental pages.

Ready to Buy a Shipping Container?

Tell us where you are and what size you need. We will send a clear quote that includes delivery. Quality Containers, Delivered with Care, by People Who Care.

Get Prices Call 1-855-855-4269

Shipping Container Price FAQs

What is the average cost of a shipping container in November 2026?

For new, one-trip containers, our November 2026 benchmarks run from about $2,900 for a 20-foot standard in Southern California to about $5,150 for a 40-foot high cube in the Pacific Northwest. Delivery is additional and is quoted separately.

How much does a new 20-foot shipping container cost?

In November 2026, a new 20-foot standard container starts at about $2,900 in Southern California and $3,700 in the Pacific Northwest, before delivery. Final pricing comes from your quote.

How much does a new 40-foot high cube container cost?

In November 2026, a new 40-foot high cube costs about $4,100 to $4,400 in Southern California and $4,850 to $5,150 in the Pacific Northwest, before delivery. Final pricing comes from your quote.

Are shipping container prices going up or down?

In November 2026, most prices came down from October. New 40-foot high cubes and Southern California 20-foot standards came down, while Pacific Northwest 20-foot standards went up. We update this page every month.

Why do shipping container prices vary by location?

Prices depend on local supply, demand, and how far containers travel from the port to the yard. Southern California and the Pacific Northwest have different inventory levels, so benchmarks differ by region.

Does the price include delivery?

No. The benchmarks on this page are for the container only. Delivery is quoted separately based on distance, container size, equipment, site access, and space and ground conditions.

Should I buy a new or used shipping container?

It depends on how you will use it. New one-trip containers have a cleaner look and are often a good fit for homes, businesses, and modifications. Used containers usually cost less and can work well for storage where looks matter less. Where our yard selection allows, we encourage you to inspect and choose.

When should I buy a shipping container?

Buy when you need the space. Prices change from month to month and no one can predict them exactly. If you have a project date, ordering early leaves time for site prep and scheduling delivery. We update this page each month so you can see where prices stand.

Prices shown are November 2026 regional benchmarks for new, one-trip containers. This page is a general guide and is not a quote. Final pricing is given by quote, and delivery is additional.

About the Author

Ross Black is the founder and steward of Get Simple Box. He started the business in 1997 as a high school senior. Today a growing team rents, sells, delivers, and moves shipping containers in Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and California. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn.

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