Rent Metal Containers in Your Area

Rent Metal Shipping Containers

How much does it cost to rent metal shipping containers? Prices vary based on the size of the container and the type of shipping container you are looking for.

Shipping container trade is a big business. It accounts for approximately 60% of all global seaborne trade, which was worth a total of 1.2 trillion US dollars in 2017. Shipping containers carried 1.83 billion metric tons of goods around the world in 2017.

There are many different types, sizes, and shapes of metal shipping containers available on the market. Different types of cargo are suited to different types of containers. Some businesses also use shipping containers for storage.

The options can seem overwhelming if you’re new to the industry. Purchase and rental options are available and it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your business requirements.

Renting or Buying Metal Shipping Containers

The first decision you need to make is whether to buy or rent shipping containers for your transportation or storage needs. There are various factors you need to consider.

Buying New 

If you want a high-quality container that has never been used for storage, then buying a brand new “one-trip” container is the best option. This is a container that has been built within the last year and has only carried out one shipment of cargo.

This could be a good option if a business is looking for a container to use for a long period of time. If a company rents a container for more than two years, the cost of purchase is comparable to the cost of rending.

The cost range for new containers is $3000-$5000, depending on size and features. You need to be willing to handle the sale and removal of the container if you take on ownership.

Buying Used/Refurbished

While buying new can assure quality, there is also a great supply of used shipping containers available in good condition. Because storage containers are made of corten steel, they are able to withstand harsh conditions at sea.

Refurbished and certified options are often available, so there’s a range of options to suit different requirements. The rough cost of a used metal storage container is around $1400-$2600. The cost will depend on size, condition, and any special features.

Renting Metal Shipping Containers

Renting is a popular choice for many businesses. Paying monthly rather than upfront is a more affordable option for many companies. It’s a great option if you don’t need the container for a long period of time. Plus it’s convenient for the supplier to come and pick the unit up and take it away when the term ends.

You can expect to pay around $75-200 per month for a rented container, depending on size, features, and condition. It’s possible to rent either new or used containers. Modified sizing or added features can increase the price by up to $500 per month. The average rental term is 24 months.

Renting is a great option if:

• Your need is not permanent and you’re not sure exactly how long you will need the container
• You would prefer to avoid paying $3000-$5000 to purchase a container
• You want someone else to take responsibility for the delivery and removal of the container.

Let’s move on to take a look at the different sizes and types of containers and the various price ranges available for rental.

Metal Shipping Container Sizes Available For Rental

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) governs the regulations relating to the dimensions of shipping containers. The standard sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet in length.

Other size options include 10, 15, 25, and 45 feet. It’s worth noting that these sizes are often more expensive, as they are made by cutting down or welding together two standard containers. The cost reflects the extra labor and materials required in creating them.

Most containers have a standard height of 8 feet 6 inches and a standard width of 8 feet. A high cube option is also available, with an additional 1 ft of headroom, and an extra-wide option at 10 feet wide is also sometimes available.

Metal Shipping Container Features

Add-on features will have an impact on metal shipping containers’ price for the rental. These can include insulation, refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating. Units with doors, windows, and sophisticated locking mechanisms will also cost more.

Storage features such as shelving and a document storage system will also have an impact on the rental price. It’s also important to factor in delivery fees, which may be dependent on the location of the supplier.

Let’s look at a few ballpark figures now to give you an idea of how much it costs to rent metal shipping containers.

Costs of Renting Metal Shipping Containers

The cost of renting a shipping container will vary depending on the size, options selected, and special features. But we can offer some guide prices for various scenarios below.

For a standard-sized dry container, the costs would range as follows:

• Cost to rent for 1 month – $75 – $295
• Cost to rent for 3 months $225 – $885
• Cost to rent for 12 months $900 – $3540

The exact figure would depend on the size and door configuration. Double door and open side containers and more expensive to rent.

Refrigerated Containers

Refrigerated shipping containers are a great way to store and transport cold items. They can maintain an internal temperature of between -25° and +25°. Some containers are able to maintain temperatures as low as -60°.

These containers are designed to withstand the harshest conditions of global travel on the sea, but are also often used for storage and are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. They’re a popular choice for worksites and festivals, and other businesses with seasonal storage demands.

Short-term rental is often what’s needed for refrigerated containers. Some cost estimates for different sized units are as follows:

• 10 ft container – $8 per week, $32 per month
• 20 ft container – $12 per week, $48 per month
• 40 ft container – $20 per week, $80 per month

It’s worth considering whether you have access to enough power to run a refrigerated container to maintain the temperature. You will need either a 30 AMP or 50 AMP dedicated circuit via an external power supply.

Other Things to Consider When Renting Metal Shipping Containers

While renting a shipping container is an affordable and convenient option, there are a few factors you should consider before making a final decision. Here are a few tips of things you need to consider in your rental decision, to avoid making costly and inconvenient mistakes.

Do You Need a Permit?

Requirements for permitting will vary based on your location. You may need a temporary use permit, especially if your property is near a residential area. Permit requirements in rural areas are usually more flexible.

What’s the Delivery Fee?

This is an area where costs can quickly mount up, depending on the location of the container in relation to your property. Many suppliers offer a flat fee for a certain amount of mileage, then charge per mile beyond this distance. You should ensure that your supplier includes the delivery fee in their quote.

How Long Do You Need Your Container?

Longer-term contracts often are more economical. Some suppliers also offer a rent-to-purchase option for long-term rentals. Alternatively, a month-on-month contract may be better if you’re not sure how long you will need your container.

It’s important to find out in advance how much notice your supplier requires to terminate a contract and if you can extend your initial rental contract beyond the planned term. Most suppliers are flexible on this.

What Site Prep Is Necessary Before Delivery?

Some suppliers offer site prep assistance as part of their service, for an additional cost. Even if your property is relatively flat, some leveling may be required before your shipping container can be delivered.

If the site is very muddy, rocky or hilly, then more preparation might be required. You may need to hire a construction team to manage this for you.

You also need to ensure you have sufficient clearance space for delivery.

• A 20 ft container requires about 75 ft of straight clearance
• A 40 ft container requires about 100 ft of straight clearance
• 12 feet of width clearance and 20 feet of overhead clearance is required for most containers

Shipping Containers for Rent

You should now be fully informed of the advantages of renting metal shipping containers. Renting can be a flexible, cost-effective, and convenient option for meeting a business’s transportation or storage needs.

The pricing will depend on the size and type of container you require, along with any additional features such as refrigeration. It’s important to ensure that you’re fully informed on any additional costs for delivery and that your site is also prepared correctly for delivery.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to get connected with local suppliers in your area. We can help provide quotations for the rental of a wide range of containers to suit all your business needs.

While the general public might be eager to enjoy the benefits of building with shipping containers, these hefty metal boxes remain one of the most crucial assets for businesses, retailers, and other commercial businesses.

Still, purchasing a fleet of steel containers can be costly. But the cost to rent metal shipping containers may be lower than you think. Additionally, you can find containers in all styles and sizes to meet your company’s needs.

Without further ado, let’s explore the average costs associated with renting metal containers. This could help you discover if renting may be a better option for your business.

Average Cost to Rent Metal Shipping Containers

A 20′ metal shipping container can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000. The exact price depends on the condition of the container, any extra features it may have, and the preferences of the seller.

But renting a container is a far more budget-friendly option. The same container might cost between $100 and $200 per month when rented. That’s a massive initial saving that could help your business save hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars.

Rental costs do vary from container to container. Size, rental length, and container type tend to be the most influential factors when it comes to final rental costs. The condition may also play a role in pricing.

Cost for Renting by Container Size

Custom shipping containers are relatively rare. Most containers fall into one of three standard sizes. The smallest of these sizes is 10′ and the largest is 40′. Yet you may find uncommonly sized containers as well.

This is particularly true when exploring residential shipping and storage containers. But the majority rentable commercial shipping containers you find will fall into one of three sizes.

Comparing the costs associated with these sizes could help you choose the most practical option for your needs.

10′ container

Small-sized metal shipping containers are still reasonably large. This is a massive boon for businesses hoping to cut costs on shipping and inventory management. These lengthy containers also tend to be the least expensive option.

In general, you could expect to spend between $50 and $100 each month on a rented metal container of this size. If your preferred distributor or rental service offers deals for multiple rentals, you may even pay less!

20′ container

Metal shipping containers that are 20 feet in length tend to prove popular. As such, they can be found in shipyards, company lots, and transatlantic shipping vessels all across the world. Per month, you may spend $100 to $150 renting one of these.

However, if you have plenty of storage and shipping needs, this is a negligible price to pay. And if you can’t satiate your containment needs with a few 20′ shipping containers, you could upgrade to the larger 40′ size.

40′ container

Most metal shipping containers top-out at this size. This could be the best option if you have immediate needs for a significant amount of storage.

In general, it costs about $150 to $250 per month to rent a shipping container of this size. Of course, some shipping container rental companies offer greater savings to clients that decide to invest in long-term rental agreements.

Metal Container Cost by Rental Time

Not only are metal shipping container rental costs differentiated based on container size, but they also differ based on agreed-upon rental time. For example, you may save initially by renting for a one-month period.

However, most shipping container rental companies offer more competitive pricing when clients commit to a longer rental term. Renting a container for three months or a full year may be more cost-effective and practical.

As such, it’s vital to compare these time-based costs before agreeing to any rental service.

One Month Rentals

The average cost of renting a metal shipping container for one month is about $150, regardless of container size. One month tends to be the briefest option.

Consequently, you may want to try a one-month option if you’re unsure about committing to a rental service. However, you’ll likely pay more to rent a container for only one month. After all, the container must be shipped to and from your location.

A three-month agreement may yield better results, especially for businesses with moderate containment or shipping needs.

Three Month Rentals

If you’re determined to rent a shipping container for the quarter, you’ll want to commit to a three-month rental agreement. You may end up paying a total of about $450 for this service. However, prices vary among rental companies.

Still, a three-month rental may be more beneficial than a one-month one, especially if you’ve never used a rental shipping container before. Three months is plenty of time for most business owners to verify the usefulness of the container.

Once you’ve verified that a shipping container is an integral part of your business’s success, you can begin to consider an annual rental agreement.

Twelve Month Rentals

Some of the best savings could be had by choosing a year-long rental. Of course, if your preferred rental company offers even longer rental periods, it might be worthwhile to investigate those options.

In general, the longer the rental term, the lower the costs. You’ll likely pay a much more significant initial price for the long-term container rental, but there will be overall savings that could total in the hundreds.

Be sure to inquire about any potential savings you could enjoy by choosing a long-term rental contract.

Rental Container Types

Shipping containers come in many sizes, so it naturally makes sense that they would also come in many styles. There are more than a dozen unique types of shipping containers, but we’ll review the ones that tend to prove most popular.

You may find that the optimal solution to your shipping and inventory needs lies just below. No matter what types of goods or services you supply, there’s a metal shipping container built to handle it.

Standard containers

Standard shipping containers come in three typical sizes and are made of aluminum or steel. They feature ribbed sides and roofing that help keep the container strong and durable. Standard containers tend to have two doors located on a single side.

In general, the standard-style shipping container is more affordable than other types of containers. Still, they do offer the most limited range of features and may not be appropriate for all goods.

Refrigerated containers

When you deal with goods that rely on specific temperatures to remain viable, such as fresh groceries or perishable liquids, it’s crucial to have plenty of refrigerated options available.

Many business owners are woefully uninformed about refrigerated metal shipping containers. These handy vessels can keep goods at the proper temperature, lessening the burden on on-site refrigerators and freezers.

As such, those who work with foods or biological material could benefit from renting a handful of refrigerated containers. Of course, some ventures require goods to remain at room temperature to remain stable. For these, insulation is crucial.

Nearly all refrigerated containers are well-insulated. However, some insulated shipping containers may lack a refrigerant. Some temperature-dependent goods, like cosmetics or chemicals, can survive non-refrigerated containment units.

In general, insulated containers are slightly more costly than standard ones. Still, the amount of money saved on spoiled goods or on-site refrigeration typically makes this investment worthwhile.

Tunnel container

Tunnel containers open at both ends, allowing users to store and move goods with ease. Tunnel containers might not be suited for long-term storage within space-limited lots and tend to work better in larger, more open areas.

Still, tunnel shipping containers are a fantastic option for anyone hoping to load or unload goods quickly. As such, they may be the best option for businesses that rely on quick product turn around to maintain their success.

Car Carrier containers

Specialized car carrier containers have reinforced floors that allow stored vehicles to sit slightly above the bottom of the container. In the event of accidental flooding, this feature ensures that the stored car doesn’t suffer any excess water damage.

Many car shipping containers are also exceptionally tall, allowing for multiple cars to be stored inside of a single container. However, this type of vessel differs vastly depending on its intended use (single car, multiple cars, large vehicle shipping).

Take Advantage of Rentable Shipping Containers

There’s no reason not to rent metal shipping containers from a reputable supplier. Metal shipping containers come in several standard sizes, allowing businesses to customize their containment services.

Additionally, shipping containers can be rented for one-month, three-month, and full-year periods. You may even find that specialized containers, like refrigerated models, cut down on extraneous costs and help make your life a little simpler.