What is a ‘general purpose’ Shipping Container?

Shipping Containers are available in various sizes, with the 20ft and 40ft containers being the most common. A Standard Shipping container, also known as a ‘General Purpose’ container, has a height of 8’6″ (2600mm).

Are New Shipping Containers economical?

New Shipping Containers generally cost 60-70% more than Used Shipping Containers. However, considering their longer lifespan, lower maintenance needs, and higher resale value, they offer excellent value for money.

What are the benefits of New Shipping Containers?

New Shipping Containers have typically only completed a single voyage to their destination country, resulting in minimal port and depot handling. As a result, they generally show fewer dents, rust, and scuff marks. Buyers should strongly consider new containers when they’ll be placed in high-exposure locations or are meant to represent a brand or business. Additional benefits of purchasing New Shipping Containers include their ease of modification and the fact they don’t require re-survey for rail or shipment for 5 years from the date of manufacture.

Are New Shipping Containers for sale in Australia?

Yes, Container Traders offers a range of new shipping containers in 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft sizes, available in most capital cities.

Can purchased containers be used for rail and shipping?

Yes, New Shipping Containers can be reshipped without the need for a resurvey for up to 5 years from the date of manufacture. After this period, they can continue to be used for shipping as long as they undergo a resurvey.

What are the advantages of purchasing a Used Shipping Container?

Used Shipping Containers are more affordable than New Shipping Containers, while still offering the same functionality. If you’re on a budget and need a secure, dry storage solution, a Used Shipping Container is the perfect choice.

Do Used Shipping Containers retain their value for resale?

Yes, Shipping Container prices fluctuate with the market, so there’s potential for a good return on sale in your local market once you’ve finished using it.

Can Used Shipping Containers be modified?

All Shipping Containers can be modified, but we recommend investing in a New Build Shipping Container. New Shipping Containers have straight, unbent walls, which provide a better foundation and a more polished result once fitted out.

10ft, 20ft & 40ft Shipping Containers for Sale

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10ft, 20ft & 40ft Shipping Containers for sale

A Standard Shipping Container is the everyday shipping container you see on roads, sites, and farms across Australia. They’re a heavy-duty storage solution, wind and water tight as standard and designed to last for decades of reliable use. Container Traders’ range includes 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, and High Cube sizes, available in both new and used condition, so we’ve got a Standard Shipping Container to match the job and the budget.

Standard Shipping Containers suit general storage and freight across residential, farming, construction, and commercial applications. They’re also a popular base for container modifications including office fit-outs, workshops, bars and retail popups, because they’re modular and easy to relocate.

10ft Shipping Containers
Compact and easy to transport
Available in standard and high cube
Fits in tight access spaces
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20ft Shipping Containers
Available in standard height or high cube
Australia's most popular size
Perfect for modifications
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40ft Shipping Containers
Huge storage capacity
Best price per cubic metre
Available in standard height and high cube
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Get a delivery price estimate for your postcode

The cost to buy Standard Shipping Containers depends on your delivery area and available local transporters. Enter your postcode below to get our best tailored 2026 quote.

Why buy a Standard Shipping Container

Wind and water tight

Every Standard Shipping Container we supply is wind and water tight, vermin proof and made for years of reliable use.

New & Used stock ready to deliver

We hold large stocks of new and used Standard Shipping Containers at our Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth depots, with fast Australia-wide delivery

Sizes to suit any project

The range covers 10ft for tight spaces, 20ft for everyday storage, 40ft, and High Cube sizes for the extra internal height you need for bulkier cargo.

Secure & Reliable

Our range is wind and water tight, secure, and built to help protect your goods from weather and vermin.

Get a quote from Container Traders

Send us your container project and we’ll be back within two business days with our best price. For an instant quote, call our team via the details below.

Call our sales team

Speak directly with a container expert by calling 1300 89 89 70

Email us

Send project details to: [email protected]

Extend the functionality of your container

From shelving and windows to electrical fitouts, we can modify your shipping container to do exactly what you need. If you can think it, we’ve probably built it.

Container Modifications

Interior of two 40ft shipping container joined together with window cut outs

Standard Shipping Container buyers guide

How much are Standard Shipping Containers?

As of June 2026, the price of a New Build 20ft Standard Shipping Container in Australia typically ranges from $3,200 - $3,550 + GST & Delivery.

Looking for used stock?
A Cargo Worthy 20ft Shipping Container starts from $2,100 - $3,200 + GST & Delivery.

Pricing list (Updated June 2026)

Standard Shipping Containers can vary depending on your specific needs. See our indicative pricing below for various options or view our shipping container prices page to view all pricing.

Standard Shipping Containers	Buy New	Buy Used
20ft Container	$3,200 - $3,550	$2,100 - $3,200
20ft High Cube Container	$3,700 - $4,200	Request a Price
40ft Container	$6,100 - $7,500	$2,700 - $3,700
40ft High Cube Container	$5,800 - $6,500	$2,900 - $3,300
10ft Container	$6,300 - $7,500	$4,700 - $5,900
10ft High Cube Container	$6,500 - $7,700	Request a Price

*Prices exclude GST and delivery. Last updated: 16 June 2026

What are Standard Shipping Containers used for?

Standard Shipping Containers suit almost any job where you need secure, weatherproof storage or transport. Popular applications include:

Home and residential storage
Farming and rural properties
Construction site storage and workshops
Freight and international shipping
Business and retail stock
Moving and renovation storage
Events
Container modifications (offices, granny flats, cafés, pop-up retail)

Frequently asked questions

Have another question about Standard Shipping Containers? Contact us.

Are New Shipping Containers economical?
New Shipping Containers generally cost 60-70% more than Used Shipping Containers. However, considering their longer lifespan, lower maintenance needs, and higher resale value, they offer excellent value for money.
What are the benefits of New Shipping Containers?
New Shipping Containers have typically only completed a single voyage to their destination country, resulting in minimal port and depot handling. As a result, they generally show fewer dents, rust, and scuff marks. Buyers should strongly consider new containers when they’ll be placed in high-exposure locations or are meant to represent a brand or business. Additional benefits of purchasing New Shipping Containers include their ease of modification and the fact they don’t require re-survey for rail or shipment for 5 years from the date of manufacture.
Are New Shipping Containers for sale in Australia?
Yes, Container Traders offers a range of new shipping containers in 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft sizes, available in most capital cities.
Can purchased containers be used for rail and shipping?
Yes, New Shipping Containers can be reshipped without the need for a resurvey for up to 5 years from the date of manufacture. After this period, they can continue to be used for shipping as long as they undergo a resurvey.
What are the advantages of purchasing a Used Shipping Container?
Used Shipping Containers are more affordable than New Shipping Containers, while still offering the same functionality. If you’re on a budget and need a secure, dry storage solution, a Used Shipping Container is the perfect choice.
Do Used Shipping Containers retain their value for resale?
Yes, Shipping Container prices fluctuate with the market, so there’s potential for a good return on sale in your local market once you’ve finished using it.
Can Used Shipping Containers be modified?
All Shipping Containers can be modified, but we recommend investing in a New Build Shipping Container. New Shipping Containers have straight, unbent walls, which provide a better foundation and a more polished result once fitted out.
What is a ‘High Cube’ Shipping Container?
Shipping Containers come in two standard sizes: the General Purpose Shipping Container, which is 8’6″ high, and the High Cube Shipping Container, which is 9’6″ high.
How are shipping containers delivered?
Containers are delivered using self-offloading trucks, with methods like Tilt Trays, Side Loaders, Flatbeds, and Hiab Cranes based on site access. We work with you to choose the best option for your location, ensuring a smooth delivery. Please inform us of any access restrictions like narrow driveways or uneven ground.