Maybe you need temporary, secure storage on a job site. Perhaps you’re looking to undertake a residential conversion project, creating a garden shed, garage, tiny home or container pool.
Whatever the case, you want a container that’ll be up to the task but ideally won’t cost the world.
So should you buy new or used?
In this guide we’ll explore your options, to ensure you choose a container that’s fit for purpose.
Understanding container grades
Good news: when you browse containers from a reputable dealer, you won’t just be choosing between new and used. You’ll gain access to a ratings system that gives you a far more detailed view of your options:
Container grade
Description
Use cases
Single trip/new
Used once, best overall condition
Premium builds, architectural projects, offices, container homes
Cargo worthy (CW)
Used but high quality, still up to the intense demands of international shipping.
Export, heavy-duty storage, modifications where strong structural integrity is required
Wind & watertight (WWT)
Balances cost with quality. Should provide good protection, but you should check for hidden damage.
General storage, workshops, non-structural conversions
As-is
The cheapest option, may have major flaws.
Low-value storage, parts salvage, basic short-term projects
There are also refurbished container options, though these will generally be given one of the ratings above after they’ve been fixed up.
Cost comparison
The most obvious reason to choose a used container over a new container is to save money. So what is the difference in price?
Cargo worthy containers – the highest grade used containers – are typically 30-50% cheaper than new containers:
Approximate prices, AUD
Single trip/new
Cargo-worthy (CW)
20ft Standard
$4000-$6000
$2000-$4000
40ft High Cube
$6500-$8500
$3500-$5500
As-is containers can be secured for even less, although these low quality options can bring other risks.
The figures here also don’t account for other costs like transport, modifications and repairs.
Lifespan and durability
The typical lifespan of a new container is 20-30+ years depending on the container, climate, placement and use.
If you choose a used container, you’ll naturally eat into that total lifespan, but you can enhance the durability and longevity of your unit by:
Choosing wisely: CW-rated containers will last longer than WWT or As-is. Carefully inspecting potential purchases is also critical.
Protecting: By placing your container undercover or next to a windbreak, you can make it last longer.
Reinforcing and upgrading: Fix, reinforce, recoat and waterproof your container when you take delivery.
Maintaining: Conduct annual inspections for new issues and fix them before they grow.
Second-hand shipping containers
Pros
Cost-effective.
Easy to source.
Container ratings give you control over the condition of your purchase.
Cons
Potential for rust, holes, structural damage and contamination from chemicals or pests.
Locks, doors and seals may be worn or damaged.
If you don’t choose carefully, repairs and maintenance can form large additional costs.
Complete confidence in your purchase: structural integrity, no hidden damage guaranteed.
Clean, undamaged, chemical-free interiors.
An aesthetically pleasing foundation for homes, offices and commercial projects.
Cons
More expensive.
Can be harder to secure (most new/single use containers got straight to the shipping industry)
May soon look like a used CW container, undermining the point of a ‘new’ purchase.
Which should you choose?
Now that we know our options, and the strengths and weaknesses of each, which is right for your project?
That’s a question only you can answer: a decision based on:
Your budget
Your project
The urgency of your purchase
How willing you are to find the perfect container
How much work you’re prepared to put in
Ultimately used containers are more cost-effective but can carry more risk. New containers allow you to buy with total confidence, but this confidence comes at a price.
Good news: no matter which container you end up choosing, you’ll find it in our extensive range.
Andreas Atrott is the founder of shipping-containers.com.au, operated by Containerbase Pty Ltd (Hemmant, Queensland, Australia). He combines long-standing industry expertise with a hands-on approach to container sales, modifications, and custom solutions. He also conducts applied field research on the thermal and humidity behaviour of shipping containers in subtropical climates, publishing open datasets and reports under the Container Performance Research Series. His research dataset is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21466036 (ORCID: 0009-0007-9305-8058). His goal is to make buying and using shipping containers straightforward, reliable, and tailored to customer needs.
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July 3, 2025
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