The price of empty shipping containers depends on a lot of factors and the condition of the containers. Mostly, it’s the shipping containers demand in a location that drives the price of containers.
Here’s a rule of thumb: shipping containers usually have a higher price or are more expensive depending on the locations with a high export volume compared to import volume. As a result, the prices of empty shipping containers in exporting countries like China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia will be relatively higher than in other locations.
But that’s not all. External factors also play a big role in influencing the price of shipping containers. Let’s take the example of China.
As you can see in the graph below, the prices of TEU were high during last year’s peak shipping season. The container prices began to fall during the holiday season and Chinese New Year in December-February. Ideally, the prices should have risen after that.
But unfortunately, China underwent several strict lockdowns for months because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Plus, the Russia-Ukraine war further affected the shipping industry. Looking at the graph, you can see how the prices of shipping containers have taken a hit due to these situations.
As you can see, the prices of empty shipping containers can be higher — depending on various factors. It’s good to follow market developments closely to find the right time to buy shipping containers.
What happens to an empty shipping container?
Once the shipping container gets discharged at a port, it gets transported to the consignee’s distribution center or warehouse. It’s at this point that the shipping containers becomes empty. Usually, three things happen with empty shipping containers. Shipping containers are for sale.
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The empty shipping containers are loaded with a new batch of cargo and shipped from the port to their new destination.
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They are shipped to their new destination sans cargo due to empty shipping repositioning.
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Or, they get piled up at depots and ports.
Ideally, all the shipping containers should be carrying freight. But you’ll be surprised to know that out of 170 million containers that get shipped every year, at least 60 million are, in fact, empty. This is called empty container repositioning — one of the biggest crises in the shipping business. if you are interested in purchasing shipping containers, you can contact our expert team at www.shippingcontainersusa.com .