Railroad containers for sale: Get new and used container deals easily (2024)

Types of railroad containers for sale and their prices

The type of cargo you’ll be transporting, as well as the quantity will determine which container type and size you’ll need for shipping. Here are some of the standard and special containers commonly used for railroads.

20ft and 40ft dry containers

Standard 20ft and 40ft containers are two of the most popular containers for the intermodal transportation of dry cargo. So if you want to move anything from paper and grains to clothing and electronics, opt for one of these two for your freight.

Railroad containers for sale: Get new and used container deals easily (1)

Buy a cargo-worthy 20ft container in the US on Container xChange for US $1,325, and a 40ft for US $1,605.

Think you can get a better deal? On our platform, negotiate directly with suppliers to make sure you settle on a deal you’re 100% happy with. Find standard containers at the best prices on xChange right now.

53ft HC ISO shipping containers

53ft high cubes are the older siblings of 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube containers. They’re the biggest units on the market, built for extra large shipments of dry goods, as well as bulky cargo like vehicles and machinery.

Railroad containers for sale: Get new and used container deals easily (2)

So how much can you expect to pay for one of these? A new 53ft high cube container in the US will cost you around US $9,853 on our platform.

Want 53ft high cubes in other areas? We’ve got containers in 2,500+ locations around the world. Start browsing offers for your rail freight needs on xChange right here.

Open-top containers

Open top containers are special units that come without a fixed roof. They’re perfect for transporting tall or oddly-shaped cargo that won’t fit in a standard unit with a fixed roof. Open tops also come with a detachable tarpaulin sheet, which keeps cargo protected from sun damage, storms and other extreme weather.

Railroad containers for sale: Get new and used container deals easily (3)

As open tops are special containers, you can expect them to come at a higher price than standard dry units. For a cargo-worthy 40ft open top in the US, you’re looking at US $5,416 on our platform.

Want to find 40ft open top containers in other regions? Don’t miss out, find open top deals in your city today.

Flat rack containers

Flat racks are another type of specialized equipment, designed to move oddly shaped, extra large or tall cargo. Lashing rings are used to secure goods tightly during transport, preventing them from shifting or getting damaged.

Railroad containers for sale: Get new and used container deals easily (4)

Need flat racks for your out-of-gauge cargo? Buy a used 40ft flat rack on xChange for around US $6,600.

If flat racks are the answer to your oddly shaped or extra-large cargo woes, you’re in luck! Find special containers in various sizes and conditions, at negotiable prices on our platform.

Now that we know about the most commonly used container types for freight rail and their prices, let’s find out more about double-stacking, a popular form of transporting containers via rail.

Which containers are better for double-stack rail transport?

‘Double-stacking’ is a method of intermodal transportation in which two units are stacked on top of each other on a rail car. In this way, twice the amount of cargo can be transported in one shipment – so convenient!

Invented in the United States, this form of rail transport is used for the bulk of intermodal shipments. Naturally, it’s more cost-effective than the single-layer method.

Railroad containers for sale: Get new and used container deals easily (5)

In the US, special rail cars called ‘well cars; are used for double-stack transport. These cars are designed to reduce damage and protect containers during intermodal transportation.

Various container sizes can be used for double-stacking, including standard 20ft and 40ft units. However, they must be packed in specific patterns:

  • Two 20fts at the bottom and one 40ft (or longer) in the upper stack (allowed in India, China & the US)
  • One 40ft at the bottom and another 40ft (or longer) in the upper stack (allowed in India & the US)
  • Two 20fts at the bottom and another set of two 20fts in the upper stack

With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the major rail routes around the world, and how much you’ll be shelling out along these stretches

Four major railroad routes around the world

Although there are hundreds of rail networks around the globe, we’ll focus on four of the largest and most commonly used routes in this blog post.

The Transcontinental route in the US

In the US, a transcontinental railroad is any line connecting a location on the Pacific Coast with one or more railroads operating between the Missouri or Mississippi Rivers and the Atlantic Coast.

This includes the California Southern Railroad, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, the Northern Pacific Railway and the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Curious to find out more about the pick-up charges for stretches along these rail routes? Our team of experts is always happy to help. Get in touch with us today.

The Silk Road route between China and Europe

The Chongqing–Xinjiang–Europe railway links China to the West. This route begins at Dzungarian Gate in Kazakhstan and moves through Russia, Belarus and Poland before arriving in Duisburg, Germany.

To transport goods from Chongqing, China to Duisburg, Germany in a 40ft dry container, you’re looking at a pick-up charge of around US $1,355 on Container xChange, as well as an average of 60 free days and per diem charges of US $5.

The Trans-Siberian route in Russia

The Trans-Siberian route is the longest rail system in the world, running from Moscow all the way to Vladivostok.

To move goods from Moscow to Vladivostok, pick-up charges are around US $385. The average number of free days is 40, and the per diem charges are US $7 on average.

The European Rail Freight Corridors

Currently, there are nine European Rail Freight Corridors, including the Rhine-Alpine corridor, the Mediterranean corridor and the North Sea-Baltic sea corridor, among others.

Moving a 20ft dry container via rail between Italy and Germany will cost you around US $1,000 in pick-up charges on Container xChange.

Want to move cargo along one of these major rail routes? Browse container leasing rates and trading prices on one single platform, hassle-free! Click below to find deals that suit your budget and criteria now.

Things to keep in mind before buying intermodal containers for rail

Before purchasing containers for freight rail, there are some important things to keep in mind. The first is the price you should shell out. We’ll tell you how to keep up-to-date with the latest container prices in a few minutes. So that you can make informed trading decisions.

Besides this, you’ll also need to choose between new and used (cargo-worthy) containers. Here’s a quick breakdown of when it’s best to opt for new and when it’s best to opt for used:

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Planning on using containers long-term? Then new units are ideal for you. If maintained properly, a new container can last up to 25 years, so it’s a great investment. You also won’t have to do any maintenance on a new unit before you can start using it. The downside? You guessed it – new is much pricier than used.

Used containers are perfect if your budget is tighter, and you don’t mind a container with a few dents and scratches. Second-hand containers are also great for storage when you don’t need them for shipping, so they’re dual-purpose.

How to buy shipping containers for rail in 4 easy steps

If you’re wondering about the process of buying shipping containers on xChange, all will be revealed in this section. Don’t worry, on our platform you can find the right container for your needs in just four easy steps. Let’s dive into them now.

Define your criteria

Before you do anything else, make sure you’ve decided on the following:

  • The container type and size you need
  • The condition you want
  • The price you’re willing to shell out
  • The location you want to buy shipping containers in

When you’ve got all of this sorted, it’s time to hop onto Container xChange and get started.

Browse and compare container offers

Once you’re on the platform, input your search criteria to see available offers that match your requirements. Here you’ll be able to browse offer prices, as well as the container condition and the supplier.

Railroad containers for sale: Get new and used container deals easily (8)

Curious to learn more about who you’ll be buying from? Check out the partner’s profile on our website to see their reviews and ratings.

Finalize the deal

When you’ve found an offer that suits you, it’s time to connect directly with the supplier to negotiate the price and discuss all the finer details. That’s right, it’s just you and the partner finalizing the deal together, no fuss, no middlemen involved!

Make secure payments with the xChange Wallet

When everything is done and dusted, and both parties are happy, it’s time to pay for your containers.

If this part usually leaves you worried, you can put those days behind you. On xChange, all payments can be made through the xChange Wallet, which is 100% safe and secure. Plus, manage all of your finances in one place – convenience at its best!

Find up-to-date container price data in 180+ locations

If you struggle to find accurate, up-to-date container price data in your usual sourcing channels, stop your search. Welcome to xChange Insights, where you can access the latest prices and leasing rates in over 180+ locations globally. Anytime, from anywhere.

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On Insights, simply login to check out the most up-to-date prices for the container types you’re looking for. Use this data to spot good deals and avoid being overcharged.

Plus, check out the cheapest locations to buy containers in, and the most lucrative areas to sell in order to make profits.

Finally, complete price transparency is at your fingertips. The best part? You can sign up for Insights completely free today – no commitment, no strings attached!

Get the best railroad container deals on Container xChange

So now you know which container types are suitable for railroad, the prices you can expect to shell out, and how to keep up-to-date with the latest price data. What’s more, you’ve learnt what you need to keep in mind before shelling out on equipment. All that’s left to do is join Container xChange to start getting the units you need.

Here are some of the benefits of becoming a member:

  • Negotiable prices and 0% commission on all shipping container deals
  • Access to 50,000+ containers in over 2,500 locations worldwide
  • Work directly with 1,500+ vetted and pre-approved partners
  • Make 100% safe payments with the xChange Wallet

If you’re ready to join xChange right away, schedule your free demo with one of our experts today. You’ll get a personalized tour and a chance to see how our platform can work for you. You’ll be buying containers for rail at the best prices, from reliable suppliers in no time at all!

Railroad containers for sale: Common FAQs

What is a railroad container?

A railroad container is a shipping container that fits the dimension requirements to transport cargo via rail. Standard 20ft, 40ft, 40ft high cube and 53ft high cube containers are all commonly used for rail transport.

How much is a 40ft shipping container?

The price of a standard 40ft shipping container varies based on the container condition, location and current market situation. For a cargo-worthy (used) 40ft container in the US, you’re looking at US $1,605.

How much does a shipping container cost?

The price of shipping containers fluctuates constantly. This is due to various factors including the container condition and current supply and demand. A cargo-worthy 20ft dry container in the US will cost you US $1,325 and a 40ft, US $1,605.

Railroad containers for sale: Get new and used container deals easily (2024)

FAQs

Are used shipping containers coming down in price? ›

Over the past year, the West Coast region experienced a drop in container prices due to factors such as wage wars, bottlenecks and port congestion. However, with the Red Sea crisis and preparations for the Chinese New Year leading to a spike in demand, prices have been on the rise again since October 2023.

What happens to retired shipping containers? ›

In most cases, however, a container will get sent back to the depot for storage as soon as it comes off-hire. And, before it can go out again, it must undergo re-certification to ensure that it is safe for use and reliable enough to travel long distances. If necessary, it will be refurbished.

How do you make money selling shipping containers? ›

If you are simply looking to sell a few reused shipping containers, you can do so by auctioning them to buyers online. This method is not going to be a sustainable selling method in the long term. However, there are online marketplace platforms that will allow you to manage a one-off shipping container sale.

Is there a shortage of shipping containers? ›

How Long will the Shipping Container Shortage Last? Some shipping experts have predicted that there will be an increase in new shipping container production in 2021 and 2022. There was a less than 7% increase in the regular production of shipping containers in 2021, which in no way alleviated the problem.

Are shipping containers getting cheaper? ›

In recent months, the shipping container industry has faced a notable surge in prices. This escalation has raised concerns among businesses and individuals who rely on these containers for transportation and storage.

What is the cheapest container shipping company? ›

Cheapest moving container companies in 2024
  • U-Pack's transparent pricing and low costs for larger homes earn it the No. 1 spot.
  • U-Haul's 23,000-plus locations and storage options make it our No. 2 choice.
  • PODS' month of storage with each rental and multiple container sizes make it our No. 3 pick.
Aug 19, 2024

Why do shipping containers only last 25 years? ›

When maintained properly, a shipping container can last upwards of 25 years or longer. The lifespan depends on the condition of the container and the environment in which it is kept. Although they are built to resist harsh climates, its' lifespan can be cut short by wetter, saltier climates.

How many years do shipping containers last? ›

Typically, a shipping container is expected to last approximately 25 years before losing its structural capabilities. When it comes to a shipping container home, you can expect that lifespan to be longer since you are not using the shipping container to transport cargo long distances.

Do shipping containers hold their value? ›

Containers are known for holding their value exceptionally well. Investing in a container now not only provides a practical solution for your storage needs but also serves as a long-term asset that retains its value. If you take care of it, the container you buy today may be worth the same price years from now.

Why are people buying shipping containers? ›

Storage units often charge a monthly fee. While this is ideal for individuals who need short-term storage, it isn't cost-effective for people who need long-term storage solutions. You may want to consider how cost-effective it is to buy a shipping container instead.

Which company owns the most shipping containers? ›

When it comes to container ownership, the company that currently owns the most shipping containers is the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), headquartered in Switzerland. As of February 2024, MSC operates a fleet with a capacity of 5,705,424 twenty-foot equivalent units(TEUs) across 801 ships.

Is buying a shipping container a good investment? ›

They are made of high-quality steel, resistant to corrosion and weather damage. With proper maintenance, a shipping container can last for decades, ensuring a long-term investment. This durability also means that containers retain their value over time, unlike other assets that may depreciate quickly.

Are container prices dropping? ›

Monthly container freight rate index worldwide 2023-2024

Container freight rates oscillated dramatically between January 2023 and August 2024. Freight rates slumped to their lowest level on the 26th of October 2023, when the going rate for a 40-foot container was only 1,342 U.S. dollars.

What is the problem with shipping containers? ›

While there was a shortage of containers at the height of the Covid pandemic, the global economy is now facing the opposite problem: too many containers. On top of falling freight rates, data shows container depots — used to house containers after they are unloaded — are now filling up or full.

Why are there so many abandoned shipping containers? ›

A lack of storage space for containers is one of the major bottlenecks at the ports in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Empty containers are piling up at truck yards, outside warehouses, and parking lots near the port. Some empty containers are stuck on the backs of trucks because they have nowhere else to go.

What is the forecast for shipping containers? ›

Market Overview:

The United States shipping container market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70% during 2024-2032.

What is the outlook for container shipping in 2024? ›

In total, we forecast that ship demand will grow 14.5-15.5% in 2024 but fall 4.5-5.5% in 2025. Due to the very weak first half of 2023 and an assumed earlier peak in 2024, the ship demand growth will vary quite significantly between quarters.

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