Container prices in 2026 are broadly stable after the volatility of 2021–2023. The global shipping correction has brought new (one-trip) container prices back down. Used containers are plentiful. If you've been waiting for the market to calm down before buying — now is a reasonable time.
UK Shipping Container Price Table — 2026
| Size & type | Condition | Price range (incl. delivery) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | Grade C | Call Phil |
| 20ft standard | Grade B | Call Phil |
| 20ft standard | Grade A | £1,250 (Grade A) |
| 20ft | New (one-trip) | From £1,850 |
| 40ft standard | Grade B | From £1,450 |
| 40ft standard | Grade A | £1,450–£2,000 |
| 40ft | New (one-trip) | From £2,950 |
| 40ft HC | New (one-trip) | £2,200–£3,000 |
Prices include HIAB delivery to your site from Phil's Kent yard. An additional surcharge may apply for Scotland, Wales, and Northern England. All prices ex-VAT.
What Happened to Container Prices After COVID?
During 2020–2022, container prices spiked significantly. The global shipping network was under serious strain — vessels were in the wrong places, ports were congested, and new container production couldn't keep up with demand. Used container prices rose sharply as buyers competed for what little stock was available.
The global shipping correction of 2023 brought prices back down. Vessels repositioned, congestion eased, and the flood of orders placed during the boom came through. By 2025, used container prices had stabilised. New (one-trip) containers are widely available again and competitively priced — effectively back to pre-2020 levels for most sizes.
What Affects the Price of a Shipping Container in the UK?
- Condition grade — Grade C to new is the biggest price variable (roughly £200–£600 difference on a 20ft). Phil's depots grade every container before he quotes — you know exactly what grade you're getting.
- Size — A 40ft costs roughly 35–50% more than a 20ft for equivalent grade. High cube variants add a further £300–£500 on top of the standard 40ft price.
- Delivery distance — SE England (London, Kent, Essex, Surrey) is the cheapest from Phil's Kent yard. Scotland and Wales attract an additional haulage surcharge. Phil confirms this at quote stage — no surprises.
- High cube — The 40ft HC adds roughly £300–£500 vs a standard 40ft at the same grade. Worth it for office or classroom conversions where the extra ceiling height makes a real difference.
How to Get the Best Price on a Shipping Container
- Call Phil directly on 020 8226 0007 — he sources direct and doesn't pay a middleman margin. That saving gets passed to you.
- Be flexible on grade — Phil's Grade A 20ft starts at £1,250 delivered, but he often has Grade B and C stock available for less. Unless you're converting it into an office or need a near-perfect exterior, ask Phil what Grade B/C he has in the yard that week.
- Plan your delivery date — last-minute bookings sometimes carry a premium. Booking two or more weeks out gives Phil time to source the best available stock at the right price.
Phil's Take
"I've been buying and selling containers for 30 years and I've seen every kind of market. 2026 is a good time to buy — prices are fair, stock is available, and the panic-buying premium from Covid is gone. If you're on the fence, call me and I'll tell you exactly what's available and what it'll cost to get to your site." — Phil Cambridge, CS Containers Global
Ready to get a price? See the full range on the containers for sale page, or read the detailed shipping container cost guide for more on what drives pricing.