2026 guide to shipping container hire in Australia
How much does it cost to hire a shipping container?
As of 16 June 2026, shipping container hire starts from $90* per month for a standard 20ft shipping container and $150* per month for a 40ft high cube shipping container. Container rental requires an additional upfront payment for delivery and collection, with rates from major cities starting at $410 each way.
While these are our standard container hire rates 2026, our team can often offer exclusive pricing if you plan to keep the unit for longer hire periods.
Container Traders rewards customers who hire long term with exclusive monthly discounts. Call our team on 1300 89 89 70 for our best hire rate.
Shipping container hire price list (Updated 2026)
*Prices exclude GST and delivery. Last updated: 16 June 2026
Common uses for hiring a shipping container
Containers are incredibly versatile and work for almost any situation where you need extra space. Here are the most common ways our customers use them:
Business and Retail Inventory: Ideal for when you need a bit of extra room for stock during busy seasons or while you are reorganizing your warehouse.
Moving House: Take the pressure off your move by packing at your own pace. The container stays with you until you are ready to head to the new place.
Home Renovations: Keep your furniture and belongings safe and dust-free while you are painting, tiling, or renovating a room.
Construction Sites: A simple way to keep tools, materials & machinery locked up and secure on-site until the project is completed.
Rental 20ft Shipping Containers used for event storage in Perth
What size shipping container should I hire?
Choosing the right size is usually the part where most people get stuck, it’s hard to visualise exactly how much space a massive shipping container will take up or how much you will actually fit inside it.
To find the right fit we usually recommend looking at these three factors:
Your Storage Needs: A
20ft container is usually the “sweet spot” for most projects, fitting a standard 3-bedroom home. If you have a high-volume to store, the
40ft container doubles that capacity.
The “Footprint”: A
20ft container is about 6m long while a
40ft container is 12m.
Delivery Area: This is the big one. Even if a 40ft unit fits in your yard, can a massive truck actually get it there? Obstacles like low-hanging tree branches, tight gate posts, and overhead power lines can affect what size we can deliver.
Should I hire or buy a shipping container?
Deciding on whether to hire or buy a shipping container depends on your needs, budget, and how long you plan on using it. Below is a quick comparison, to decide if you value the convenience of hire, or prefer to own your unit.
Hire a container
Rent from just $2.96 per day*
Flexible: Keep it for as long as needed, then return it hassle-free.
Quick & easy: Delivered to your location and picked up when you’re done.
No long-term commitment: Ideal for temporary storage and moving.
Buy a container
One-time purchase: No ongoing rental fees.
Full ownership: Modify, paint, or customise your container as you like.
Cost-effective over time: If using long-term, buying might be cheaper than renting.
No return transport costs: You keep the container, so there’s no fee to return it
Shipping Container for Hire FAQ’s
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for below? Give Container Traders a call on 1300 89 89 70. We will help you navigate our 2026 hire range and guide you through the process.
There are some upfront costs to keep in mind so there are no surprises when you’re ready to book. These typically include the delivery fee, the collection fee, and your first month’s hire. Before we finalise everything, we’ll just need your credit card details on file to make the ongoing monthly payments easy and automated while you have the container.
If you need a container urgently, we can typically have it out to your property in under a week. We can’t strictly guarantee that timeframe as it is subject to the available stock at your nearest depot and current transport availability. The best way to get a solid timeline for your project is to give our team a call.
For our standard shipping container range, the minimum hire period is 3 months, while specialised units require a minimum commitment of 9 months. We recommend hiring for at least these durations to ensure the total cost remains economical once you’ve accounted for the initial delivery and collection fees.
Hiring with Container Traders is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible, providing convenience that traditional storage can’t match. We focus on quick project turnarounds and reliable nationwide delivery, ensuring your container arrives exactly when and where you need it across Australia.
One of the biggest perks for our customers is that we handle all the logistics. Your payments are automated each month, and when you’re done with the unit, we simply come and collect it from your site. Unlike off-site rental storage, hiring a container gives you the ultimate convenience of having your gear securely stored right on your own property with 24/7 access.
Yes, having a level spot ready is one of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth delivery. If the ground isn’t level, the heavy steel frame can sit unevenly, which can cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close.
Ideally, you want a firm surface like concrete, compacted gravel, or even just some sturdy wooden sleepers under the four corners to keep everything square and level.
That is not an issue at all. You are welcome to hire your shipping container for as long as you need it.
If you decide to keep it for a long period, just let the Container Traders team know.
You’ve come to the right place as we are one of Australia’s leading container hire specialists and service the entire country. Our hire range is delivered from depots across Australia to metro and regional areas. To find out if delivery to your specific location is the best move for you, just reach out to our team.
Our most popular hire delivery locations include:
How much can a rental 10ft shipping container hold?
A 10ft container is a great compact choice for a one-bedroom apartment or about 4 standard unstacked pallets of business stock. It fits easily into a single car space, making it perfect for tight residential driveways or small-scale commercial sites.
How much can a rental 20ft shipping container hold?
The 20ft container provides enough room for a 2–3 bedroom home or approximately 10 standard pallets of inventory. It’s a reliable medium-sized storage solution for both personal relocations and warehouse overflow.
How much can a rental 40ft shipping container hold?
For major projects, the 40ft container offers double the volume, comfortably holding a large 4-bedroom home or up to 21 standard pallets of commercial goods. It is the best option for high-volume industrial storage or total home moves where everything needs to fit in one secure unit.
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