Moving costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Shipping container rentals cost between $75 and $200 per month, with your total determined by container size and rental duration.
The container size you choose impacts your monthly rate, with 10-foot units costing less than 40-foot models for your storage needs.
You should account for permit fees ranging from $15 to $500 and potential delivery charges when you create your rental budget.
Hiring a local moving company provides reliable help with packing and unloading your container and saves you the physical effort.
In 2026, the national average shipping container rental cost is $125. Most rentals range from $75 to $200, with container size and rental duration being the primary drivers of the final price. You'll also want to budget for permit fees and any delivery charges your provider may add.
When renting a shipping container, these are the main cost factors to consider.
The most common shipping container sizes are 10 feet ($50 to $125), 20 feet, and 40 feet ($150 to $250), and the size you choose is one of the biggest drivers of your monthly rental rate. Costs vary meaningfully across these options, so here is a breakdown of rental rates by container size.
| Shipping Container Size in Feet | Shipping Container Rental Cost per Month in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 10 | $50–$125 |
| 20 | $100–$150 |
| 40 | $150–$250 |
Rental duration directly affects your rate, with most companies offering price breaks the longer you commit. One month starts at $75 to $300, and yearly rates can reach $3,600. Costs vary significantly depending on how long you need the container, so here is a breakdown of average rates by rental period.
| Rental Duration | Shipping Container Rental Cost per Month in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $75–$300 |
| 3 months | $200–$900 |
| 6 months | $400–$1,800 |
| 1 year | $900–$3,600 |
Depending on the shipping container rental company, you may incur a separate fee for the delivery and pickup of your storage container. Be sure to ask about any additional fees when requesting a quote from your local moving company.
Permitting fees for a shipping container range from $15 to $500, depending on local regulations and how long the container will sit on your property. Properties near residential zones are more likely to require a temporary-use permit, while rural areas generally face more lenient requirements than urban and suburban locations.
Special features such as refrigeration, air conditioning, insulation, or heating can add significant cost to your rental, and not every provider offers them. Prices vary based on the specific feature, so confirm availability and get a detailed quote before committing to a provider.
Renting a shipping container on its own carries no separate labor charge beyond delivery and pickup fees. If you need a local moving company to help load or unload your belongings, expect to pay $25 to $50 per hour per mover.
Purchasing a shipping container outright costs $1,800 to $8,300, depending on the unit's age, size, and condition, making it worth considering if you plan to rent for longer than one year or have significant conversion plans. Buying also gives you the option to resell the container when you no longer need it, provided it remains in good condition.
Renting a shipping container also comes with these potential ongoing costs to consider.
Maintenance costs for a rented shipping container are generally low, but you may be responsible for keeping it in rentable condition throughout your rental period. If you convert the shipping container into a living space or a business space, budget for the additional costs of restoring it to its original condition before returning it.
Some rental companies and insurance carriers require coverage for damage or loss of the container and its contents. If you plan to store valuable items, an insurance plan is worth considering to protect your belongings from damage or theft.
If your shipping container requires lighting, refrigeration, or climate control, plan for those features to add ongoing costs to your utility bills.
When budgeting for a shipping container rental, plan for potential add-on expenses related to site preparation and move-out beyond the base monthly rate. Here are a few common add-ons and their associated costs:
Move-out cleaning costs: $120 to $420
Cost to hire professional painters: $20 to $50 per hour
Cost to clear land: $500 to $5,600 per acre
Lawn leveling service costs: $1 to $2 per square foot
Here are some of the best tips to save on your shipping container rental cost:
Get multiple quotes from different shipping container companies to find the best deal.
If you know you'll need the container for an extended period, ask about locking in a long-term rate to save money.
Avoid paying for unused space by accurately assessing how large of a shipping container you need.
Consider negotiating the rental price, especially for extended rental periods.
Pick up the container yourself to save on delivery fees.
Consider purchasing a used container if you anticipate long-term use.
Look for deals or discounts during off-peak rental seasons.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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