How Much Does Shipping Container Delivery Actually Cost?

The delivery line item is where container purchases blow up. Sticker price of the box looks great; the delivery quote ends up being 40% of the total.

Here is the math behind tilt-bed, flatbed, and crane delivery so you can budget before you quote.

Tilt-bed (the default)

What it is: A purpose-built truck that tilts its entire bed backward, slides the container off the back under its own weight, then drives forward out from under it. 15-minute drop, no equipment required on your end.

When to use: The default for 99% of residential and small commercial deliveries.

What it costs: In 2026, US tilt-bed delivery is typically quoted at:

• 0–50 miles from depot: $350–$550 flat
• 50–150 miles: $550–$900
• 150–300 miles: $900–$1,600
• 300+ miles: $1,600 + ~$3.50/mi round-trip

Our delivered to ZIP price already includes all of this. Competitors that show a lower sticker price and hit you with a delivery surcharge at checkout are betting you won't walk away. You can.

Flatbed

What it is: A regular flatbed truck. Requires a crane or forklift on your end to unload.

When to use: When you are running a commercial yard with a forklift rated to 8,000+ lb and you want to save ~$100 on the delivery line.

What it costs: Typically 10–15% less than tilt-bed for the same distance, but you are responsible for the unload. Usually not worth it unless you already own the lift.

Crane delivery

What it is: Flatbed + a crane truck (or separate crane) to set the container on a rooftop, behind a fence line, or in a spot the tilt-bed can't reach.

When to use: Urban residential lots, commercial rooftops, behind existing structures, or any placement where the truck can't get a straight 80-foot runway.

What it costs: $800–$2,400 on top of the base delivery, depending on crane size and setup time. We will tell you up front if your ZIP / site combo needs this.

What saves you money

1. Be near a depot. Our container prices include delivery from the nearest available depot. Urban coastal ZIPs almost always beat rural inland ZIPs by $300–$600.
2. Be flexible on grade. WWT vs CWO is typically $200–$400 for the same size.
3. Be flexible on paint color. One-trip containers are cheapest in whatever paint came off the boat that week.
4. Buy the 40ft instead of two 20ft. A single 40ft container delivers once. Two 20ft containers deliver twice.