Shipping container cost in India 2024 [+How to buy at best price]

Are you looking for the latest shipping container cost in India? Stop your search, you’ve arrived at the blog with all the answers. We’re here to help you find the containers you need in India within your budget. Or, click here to learn how 1,500+ companies are getting containers at the best prices now.

Want some good news? In the past 6 months, shipping container price in India has been steadily decreasing due to increasing traffic at major ports. There’s now a surplus of containers in the market, which has driven prices way down. So, this is the ideal time to be buying and leasing equipment in this country. 

If you want to get shipping containers quickly and easily in India at the best price for your budget, keep reading.

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Curious to learn more? Try out our public search to see just how easy it is to find the equipment you need, at a price you’re comfortable with. Input your location and the container type you want, then press ‘search’ to browse and compare container offers right now. 

Interested in leasing containers instead of buying? Lease shipping containers at the best rates on Container xChange today.

What Is the Average Shipping Container Price in India?

The shipping container price in India is determined by a wide range of factors. This includes the size, type, location, current supply and demand, and condition. 

In India, the most popular types are 20ft and 40ft dry containers. Another sought-after option is the 40ft HC (high cube).

The 20ft dry container is ideal for moving smaller shipments of dry goods. If this equipment type and size suits your shipping needs, you can get a new 20ft in India for between US $2,230 (₹1,82,644) and US $2,740 (₹2,24,415).

The 40ft dry container has double the capacity of the 20ft box, but it’s usually only about 30% more expensive. For a new 40ft in India, you’re looking at around US $2,370 (₹1,94,111). That’s a steal!

The 40ft HC is the same length as the 40ft box, but with an extra foot of height. Get a new 40ft HC in India for between US $3,230 (₹2,64,548) and US $3,650 (₹2,98,947).

Prices of special containers in India

Besides the standard shipping containers, you can also buy and lease various special boxes in India. Let’s take a look at some of the types you can find now. 

Reefers are used to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. Need reefers to keep your goods fresh? You can buy a cargo-worthy 40ft reefer for around US $2,400 (₹2,00,000).

If you’re moving out-of-gauge or awkwardly shaped cargo, you’ll want a flat rack. These special equipment have no walls on their longer sides and roof. You can get a cargo-worthy 20ft flat rack for US $2,400 (₹2,00,000).

Got tricky cargo that can’t be loaded through standard container doors? You’ll need an open-top. These have no roof, so goods can be loaded from the top. Buy a cargo-worthy 20ft open top for around US $3,615 (₹​​2,90,000).

Interested in any of the above equipment types and want to get them while prices are low? You’re in luck! You can buy standard and special boxes quickly and easily on Container xChange right now. Click below now to start finding the containers you need at prices that suit your budget.

Price of used shipping container in India

If choosing between new and used containers confuses you, let’s compare the prices so that you can make an informed decision.

Used 20 feet container price in India 

If you’re looking for containers in the best condition out there, you can buy a new 20ft in Nhava Sheva port (Mumbai) for around US $2,173 (₹1,77,976). 

Yes, we know — brand new containers seem very pricey! If cost is a deciding factor, used boxes are a practical and more budget-friendly option. You can get a cargo-worthy 20ft in Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) for US $1,359 (₹1,10,000).

As you can see, the prices for used boxes are considerably lower than for ‘new’ ones, and at the end of the day, they’ll do the trick of delivering cargo safely all the same. 

In this particular case, for a 20ft, you’ll be saving US $814 (₹67,000) per container. Just think of all the things you could do with that extra cash! The choice is yours.

Want to buy used shipping containers in India and save heaps of cash? Find cargo-worthy containers of various types and sizes on xChange now. 

Used 40 feet container price in India

Curious about how much you’ll shell out for a 40ft used container in India? In Nhava Sheva, you’ll pay US $1,645 (₹1,35,000), in Mundra you’re looking at US $1,886 (₹1,55,000) and in Chennai, US $1,990 (₹1,63,000).

If you want to check out the price differences between new and used containers in various locations quickly and easily, you’re in luck. Browse and compare offers on our trading platform today.

PRO TIP: When buying used containers, make sure you get your equipment inspected thoroughly to ensure it’s cargo-worthy. Also don’t forget to check that the box is ISO approved, and comes with all of the necessary documents and certifications.

How much does it cost to ship a container from India?

If you want to ship cargo from India and don’t want to invest in buying containers, you can opt to lease them for one-way moves instead. So let’s check out some popular leasing stretches and their pick-up charges now. 

Container cost from India to USA

If you want to ship goods from Mundra to Los Angeles in a 20ft, you’re looking at a pickup charge of US $131 (₹11,000). You’ll get an average of 60 free days along this stretch. 

And to ship goods from Nhava Sheva to Los Angeles in a 40ft HC, you’re looking at US $340 (₹28,000). Along this stretch, you’ll get an average of 75 free days.

Want to know how much it costs to lease out equipment from India to other locations? Talk to our team of experts today to get the quotes and advice you need.

What’s the trend of container cost in India?

Curious about the price trends in India? Let’s take a look at how the shipping industry in India has been doing in 2023.

During the pandemic over the last two years, we saw a massive spike in prices globally. This was due to a high demand for equipment along the Asia-North America trade lane. It’s taken quite some time for the prices to come back down again in most regions around the world.

In contrast to the supply problems over the past two years, India now has an oversupply of containers at many ports, which has driven prices down drastically. The Container Availability Index (CAx) data for Nhava Sheva, Mundra and Chennai ports shows a significant increase in the overall number of inbound containers during 2023. 

On the CAx index, values <0.5 indicate a deficit and values >0.5 indicate a surplus. While at the start of the year, container availability in India was at just 0.50, the CAx value is now at 0.81. This means there’s a consistent flow of containers coming into the country. And with an increase in supply, we know that prices generally go down.

Below we can see the average price of shipping containers steadily decreasing in India since September 2022. 

Average prices of containers in India (all types and conditions)  Data source: Active offers on Container xChange

Want more specific examples of how much the prices have plummeted in recent months? Let’s get into some numbers. In February 2023, we were looking at US $2,081(₹1,71,000) for a 20ft cargo-worthy in India. Since then, prices have dropped by over US $1,120 (₹92,000) to just US $960 (₹79,000). 

Looking at high cubes, we can see the same trend. While in February 2023, you’d be shelling out US $3,331(₹2,73,000), you can now buy these for just US $1,863 (₹1,53,000). That’s a difference of US $1,468 (₹1,20,000) per container!

Due to the surplus in containers in India, it’s the perfect time to buy and lease boxes at low prices. Take advantage of these prices right now and find containers you need at prices you’ll love.

Get up-to-date trading and leasing price data in 180 locations

Want to keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to shipping container costs in India? We’ve got the solution you’re looking for. Say goodbye to hours of follow-ups with various sources to get accurate prices and leasing rates. Now you can find them any time, in one convenient place. 

Welcome to xChange Insights, our all-in-one platform for up-to-date price data, leasing terms and market trends. On Insights, get the latest prices and leasing rates in over 180 locations around the world, all without switching tabs once!

What’s more, use Insights to keep an eye on the cheapest and most expensive locations to purchase equipment in, and analyze market trends to identify the perfect time to buy, sell and lease. 

You can check the price development over weeks, months and even years, in order to better understand price patters, and make the most informed decisions for your business. 

Want to make the most of falling costs and source equipment to buy and lease at the best prices in India? Try Insights for free now, and learn how to make smart buying and leasing decisions today.

DID YOU KNOW? You can get the full lowdown on logistics news and shipping container price trends with our monthly ‘Where are all the Containers?’ report. Download it right now for everything you need to know.

Buy & lease shipping containers at the best price in India 

If you’re ready to find boxes to lease or buy at prices that fit your budget, then it’s time to sign up as a member on xChange. So how does it work? 

Once you’ve joined xChange, simply navigate over to our trading or leasing platform, type in your requirements, and browse available offers. You can compare the prices of multiple options at the same time, to make sure you’re getting the best deal out there.

Found an offer you like? Negotiate the price and terms directly with the seller. You can also chat to them right on the platform to finalize all of the finer details. 

Once you’ve signed the deal, make all payments quickly and easily, using the xChange Wallet. Payments are 100% safe and secure. 

Sounds like exactly what you need, right? Here’s a summary of what you can expect once you’re a member of xChange:

• 50,000+ equipment available in over 2,500 locations

• Work with vetted and reliable partners

• Safe payment handling

• Negotiable prices 

• 0% commission on deals

• Talk directly to suppliers: No middle men

Ready to change the way you trade and lease, and get boxes at the best prices? Let’s start you off with a demo of our platform where you’ll get a sneak peak of xChange. 

Chat with one of our friendly experts to learn all about how our marketplace can work for you. Click below to sign up today. And in no time at all, get the best deals that can save hundreds of dollars for your business.

Shipping container cost in India: Common FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a container from India?

Shipping cargo from Mundra to Los Angeles in a 20ft container will cost you US $131. You’ll also get an average of 60 free days on this stretch. And to ship goods from Nhava Sheva to Los Angeles in a 40ft HC container, you’ll pay US $340. The average number of free days along this stretch is 75.

How much does a shipping container cost in India?

The average cost of shipping a container in India is around US $2,300. Container prices depend on various factors including size, location, current supply and demand, and container condition.

How much does a 40ft container cost in India?

The price of a 40ft container in India depends on a variety of factors, including the current market situation, and supply and demand, as well as the condition of the unit. On average, a cargo-worthy 40ft container in India will cost you around US $1,579.

How much does a 20ft container cost in India?

For a cargo-worthy 20ft container in India, you’ll have to shell out around US $960. Take note that 40ft containers usually only cost around 30% more than 20ft containers, but for double the space. So oftentimes, 40ft containers are better value for money than 20ft containers.