Shipping Containers for Sale & Hire Price List

How much does a shipping container cost? 

It’s the most frequently-asked of all our FAQs. And with so many moving parts to the shipping container cost equation, that comes as no surprise.

Because as far as questions go, ‘How much will a shipping container cost me?’ only raises more questions. Like what are the price differences between different types of containers? What’s the cost of new vs. used? Will extra features blow your budget? And perhaps the biggest question of all – is it cheaper to buy or hire a shipping container? 

Read on to cut through the confusion, and get the answers to these questions and more.

This guide covers...

Should you Hire a shipping container?

Fun fact – hiring a shipping container can actually be more cost-effective option than buying one. 

Hireage for some containers starts from just $2.75 (incl. GST) each day. And by ‘some’, we don’t mean the battered old containers whose best days are behind them. We’re talking new or new-near builds, kitted out with every modern feature you could think of.

To learn more or get started on hiring a shipping container in New Zealand, get in touch with the SCF NZ team. 

Should you Buy a shipping container?

There are a few reasons why buying a shipping container could work in your favour. Maybe you want to hold onto your shipping container for the long-term. Maybe you need some pre-delivery modifications made, or maybe you want to DIY some changes of your own.

Buying a shipping container could set you back anywhere from $2,400 - $15,000 or more (incl. GST), depending on the type of container you’re after. If you’d like to buy a container or want to know more first, get in touch with the team.

What Factors Effect Shipping Container Prices?

Shipping container prices are shaped by more than just the obvious factors, like size, type, and grade. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything that goes into the price of the average New Zealand shipping container. 

Shipping Container Type: What exactly are you looking for?

We’ve all heard of the 20ft container (AKA the most popular model on the market). But that’s just the tip of the shipping container iceberg. There’s a whole range out there, complete with unique options to fit unique needs. Here are a few of our favourites. 

General Purpose Shipping Containers 

General purpose shipping containers are a great storage solution. They’re wind and water-tight, vermin-proof, and come in a variety of sizes – from 8ft through to 40ft. They can also be kitted out with a huge selection of extra features. 

General purpose shipping container costs will vary, depending on a few factors. Including whether it’s new or used, any added features, and its size (heads up, smaller doesn’t always equal cheaper – more on that soon to come).

High Cube Shipping Containers

SCF NZ’s 20ft and 40ft shipping containers also come in High Cube versions. High Cube shipping containers have an extra foot’s worth of height, providing even more storage space inside. 

For maximum storage capacity, a 40ft high cube container is a great option. At 12 metres long, and with an extra foot in the ceiling height, it’s the biggest container on the market. 

An easy way to tell if a container is Standard height (L) or High Cube (R)

Portable Buildings

With the right features in place, a general purpose shipping container can transform into a convenient, safe, versatile, and comfortable portable building. Like a well-lit and powered-up site office, a lunch room kitted out with a functioning kitchen, or an ablution block where the team can take care of business. 

Features like kitchenettes, toilet cubicles, windows, lighting and flooring, all add great additional functionality. They also come at an additional cost, which can be quoted by the SCF NZ team.

Site Office

Site Office Exterior

Site Office Internal

Dangerous Goods Containers

Dangerous Goods Stores are designed specifically to safely store chemicals, powders and liquids on-site. They’re made to comply with all the relevant standards, with robust purpose-built features such as spill-containing bunds, air-circulating vents, drainage valves for safe clean-up, and emergency exits. 

These are all major design features, and they’re unique to Dangerous Goods Containers. Next to standard shipping containers, demand for these purpose-designed models is comparatively low. That, together with the sky-high standards of their safety features, makes them more expensive than your average shipping container. To increase affordability, dangerous goods container hire can be a great option.

SCF Dangerous Goods Container - 20ft Side Door

SCF Dangerous Goods Cabinet

Tank Containers

Tank containers are made to store liquid in bulk. They’re available from SCF NZ in 20ft tank or 40ft tank options. They’re also stackable and connectable, which makes them a flexible and scalable on-site storage option. 

Designed for a specific purpose, standard tank containers come with a few extra features that go above and beyond general purpose containers. Features like inlet connections, bauer and camlock coupling, and multiple drain valves. This means they tend to cost more than a basic shipping container.

20ft Bulk Liquid Tank

40ft Bulk Liquid Tank

Reefer Containers

Reefer containers (or ‘cool room containers’) are used to transport and store cold and temperature-sensitive goods. SCF NZ’s 20ft cool room containers come with features like LED lights, emergency sirens, and internal-release emergency exits. Their smart design maximises the container’s temperature control, while minimising machinery run time and electricity use. 

These special features are cutting-edge, and they don’t tend to come cheap. They can make reefer containers markedly more expensive than their non-temperature-controlled counterparts. 

Shipping Container Size: Why smaller doesn't always equal cheaper

In some industries, smaller products automatically mean cheaper costs. But with shipping containers, that’s not necessarily the case. This is largely down to two reasons.

First, there’s plenty of demand for smaller-sized shipping containers, but they’re far less common than their larger counterparts. This lack of availability means suppliers can charge more of a premium. 

Then there are corner castings. Whether a shipping container is 40ft, 20ft or 8ft, it still has the same number of corner castings – which are one of the most expensive components of a general purpose shipping container. 

What are corner castings?

Corner castings are the corner points that reach stackers (ie. specialist forklifts) use to pick up, move, and safely stack containers. Safe stackability is key to shipping containers’ flexibility, high storage ability, and enduring popularity. So while they may be expensive, corner castings are absolutely essential.

Reach Stacker loading a truck using corner casting lift point

Corner Casting

New vs Used: Which Shipping Container is right for you?

Unsurprisingly, second-hand shipping containers cost less than new-build shipping containers. Here’s a little more info on exactly why that is, and what to look out for if you’re considering going second-hand.

New Shipping Containers

At the top end of the cost spectrum, you’ll find new build shipping containers. These are purpose-built, and fresh from the factory – never-before-used for storage or transportation. Having only ever made one trip (to get to you) they’ll be in brilliant condition, with only the very slightest marks or scratches gained during that first transit to your place. 

Second-hand shipping containers

Like we mentioned, second-hand containers are more budget-friendly than new builds. But within the second-hand market, you’ll find a huge range of prices. Costs are determined by factors like:

• The shipping container’s grade (which we covered earlier)
• The container’s features (the more there are – and the more complex – the higher the price)
• Any wear and tear gained over the years. 

Whatever you’re looking for, you should always be able to find a quality second-hand shipping container to suit your needs – and your budget. At SCF NZ, we offer new-build and second-hand options, so you can always talk to us to see what’s in stock.

Shipping Container Grade: What condition is it in? 

A shipping container’s grade – ie. the condition it’s in – can have a major impact on its price. On the face of it, this one’s a bit of a no-brainer. After all, a new-build fresh from the factory floor will obviously cost more than a container that’s spent a decade in the hill and high country of New Zealand. But there are plenty of other, more nuanced factors that determine which grade a specific shipping container will meet, and how that affects its cost.

There’s no clear-cut global grading standard, but there is a recognised grading system that many of the larger container suppliers have adopted (including SCF NZ). You can learn more about it here, or reach out to the team any time with questions. 

So, should you choose a second-hand or new shipping container?

With shipping containers, you get what you pay for. Meaning if you get a premium new-build, you’ll pay a premium price. Your brand-new shipping container will cost you more, but it’s also guaranteed to look great, and will likely last you longer.

That said, while they might have more signs of wear and tear, you can also find great quality second-hand shipping containers. They’ll be watertight, vermin-proof, and built to withstand the harsh Kiwi elements. And they’re easier on the wallet. 

Whichever you choose, always make sure you get clear, detailed and up-to-date images of the container you’re interested in, to help you make your decision. Get in touch with SCF NZ for a vast catalogue featuring shots of every single shipping container in stock, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for.

Features and Modifications: The added cost of changing it up

There are a few key boxes that every shipping container should tick. Like being wind-tight, watertight, and vermin-proof. But beyond those basic foundations, there’s a world of possibilities.

From lockboxes to side doors, windows to power, lighting to GPS systems, you can choose from a range of features to turn your stock-standard shipping container into a bespoke masterpiece. Some of these features are more complex (ie. more expensive) than others. And the more you add, the more will be added to the final cost.

Modifying your shipping container

Along with adding features, making modifications can also add to the overall cost of a shipping container. Take the example of adding a roller door. You’re not only paying for the door itself; there’s also the cost of extra parts, labour, and time to complete the job.

Shipping container modifications like this can be complex, and elements like structural integrity and safety need to be taken into account. Luckily, SCF NZ’s got a team of modification experts who can get the job done, no fuss. So just talk to us about your modification needs.

Supply and Demand: The impact of the market

Just like any other industry, shipping container prices are influenced by their wider market. While high-demand and high-availability containers might be more affordable (we’re looking at you, 20ft containers), other popular varieties with more limited availability (like the 10ft container) might come at a higher premium. Let’s break that example down a little further.

20ft shipping containers cost less because…

• They’re used for shipping cargo all over the world so they’re in high international demand
• There are loads of them out there, which means they’re almost always available
• They also happen to be one of the least expensive containers to manufacture.
• Container ships are designed to carry more of this size, so shipping costs are lower.

10ft shipping containers cost more because…

• Not as many are manufactured as 20ft containers, but demand for them is still high
• This means when stock does become available, prices are driven higher by demand
• 10ft containers also have the same number of corner castings as 20ft containers, which is responsible for a high percentage of the total price of production.

Exchange rates and price fluctuations: Keeping tabs on global movements

Not only are shipping container prices at the mercy of the market. They’re also tied to exchange rates and other fluctuating price-affecting factors.

Exchange rates

Most shipping containers are built off-shore. When they’re imported here to New Zealand, any transactions are generally made in USD. This means pricing can change depending on the strength of the NZD against the USD at the time of purchase.

Here’s an example…

At the time of writing, the USD to NZD exchange rate is sitting at USD $1 = NZD $1.68. So for a USD$3,000 container, you’d be looking at about NZD$5,050.
If the NZD were to strengthen to USD $1 = NZD $1.4, that USD $3,000 container would now cost you roughly NZD $4,200.

When economic times are uncertain, exchange rates can change especially rapidly. So if you’re looking at buying a shipping container, it pays to keep an eye on current exchange rates.

Price fluctuations

Other price fluctuations can also impact the cost of shipping containers. For example, with steel being one of the main materials used to build shipping containers, global changes in steel prices can affect costs. Unexpected spikes in demand can also deplete stock levels and decrease availability, which in turn increases prices.

The fast-evolving circumstances of a massive global industry can see shipping container costs change by the week. That’s why it’s best to talk to SCF NZ directly, so we can help determine an accurate price for the container you’re after (including shipping).

Your location: Where does your container need to go?

Speaking of shipping, shipping container delivery costs are another important factor to take into account.

Bigger cities with active ports – like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Tauranga – see frequent container deliveries, and are often home to larger companies that regularly deal in intermodal transport.

Port of Auckland. Source: World Cargo News

This means container availability is high, which can lead to more affordable prices. For smaller cities and towns, shipping containers may need to be delivered by road or rail – which can set you back anywhere from $800 to $10,000 or more.

Purchasing or hiring from suppliers like SCF NZ can help keep prices down, because we have consistent access to a wide range of stock. We also cover both the North and South Island – with depots in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. That means we can arrange delivery anywhere in New Zealand, with fees depending on factors like how close you are to an SCF depot, whether you live in a city or rurally, and how tricky your site is to access.

For an accurate cost for shipping your shipping container, talk to SCF NZ, and we can sort you out with a quote.

Shipping Container Price List

Looking for a clearer idea of numbers, or still scratching your head over whether to buy or hire a shipping container? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a handy shipping container price guide, to help give you a rough indication of pricing for some of SCF NZ’s most popular shipping container options.

*Just note, all prices are subject to location and availability.

So, How Much to BUY a Shipping Container

All prices exclude GST.

Shipping Container for Sale Price List

These prices are rough indications only. For a more accurate quote, or pricing information for specific shipping containers, reach out to the SCF NZ team.

So, How Much Does it Cost to HIRE a Shipping Container?

If the price of buying a shipping container has you doing a double take, hiring could be a great option. Hiring a shipping container is not only more affordable – it also gives you access to SCF NZ’s newest and best-condition containers.

Shipping Container for Hire Price List

Prices listed are per day, per unit. All prices exclude GST.