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Depending on your location, the cost and availability of used shipping containers can vary greatly. If you’re near a coast or major urban center, the cost could be more reasonable than if you’re in a rural area.  If you live in a more rural, in-land area, you could compare the cost of purchasing a container locally with the cost of purchasing a container from an area where they are cheaper plus the cost of transporting it to you. If you live in an area where containers are in high demand, but not close to a big city or harbor, then a locally bought container could be extremely expensive. On the other hand, you might be able to find a container in the nearest port city to you (or big city), and have it shipped. In this instance the price of the container and the price of the shipping together could be significantly less expensive than purchasing a local container. One big disadvantage here is that you probably won’t get the opportunity to inspect the container before buying.  Depending on where you live, you should expect to spend between $2,500 and $4,000 on a one-trip 20’ container. Prices will be higher for a larger container.  If you are purchasing a brand new container, which will likely be shipped from Asia, you should expect to spend significantly more, especially when it comes to delivery costs. If you live very close to the dealer you are purchasing your container from, you may not have to pay anything at all for delivery. However, if you live farther away, you will need to pay for shipping costs. This will depend on what you are able to negotiate with the seller.  You could estimate that you will spend about $400 to ship a 20’ container approximately 300 miles, including unloading and surcharges. However, this is just one estimate. You should discuss the cost of delivery with the seller, as some sellers may have other offers. For a container shipped internationally, you could expect to spend anywhere from $1,900 up to $23,000 for a new container that has never been used, depending upon the distance shipped, and how many containers you are shipping.You could also reduce the cost of shipping in this instance, by allowing the company to use the container to ship goods. Obviously it will no longer be brand new, but it will help reduce your costs. You can look in your local newspaper or at online classified ads. You may find someone selling one privately for a good deal.  You can search online for classified ads by typing “shipping container for sale” + the name of your town, city, or county. Be sure to see the container in person before handing over any money to a private seller! Sometimes, classified ads are merely scams. Some shipping and leasing companies will sell directly to private buyers, while some large container companies don’t want to deal with buyers who only want to purchase one or a few containers.  Containers bought directly from shipping companies will often be less expensive.  Searching the internet for “shipping containers for sale” is a good way to find companies selling to private consumers; however, you should research the company carefully. This website allows you to search for reputable sellers based on country, state, or province. You can also search your local newspapers and classified ads for shipping container dealers. Throughout your search, you should make a list of the names, phone numbers, and websites of the dealers you think may be able to offer what you are looking for. This way, you will be able to compare offers, and get the best deal on the container you want.
Consider your location. Consider shipping costs. Search local classified ads. Look for companies that sell containers. Make a list.